A/N:

CLARIFICATIONS:

Most of you don't need this, but for any of you who are confused about the plot or have any questions about certain characters/scenes, then please endure the word barf?

I want you guys to enjoy this story as much as I like writing it, so here goes…

Ok, I'm listing these in sections and explaining their role in the fic. Feel free to scroll down to whichever one you are confused about, or if you're cool with everything, then go ahead and start the actual chapter.

KaZe:

I don't think I need to go over this pfft, so I'll just explain why this story is so slow-paced.

It's important to realize that they weren't friends before this. It takes time for them to open up, be more accepting of each other, and to still act like themselves as they start developing feelings towards each other. And I wanted them to reach that point of their own accord without too much interference from the bond. Everything they did so far has been genuine, so to speak.

This way, when the bond does become a very real issue, as you guys can see in the latest chapters, it's not just pheromones and abstract body chemistry that makes them think or act a certain way to each other, even if that is what Kaname and Zero is starting to worry about.

Also, ahem…I, er, have an addiction to fluff, so uh, yeah.

Hunter's Association:

Takenaka and Ryou have been hunters for quite some time. I think I mentioned them as some form of clandestine unit or military group. Basically, just think secret police. They have seen shit and done shit, ok?

The fic opens with them presumably overthrowing or killing – depends on your imagination – the president, taking over the association, and displacing the board with their own loyal men.

Yagari mentioned that he and Kaito came back from a month long mission, and like many hunters who were out in the field to deal with the sudden outbreak of Level E's in towns all over the countryside, they came back surprised at the appearance of a new president.

Basically, Takenaka wants to declare war and everything he has done is to prepare for it.

He resurrected Rido so that Rido can do something outrageous enough to disrupt the status quo and have people finally considering war.

He took advantage of Shizuka's death at the school to place guards, knowing that it will foster suspicions and tension. That hostility has spread to the streets and with the recent casualties, will explode into full confrontation.

I've also been dropping hints throughout the story that the hunters have been experimenting on the Level E's, which you guys now know is a drug.

That guy (Kawada) who did the two explosions early in the story was pissed that his girlfriend died in one of the areas that they were experimenting in and trying to contain. His role was really to show that Takenaka is planning something ethically questionable and show how Takenaka and Ryou are so fixated on their goals that things like Kawada's death are acceptable collateral damage.

Vampire Council:

Basically, they were doing their usual scheming and etc when suddenly, bam! The association has a new president and is clearly planning shit, and now the council's priorities have switched. They underestimated a sleeping lion and now they're all scrambling for a way to deal with it, if that analogy helps…Or ahem, at least some of them are focusing on that.

Chapter 7/ Aka Last Chapter

This chapter was very OC focused, and it overwhelmed some of you. I expected that.

I'll be honest. I don't like including OCs because it's harder to build up their character than to start with ones the audience already knows. But, sometimes, they're a necessary evil. So I'll explain some key OC scenes here and what I wanted you to get from them.

Takenaka and Ryou are my OCs, so I know them because they are in my head, but you guys don't. The whole scene with Takenaka and Ogata was to reveal Takenaka's motives and how far he is willing to go to achieve his goals.

Basically, think hardcore revolutionary.

Ogata himself is not a major character. He only cares about research and sides with Rido because it benefits him to do so. His role as an OC was to emphasize Takenaka's ruthlessness and Rido's shrewdness. Plot-wise, he's the brain that Takenaka needs for his secret project and a way for Rido to keep an eye on Takenaka.

You guys won't see him again so descriptively. Just picture him cackling somewhere in a suspicious lab in the background. That's enough.

The 3 OCs who died…

One reason for the scene was simply because I needed a casualty. Yup, I'm that evil.

Secondly, I went that much in depth with Asano (the hunter OC) because these 3 OCs were supposed to reflect the portion of the hunters and the vampires who did not share the majority's views. I made Asano a pretty average guy who hesitated to shoot the vampire. I want you guys to know that not all hunters are thinking "Oh, vampires? They're all bloodthirsty vermin that need to be exterminated. Seriously, when are we going to fight back and wipe them out?"

Some of them are just doing their jobs, protecting people when they can. Not every hunter is actively looking for a fight like the ones who were assigned to the academy.

And not all vampires automatically think, "Humans? You mean the piece of gum stuck on my shoe? Or the midnight snack I'm going to have right now?"

Some of them have their own principles and some of them probably don't give a fuck about conserving the balance of power as long as they can still live their lives. Notice the noble was desperately fighting his bloodthirst. He did not go, "Oh, how unfortunate that you stumbled upon me right now… and [insert immediate fangs and blood and rawr] and etc."

And yes, it is ironic that the three people who were not on the bandwagon are the ones who died first and whose deaths spark off a chain of reactions.

Besides, I'm placing all of our lovely characters in this dodgeball match between two teams that they don't want to join, so you know. Who is going to support them?

Rido

Rido, on the other hand, will show up again. I don't think you guys have a problem with that, so cool...Or at least, that's the expression I got lol.

I don't want Rido to be some nondescript villain. He has motives and a character of his own, and I like him as a complex antagonist instead of a simply straight out psychotic one.

Like that scene with the woman for the pharmaceutical company. She's not important (I didn't even give her a name lol); the scene is. It shows what Rido plans to do with the drug and the source of the upcoming casualties. It also demonstrates how other vampires regard Rido and how he takes advantage of it, and um, guys, did you see how smooth he was there?

;)

End Message

Basically, I want the plot/characters to be mysterious but not abstract. Does that make sense?

I am going to shift towards the main cast and their perspectives, but I wanted to get down the atmosphere first and build context.

I hope this clears any questions you guys may have or if you're still confused over the plot, don't be afraid to comment and let me know! ^ ^

Chapter 8: The Calm Before the Storm

"I'm finished!"

The clink of china on the table, along with Cross's annoyingly cheerful voice, immediately jolts Yagari from his impromptu nap. He stares blankly at Cross, taking in the expectant gaze and excited smile.

Honestly, Yagari finds it almost offensive that Cross can still be this energetic when he himself is one step away from collapsing from pure exhaustion.

Yagari sighs and looks blearily down at the plate in front of him. He frowns. "What the hell is this?"

Cross hums as he slides in the chair across from Yagari and answers flippantly, "Dinner, of course."

Yagari shakes his head and yawns, eyelids still heavy with the lingering drowsiness.

God, he feels like shit. All he wants to do is collapse into a bed and conk out for the rest of the day, night, whatever the hell it is right now. This entire week did nothing to ease his sleep deprivation, and damn it, one of these days, someone better compensate him for all the hours of sleep he lost cleaning up after someone else's mess.

He sighs and closes his eye, grumbling tiredly, "Eat it yourself. I'm not hungry."

Cross furrows his eyebrows at Yagari's answer and rebukes, "We haven't eaten anything, actually. Eat at least a bite before you sleep."

Still not opening his eye, Yagari only settles comfortably back in the chair and crosses his arms as he starts to nod off.

Cross smirks, cheek pressed against his cheek as he not so accidentally swings his leg into Yagari's foot.

Yagari growls, eye snapping open in irritation. He demands, "Did you just kick me?"

Cross shrugs his shoulders and says innocently, though the mischievous gleam in his eyes tells otherwise, "I have no idea what you are talking about. Were you dreaming? It's rude to sleep in the middle of a conversation." He gestures to the plates again and says cheerfully, "But now that you are awake though, why don't you – Ow!"

Cross winces, hand rubbing his shin, and complains indignantly, "How could you kick the chef so heartlessly!"

Unamused, Yagari raises an eyebrow and says flatly, "I have no idea what you are talking about either. Are you imagining things? Do I need to call for the mental asylum to pick you up?"

Cross pouts slightly at his words parroted back at him before he deliberately laments in a greatly theatrical tone, one arm outstretched in front of him, "How cruel! Heartless! I present to you the product of my amazing artistry, and you don't even bother to taste it!"

He shakes his head in mock disapproval and continues in a completely affronted – Yagrari thinks undeserved because who woke up who here? – tone, "No one likes heartless critics. This is why you lack people skills."

"Since when was food poisoning considered artistry? I don't remember any great artists trying to assassinate the taste buds of the people around them."

Yagari scowls, blue eye glaring at Cross, and adds crossly, "And I may lack people skills, but you lack a functional brain and working taste buds. Between the two of us, I think I'm fine with the way I am."

"My taste buds are perfectly fine!" Gesturing carelessly in the air, Cross continues dismissively, "You simply do not appreciate the more…complicated flavors of cuisine."

Yagari scoffs and nods jerkily towards the plate. "What the hell did you even conjure up in the kitchen this time?"

Cross raises an eyebrow and answers in a patronizing tone that has Yagari's eye twitching, "It's fried rice, of course."

"Don't 'of course' me! Why the hell is your fried rice so orange?"

Cross shrugs his shoulders and answers cheerfully, "I tried a different seasoning." He reaches across and pushes the plate closer to Yagari. Grinning again, he encourages, voice coaxing and bright, "Why don't you go on and try it?"

"No."

Cross frowns and complains, "But if you don't try it, how will I know if the seasoning is good or not? Do it for the greater good!"

Yagari's expression further flattens in exasperation and he demands, "What greater good? Huh? Why should I sacrifice my stomach for your nonexistent culinary skills?"

"You keep complaining about my cooking skills, but you do nothing to help me improve it! Practice makes perfect, you know."

"Not for you, it doesn't." Yagari retorts and continues crossly, "You can't cook. Accept it already, you idiot."

Cross narrows his eyes, lips pursing, and says unhappily, "I'm starting to question our friendship."

Yagari raises an eyebrow and says sarcastically, "Oh, you're just starting now? I do it every day."

"Toga!"

Yagari tsks under his breath and says firmly, "I'm not eating this." He glances over the clock and groans, "It's already midnight for god's sakes. We either discuss the shit that happened this week. Or you eat and let me sleep instead. Choose one or the other."

To Yagari's exasperation, Cross only offers, voice determined and hazel eyes gleaming in challenge, "Consider it a trust exercise."

"If I wasn't reluctant before, I definitely am now." Yagari mutters before he continues, voice sharp with disbelief, "Why is eating now a trust exercise?"

Cross hums and reaches for the spoon. "Look. I'll go first." He deliberately scoops up a decently sized spoonful of rise and brings it to his lips. Cross chews and nods to himself before swallowing, "See? It tastes fi-" He stops abruptly and Yagari watches bewilderedly as Cross's eyes widen.

Cross sticks out his tongue and frantically fans himself, panting out, "Wa-water! Water!"

Yagari has to pause and stare at him incredulously. He can't understand how Cross's mind works. None whatsoever. And, shouldn't there be a limit to the insanity that he has to put up with from the man every day?

Because there certainly is a limit to his patience, and it has damn well been reached.

Yagari scowls and grits out, "You idiot."

He immediately stands up and stalks off to the kitchen, cursing under his breath. If the food does not kill Cross, he might just finish the job because for Pete's sake, why? Why does he have to deal with this?

Yagari slams both the glass cup and the pitcher of water on the table with more force than needed, the water sloshing carelessly down the sides and pooling on the table. He says shortly, "Here."

Cross immediately grabs it and practically downs the cup in one single gulp. He pants a few more times before he says weakly, voice barely above a rasp. "Maybe I shouldn't have added the peppers."

Yagari sighs in exasperation and grouses, "No shit. You - " He pauses, eye widening at Cross, who for some godforsaken reason shovels another spoonful of rice into his mouth. "Why are you still eating it?!"

Cross quickly swallows the mouthful and downs another glass of water before he manages out hoarsely, "It's bad to waste food. And, I'm still hungry."

Yagari stares at him incredulously before he scowls and wrenches away the plate.

"Wait!"

Cross widens his eyes and reaches out to grab it back, but Yagari kicks him neatly in the legs.

Ignoring Cross's pain and cries of how unreasonable he is being, Yagari turns back to the kitchen and says sourly, "I'm going to make us sandwiches. Try not to give me more of a migraine than you already are in the meantime."

"Tea?" Cross calls out as the kettle begins to shriek as the white vapor spurts out of the spout. He waits a few more moments before he turns the stove off, the shrill whistle quickly trailing off in the air.

Yagari raises an eyebrow as he clears the table, stacking the two plates together in his hand and balancing the cups on top. "No. Aren't you going to sleep after this?"

He sighs and grimaces when he glances at the clock. It's two in the morning already and they still haven't discussed anything yet. He scowls. More importantly, he still has not slept yet.

Yagari frowns as he looks discreetly towards the kitchen. Cross isn't trying to avoid the topic, is he?

Cross, still facing the stove, only hums, "I am. It's chamomile tea."

Yagari's voice gets louder as he approaches the kitchen and heads towards the sink. "I still don't want tea."

Cross glances at him and shrugs. He comments idly, "If you say so."

He wraps a hand towel around the handle of the kettle, the heat flaring hot but bearable under his hand. Cross carefully lifts the kettle and slowly pours the hot liquid down into the clear tea cup. He watches the water slip down the smooth surface of the cup and stream over the thin white tea bag.

The sweet and gentle smell wafts up as thin wisps of vapor curl in the air. Cross sighs, soothed by both the smell and the calming routine itself. However, his mind wanders back to the events of this week and his short-lived peace fades.

His skin itches, and the dark forbidding feeling sinks down into his bones. He can feel the familiar violence and chaos thundering in the distance as dark and ominous as the heavy rain clouds in the sky.

The calm before the storm.

Cross sighs again, this time in weariness, as he waits for the liquid to darken to a golden yellow before lifting up the tea bag. With careful fingers, he slowly carries the cup over to the dining table.

Yagari is already sitting back into his chair, eye closed again and cigarette dangling from his lips.

Cross furrows his eyebrows at the bitter tang of smoke, but for once, does not comment. It has been a long week, and he can see the pent up frustration and stress slowly dissolving off Yagari.

Yagari exhales slowly and lazily watches the smoke twist and fade up into the ceiling in a cloud of gray white. It reminds him of the sky this entire week.

His eyes flick back to Cross and he watches Cross take a careful sip of the tea. Yagari lets the easy slow silence carry on for a few moments before he asks gruffly, "So what are we going to do?"

Yagari can see the flicker of recognition in Cross's eyes, but Cross says lightly regardless, "What do you mean?"

Yagari frowns and flicks the ash on the ashtray. "The association, Cross. Don't make me repeat it."

Cross sips the tea and remarks, "They are rather busy, aren't they? That shipment we intercepted contained only weapons, and headquarters seems to be under lockdown." He sighs, thumb brushing over the cup's handle. "And then, there is the incident last night."

Yagari glances at him and frowns at Cross's roundabout answer. He has enough of this dawdling. They need to come to a decision before things completely spiral out of their hands.

He needs his damn sleep already.

Yagari says curtly, "Don't tell me things I already know. I was with you this entire week."

Cross makes a noncommittal sound and gazes down at his tea before murmuring offhandedly, "What do you think about the recent expansion of the research division?"

Yagari furrows his eyebrows – Research division? - and asks exasperated, "What do you mean? I never trusted those lab rats in the first place, and that hasn't changed." He exhales another long plume of smoke and gives him a sidelong glance. "Cross, you're still not focused on those Level E's, are you?"

Cross sets down the cup and stares at him, hazel eyes grave for once as he says seriously, "We need to find out what the research division is doing."

Yagari frowns and criticizes sharply, "Why are you still so focused on that? You dragged me all over the place, visiting the towns that had outbreaks recently. We found nothing."

His blue eye gleams sharply as his voice darkens with frustration, "And that investigation can wait. You heard the phone call this morning. The deaths of those two hunters and that noble has everyone raving mad."

Cross glances at him warily at his rising anger, but persists, "Did the Level E's act any….different when you and Kaito were on that month long mission from before?"

Yagari's jaw clenches in annoyance, but Cross still looks frustratingly determined and he answers reluctantly, "What do you mean by different? They were trying to attack the town. The same sort of shit that-"

He pauses suddenly as his mind fingers the memories from that mission again. It was not so much…different as there were some things that his mind catalogued as a bit odd.

Cross raises an eyebrow and presses, "That what?"

Yagari sighs and grudgingly throws out, "They seemed more bloodthirsty than usual."

"More?"

He frowns and shakes off the ash once more before continuing, "Kaito mentioned that he found a dead livestock and rabbits in the woods nearby. I thought it was because we corralled them away from the village, but they may been just that ravenous, killing whatever had blood. They were even attacking each other."

He sucks the cigarette again before exhaling. Yagari shrugs and adds, "They had slower reflexes too, probably because of the bloodthirst. It was easier to kill them in any case."

He raises an eyebrow and asks impatiently, "Satisfied?"

Cross's forehead creases in contemplation as he says slowly, "I see…Remember the shattered glass vials we found by one of the clearings?"

Yagari blinks at the sudden question and asks warily, "What about them?"

"I suspect that the association has been experimenting with the Level E's, or at the very least, manipulating them in some way," Cross' expression darkens and he continues gravely, "They may have been involved with the deaths last night as well."

Yagari pauses and holds the cigarette between his index and middle finger as he takes in Cross's words. Experimenting?

Cross surveys him, not missing the skeptical expression, and adds, "You remember when these outbreaks occurred, don't you? All of the senior hunters were called away and-"

"And when we came back, we suddenly had a new president." Yagari snorts and states derisively, "I told you everything seemed too coincidental."

He leans back in the chair and brings the cigarette back up to his lips. Yagari exhales and says finally, "I still think you're overreaching, Cross. Those glass fragments could be from a broken beer bottle for all we know."

When Cross opens his mouth to argue, Yagari gives him a pointed look and continues, "Even if they are experimenting, how does that relate to the incident last night? No Level E's were involved."

Cross frowns and stays silent. Yagari frowns and adds grimly, "Honestly, with all the recent quarrels between us and the vampires, it's a wonder that we didn't have casualties sooner." He narrows his eye and says darkly, "We don't know who provoked who yet and both sides are already crying foul."

"Did you know the hunters?"

Yagari pauses at the abrupt question. He frowns and answers gruffly, "I knew one of them. Asano. He wasn't especially high in the ranks, and only joined the association for about two years. Kid had a good head on his shoulders." He shrugs and adds, "His mentor always complained to me that the kid was too mellow actually."

"Not the type to start a fight then," Cross says, keeping his voice light, but there is a pointed edge to his words that makes Yagari glance at him curiously.

"He wasn't one of those hot blooded idiots that the new president keeps on recruiting, if that's what you mean."

Cross gives him a sidelong glance and remarks, "The noble who died seemed to be a proponent of co-existence."

At that, Yagari finally narrows his eyes in understanding and counters, "And maybe he wasn't for that one night."

Cross frowns and argues, "You don't kno - "

"We don't have time to be chasing ghosts!" Yagari interrupts sharply. He continues harshly, tone frustrated and irritated, "All you have are some glass shards, a pile of dust, and two dead hunters! I'm not saying that the association is innocent, but it's going to cost you a miracle to savage any evidence from any of that."

Cross pauses, eyes roving over the hardened expression on Yagari's face. He asks warily, "And what do you think we should do?"

At that, Yagari's eye gleams coldly. It reminds Cross of ice blue steel and his next words are just as lethal and unyielding, "Overthrow Takenaka and the bastards that follow him."

Cross stills at the ominous hint in Yagari's tone and asks quietly, a hint of stark disapproval in his voice, "A coup? You want to cause an uproar in the association at this time?"

Yagari's expression tightens and he answers tersely, "If that's what it takes."

Cross frowns and surveys him carefully. He reminds, "You might start civil war."

Yagari scowls and asks challengingly, "And as opposed to what is happening right now, you think that is the worst case scenario? Or do you want to avoid fighting regardless? The worst has yet to come, Cross, and we're going to be burying more dead bodies if we don't do anything now."

Cross furrows his eyebrows, but before he can argue, Yagari suddenly sighs, the harsh determination disappearing in favor of a weariness that carves its way into his face. He says quietly, "A friend called again when we were leaving the car today."

Cross pauses, eyes flicking back to Yagari in surprise at the shift in tone. "What did they say?"

Yagari frowns heavily and recounts, "Another patrol group and two vampires were also found dead. They don't know yet what status the vampires are nor do they do know what exactly happened. Another vampire also attacked three civilians as well at sundown. Right outside a bar. Apparently she was crazed with bloodthirst or something, and a hunter had to put her down." He shakes his head and comments, "We're going to have a field day trying to conceal that one."

Cross widens his eyes in alarm and asks, "All today?"

Yagari nods grimly. He takes another long drag of the cigarette and Cross settles back in silence with a pensive frown.

After a few moments, Yagari says brusquely, "You get it now, don't you? Takenaka is not going to back down. This is the blank check he's been coveting. You know the rhetoric going on in headquarters yet?"

He scoffs and continues derisively, "Takenaka is declaring that this is the time to make a stand against the vampires once and for all. He's saying that recent events have revealed the true face of the vampires and hunters need to stop settling for half-assed compromises."

Cross drinks the rest of his tea before he murmurs, "Propaganda already? The new president is certainly ambitious."

Yagari snorts. "Who knows how long he's been planning this crap?" His voice deepens in irritation as he continues, "Many hunters who were initially wary of Takenaka are now all gung ho for him. The idiots may still not like him, but they sure as hell agree with his plans."

Cross shakes his head and remarks wearily, "Of course. All he has to do is mention how many hunters have died, and the number of supporters increase."

Yagari looks sharply to Cross and his voice hardens, "We need to deal with Takenaka. Now."

Cross stays silent and Yagari thinks for a moment that he may have to yell at the man again for stubbornly sticking to his pacifist ideals when Cross's eyes suddenly gleam, golden amber blazing in those hazel irises.

Cross's features sharpen, hawk-like and shrewd, as he asserts calmly, "We need to find out what is causing all of these incidents and what the association has been researching first." He continues resolutely before Yagari can argue, "There will be more casualties in the following days and we need to prevent a mass panic. As for Takenaka, about how many hunters would be willing to turn against him?"

"Thirty to forty percent."

Cross observes, "That is not enough people. Takenaka and his men are skilled. In fact, he knows that not everyone is supportive of him. That man most likely already has a countermeasure in place."

Yagari taps the ash off and shrugs, "What do you want me to say? People are getting more pissed off as the days go by and the more they get pissed, the more of what Takenaka says makes sense."

Cross contemplates for a moment before he decides, "We need to stall for time. Do we have enough hunters we can trust?"

Yagari raises an eyebrow. "Depends on what you want to do."

"If we can expose Takenaka, the less bloodshed is needed to oust him from his position. We'll leave an anonymous tip about suspicious shipments and let the local police intercept their supplies. It will distract Takenaka for a bit." He pauses and sighs. "We'll leak the rumor about Kawada as the one who blew up the warehouse as well to incite suspicions."

Yagari glances at Cross and drawls, "And let me guess, you want someone to infiltrate the research division?"

"Yes."

Satisfied with Cross's assertiveness now, Yagari nods and reveals grimly, "I got word that a research assistant was found drained of blood in an alley." He looks meaningfully at Cross and warns, "The vampires might be more involved in this than you think. We need to know what they are up to as well."

Displeased at the news, Cross frowns heavily and says finally, "I'll have a word with Kaname-kun." He pauses and his expression becomes pained when he says quietly, "Although even if we do manage to get the association under control, if this many casualties continue, then -"

"Then it won't matter what we do then because we'll be at war with the vampires again." Yagari finishes. He jabs the cigarette down into the ash tray and growls, "How the hell did things even turn out this way?"

Cross smiles wearily as he gazes down at the tea. "The karma passed down through the years, I suppose. Every action has its consequence after all."

Yagari scoffs and comments dryly, "That's your stomach talking from the side effects of your cooking. This is not karma. It's an oversupply of bastards and idiots."

Before Cross can answer, a sudden thud at the door makes them both tense. Something metal clatters noisily outside the door, and a familiar voice echoes through the wooden frame with clear annoyance. "God fucking damn it, why can't this fucking door just open? Huh? Why is a door giving me shit?"

Cross furrows his eyebrows and exchanges a bewildered look with Yagari. "Is that Kaito-kun?"

Yagari sighs before he gets up and strides towards the door, grumbling under his breath about asinine brats for students bothering their mentors at this godforsaken hour in the night. Cross follows him curiously as Kaito curses again and complains loudly through the door, "Zero, it wouldn't hurt to be awake right now, you know. I don't have enough hands to keep you up and open the door. Tch. Or just go back to sleep like that. Yeah, that works too. Great."

Yagari scowls and jerks open the door, much to Kaito's surprise. He furrows his eyebrows at the switchblade in Kaito's hand and asks with disbelief, "Are you picking the lock?"

Kaito blinks and says, "Ah, shit, you're already back." He stops, eyes widening briefly in realization, and quickly revises, "I mean, er, welcome back, sensei and uh," He looks behind Yagari and adds, "Chairman. How was th -? "

"What's wrong with Zero?" Yagari demands sharply as he finally sees how Zero is carried on Kaito's back, eyes closed and seemingly unconscious. Immediate alarm and concern runs through him and he looks towards Kaito warily for an answer.

Kaito frowns as he readjusts Zero. Pausing at Yagari's question, he shrugs dismissively. "He fell asleep."

Yagari raises an eyebrow, unconvinced, even more so when he sees a look of discomfort cross Kaito's features under his heavy, scrutinizing glare. "Asleep? Where did he fall asleep that you have to carry him back all this way?"

Cross peers at Zero and observes in growing concern, "His face looks red, Kaito-kun. Is he sick?"

At that, Yagari frowns and looks towards Zero again whose cheeks look flushed and feverish. He reflexively steps forward and reaches out to feel Zero's forehead gently.

Kaito glances at him out of the corner of his eye and inwardly groans. Oh, sensei is definitely going to kill him.

Zero immediately scrunches his face at the touch and turns away to bury his face into Kaito's shoulder. "Mnn."

Yagari notes with relief that the skin does not feel as warm as it looks, but there is a familiar scent clinging to these two that he can now recognize. He narrows his eyes and says curtly, "Kaito."

Kaito's gaze slides to him and he asks warily, "Yeah?"

Yagari growls, "Why do I smell alcohol?"

Kaito clears his throat and comments all the while shifting discreetly away from him, "I have no idea what you're talking about. You must be sleep deprived from your one week trip, sensei."

Yagari stares flatly at him before he scowls and slaps Kaito at the back of the head.

"Hey!"

Kaito turns, eyes widening in indignation, and yelps again when Yagari reaches out to hit him once more, demanding angrily, "You idiot! Did you get Zero drunk?"

Relieved that there is nothing wrong with Zero, Cross's lips twitch in amusement at the scene and comments lightly, "Kaito-kun, how about you come in and let Kiryu-kun rest on the sofa?"

Kaito ducks his head to dodge another hit and curses again when Zero starts slipping off his back with the abrupt movement. He leans back away from Yagari and glares at him, grumbling, "Yeah, sensei, are you going to let me do that? Or are you just going to keep hitting the rest of my brain cells away?"

"Did you have any in the first place?" Yagari retorts sharply, but he steps aside to let Kaito step through the doorway despite his words.

Kaito mutters some few choice words as he walks into the living room and carefully drops Zero down on the sofa. Zero suddenly mumbles something indistinctly in irritation, and everyone pauses, eyes flicking to him.

Zero does not wake though and instead turns away from all of them to face the sofa, his legs curling up automatically as he falls right back into drunken sleep.

Kaito stares down at him blankly. Is there such a thing as a sleepy drunk? Seriously, what is this?

Yagari glances at Zero before frowning again. He rebukes harshly, "If you want to be a brainless idiot, then go ahead. Don't drag Zero into your stupidity, Kaito."

Kaito turns and glares back at him. "I'm offended and insulted by that."

"Those two words mean the same thing!"

Kaito pauses and says wonderingly, "Huh. I think I may be slightly buzzed."

At Yagari's darkening expression, he immediately holds two hands up and starts backtracking to the kitchen. Cross shakes his head as the two argue. He reaches for a nearby blanket folded on top of the sofa. He unfurls it and gently lays it across Zero, who immediately nestles into the soft fabric.

Cross grins at that. It's been a long time since he has seen Zero this peaceful again. It reminds him of Zero when he was younger, and the memories make him sigh wistfully. Time really flies by when he least expects it to.

A sudden crash disrupts his nostalgic reverie and Cross quickly heads towards the kitchen in alarm.

Yagari reaches out to yank Kaito back by the collar as Kaito tries to unsuccessfully evade him. He berates, voice sharp with incredulity and irritation, "I cannot believe you did this! You're a teacher now. Remember that thing called responsibility? And you gave Zero alcohol?"

Kaito struggles and twists out of his grip to retort, "Stop hitting me! Why do you keep blaming me? I didn't force Zero to drink."

Yagari raises an unimpressed eyebrow and says flatly, "No, but I bet you encouraged him to." He narrows his eyes and says exasperated, "Damn it, Kaito, you're older than him. You're supposed to keep him from doing stupid things and not the other way around!"

Kaito slips around the counter and grumbles, hand coming up to rub his neck, "Stop lecturing me as if I broke into the liquor cabinet or something and got shitfaced." He smirks and drawls, "Sensei, where is this protective parent act coming from?"

"You little - "

Kaito quickly ducks down and Cross watches a bowl tumble down to the ground from the counter, clattering loudly before finally rolling to a stop against the bottom cabinet.

Cross shakes his head and leans against the doorway, a bemused smile on his lips.

Kaito pauses in front of the stove and peers curiously at the fried rice in the pan. "Is this edible?"

At that, Cross glances at him to see before grinning. Waving a hand, he encourages enthusiastically, "Go ahead, Kaito-kun! Try it, try it!"

Yagari immediately furrows his eyebrows and shoots Cross an incredulous look. Kaito does not notice and shrugs. He fishes for a spoon in the drawers and scoops up a spoonful, much to Cross's anticipation and Yagari's exasperation.

They watch as Kaito chews for a minute before immediately stopping and rushing to the trashcan. He spits it out and coughs. "Oh god, why is that so spicy?"

Yagari sighs and hands him a glass of water he already had ready. Kaito grabs it immediately and gladly chugs it down.

Two in the morning, and he has to deal with an intoxicated idiot in the kitchen. Oh, for god's sakes.

Cross, on the other hand, complains, "Be more specific, Kaito-kun! What exactly about the seasoning is too spicy?"

Make that two idiots.

Kaito does not notice Yagari's growing irritation and states bluntly, "Everything. And chairman, why are you using me as an unsuspecting guinea pig for your death trials? Don't you have sensei for that?"

Yagari scowls and smacks him in the head again for that. Kaito glares at him and rubs the back of his head as Yagari says even more exasperated, "Cross, I told you to give up on cooking already."

Cross comically widens his eyes and protests, "Toga, that is unnecessarily cruel of you, isn't it? How can you tell someone to give up on their hobby, their love and passion, so easily?"

Yagari's eye twitches and he grits out, "It's because your said hobby threatens to land us all in the hospital with food poisoning! How many times do I have to tell you!?"

"I agree with sensei."

Yagari glances back at him and grouses, "I'm not done chewing you out, smartass."

Kaito frowns and protests, "Aren't you overreacting? You know, drinking is considered a rite of passage."

"The way you're doing it is a rite of stupidity."

Kaito scowls and says annoyed, "He only drank one can of beer! I just wanted him to relax. He seemed stressed all week. And besides, he needs to be more - more…."

Kaito stops and snaps his fingers as he struggles to remember the word. He finally manages out, "Reckless or….whatever normal teens are supposed to be."

Yagari raises an eyebrow and comments dryly, "You're drunk, aren't you? You – He got drunk from one can?" Taken aback, he pauses, eyes flicking towards Zero's direction in surprise. "How?"

Kaito nods and agrees, "Right?"

Cross blinks at the both of them before he quips, "Some people are more sensitive to the effects of alcohol."

Kaito shrugs and sidles up to the counter again. He lifts up a covered plate curiously. "Is this sandwich safe to eat?"

Yagari sighs and says idly, "It should be. I made it."

Cross frowns. "I am offended by that. Are you implying that my food is not safe to eat?"

"What do you mean by implying? I've been telling it straight to your face for the past five minutes! Years even! Are you not listening to me or just choosing to ignore it?"

"I – Um, Kaito-kun? Oh, Kaito-kun? What exactly are you doing?"

At Cross's nervous tone, Yagari glances back at Kaito…who is gripping a kitchen knife by the handle and pointing it straight down right above the sandwich. He frowns – god, it's just one idiot to the next - and comments warily, "Are you trying to cut the sandwich or murder it?"

Kaito raises an eyebrow, puzzled at their varying expressions of wariness, and says irritated as he waves the knife to enunciate his words, "What are you talking about? It's fine."

"Nothing about this scene is fine, dumbass."

Cross clears his throat anxiously, carefully eyeing the knife as he says soothingly, "Why don't you put the knife down? Ok, Kaito-kun? I can cut it for you."

Yagari adds sternly, "Put it down before you stab yourself, idiot."

Kaito frowns and gestures sharply with the knife once more, much to Cross's and Yagari's growing uneasiness. "I'm not appreciating these nicknames you have for me, sensei. Both of you guys calm down. Geez. I can hold a knife alright? I - "

He pauses and everyone stills as the knife flies from Kaito's hand straight into one of the wooden cabinets with a dull thwack, the blade deeply embedded into the wood.

Yagari and Cross both blink as Kaito cusses, "Ah, shit."

Cross laughs nervously as he inches forward. "Ok, Kaito-kun. Why don't you um, sit down? Preferably without stabbing more things?"

Yagari scowls as he stalks over. Ignoring Kaito's curses, he forcibly moves him towards the dining table. "You stupid idiot!"

"Sensei, that's redundant."

Kaname frowns as he stares out the window unseeingly. His mind systematically goes through the implications, the scenarios once more before his expression tightens.

He needs a plan, a strategy. To think that they already have people dead already….

His neck throbs insistently once more as if in petulant reminder and he all but represses an annoyed growl.

Nothing this week has been going well. And to deal with the matter of the bond on top of all the negotiating he still has to do….Kaname can already feel his temples aching dully at the building headache.

He should have been more meticulous in approaching this matter. It does not feel like him to fumble at the last minute to think of a solution, a last desperate maneuver.

He does not like being pressed into a corner, and it is not a feeling he cares to be familiar with.

Kaname frowns. Why is he so distracted lately?

Seiren glances back in the rearview mirror and exchanges a concerned look with Takuma as they both can feel the tension radiating from Kaname in the car.

Takuma furrows his eyebrows, but refrains from saying anything as he takes in the pensive look drawn on Kaname's face.

The academy soon comes into view and the gates swing open to let the car enter. Kaname says suddenly, "Seiren, drop me off at the headmaster's residence."

Seiren glances at him through the rearview mirror, a slight frown on her face, and Kaname raises an eyebrow. He asks, voice sharper than intended, "Is there something wrong?"

Takuma immediately frowns in reproach at his tone and observes, "It is already rather late. Wouldn't it be better if you go tomorrow?"

Kaname frowns and answers, voice tinged with irritation, "We do not have time to waste, Takuma."

Takuma glances at him, not missing the clear frustration roiling off Kaname nor the worn out expression in his eyes. Kaname is in no shape to be deliberating over strategies and plans.

He sighs and says firmly but gently, "Kaname, you're exhausted. Go and talk to the chairman tomorrow."

Seiren continues driving and comments calmly, "I agree, Kaname-sama. You are overworking yourself."

At the pressure of both their concerned and disagreeing gazes, Kaname frowns and pauses.

He idly rubs his neck, frowns again at the persistent throb, and murmurs, "I am fine. I need to discuss this as soon as possible."

Takuma says disapprovingly, "Kaname, you haven't slept in - "

"Seiren, please," Kaname sighs before glancing at Takuma in silent apology. Takuma shakes his head in exasperation and frowns in silence.

Seiren nods and says in a slightly weary tone, "Of course, Kaname-sama."

Kaname winces as the throb in his neck practically writhes under his skin, red hot and aching. He exhales shortly and his fingers twitch restlessly.

He is more than fed up with this. He does not need the annoying aspects of the bond to distract him right now.

Why is the bond so reactive now? Why?

Kaname grimaces as he takes a moment to recompose himself. He steps up to the door, raising his hand to knock when the door unexpectedly opens with the touch. He furrows his eyebrows in concern, but the familiar sounds of the chairman arguing with Yagari and Takamiya reach his ears. He pauses and steps warily in. "Chairman?"

There is a pause before Cross calls out in surprise, "Ah, Kaname-kun? Is that you? Could you wait in the living room for a moment?"

He raises an eyebrow as the argument resumes again and something metal clangs noisily down on the tiled floor. What exactly is happening over there?

Kaname mentally shrugs and continues on with disinterest. Things are never exactly…peaceful when the chairman is involved anyhow.

He makes his way into the living room before stopping abruptly in his tracks. His eyes widen and immediately rove over the sofa. There is a body-shaped lump lying there against the cushions, wrapped in a light green blanket and turned away from him. What catches his attention though are the silver strands of hair peeking from the blanket.

Zero?

He furrows his eyebrows and steps closer to note with surprise, that it is indeed Zero.

What is he doing here?

Kaname's eyes quickly flick to Zero again in concern, his mind already racing through the possible scenarios that could have brought Zero to the chairman's residence at this hour. None of them are good.

He frowns, but pauses when he finally notices the flushed cheeks, the faint scent of alcohol.

Kaname blinks and stares down in bewilderment. Is…Is Zero inebriated?

He does not even stop to think as Kaname reflexively leans down and shakes Zero's arm gently. "Zero? Are you alright?"

It takes several minutes and another few shakes before Zero murmurs indistinctly at his touch and blearily opens his eyes. He blinks dazedly as he tries to make out the blurry figure standing above him. Zero rubs his eyes and mumbles, voice half-slurred and drowsy, "Kan'me?"

Kaname pauses, not missing the slurred words, and asks wonderingly, "Did you drink too much, Zero? You -"

He stops abruptly as Zero suddenly sits up and tilts his head to the side to survey him with half-open eyes. Kaname furrows his eyebrows and questions, "Is there something wro-?"

Kaname blinks in confusion as Zero's fingers suddenly grasp his sleeve and yank. He lets himself be pulled down, back hitting the pillows behind him as he bewilderedly takes a seat. Kaname raises an eyebrow and asks curiously, "Zero, what are you doing?"

Zero ignores him and lets go of his sleeve. With an annoyed murmur, he lies back down again, this time propping his head against Kaname's leg. Kaname blankly watches Zero blindly search for the blanket again, fingers tugging it back up, before Zero curls up again and sighs in satisfaction.

Kaname blinks again, and when it is clear that Zero is not moving from his spot, he stares down incredulously.

Is…is Zero asleep again?

He furrows his eyebrows and shakes Zero gently by the arm again. "Zero? Zero, you can't sleep like this."

Zero merely turns his body to the side and away from the sofa, warm cheek pressed against his leg. Kaname watches as Zero only closes his eyes to doze off again.

Déjà vu sinks though Kaname. He glances down at Zero warily. If waking Zero up is already a difficult task on its own, then waking up a drunken Zero requires nothing short of a miracle. In fact, he wonders if Zero had actually been sleeptalking through the entire exchange.

He sighs and glances towards the kitchen when something clatters again and an exasperated yell echoes loudly through the walls. Kaname frowns slightly and gazes back down at Zero.

He does not understand anything right now.

Kaname shakes Zero again and says again, desperateness coloring his voice. "Zero. Wake up."

Zero murmurs indistinctly again, and Kaname watches Zero's forehead crease as he grimaces at the prodding. However, his eyes remain closed. Kaname thinks wryly that of course, Zero's stubbornness still rears its head even in sleep.

Kaname sighs. If Zero will not move, then he will.

He slowly tries to ease himself away without disturbing Zero too much, when his neck suddenly throbs harshly again. Kaname exhales shortly in frustration, hand coming up to rub it again for what seems to be the hundredth time this week.

This needs to stop. He might have to do some immediate research on the bond as soon as he gets back to his room. After all, how else is he supposed to sleep with the bond reacting like this much less do anything productive?

"Mmnn. Stop it."

Kaname stops and glances back at Zero, who finally opens his eyes. Zero furrows his eyebrows at Kaname's movement, lips twisting in an irritated frown. He suddenly reaches out to clasp Kaname's hand, tugging it towards himself and bringing it to rest on his chest before turning back on his side again and closing his eyes.

Kaname widens his eyes and asks hesitantly, "Zero?"

He flexes his fingers experimentally, intending to withdraw them, only to feel Zero grip them even tighter, slender fingers interlocking tightly with his own, apparently adamant on keeping his arm prisoner.

Kaname sighs again and gives up. He knows he could yank his hand away, but the action seems entirely too abrasive for something as harmless as this. Also, Zero might become even more irritated, and an argument is not something he is particularly too keen for right now. Especially not when Zero is not even in a lucid state of mind.

…More importantly, Zero looks startlingly comfortable like this. Seeing him wrapped in the blanket invokes images of last week again, like the way that Zero innocently clung to him fast asleep…

Kaname shakes his head as a strange mix of helplessness and frustration swirls through him. He cannot even begin to comprehend why he cares about these little details.

Or why he finds the sight of Zero sleeping so…so…endearing.

And just like that, his mind skids to a halt as soon as he finally registers his thoughts. Kaname groans inwardly and rubs his temples with his free hand.

His mind feels more and more like a complete stranger to him as this week has gone by.

Zero suddenly exhales softly and shifts a bit more before he murmurs, vaguely annoyed, "St'p movin', Kaname. You're a ter'ble pillow."

Kaname pauses as his lips involuntarily twitch upwards at that. Pillow?

He gazes down at Zero curiously, wondering if it's a side effect of alcohol or if Zero has somehow developed an odd form of sleepwalking. Because even if Zero is drunk, this side of him…is still fascinating to see.

Kaname surveys Zero carefully and notices the deepening breaths. He can hear the slow, steady heartbeat, feel it thrumming lightly in the fingers wrapped around his own. He inwardly shakes his head with incredulity. How can Zero can go back to sleep so easily?

Perhaps he should be more bewildered or even concerned at how natural this feels, the effortlessness in which the companionable quietness settles over them. But, Kaname only sighs and leans back against the sofa. He inexplicably feels much more at ease than he did when he walked through the door.

Kaname relaxes slowly as the tranquility radiating softly from Zero seeps through along with the shared warmth. Looking at Zero sleep only reminds Kaname of his own exhaustion, the slight pressure buzzing in his head, and how heavy his own eyelids are starting to feel….

Kaito stalks over to the sink and slams the plate down. He complains, "I'm not drunk! Just buzzed. And none of this is my - "

Yagari gives him a pointed glare and Cross gazes morosely at the shattered bowl on the ground. He rather liked the printed yellow ducks on that fruit bowl. Kaito shifts uncomfortably at the gaze and then amends, "Some of this is my fault."

Yagari glowers at him and Kaito revises again with a frown, "A significant portion is my fault."

"Kaito."

Kaito scowls and throws his hands up in frustration. He retorts, "All of this is my fault, ok? I accept full responsibility. Happy? Geez."

Yagari crosses his arms and says exasperated, "I don't see anything here to be happy about."

Cross sighs and ambles out of the kitchen to head into the living room. He calls out, tone apologetic, "Kaname-kun, what did you want to…"

His voice trails off as he stops at the sight of the two on the sofa. Kaname has an elbow propped on the armrest of the sofa, head slumped down into his palm. Cross blinks. Is he…asleep?

How uncharacteristic for someone so composed like Kaname to let down his guard like this.

Cross's eyes flick to Zero who still fast asleep, has somehow repositioned himself so that his head is resting partly in Kaname's lap. Of course, the most interesting thing that catches Cross's attention is the hand clasping Kaname's own.

Cross tilts his head to the side, lips curving in an amused smile as he regards the both of them. A surprising aura of serenity envelops them. Both Kaname and Zero seem so at ease with each other. If Cross did not know any better, he would have mistaken them for close friends.

How unexpectedly charming.

Cross's lips curve in a wicked grin and he murmurs aloud, "I need to take a picture of this."

Oh, he needs the camera. Cross glances distractedly around the living room, eyes sweeping over the small side desk against the wall. Camera, camera. Oh, drat. Where did he put the blasted thing?

There are footsteps approaching behind him before they stop abruptly. Kaito stares blankly at the scene and says slowly, "This is…"

"Adorable!" Cross chirps brightly as he turns around to face Kaito and Yagari who has varying degrees of bewilderment upon arriving in the living room.

"Strange," Kaito finishes finally.

Cross shushes him as he turns to gaze back at the sofa with another grin. "You'll wake them up before I can get a picture. Ah, that's right! Kaito-kun, go get the camera. I think I left it where the rack of keys is."

Kaito stares at Cross before looking back at Kaname and Zero. He blinks and says haltingly, "Sensei, I think you're right. I am drunk."

Yagari gives him a dry look and grouses, "How wonderful. Now I think I need a drink."

Cross frowns and makes a shooing gesture with his hand, "Kaito-kun, why are you still standing here? Go get the camera!"

Kaito blinks before he says slowly, "I think Zero would kill you if he found out you took a picture, chairman." He mutters under his breath, "That is if I'm not hallucinating at this point."

Cross pouts and looks towards Yagari instead. "Can you go get the camera then?"

"Get it yourself."

"Toga! Do you not see the rarity of this moment? Memento, I need a memento!"

Kaito raises a hand and blinks at it. "Hey, can someone tell me if I'm dreaming or not?"

Yagari sighs and rubs his forehead as he mutters, "I'm surrounded by idiots."

Kaito moves to kick him for the comment only to crouch down with a groan, a hand clutching his stomach. Yagari pauses and stares warily down at him. "Kaito, what the hell?"

Kaito swallows as his stomach suddenly lurches violently, the waves of nausea roiling through him and pricking his skin. He moans aloud, "Oh, god. I don't think I should have eaten that fried rice."

Cross widens his eyes and says worriedly, "Do you need to go to the bathroom?"

Yagari looks at Kaito and points out disbelievingly, "You only ate a spoonful of it! How can it get you sick? Exactly how much alcohol did you drink?"

Kaito does not answer and groans again, this time slapping a hand over his mouth. Yagari hurries over to him and carefully helps him up. He cusses under his breath and says exasperatedly, "Don't you dare puke here. Why the hell do I have to deal with this?"

Cross stares as the two walk off …or er, Yagari is walking and Kaito is all but hunkered over as they somehow shuffle towards the bathroom. Yagari has one hand on his back all the while berating Kaito in exasperation because great, now he has two brats who both can't hold their alcohol and damn it, Cross, he is not cleaning up the bathroom if Kaito makes a mess, and see?

He knew Cross's cooking would give them food poisoning one of these days. It was just a matter of goddamned time.

Cross blinks. Hmm. Perhaps, the seasoning really is too strong. Note to self, tone down the spiciness.

A sudden low murmur draws Cross's attention back to the sofa. Kaname blinks before realization dawns in his eyes. Oh, no. Did he -?

He glances at Cross who smiles knowingly back at him. Kaname inwardly grimaces at himself. He must be more tired than he thought.

Kaname sits up straighter, careful not to jostle Zero who continues to sleep on and Kaname notices with slight surprise, with his hand still holding onto his own. He pauses. They must be making a rather strange scene right now.

Cross looks unperturbed though, expression as bright and cheerful as ever, perhaps even happier than usual. Kaname clears his throat and says a little uncomfortably, keeping his voice low, "I apologize. Did I doze off?"

Cross notices with surprise that Kaname neither looks taken aback at Zero's presence nor pulls himself away. In fact, he does not miss the way Kaname carefully tries not to wake up Zero.

Perhaps these two are getting along better than he thought.

At Cross's odd beaming expression, Kaname looks questioningly at him. Cross smiles and waves a hand dismissively in the air to clear Kaname's confusion. He hums and says lightly, "It is fine. You must be exhausted from the meeting with the council all week. What brings you here so late? Is there something wrong?"

Kaname pauses, still slightly confused, but continues regardless, "The council has not been exactly….cooperative."

Cross remarks, "The council is not taking the news of last night well, I take it." At Kaname's nod, Cross continues idly, "Neither is the association, so that should not be surprising." He pauses and surveys Kaname for a moment before his eyes soften, "You look exhausted, Kaname-kun. Why don't we discuss this in depth tomorrow?"

Taken aback, Kaname furrows his eyebrows and says with a frown of his own, "I am fine."

Cross smiles and says lightly, "Really? You look like you could use some sleep. I for one, am feeling admittedly exhausted from this week." He tilts his head and continues casually, "The problems will not disappear overnight, Kaname-kun. We both should get our rest and return to the matter feeling more refreshed and focused, hmm?"

Kaname frowns again. It's the second time he has been told to get some sleep, and he wonders if he really does look so exhausted. He sighs and says reluctantly, "I understand. Then we will discuss this tomorrow."

Cross claps his hand and says cheerfully, "Good, good. Then you -"

"Stop telling me that you feel like throwing up! Just sit and face the damn toilet, alright?"

Cross and Kaname both pauses as Yagari's muffled yell rings out through the hallway, punctuated by another curse and another loud groan. Kaname raises an eyebrow and asks slowly, "Are they alright?"

Cross glances down the hallway and says uncertainly, "They…are. Kaito-kun may have…um…eaten something that did not agree with his stomach."

Kaname has a sneaking suspicion that the chairman's cooking is undoubtedly the cause of it. He only nods though and says, "I will take Zero back to his room then."

Cross blinks and says, unable to hide his surprise this time, "Oh. That's – Alright. Of course, thank you."

Kaname does not respond as he glances down at Zero again. He sighs and this time, does not even bother to attempt to wake up Zero. Instead, he carefully pries away his fingers from Zero, who thankfully lets go of him this time. Praying that Zero is too deep in sleep to protest again, Kaname quickly slides away from Zero, one hand gently cushioning Zero's head as he does so to prevent Zero from falling abruptly against the sofa and waking again.

He straightens up and looks over Zero unsurely. How should he do this then?

Cross hides another amused smile at Kaname's perplexed frown and suggests innocently, "You could carry him, if you don't want to wake him."

Kaname blinks at him, and Cross has to all but squash down another amused chuckle. Kaname glances at Zero again before silently agreeing.

He kneels down, back facing the sofa, and carefully pulls Zero's arms forward until they drape over his shoulders lifelessly. Kaname waits a moment, but Zero does not stir and seems fast asleep.

He reaches out to grip underneath Zero's legs, and in one smooth, fluid motion, straightens up with Zero dangling on his back. There is a mumbled word, the rustle of fabric fluttering down to the floor, and then Zero's head slumps down against his shoulder

Kaname inwardly sighs.

The things he finds himself doing lately.

Cross's lips twitch upwards as he bends down to pick up the fallen blanket. Throwing it carelessly back on the sofa, he strides to the door and holds it open. Kaname pauses and carefully readjusts Zero before walking out. Cross grins and waves, "Good night, you two. Don't trip in the dark!"

Kaname glances at him and murmurs a quick good night before striding out. There is an odd gleam in Cross's eye that makes him wonder if perhaps, waking up Zero would have been the wiser option.

He sighs and mentally shrugs the observation away. He is too exhausted to make sense of the chairman's peculiar antics.

He glances sideways and the silver strands of hair catch his eyes. It's….surreal.

Kaname would never have imagined that he would be carrying a drunken hunter on his back like, much less forming a blood bond with said individual either, and yet here they are.

Fate certainly has a warped sense of humor.

He shifts Zero up again to prevent him from sliding down. Kaname supposes it would be infinitely easier if he carried Zero in his arms, but he has a strong inkling that it would definitely not end well if Zero happened to wake up.

Especially not if Zero happened to wake up and sober. He imagines the reaction would be something akin to dropping a cat in cold water.

He sighs. His neck strangely does not hurt anymore, and Kaname does not know if he should be grateful for it or concerned at the sudden peace.

The entire situation with the bond is… troublesome.

He has no idea what he should do with it now. He clearly cannot dismiss it nor can he compartmentalize it away as something he just have to endure and live with.

Not with….not with how he felt all week, those surges of desire and need coursing through him, burning fire in his veins, demanding him to meet them.

Kaname swallows. It…scares him how easily the bond can make him lose control, how deeply embedded it is in his instincts and thoughts.

He cannot afford to be at the mercy of the bond, to be tugged every which way like a puppet.

And he never thought… it would be this strong.

Not when he and Zero are so far from being mates in the conventional sense.

What… exactly are they to each other now?

He still does not know.

The bond complicates things. It throws their relationship straight in uncharted waters.

They are not enemies, rivals, or at least not anymore. Acquaintances? Friends?

Kaname pauses and bites his lips. None of those labels feels right to him, but he does not know how to describe what he feels towards Zero, not when he cannot even make sense of his own feelings.

They are unquestionably bonded together, mates, but for a word that signifies so much, it explains so little about their relationship.

Zero is…Zero is not the person he thought he was. He has seen so many different expressions in the past weeks that he never would have expected from the scowling hunter. Ones that reveal a softer side to Zero, the one that comes with pink cheeks and wide lavender eyes and tender fingers that contrast the casual brusqueness.

It's a warmth, a softness that ignites a protectiveness, a gentleness in him that Kaname always reserved for Yuki.

He …does not mind spending time with Zero, thinks it would not be so bad to coax out more of those expressions out of Zero.

And, he keeps finding himself puzzling through the contradictions in Zero's words and actions because the images always catch in his thoughts.

There is so much he still does not know about Zero, and he wants to, wants to know more about this reckless person he has been bonded to.

Kaname pauses and widens his eyes, startled by his own reverie. This…This sounds like he's -

"Kaname? Is it you?" a sleepy voice inquires from right behind his ear, effectively interrupting his thoughts. Blinking in awareness, Kaname notices with a slight start that in the midst of his reflections, he had stopped walking.

The sudden lapse in movement must have woken up Zero up then.

Kaname pauses and notices that Zero's words seem somewhat more lucid. Is he sobering up?

Quickly realizing that he had yet to give Zero an answer to his question, Kaname answers with a simple yes and half-expects a protest or startled sound of realization.

Instead, to Kaname's surprise, Zero merely tightens his arms around Kaname's neck and bends his knees more. Kaname stills as Zero readjusted himself. There is another low murmur before Zero settles back against him, cheek pressed against his shoulder with a sigh.

Kaname wonders if Zero realizes that he keeps relaxing when aware of Kaname's presence.

It is almost as if… Zero trusts him.

Kaname dismisses the thought. What is he thinking?

Zero is intoxicated and sleepy on top of that too. Of course, he might be behaving uncharacteristically.

At any rate, Zero's docile state means that he is more accommodating than usual and Kaname should be simply grateful for it.

"Where we going?" Zero mumbles suddenly, sending hot puffs of air that tickled the nape of Kaname's neck.

Kaname resisted the urge to shiver. He blandly replies, "I'm taking you back to your room…"

His voice trails off as he steps forwards and takes in his surroundings. Why is he in this hallway?

Kaname inwardly groans. He must be more tired than he thought.

"Kaname?"

"Hmm?" Kaname murmurs distractedly. God, this is becoming a very long night.

"Kaname?" Zero continues with a playful hint in his tone that Kaname has never heard before. "You lost?"

Kaname raises an eyebrow and turns his head only to see lilac eyes gleaming in mischief back at him.

Turning his head back and resuming his steps. Kaname responds, now with amusement coloring his voice. "It seems I took an unintentional detour."

He widens his eyes when Zero snickers at that before it turns into a full-blown laugh. The clear musical sound, warm with amusement, rings out pleasantly in the air and has Kaname's own lips involuntarily twitching in a brief smile.

He never heard Zero laugh so carefree before. Zero looking happy at all is a rare phenomenon.

Oblivious to the effect he was having on the pureblood, Zero snickers again before he comments, a teasing tone in his tone, "You're so weird. You got lost here? At school?"

As if the humor of the situation sets in again, Zero laughs again, thoroughly satisfied as if Kaname's apparent lack of direction is the best thing he just discovered.

Completely amused now, Kaname shakes his head, lips curving in a bemused smile, and counters lightly, "Should you be this happy that the person who is carrying you is supposedly lost?"

At that, Zero shrugs, head burrowing back in Kaname's shoulder, as he says matter-of-factly, "It's still your problem. Just don't get lost again, Kaname."

Kaname represses a chuckle and remarks wryly, "How very encouraging of you." He quickly turns the corner and asks curiously, "How on earth did you get this intoxicated?"

Zero thrashes a bit at that, and Kaname widens his eyes, hands tightening their grip. Zero does not notice the near stumble he caused to the both of them, and indignantly protests, waving a hand haphazardly close to Kaname's eye. "Wasn't my fault! Stupid Kaito too."

Kaname lifts an eyebrow at that stunningly disjointed explanation. "How much did you two drink?"

He scowls and leans forwards so that Kaname could see him. Zero complains sourly, "You make me sound like a alch-, an alca - "

Zero stops and crinkles his forehead as he struggles to pronounce the word.

Suppressing a smile, Kaname decides to help Zero out and suggests with warm amusement, "Alcoholic?"

Zero's eyes light up in satisfaction. "Yes! That." He raises a challenging eyebrow at Kaname and asks, "Right?"

Lips curving in another bemused smile, Kaname offers, "It is good that you're not an alcoholic, Zero."

Zero grins and leans back, satisfied at Kaname's confirmation. He continues though in a pointed tone, "But I'm not drunk."

Kaname keeps walking, repressing another chuckle, and answers casually, "Of course not."

Zero narrows his eyes, recognizing the patronizing tone despite his drunk-addled state. He retorts, "Am not! I can prove it."

At that, Kaname smirks, unable to help himself. Zero's playful mood really is infectious.

Swiveling his head to the side, he challenges, "Really? Let's test it, shall we?"

He stops walking and lets go of his right arm from behind. Lifting it up to besides his head and with the palm facing Zero, Kaname raises two fingers. "How many fingers am I holding?"

Zero bites his lip. He squints and reaches out to grab Kaname's wrist. He holds it up close to his face. Shaking his head, Zero lets go and instead pokes the middle of Kaname's palm with his finger.

Kaname raises and eyebrow and watches as Zero then proceeds to move his index finger up to trace Kaname's own raised index finger and then his middle finger as well, sending slight tingles through Kaname's skin as he does so. Pursing his lips, Zero uses his fingers to pry open and straighten out a third finger.

Curious, Kaname keeps his hand still as he observes Zero with avid interest. "Zero, what are you doing?"

Ignoring Kaname's question, Zero continues until all five fingers are straightened. Raising his own hand, Zero slaps Kaname's open palm and grins. "Five!"

Kaname could not stop the hearty laughter that spills out of him then, even if he tried. Zero's response is priceless.

Alcohol clearly induces a personality change in Zero. Zero, who always scowled, hands quick on the trigger somehow has developed the mentality of a happy, hyperactive toddler.

Kaname laughs again. The whole situation feels almost surreal.

The hilarity of the moment escapes Zero, however. And he leans forwards and rests his chin on Kaname's shoulder. Peering curiously at Kaname, he asks, "What's so funny?"

Still chuckling, Kaname answers warmly, voice brimming with mirth, "You. It's surprising to see that you have a childish side."

Zero blinks in confusion. He apparently decides that it is not worth his effort to decipher Kaname's statement because the next thing Kaname knows, Zero burrows his head against Kaname's shoulder. He murmurs, "S'not nice to tease, Kaname."

"My apologies," Kaname offers, but the amusement in his voice betrays any sign of true sincerity. He tightens his grip on Zero's legs and resumes walking.

As Kaname continues on, he notices that Zero seems strangely subdued now. Zero lets out a muffled yawn before nuzzling closer to Kaname's neck. With eyelids blinking drowsily, Zero presses his cheek against the side of Kaname's neck.

Kaname flinches slightly at the sudden skin-to-skin contact. For a second, he could swear that the bond buzzes happily in recognition before the sensation suddenly dissipates. Zero, not noticing Kaname's reaction, closes his eyes and murmurs softly, "You feel warm."

With that statement lingering in the air, Kaname feels a quiet sense of comfort enveloping them. Inexplicably reluctant to disrupt the fragile tranquility that slips in, Kaname takes a moment to regain his composure and continues walking. With a small smile, he says lightly, "Is that so?"

Zero makes a small noise of agreement before falling silent again, most likely falling asleep again.

With the exception of his footsteps against the carpet, the silence continues until Zero asks suddenly, apparently not asleep as Kaname thought, "How was the meetin'?"

Kaname furrows his eyebrows at the peculiar question. He automatically starts to turn toward Zero in puzzlement, but stops himself, not wanting to dislodge Zero from his comfortable position. Instead, Kaname continues walking and asks curiously, "Meeting?"

Strange. Out of all the things Zero could possibly talk about while inebriated, he chooses that topic?

To be honest, Kaname thought Zero did not care enough to even remember it.

He can feel Zero nod sleepily against his shoulder. Zero mumbles, his words slightly muffled by Kaname's coat, "The one with the up-to-no good geezers. That one."

Kaname's lips twitch upwards at the way Zero says it so matter-of-factly. Well, it succinctly expresses Zero's opinion of the council.

"It…" Kaname pauses and struggles to think of a fitting phrase or word that would accurately describe the meeting.

An exercise in futility? A waste of time? An example of the council's frustrating ineptitude? The very definition of inefficiency?

His eyes narrow in irritation as the memories of the week flit through his mind once more.

As if he could read Kaname's mind, or perhaps his darkening aura, Zero supplies, "Sucked?"

Kaname's lips quirk in a brief smile at that and he remarks idly, "In more or less words, I suppose."

Zero remarks, with a slight hint of optimism. "You...survived though."

Kaname's lips twitches in another smile, and he teases, "Is this your way of cheering me up?"

Kaname can feel Zero shrugging his shoulders in response. He silently chuckles as he stops right in front of Zero's room. "Where is your key, Zero?"

Zero barely lifts his head up from Kaname's shoulder to stare blankly at the door. At Zero's silence, Kaname sighs. "Never mind."

He reaches out and grips the doorknob. He hears the gears click and turn under his touch before Kaname turns the doorknob and opens the door. As he steps through the doorway, Kaname reaches out behind him to close it.

He pauses, eyes taking in the familiar sight of Zero's room again, before he heads over to the bed with Zero still on his back.

Stopping at the side of the bed, Kaname carefully lowers Zero to the bed. Zero, slightly more awake now, sits clumsily down without being prompted, his shoulders slumping down tiredly.

Kaname surveys him and deliberates for a moment before kneeling down. With deft fingers, he unties Zero's shoes and pulls them off, setting them aside on the floor.

With another speculative look, Kaname pauses. Zero is still in his full school uniform. He asks hesitantly, "Do you want to change your clothes?"

Zero blinks slowly at him and shrugs. Kaname can tell that Zero is close to dozing off again. He sighs and shakes Zero gently on the shoulder. "Don't fall asleep yet. I'll go find something for you to change in, alright?"

Zero nods and rubs his eyes. Kaname thinks wryly that Zero is going to fall asleep regardless. He steps over to the closet and rummages through to find something that Zero can change into.

Zero gets cold easily, doesn't he?

He furrows his eyebrows and grabs the first long sleeved shirt he sees, which turns out to be white, along with a pair of dark blue sweatpants. These should be fine.

Kaname turns, already expecting to see Zero fast asleep again. To his surprise – and relief- Zero is still awake and gazing at him with half-open eyes. Not exactly alert, but not asleep either.

Kaname walks back and hands him the clothes. "Here."

Zero stares at the clothes in his lap and looks back at Kaname with a frown. Kaname blinks and with an increasing sense of dread, he asks slowly, "Zero, you can do that, can't you?" He nods towards the clothes and enunciates, "Change into these clothes?"

Zero looks at him for a moment before he sighs in annoyance and grumbles, "Do I have to?"

He sounds so much like himself that Kaname pauses and wonders if perhaps, Zero is finally sobering up. He says uncertainly, "It would be more comfortable if you did."

Zero sighs and nods. He looks down at himself, and with no regard, shrugs off his blazer with a grumble.

Kaname blinks before he turns around to give Zero privacy. It is awkward, to say the least. He hears the sounds of fabric rustling and they remind him of that first morning when they realized they were bonded.

A sudden tug at his sleeve jolts him out of the flashbacks that he seems to be having far too many of this week. Kaname hesitates before he asks warily, "What is it, Zero? Are you done?"

"Help."

Kaname stills and asks weakly, "What do you want me to help you with?"

Zero tugs his sleeve again more impatiently. Resigned, Kaname turns slowly around.

Zero seems to have his blazer and vest off, but the tie is still on and somehow acquired another knot while the white collared shirt has about three buttons unbuttoned, all at uneven intervals.

Kaname surveys Zero once more before he sighs and kneels down. He reaches out and carefully undoes the knot, or knots, before gently tugging the slip of fabric free from the collar.

Kaname hesitates for a moment before his fingers latch onto the first button to pull it through the buttonhole. As his fingers continue to work down, Kaname shifts restlessly as he notices just how close he is to Zero and the way the heat clinging to Zero seeps into his fingers as they brush over the buttons and graze the skin underneath.

He swallows when he finally finishes, eyes flicking over the exposed expanse of pale, smooth skin briefly, before abruptly straightening and taking a step back.

Zero only gazes back at him, eyes open and calm, the irises a startling clear lilac despite his state and glowing with an unreadable expression.

Kaname shifts under the gaze and says uncomfortably, "Finish changing, Zero."

Zero blinks at him, and Kaname fears for a moment that he has to help Zero change into his pants too before Zero sighs and nods.

Kaname relaxes in relief and stiffly turns around again. He pinches the bridge of his nose as the fatigue begins to set in, sluggish and heavy.

There is clatter of metal on the dresser, a creak of the mattress, before Zero tugs his sleeve again.

Deeming it safe now, Kaname carefully turns back and is satisfied to find that Zero is dressed in his shirt and sweatpants. He glances at the shirt's neckline and thinks that it might be on backwards, but fixing it might be more trouble than it's worth.

Kaname eyes the heap of clothing piled on the floor and sighs before picking them up and setting them on the chair by the desk

Kaname turns back and gestures carelessly to the bed, "Lie down, Zero."

Zero does not respond this time and gazes back with that same unreadable look in his eyes.

Kaname blinks and furrows his eyebrows. Is something wrong?

He gestures to the bed again and says more gently, "You're sleepy, aren't you? Go to bed, Zero."

To his dissatisfaction and increasing puzzlement, Zero ignores his question and does not move, opting instead to sit on the bed in the same position.

Kaname's forehead creases in concern and he asks warily, "Zero?"

Zero bites his lips and lowers his head, silver bangs shielding his eyes. To Kaname's surprise, he suddenly asks, voice hesitant and quiet, "Are you leaving now?"

Kaname stills, skin pricking in unease at Zero's demeanor. His eyes rove over Zero quickly and he starts carefully, "I am. After I get you situated here, I need to head back to my room to rest myse -"

He stops midsentence as Zero reaches out and tugs on his sleeve once more. Kaname pauses and asked uncertainly, "Zero?"

"Don't go," Zero whispers softly.

Kaname's eyes widen slightly at hearing those words, and he swallows before asking worriedly, "Zero? What do you mean? What is wrong?"

Zero shakes his head, hair still covering his expression, and repeats, "Don't go."

The tone has Kaname's fingers twitching restlessly because it sounds pained, weary, and that is not right.

What…what should he do here?

He can't tell if it's the side effect of the alcohol or not, but Zero sounds troubled, and if any of their conversations has told Kaname anything, it's that he is useless when it comes to comforting Zero.

Kaname swallows and glances at Zero again, narrowing his eyes when he notices that Zero still has his head lowered. Deep concern runs through him and has him demanding, "Zero, look at me."

There is a pause and Kaname is already tensing to step even closer when Zero finally raises his head to stare straight at Kaname.

Kaname inhales sharply. Pain and melancholy enshrouds Zero's eyes, coloring them with such a dizzying emotional intensity that Kaname's chest tightens uncomfortably. Those eyes, that gaze…it pierces him and stills the words sitting on the tip of his tongue and the thoughts fluttering in his head.

Kaname clears his throat as he struggles to speak, unable to tear his eyes away from those lilac hues deepening to amethyst.

What is going on? Why is Zero looking at him like that?

He says cautiously all the while unconsciously taking a step forward, "…Zero, you're - you are not yourself right now…The alcohol must be affecting you. Go to sleep. You will feel more like yourself in the morning."

At hearing Kaname's words, Zero's eyes suddenly widen in distress and he tightens his grip on Kaname's sleeve. In a shaky voice, he chokes out, "No. Stay. It hurt when y-you were gone this week." In an even quieter voice, he whispers, "It still does."

Zero's hand is trembling, Kaname notices with worry, as he holds on even more tightly to his sleeve.

Kaname swallows thickly, his thoughts in disarray. Zero is…what did he say? It hurt when he was gone?

The side of his neck suddenly throbs harshly again, white-hot under his skin, almost in retaliation, and the urge to reach out and comfort Zero intensifies.

He ventures warily, "What do you mean it hurts?" He looks down in concern at Zero. "Was it-Do you need blood?" Kaname asks helplessly.

He does not understand. What could be bothering Zero for him to look…look like that?

Zero shakes his head again, this time more vigorously. He looks again at Kaname, eyes desperately beseeching him silently to understand.

Kaname gazes back helplessly, his own desperateness rising sharply. "Zero, what's wrong?"

Kaname grimaces in pain as the region where Zero had bitten him flares to a harsh, scalding burn, and his unease writhes and prickles his skin.

He swallows, reining in the sensations, before he glances back at Zero. A hurt expression crosses Zero's features and has Kaname swallowing again.

Those violet eyes churn with varying emotions, gleaming alarmingly with wetness. And Zero…Zero is still gripping his sleeve like a precious lifeline. Kaname's eyes flick to Zero's other hand and sees it clenched tightly in a fist, knuckles white.

Without a gun and dressed down to a tee and boxers, with strands of hair plastered wildly to his face, and long legs dangling over the side of the bed, Zero looks…

Vulnerable.

Nothing about the scene feels right. The pain on Zero's face, in his eyes, his voice. None of it belongs there.

The wrongness chafes Kaname, like it did before on that night.

Zero is strong, so strong. Battling demons many would never have dreamed of or dared to. So why does he look so fragile now?

And as his mind whispers darkly, why is he the one who keeps seeing it? Is it his fault?

Kaname does not know if it is because of the bond's insistence or his own. But, the instinct to soothe, to reassure, to comfort overwhelms him, the need thrumming through his fingers, and he automatically reaches out to touch Zero's cheek.

Maybe - Could it be…?

His thumb brushes Zero's cheek gently and he watches wonderingly as Zero instinctively turns to his touch.

With a heavy feeling of dread, he murmurs, "The bond. You hurt because I was gone?"

At Zero's slight nod, Kaname reflexively pulls Zero in and embraces him without further thought.

The close contact instantly alleviates the pain in Kaname's neck and Kaname could feel the bond distinctly buzzing happily.

He should have known. If the bond has been driving him nearly insane all week, then what about Zero?

Kaname swallows again, inwardly berating himself for being so neglectful, so dismissive of the bond.

A rueful expression crosses Kaname's face. He whispers softly, "I'm sorry."

Zero, still sitting, merely presses his face to Kaname's chest and neck in response. His fingers latch tightly onto Kaname's coat lapels. He asks again, voice quiet and small, "Leaving?"

Kaname stares down at Zero's head, still buried into his jacket. Expression softening, he says in an equally quiet voice, "No, I'll stay."

Zero raises his head up then, eyes wide and uncertain.

His heart thumps irregularly at the raw emotion that Zero presented him. Impulsively, Kaname lowers his head to press a chaste kiss on Zero's forehead and murmurs sincerely, "I promise I will stay."

Zero slowly nods. Kaname lets him rest, sensing Zero's need to feel close to him.

Minutes waltz by as Kaname refuses to disrupt the peace that finally settles over Zero. His eyes fixates on Zero's form still in his arms. He notices Zero's breathing evening out, his body relaxing, eyelids beginning to droop down. Kaname says quietly, "You should lie down now."

At Zero's affirmative, Kaname gently lets go of Zero. Zero, fortunately, recognizes the hint and slides in between the covers without any further prompting. Taking care to stay in Zero's line of sight in case Zero thinks he's leaving, Kaname unbuttons his coat and places it on the chair.

He walks slowly to the empty side of the bed and tentatively settles down in the bed. Kaname glances sideways and frowns in dismay. Zero must have sensed his hesitance because he turns stiffly away from him, muscles in his back taut with tension and keeping strictly to his side of the bed.

This is not what he wished for. This is the very opposite effect of comforting someone.

Making his decision, he moves closer to Zero, turns on his side, and wraps an arm over Zero, hand reaching for Zero's own and fingers interlocking together. Zero freezes for a second before he relaxes, fingers tightening and bringing their clasped hands up towards his chest like before.

Kaname smiles softly at that and relaxes as well, settling into the close warmth of Zero's body pressing closely against him.

He exhales slowly as his mind runs over what happened. He thinks that relatively speaking, it is not the best idea to stay the whole night since someone is certain to notice his missing whereabouts, especially since Kaname told Takuma he would be retiring directly to his room after conversing with Cross.

On the other hand, he promised Zero that he would stay, and he won't break it.

….Although, Kaname can only imagine what the conversation will go like when Zero wakes up. He half - hopes Zero would have some memory of tonight, and he half - hopes Zero does not because Zero…

Zero seemed so painfully vulnerable tonight, and it's alright if he is the only one who remembers it for the both of them.

Kaname's eyelids flutter. It has been a long night…or early morning. He feels exhausted…so very exhausted…so…

Kaname's eyes close as sleep stakes its claim over him and wipes his mind clear of his worries.

A/N:

Gasp! Next chapter? Yas.

Pfft, I just divided the KaZe part into two to make it easier to read, and it took so long to update because of the editing for next chapter. I could have just updated with this one first, but eh, that was a really long A/N in the beginning and this chapter was not 100% KaZe and I did promise you guys more KaZe, so you guys can thank my guilty conscience.