A/N: Next update won't be until next week but, I hit a good flow with Kain and Zero. Which made me happy.
It felt like he was sneaking away after being privy to a private moment. Snakelike. Yet, it wasn't close to what he wanted. Zero knew the look in Touya's eye, her subtle head jerks towards the returned. He stopped once he rounded the corner, his heart pounding in his ears. He shook his head clear, forcing his thoughts down as he continued on his way.
The attendees had doubled since word got out about Kain's return. Zero recognized Aidou's father, who stood in the corner frowning at everyone, and Souen's mother, who was halfway through her own bottle. A few of the cousins had joined. In the crowd, Zero could see Ichijo socializing with some of the family, his attentions not on him for the time being. He sighed in relief, catching sight of Wakaba. The brunette offered a small smile as Zero sidled next to her, offering a drink. Zero downed it, causing her to lift an eyebrow. "Lovers' spat already?"
"In order to have that," Zero started, "we'd have to be lovers. I'm with Takuma, he's with Shiki. Just like we wanted."
"I see." She commented, watching him pour himself another.
"No." He chastised her.
"I'm just observing." She sang, a small smirk on her face.
"And who gave you permission?" She couldn't hide the smile forming as he tried to remain dower.
"What about a little… Quid pro quo?"
"The great Sayori Wakaba lowering herself to deals?" Zero questioned, grabbing her arm. "I'm kidding."
"You both need closure… As do I." Her eyes fell on the group that came through the door. Zero followed her gaze, watching as the eldest held Souens arm, symbolically giving her away to Aidou.
"What's the trade?"
"You know what it is."
"And, your plan?" Touya was pushing past people as Kain was lured into a conversation with Aidou's father.
"I'll distract Ichijo with Shiki. Not that hard to do." Zero's eyes followed. Ichijo's attentions were on the brunette that had just arrived, the hurt on his face evident. Zero nodded.
"Deal."
"What's the deal?" Touya asked, nodding to Wakaba as she tugged on Zero's cuff. He smiled briefly at the other, his hand on Touya's waist.
"Sold you in exchange for a chance to say goodbye." He reiterated.
"What? Why?" Despite her whine, Touya's curious eyes trailed back to Wakaba.
"She deserves to know you still love her, your reasonings." Instantly, his hand rested on her waist, his attentions landing on Kain. Despite his usual countenance and intimidation tactics, the aristocrat seemed… Unhealthy. His cheeks were sunken in, the bags under his eyes defined. Zero bit his lower lip.
"I know, I know." Touya sighed.
"Is it just me or does he seem… Unfocused."
"Jittery. Shaky." Touya nodded. "Do you think some shit went down in America and he's dealing with PTSD?"
"That would be a question for him." Zero stated.
"So, how are you going to get closure?"
"Not here." Zero whispered, worried that their conversation would alert Ichijo.
"Are you going to tell him you miss him?"
"No."
Touya hit his shoulder. "Then, what's the point?"
Zero lowered his gaze, focusing on the steps. Again, he repeated the words he had said to Wakaba. "I made my choice. I'm with Ichijo, he's with Shiki –"
"He's not with Shiki." Touya informed him haughtily. "He's with some guy named Lee."
"He's still unavailable… And, it's not like I'm the best person for him."
"Who cares?" Touya dismissed. Zero studied her as she blushed at her own outburst. "You think love is a choice?"
"What I'm doing isn't love." The words he'd heard a million times echoed in his head. Zero bit his lower lip, turning his head away from the subject of their conversation. He doesn't deserve this.
Touya sighed, shaking her head. "No wonder men are mocked for their choices – they can't even figure out what they want. Ow."
"Serves you right." He muttered, earning a slight shove from her. They walked off the dance floor together as Kain and Souen joined.
"Does it bother you that he used to –"
"No." Zero answered, the nature of their relationship understandable.
"Right. Well, better to do this now, then." Zero was about to ask what she meant, watching her disappear into the sea of onlookers. He sighed and tried to follow her, coming across Souen's mom helping herself to an umpteenth bottle. He tried to hide.
"Kiryuu! Come, sit!" She waved him over. Defeated, he sat next to her, glad to be out of Ichijo's line of sight. "Isn't it beautiful?"
"The wedding?"
"Everything!" She set her drink down. "You know, I never understood Mayumi's insistence on my Ruuka and her Akatsuki… Especially since we both knew Aidou held all the power."
"… Mayumi?"
"Sorry, Mayoko." She hiccoughed.
"Who's… Mayumi?" Zero asked.
"You know, you're really attractive." She slurred, her hand on his wrist. Zero gulped, leaning back into his seat as she leaned forward. "And, such intense eyes."
"Thanks?" Mayumi?
"All right, all right, all right. We have an odd request. Would Kain, Kiryuu, Wakaba, Touya, Shiki and Ichijo all meet on the dance floor?"
Zero stood, Souen's mother sighing. "I forgot you're not interested in women."
He heard the assumption, throwing her his best maybe look. "Depends on what they have for me."
He skittered away, finding himself on the dance floor. Touya was pulling Ichijo and Shiki onto the dance floor, leaving Wakaba unattended. Kain lifted an eyebrow, obviously curious as to whether this was Zero's plan. The silver head shook his head, jerking it towards the blonde. Kain nodded, audibly swallowing. The DJ started playing a stupidly slow song. Touya started the dance, taking Wakaba in her arms. Kain stepped forward, offering his hand to Zero. The other accepted, all the thoughts and hindrances disappearing. Kain spoke first. "Leave it to Touya to be this obvious."
"How'd you have dealt with it?"
"Approached each one separately saying that someone important is looking for them on the balcony." He tsked. "Tactless."
Under his hand, Zero could feel Kain shaking. He spoke clearly though, the smell of alcohol and blood was on his breath. Kain continued. "Anyway… Are you free in the next two weeks?"
"Why?"
Kain leaned over his ear. Zero tried his best not to breathe in the intoxicating scent nor enjoy the warmth Kain offered. It would only make everything harder. "The chores I gave you."
"I gave you all the updates." Zero informed him, enjoying Kain's head on his shoulder. As if he broke a trane, Kain backed off.
"Which means next course of action."
"Wait…" Zero started as the songs last chords played. "You're only here for two weeks?"
"Mm. With several meetings." He offered a smile, spinning Zero into Ichijo. Zero didn't blame him. After all, the most he knew was that he was Ichijo's property. As he forced Zero to step back, his eyes returned to Shiki.
"Touya thinks she's clever." He remarked.
"She can be." He let Ichijo spin him.
"Tell me – was it just so you could talk to Kain?"
"No." He glanced at the blonde. "I think she wants her favorite couples back together."
He seemed to buy this excuse. "Why doesn't she just ask Wakaba out again?"
"Why don't you just ask Shiki out again?" Zero retorted, regretting it instantly. Ichijo's expression darkened.
"Shiki has Kain. And, as much as you hate it, you have me." He spat the last, his fingers digging into Zero's branded side. The other tried to pretend it did no harm. The idea started in his head.
"Actually, Shiki has no one." He whispered in Ichijo's ear. Perhaps… This? Is the elevation I need. The blonde's head shot towards the brunette, his eyes widening. He shook the information off.
"Doesn't matter."
"Doesn't it?" Ichijo's mood dowered. Zero's mood sunk. Dammit… Why am I stuck with people who can't be manipulated? He switched the conversation. "Do you know anyone by the name of Mayumi?"
"… No. Why?"
"No reason." Zero forced a semi-smile, gritting through the pain.
It was instantaneous. The doors slammed open, loud enough for them to echo in the ballroom. One of the hotel's managers called out: 'you're not allowed in there. It's a private gathering.'
Zero unraveled from Ichijo's embrace, the aristocracy studying the new comer. Aidou cleared his throat, forcing a smile as Souen glared at the man in disgust, her scrutinizing tactic having yet to prove her wrong. "Excuse me, sir, but this is a private –"
"Akatsuki!" The man yelled, pushing past Aidou and others. Everyone, including Zero, turned towards Kain. He was stuck in a conversation with another, turning slowly towards the intruder. He took him in his arms, a small, embarrassed look about him.
"Akatsuki… You know him?" Souen asked.
He held up a finger. "Lee, I promised to introduce you at a later date."
"But, I need it." The man whined, at an uncomfortable volume. Zero knew he wasn't the only one who raised an eyebrow, his attention resting on Souen and Aidou.
Aidou opened his mouth to speak, closing it shortly after. Souen forced herself into resolve. "This is Lee?"
Glad for the distraction, Kain nodded, trying to pry Lee's arms off him. "Yes."
"Nice to meet you." Souen tried in her best English. Lee examined her, clearly annoyed. Both Zero and Touya stepped forward, kept at bay by Aidou.
"Are… You the bitch cousin?"
Souen stared at her elder cousin in disbelief. "Why'd you say that?"
"We both know I meant Hana." Kain tried to explain. To both Zero's and Souen's surprise, Aidou only chuckled.
"Why don't you and Lee go outside and talk?" Shiki recommended. Kain nodded, thankful for someone to help him. As they stepped out, the comments started flowing. Touya sidled up to Zero.
"That little twerp is Lee?" Touya questioned.
"Apparently." Zero tried not to crane his neck for a better look.
"Dyed blonde hair, shorter… Sounds like he's on helium…" Zero lowered his head. There were so many possibilities. He gulped, letting them leave. Better not to get distracted. "I know. He found a blow-up doll, called a sex line and let out the helium."
Zero snorted. "Seriously?"
"I need it? There's only one option for that and… In the middle of a public event? Not to mention, insulting the bride…" Touya rolled her eyes. "I don't say it often, Zero-kun but, I'm glad you don't act like that."
"Awe." He nudged her slightly. "Did you and Wakaba have a talk?"
Touya's mood soured further. "She just asked me the same questions she's already asked. I thought… Maybe…"
"You know, you give me a lot of hate for not voicing what I want but…"
"I know. I'm totally and completely one of the dudes. I can't even form a sentence when it comes to her."
"Tell her that." Zero joked, avoiding her foot. "Or… I could fake hit on Wakaba and you can hit me and say it to me."
"… I know you're joking but, that might actually work."
"Just not here." He stated, solemnly as his eyes fixated on the aristocrats return. Zero tilted his head, the nervous energy that had plagued Kain gone. Almost… No, Zero argued with him as the eldest cousin approached the couple.
"Sorry about Lee." He apologized, bowing to them.
"So… Did he need it?" Aidou slapped his thigh, laughing at his own joke.
"Hana… I love you but, shut up." Souen sighed. "You headed home?"
"Yeah. When are you two back from vacation?" Kain asked.
"We're going for ten days." She stated proudly.
He nodded, his eyes on Aidou. Just like that, Aidou's expression turned methodical. "I need a meeting with you. ASAP."
"… I'll see what I can do."
A/N: Only because it's a long weekend.