A/N: … I'm addicted. God, I miss writing. Just writing. No talking to people, only me and my imagination. The chapter is based on "He's Hurting Me" by Maria Mena and "Mental Disease" by Licia Cherry… Yes, I've been having issues.
It was easier to pretend to be asleep. He'd learned that the hard way. He couldn't lift his head, his body numb. If he so much as tried to lift himself, Zero would feel the pain in his shoulders, his back. If he stayed past his welcome, it'd be worse.
Zero squeezed his eyes shut as Ichijo tucked his hair behind his ear, pressing a kiss against his jawline. He tried not to tense as the door creaked. Minutes later, the front door slammed. Zero rolled over, gritting his teeth in the process. He felt the blood pour from a past scar as he stumbled into the bathroom, the hunger worsening. He hadn't felt like this since the Academy.
It was always worse in the morning. Some sections of his body were closer to a black purple color, offsetting the pasty pale. The deep cuts of a whip by Ichijo's practiced hand still stung red, some having torn open by Zero's need to move.
He used one of the washcloths against his neck, a shiver going down his spine at the memory. Perhaps it was his punishment for so much as thinking about Kain. The make-do noose… Even now, it hurt to swallow.
Zero was thankful for Touya, caking concealer on his neck. Ichijo never hit his face – that'd be too easy to spot. Still, Zero wore the turtleneck sweater, hating that the fibers always seemed to stick to the tears. Once dressed, he texted Touya.
"You look like hell." She exclaimed as he slowly bent into the car, grimacing as the fresh brand rested against the seat. She pulled out one of their cold packs, adjusting it under the turtleneck. He bent his head back experimentally, gritting his teeth as he did so. "How long are you going to put up with it?"
"Until I get the meeting I need." He answered, leaning forward as she pressed the next cold compress against his back.
"Next time, call Akitty." She told him, helping to buckle him in.
"That'd be worse… For both of us." He tried to sit up straight, the ache in his thighs speaking up.
"I don't care." Touya forced a few strands in front of her face, creating a shield to the mask of disappointment, anger and sadness Zero was used to seeing now. "Kaito and I agree that you should drop it."
"I've faced worse at the hands of Ichijo." Zero barked, wincing as he did so. Touya sniffled, closing her mouth for the first time in ages. He mentally reprimanded himself, his hand seeking hers. It was the only comfort he could give her for the time being. His voice softened, taking the edge out of the rawness. "I need you to do me a favor."
Touya swallowed, stopping at the red light. Aimlessly, she dug into the back of the vehicle, pulling out a water bottle tainted with a tablet. "As if this isn't enough?"
"It's the kind of thing you like." Awkwardly, he tried to pull out his phone, knowing he missed the dispatchers' call.
Touya eyed him suspiciously. "What is it?"
"Find me everything you can on a Mayumi."
"Last name?"
"None that I know of. Except, she has a connection to Kain and Souen's parents."
Touya's brow furrowed. "Sure it's not a code name?"
"It might be. But, I'd rather be thorough."
"And, while I'm doing all this cool detective stuff, where will you be?"
"Travelling with Kaito." He rested his eyes momentarily. "Finally doing stuff I'm good at."
"What about dealing with Ozaki?"
"Kain can deal with it." Is that why he's always tired? Zero suddenly wondered. Thinking back, he couldn't recall a changeover where Kain wasn't yawning and attempting to lean against a wall. Even then, he had dark bags under his eyes. Or, were they the nightmares? The unresolved issues? Gently, he touched the healing bite mark – the only one that had shown signs of healing. As much as Zero hated himself for enjoying the bite… He shut his eyes, trying to push the thought away. Yet, there was the small giddy pleasure, the gentle pressure… Even now, he wasn't sure if Kain's lips had pressed against the old wound. It was probably my imagination. He forced himself to drink some of the water, already knowing that he'd be in trouble with Ichijo for doing so.
"Zero?"
"Hmm?"
Touya tsked. "I said, why didn't you guys take advantage of the closet?"
"What closet?"
"Apparently, Mama set up a make out closet designed specifically for you two."
"Who told you that?"
"Akitty. He said you didn't seem into it."
"He didn't tell me about it." Zero answered. Perhaps this was his way of hinting he was over the Hunter. Zero tried to keep his jealousy down as he pictured Kain taking Lee there…
"Hey!"
"Sorry." He uncurled his hand, his nails leaving no impressionable marks on the leather.
"Better be." Touya grumbled. He knew her nagging questions would surface. "What were you thinking about?"
"… Just thinking."
"Thinking?" He attempted a shrug, hating his decision immediately after. "Or, were you picturing something else?"
"Like?" He tried his best to sound disinterested. Sadly, he also knew Touya could read him like a book.
"Like what I picture whenever Sa… Wakaba has a date." She tried her best not to clench her teeth at the thought.
"… Maybe."
Touya pulled into the parking stall, turning off the engine. "Zero… I know that if Kain's desperate enough to date an obvious user because he looks like you, it's a compliment."
"Maybe it's just his type."
"Maybe. But…" Touya clicked her tongue. "If I try to see it from Akitty's side… He thought he'd never see you again. Naturally, he'd be searching for another you and dumb enough to think he'd find one in our generation."
She tapped his nose freely, grinning as he struggled to lift his arms. "Because you're one in a million."
"I'm starting to understand Kain's obsession with peeing on everything you love." He muttered.
"Mean. Do you want me to leave you in the car?"
"Now who's mean?"
"You know, screw him." Kaito answered the following morning. Zero still had a few ice packs on his body, glad that Ichijo's business trip had come a day earlier than intended. "If he didn't take you in his arms and kiss you right then and there, who needs him?"
Zero sighed, regretting ever introducing Touya and Kaito to each other. Despite his claim that he hated all vampires, Kaito seemed to enjoy the drama that surrounded them. "With Ichijo standing there? And Shiki?"
Kaito scowled. "All the more reason to make it worth your while. I mean, who spent the entire time doing his 'chores' for him?"
"His 'chores' got me in good standing with the majority of the Kuran fan club. And, a good resource for finding out what's actually going on with Level E's. Not to mention, two places to call home where I'm actually welcomed." He tried to stretch out his legs, causing an ache in his side. Definitely fractured…
"Well, yeah… But…"
"Tell me about the mission." Zero insisted, helping himself to the bloody water.
"Dispatch didn't tell you?"
"They did. I didn't pick up."
Kaito whistled. "Ballsy. What are they going to say when they realize you're on this mission?"
"Probably call me a selfish bastard or something." He straightened, the click in his hip loud enough for both to hear.
"Mini clear out. AVAH got the majority of anyone human. Just the hostages."
Zero nodded. "Think the AVAH will start dealing with hostages?"
"That depends. Does your boyfriend know what your daddy and you are up to?" Zero glared at him as Kaito grinned to himself.
"You're not funny."
"Sure I am. Touya thinks so."
"Rima thinks poop and piddle are funny words." He shook his head, the bones in his neck making slight adjustments. At least they feel better, he thought.
"You just have no taste." Kaito argued. Zero rolled his eyes as Kaito examined him. "You sure you're good?"
"A Hunter at half-mast is still better than nothing." Zero answered.
"Who gave you that load of crap?" Kaito asked, wrinkling his nose in disgust.
"Oh, I've seen it with my own eyes."
"Really?"
"Yup."
"Who was it?"
Zero smirked and prepared for the hit. "You."
"I've never seen that before." Kaito panted.
"A dead body?" Zero asked facetiously.
"You know what I mean." His partner huffed.
"Level E's playing house?" He knew he was being a pain.
"They're not known for sharing… well, anything." The hostage spat towards them, the blood spewing in their direction. They started pacing their cage like a tiger. Their new captures followed in suit, some more excitedly than others. Zero backed from the cages, dragging Kaito with him.
"I need a drink." Kaito remarked as they wandered down the halls, their noise echoing after them.
"Or three." Zero squeezed his eyes shut.
"What's the theory?" His partner asked.
"I…" He shook his head. "Your guess is as good as mine. Level E's feeding on hostages, makes sense. Level E's feeding hostages their blood…"
His stomach churned at the thought. Kaito bit his lip. "Maybe… They're trying to change hostages?"
"… That is the dumbest thing I've ever heard." Zero held the exit door open for him.
"Says the man who said 'your guess is as good as mi – ooph." Kaito almost toppled to the ground as the Headmaster failed at trapping Zero in an infamous hug. Kaito accepted it, patting Cross' back. Zero smirked as Yagari rested against the brick wall.
"Good timing. Little rusty on the not-getting-caught part." His Master answered as Cross' arms wrapped around his shoulders, squeezing. Zero gasped, the sudden pressure on him a shock. Yagari raised an eyebrow as Cross eased his grip. "Something happen on the hunt?"
Zero shook his head as Kaito nodded. This time, Cross examined both the boys, the concern hiding the angry father mood swing. Yagari waited for Kaito to open his mouth. Zero cut him off. "Ever hear of a Level E feeding someone their blood?"
Yagari and Cross shared a look, both shaking their heads. Cross turned thoughtful, taking off his glasses. Zero's head tilted as Yagari hid a grin. "Could be partial mimicry… Evolution… Sire bond of their own…Strengthening blood bond which would increase hostage situation…"
Kaito and Zero exchanged glances, turning their attentions to their Master. The other shook his head. "Never heard of one. Might want to do a drug test, though. Say things like that, you might be on drugs."
"Maybe for Kaito." Zero avoided the batting hand. His smile disappeared. "I'm going to the library."
Before anyone could say anything, Zero tried his best to walk normally. His lower back still felt off. He attributed it to the brand more than anything else.
"Anything?" He asked Touya. Kaito rolled his eyes and stepped away from them, preparing to order drinks.
"About… Mayumi? Also, hi." She pulled at the braid in her hair, scrunching her face.
"Obviously about Mayumi."
"Normal people say hi."
He sighed. "Fine. Hi."
"How are you?"
"… Mayumi."
"Mean." Her bottom lip pushed out. She sighed, straightening. "She's not a big name in the inner circles."
"Anyone know her?"
"Best guess? Get Souen's mom drunk and play the charming hottie." She offered as an option. She leaned closer to Zero, the glint in her eye giving away the topic. "So, are we setting him up?"
"You have an option?" He asked, studying the brunette. Touya looked thoughtfully at him.
"The problem is… He's so cocky."
"Both literally and figuratively."
"Have you ever seen him around a girl he'd actually date?" She asked, watching as the Hunter started talking to one of the ladies at the bar.
"I've seen that." He gestured to the scene.
"No, those are the girls he screws then leaves." She lay her head on the table.
"Well…" Zero hated what he was about to say. Touya rested her elbows on the table, lifting her head. "You two claim to be twins."
"Even twins aren't identical." She defended.
"Okay but, just think. What is your ideal type?"
She pressed a finger to her lower lip. "Like, for…"
"Dating, Rima."
"Right, right." Still, she seemed unsure of herself.
"What do you like about Sayori?" Zero asked in disbelief. How can someone so aware of a simple glance…
At the mention, Touya's eyes lit up. She bit her lower lip, her gaze on the table. "She's smart, fun… Not loud and in your face… Mature… The way she mispronounces a word then has to spend several minutes trying to think of how to say the same thing with a different one… How she calls me out when I'm being a jerk…"
The more she thought about it, the more her face dropped. Zero cleared his throat. "So… Kind, nonjudgmental, quiet…"
"Wakaba." Touya grinned, the concern falling quickly. "We're not setting him up with her, right?"
"Sayori's got better taste." He braced for the kick, surprised when it didn't come.
"What if that's not his type?" She asked after several minutes of struggling to refrain herself.
"That's why it's called dating, Rima. So he can learn his type… And, so can we."
"Whose type?" Kaito asked as he approached the table.
"Yours." Zero answered despite Touya's protests.
Kaito glared at her, settling in next to Zero as he set the drinks down. "Whatever matchmaking you're planning –"
"Who? Moi?" She tried her best to pull off an innocent face. "Zero's the one who figured out the type of girl we should set you up with."
"… Thanks, Rima."
"I'm not taking all the blame."
Kaito pinched the bridge of his nose. "You too, Kiryuu?"
"I'm not the one trying to manipulate you to break up with someone." He argued back. Both Touya and Kaito shared a conspiring look. "Stop it."
"Why are you so against being happy, Kiryuu?"
The words lingered in Zero's head as he rested in the guest bed. Touya had moved out into the living room, her restlessness keeping Zero up and her insistence that she could sleep on the couch. Why are you so against being happy?
Naturally, his thoughts drifted to Kain. To Yuuki. To Ichiru. Because, whatever makes me happy, leaves me in the end, he tried to answer. It led to other answers. Kain didn't leave of his own volition. You're punishing him for something two people did.
Annoyed, Zero sat up in his bed. The thoughts wrapped around him, some of them the same sentiment Ichijo had voiced. You had happiness. You'd just rather stay the miserable victim. You don't trust it when you're content. You had a future and turned your nose up at it. For what? The only love you've ever known: the beast inside. To appease the beast that prefers being ripped to shreds, torn down.
He covered his ears, the voice getting louder. You will listen, Zero. As much as you want to be free of the Kurans, you had a peaceful option. You're a prisoner of misery. A time-bomb. Willingly letting anyone have you, bite you… You're addicted to the rush that comes with the self-hatred.
He could almost see the dirty sheets, his scent and those who 'visited' permeating the air. He held in the sob as long as he could, the tears stinging at his eyes. You don't deserve it.
A/N: Six pages… And now, I just wanna go and hug a pillow.