A/N: Just decided to write… If it's crap, my fault.

"You're early." Aidou complained, closing the door. Zero shrugged.

"Think mama had ulterior motives." He jerked his head towards the entrance. Aidou shrugged.

"Can you blame her?" His tired expression became serious, mesmerizing. The Hunter focused his attentions on the plant, knowing inevitably, the aristocrat would drop it. It didn't take as long as the Hunter thought. "So, hive mind. What does Akatsuki know of it?"

"What do you know of it?"

"Not much."

"Well, you're no help." He sighed, leaning his head back. Much like any time he'd visit Aidou, Zero's attentions were drawn onto the projects that remained. His expression turned quizzical. "What's that?"

"Research project from Akatsuki." Aidou answered. Zero stood by his side. "It's broken-down components are similar to vampire drug use –"

"Concoction X." The Hunter stated.

"Are hostages on this?" Aidou asked, narrowing down the possibilities in his head.

"No." Again, the Hunter changed the subject. "Why does Kain want a research project on this? Is he trying to control the market he sells to?"

"More like it's affecting the market he sells to." He grimaced slightly. "You and Akatsuki are okay, right?"

"We're civil. Why?"

"… Kuran's agreed to my request to extend Kain's stay for an additional two weeks."

"Why did you request that?"

"Haven't you noticed he seems… Unwell?" Zero blinked several times. In the times he'd seen Kain, he had been distant, easily annoyed: his eyes, unfocused and thoughts a million miles away. Did it mean he was finally over his friend's dramas? Zero almost smacked himself. Kain was never a friend.

"He seemed well enough."

"Uh-huh." Again, the aristocrat was seeking the meaning behind the words. "Hive mind. What do you know about it?"

"Affects big businesses –"

"Hence the web sites." Aidou nodded.

"… And, apparently, the AVAH." Realization dawned on Zero. His stomach turned into a knot. "Do you think Kain is part of the hive mind?"

"If it affects big businesses, it's probably like a plague… Or a union." Aidou chuckled to himself. Upon catching Zero's expression in the mirror, his smile faded. "What if he is?"

"… Then, I've seriously misjudged him."

"… And, if he isn't?"

"Then, it's a weed that needs to be pulled out and fast."

Silence. Aidou pulled out a vial of Concoction X, cross examining it against the blood sample. He bit his inner cheek. "… same strain… But, this one's more potent…"

Zero examined the mathematical calculations Aidou wrote down on his scrap piece of paper, determining it was time to leave. He made his way towards the door. "Right, Kiryuu."

Zero snapped his head back in Aidou's direction. The other didn't bother taking his eyes off the microscope. "Ruuka's planning a party for the extension. She'd like it if you were there."

The silver head almost smiled. "I'll be there."

"Oh! Right!" Aidou opened one of the cabinets and pulled out two containers, handing them to the Hunter. Zero tucked them into his jacket. "No more than a dime per area."

"It doesn't help the burn." He answered, closing his eyes.

"No… Unfortunately, that will scar."

"… Thanks."

"Mm."

Zero closed his eyes, tuning out Ichijo's demands. Most he already knew of – stay away from Kain, the invitation was for me – not you. Zero felt the sting, now a dull reminder. The one that set his teeth on edge even now caused his hand to turn into a fist. Even on his arm, the second they were in the banquet hall, Zero parted from him the first chance he had, joining Touya and Kaito at the open bar.

"Does mama really think the US is nothing but water?" Touya questioned.

"Apparently." Kaito shook his head, downing straight gin.

"Doesn't matter." Zero answered, helping himself to a drink.

"Parties like these do matter, Zero." Touya argued.

"Why?" Kaito questioned. Zero was sure he was trying to be argumentative.

Touya sighed as if they were both morons. "The more support Kain gets, the longer we can keep him."

"I thought this was all about networking." Zero whined, ordering another.

"… That, too." She scrunched her face at him. "Oi, lightweight! Leave some for those that can handle their liquor."

He answered by sticking his tongue out. Kaito stretched in his seat. "Still don't understand why I'm here."

"Because I usually get ditched." Touya messed up his hair, the three turning to the sound of someone tapping on their glass. This time, Zero examined the guest of honor critically. Despite the semi-smile plastered on his face, the aristocrat appeared paler than his usual tan self. Even from this distance, Zero could see the slight protruding bones, his cheeks sunken. Was it normal for him to be shaking? He was broken out of his observations by the loud clapping and cheering of Touya, creating a spectacle of them. In their fashion, Kaito and Zero turned their backs, preoccupying themselves with their drinks. Zero flinched at the sudden change into a ninety-seventies disco light.

"Ugh, you're heavy." The familiar voice informed the small, giggling one.

"Am not!" Touya squealed as Zero turned, the guest of honor trying to set her down on her stool. Touya jumped back onto his side, held by the tired Kain's arm wrapped around her waist.

"Thought you'd be too good to be hanging with the likes of us." Kaito commented, gesturing to the crowd.

"As much hobnobbing as I should be doing, I don't want to." He tapped on the bar. "Blood water, please."

"You quit?" Touya shrieked. Zero admired Kain's ability to barely wince. "But, we're supposed to be drinking buddies."

She started pouting as Kaito shook his head. "What are Kiryuu and I for?"

"… Tavern buddies." She grinned as the brunette shook his head at her logic.

"Seriously, though… Aren't you supposed to be keeping Shiki company?" Zero asked.

"I could ask you a similar question." Kain answered, jerking his head to the corner where Ichijo and Shiki were flirting in a corner. "Though, considering their roles in destroying our lives, you'd think they'd be more discreet."

"More like destroying your life." Kaito snickered. Touya nudged his side, Zero taking a shot. "What? Technically, Zero's standards lowered by dating Kain or Ichijo."

"And Kain's social standing isn't based on his dating life? By our standings, he's the one lowering his standards." She rested a hand on Zero's arm, offering a smile. "Just because you're a different level, no other reason. I promise!"

"I figured that." He caught Ichijo's eye, swallowing audibly. "If anyone needs me, I'll be over…"

He gestured to a hallway with a small fountain, taking three of his glasses. He was well aware of Kain's eyes on him. Once out of the watchful eyes, he lit a cigarette, hoping the smoke would clear his mind. Unfortunately, it was ever present on the task at hand. And how little progress he had made.

Zero downed a shot, the memories bubbling to the surface. Kain's satin hair under his fingertips, his soft breath hitting his cheek… It was easily replaced by the anger on Ichijo's, the demeaning positions Zero found himself in nightly… Even Yuuki's smile couldn't replace the pain he knew.

"I guess it's true what they say: you learn something new every day."

"Stop with your hot and cold motives." Zero inhaled, crushing the cigarette. "I miss the no-plan Kain. Besides, weren't you the one who said we shouldn't be alone together?"

Kain joined him against the railing, resting his forearms against it. "I'm known for breaking my own logic. I told Ruuka I'd never take her shopping again and Touya that I'd never drink again… Yet…"

He held up a drink. Zero shook his head. "So, when are you taking Ruuka shopping?"

"Tomorrow." Silence. Zero missed this kind where no words needed to be said and no fears crept into his head. "I hope she treats you better than Ichijo."

"Who?" Zero asked, sudden realization hitting him. "Oh…. I don't know if she will or won't."

"I hope she will. You deserve it." Kain answered, raising his eyes to the stars.

"… You deserve someone who loves you unconditionally." Zero returned a few moments later.

"Doesn't everyone deserve that?" Kain asked, his speech slurring a little.

"No. Kaname doesn't."

"… Maybe he does. And someone he loves unconditionally."

"Why?"

"Because it'd make your plan simpler. Because everyone deserves to know what it feels like." He would have added more yet, he swirled his drink slightly.

"Have you felt that?" Zero asked nonchalantly.

"I think I have. Or, at least, I've deluded myself into believing it."

"With Lee or Shiki?" Zero questioned.

"You know who it is."

"Does it hurt?"

"… It's… What I'm used to." He offered a small smile, his eyes dropping to the garden. "I'll always be in your corner, Kiryuu."

Perhaps it was the alcohol. Perhaps it was his body missing Kain's. Perhaps it was because he hated knowing he wouldn't return those feelings. Despite the reason, Zero examined the area before he turned Kain, pressing his back into the railing, his lips on Kain's eager ones.

"Ahem." Zero glanced at Souen as Kain ran his lips over Zero's neck. "Not here."

She gestured for them to follow her, Kain reluctant to separate from Zero. The Hunter grasped his hand, running his thumb over Kain's. She led them to a secluded area, shoving them both in. Zero wasted no time, wrapping Kain's leg around his waist as he pressed into the taller, guiding him by the hair. He could deal with the mess tomorrow if he could have tonight.

A/N: I have three chapters planned for this one… This is one out of three.