A/N: It's five minutes after midnight… Boys Like Girls… Anyone? Non? Okay…

Zero rested his back against the bathtub, his sick still covering his tongue. It wasn't uncommon with Ichijo, the blonde insistent on finishing wherever he wanted. He pulled his knees to his chest, his stomach still threatening to further its action. It wasn't unusual for him to feel the nails running through his hair, dragging him from his thoughts and into the blue eyes of Touya. She offered him the blood water, scowling when he shook his head. "You need your energy."

"… I don't want it."

"I don't care whether you want it or not." He accepted it, knowing she'd be pressuring him for details soon enough. It was easier to avoid them if he was drinking. "So… You're the doer, not the done."

He rolled his eyes and stood, annoyed that she followed as he tried to escape to the kitchen. Eventually, he'd have to tell her. For now, he filled his mouth with the sweet liquid, grimacing as he did so. "You know, I'd have pictured it the other way. Then again, it's natural for the taller to –"

"It's not a matter of who's taller." Zero muttered, hating himself for answering. Touya smirked, tilting her head to the side. He knew he'd opened the conversation. Again, he chanced a swig before continuing, much to her aggravation. "It's whoever initiates."

"Does that mean he's a bottom?"

"If you want the answer to that…"

"Come on! I'm a girl and I don't understand how it works." Her bottom lip poked out in a pout. He glared, hating that she knew how to twist his arm.

"… He prefers to ride."

"Oh, like a cowboy."

"Cowboy, reverse cowboy… doggy, wheelbarrow…"

"And, I guess you don't like those options?"

"… Not when I haven't seen him for a while." He tried to walk around the island. She slid over the counter and landed in front of him, her Cheshire grin bothering him.

"What would you have preferred?" He avoided her gaze. "Come on, please?"

"… missionary."

"But, that's so vanilla."

"It's vanilla but, with him…" He shrugged, leaning against the island.

"… Something's wrong."

"Really? How can you tell?"

"Usually, you're in a better mood when you're talking about hooks."

"Ah, but he's not a hook up."

"… Still." He didn't answer her, ignoring his flinch as her nails scraped across the granite. "… What'd he do."

"Nothing Takuma hasn't done."

"He hurt you without permission?"

"Something like that." He batted her hands away from his shoulder, still sore from Ichijo's claim. "Not physically."

"… Was it a look? What did he say?"

"Not so much what he said rather what he didn't say."

"Which was what?"

"Why are you so invested in this?"

"Same reason I'm invested in Kaito's relationship. I'm the one who encouraged your relationship so, I'm responsible for it. So, tell." He remained silent. "I'm imagining the worst thing he could say to you."

"Which is?"

"That he prefers Lee to you, it was a one-time thing, he got some girl in the US pregnant… Oh! He prefers girls!" She nodded to herself, her eyes narrowing. "It would explain why Lee's voice is so irritating."

"… It wasn't anything like that."

"… Does he prefer Senri?"

"Maybe he does." He shook his head. "What's the situation with Sayori?"

"Changing subjects…" She clicked her tongue, the sly smile on her face.

"You spent the night."

"It's casual."

"You're smiling."

"She makes me smile."

"You're dating."

"Not allowed."

"Why not?"

"Ask Takuma." Zero tilted his head. She shrugged. "He's the one who said I had to break it off."

"Why?"

"Best guess?" He nodded. "He wants all my energy into manipulating you into liking him so he can manipulate you."

Silence. Touya walked to the fridge, pulling out an energy drink. Zero sighed. "Tell me how to use compulsion."

"Why?"

"… Kain's theory." Touya tilted her head. Again, Zero sighed. Why can't she read my mind when it's important? "To get Takuma to trust me."

"… Not following."

"In order for me to get closer to the Kuran's, I have to make Takuma believe I have their best interest at heart."

"Mm. The whole 'I'd die for you' schtick."

"You know it?"

She snorted. "Akitty invented it back when he was grateful to get the bullying to stop."

"Kain was bullied?"

"Mm. Mainly because of Kitashi and Mayoko's constant screwing around."

"That had nothing to do with him."

"You've seen my parents. In our world, whatever your parents are, you are."

"I see…" Silence. "So, how does it work."

"Basically, manipulation tactics."

"I don't manipulate."

"You may have to." She raised an eyebrow. "Wait… You've never used compulsion?"

"Don't make a big deal about it."

"I'm sorry – it's funny." Her expression shifted into somber the longer Zero refused to meet her eye. "We need a practice target."

"Who?"

"… The only man who'd be stupid enough to agree to it."

"So, how'd it go?" Touya teased Kaito.

"The part where Rima said to say goodnight and to make plans for next week didn't go as planned." Zero was surprised to see the slight tint in Kaito's cheeks.

"You didn't sleep together, right?"

"No. We just… Didn't end the date." Both Zero and Touya's head tilted to the side. "I went to drop her off and we ended up watching some anime she likes."

"And then?" Touya pestered.

"She let me sleep on her couch."

"Ever a gentleman?" Zero asked.

"I had a hangover."

"An everlasting hangover." Touya nodded, rolling her eyes as she sipped the berry cocktail. Kaito drank his greedily as she leaned into Zero, lowering her voice. "You want to make eye contact and form a thought in your head. You're going to want that thought to push from your eyes into your subjects."

"His relationship?" Zero asked.

"Yes." He nodded, staring at his partner. The most he received was Kaito's eye brows raising.

"Zero, stop being a freak." Zero lowered his head as Touya held up a hand.

"Sorry, he's just really curious." Zero felt the power emanating from her, surrounding Kaito in a similar cocoon.

"About?" Kaito questioned, fidgeting in his seat.

"How far you actually got."

Kaito avoided her gaze, twitching. "She kissed my cheek and told me she had a wonderful time."

Touya pouted.

"That sucked." Zero commented once they stepped through the threshold.

"Yeah… I guess teaching compulsion is harder than doing it." Touya patted his back. "You going to be okay?"

"Have to be." He clicked his tongue. "Though, I'm going to look stupid, aren't I?"

"Probably." She giggled as he stuck his tongue out at her. "You just need practice."

"Mm." His phone vibrated. He sighed loudly, tossing it onto the couch. "And apparently, lingerie."

"Huh?" She tilted her head.

"Takuma's request."

"… You're kinky enough to have some."

"What kind of…" He shook his head. "No, I don't have any."

"Well, if it's a Takuma request…" He hated the small smile on her face reflecting in the mirror. "It might be an Akitty request, too."

"You're severely sex deprived." Zero muttered though, the thought excited him.

He was unbearably tired in a bed he couldn't sleep in. He hated the fabric catching on his piercing, the tightness of the underwear cutting into his thighs. The only good thing about it was his assistance wasn't needed as Ichijo worked himself, hovering over Zero's body. The bad: his mind was easily led to Kain's reaction, probably encouraged by Touya's not so subtle innuendo. Ichijo's hand wrapped around his neck, his thumb dragging Zero's lower lip down. "You like watching me that much?"

Zero gripped the metal rails as Ichijo gripped his member roughly, squeezing painfully. He lowered his mouth to Zero's ear. "Just as much as my climax on your skin…"

The Hunter was used to the mixture of hate and interest, the blonde pulling and twisting any sensitive skin Zero had. It wasn't long before Ichijo had satisfied himself, rolling off him with his back turned. Zero wondered if he looked as dead as he felt, tugging on the restraints. Despite the likelihood he'd have to sleep with them on, at least the aristocrat hadn't finished inside Zero or play with the piercing so roughly it turned black… again. Still… Zero's movements were subtle, the memory of Kain's weight and enthusiasm vivid in his head. The aristocrat would hold his shoulders down, working towards his elbows… His tongue halfway in Zero's mouth, each moan and groan soft as he twirled his hips.

Zero wet his lips, his breathing uneven as the imaginary Kain gripped himself, somehow entrancing Zero with the small movements. The scenery changed into the party room Souen had set up. Zero wasted no time stripping them down and shoving Kain against the wall. The other rested on his elbows, roughly dragging Zero's mouth to his as he claimed the power, his thumbs running over Zero's nipples. He parted at the new piercing, purposely circling the area. Zero whined as Kain lowered his mouth, nibbling, sucking, licking. Kain pressed Zero's hips against the wall, somehow creating enough friction between his body and the Hunters. Zero claimed the control again, dragging his fingers down Kain's crevice and teasing his entrance. Kain swallowed, the lust clear on his face. "Protection?"

Annoyance turned into slight panic as they searched the room, the night slipping from Zero. He was surprised that, despite the lack of protection, Kain still agreed to ride him. Even now, the words drove both beast and man to primal thoughts. It turns me on, he whispered as he gripped a handful of Zero's hair, knowing that you'd claim me. His tongue circled Zero's neck, the Hunter pulling Kain closer and squeezing his thighs. That you'd finish inside me, coat me…

"Dirty talker." Zero whispered back, thrusting his hips as he spanked his partner. The taller exaggerated a moan, the small yelp following.

"Tease…" Kain answered him, tracing his lips.

"That's rich." Zero won, allowing Kain's tongue to meet his.

Zero exhaled, the present an unwelcome awakening. He grimaced slightly, his eyes drifting to the sleeping figure next to him. Tomorrow, he'd be in trouble for soiling the fabric while the other slept. Tonight… He fell into a stupor, remembering Kain's arms around his waist, the breath on his cheek.

"You're early." Kain noted as Zero approached him. They had agreed to meet in an abandoned high school gym.

"So are you." He commented, shuffling his feet. The beast was happy the taller smelt like him still.

"Touché." Kain set down his phone. "Touya told me you don't know how to use compulsion."

"Yeah… Not really my thing." Kain nodded thoughtfully. Zero scratched the back of his head.

"Well, that does set back your training… And, it does mean Wakaba won't be taught what she needs to know…"

"Can't you do it?" Kain shook his head. "Why not?"

"Once she's trained on how to block compulsion, she'll do it automatically." Zero sat next to Kain, silence ensuing.

"About last time –"

"Forget about it."

"How can I?"

"Don't think about it until it's no longer a piece of our history."

"Why are you pushing me away?"

"Because if I don't…" Kain swallowed, avoiding Zero's eye. "It won't end well."

"Isn't that for us to decide?"

"I'm not having this conversation again."

"You're not the one dating a sadist. I've been looking after myself for quite a while – I can handle –"

"That's just it." Kain turned to him, glaring. It softened immediately. "You shouldn't have to handle it. So, it's easier to remove myself from the situation than do what I want and endanger everything you're working for. Got it?"

Zero understood. The aristocrat returned to his phone. "But, you still want a relationship with me, yes?"

He smiled as Kain squeezed his eyes shut. That's a yes. Quickly, he changed the conversation. "So, why are you teaching me compulsion?"

"Because I need to know what the field's like." He answered, only too happy to ignore the previous.

"You sure –"

"Why are you guys so early?" Wakaba asked, setting her purse down next to Kain and Zero.

"Couldn't wait." Kain engulfed her in a hug, holding her at arms' length. "You smell like Touya…"

"Yeah, we're together again."

"…" Kain turned his head to Zero.

"It's not up to me to keep you up to date on the gossip." He sassed.

Kain stuck his tongue out at him, dropping his arms to his sides. "Unfortunately, before we can start teaching you compulsion, Kiryuu has to learn compulsion."

Zero glared at him as Wakaba nodded. "I'm good with whatever."

Kain nodded, handing her a basketball. "You know the sport?"

"Know, yes. Can do? No."

"That's okay – by the end of today, Kiryuu should be able to help you. Just, stay where you are."

Wakaba nodded as Kain sighed. "How badly do you want Wakaba to shoot a basket?"

"Um… I'm more interested in watching her fail…" He shrugged sheepishly as Kain pinched the bridge of his nose.

"Kiryuu, this is simple beginner compulsion. Toddler vampires do this by accident."

"Are you saying I'm less sophisticated than a toddler?"

"When it comes to being a vampire? Yes." He snorted at the attempted nudge. "Most of this is you want it so, it will come."

"So, I have to want Sayori to win?"

"Yes because, I also know you don't want to manipulate people into things. So, use compulsion for things that are simple. Like basketball for Wakaba, a waiter to bring you water without you asking…"

"How will that convince Takuma that I want to help the Kurans?" He didn't miss the split second of pain on Kain's face.

"If you're willing to use compulsion seemingly unbiased, he'll think it's because you don't care. If you don't care…"

"I'm more willing to use it for whatever reason – even for the Kurans." Zero nodded to himself. "Okay… What do I do?"

Kain turned towards Wakaba who was failing to dribble the ball. "Help her."

"… How?"

"It's energy. The same energy you feel on a hunt, I'd wager. Much like… going in for the kill."

"I'm not killing Sayori, right?"

"No, no. Here." Kain stood behind him. "Ground yourself."

Zero spread his legs to a resting position. "Good. Now, imagine yourself playing basketball and you have the technique down. You've jumped and you know for sure that the ball is going to go in the basket."

"Okay…"

"Now, instead of you, change it to Sayori." Zero did so with great difficulty. Kain nodded. "Now… Channel that image."

He raised Zero's hands towards the girl. Zero hesitated, opening his mouth to protest. To meet it, he felt a slight pressure in his head, encouraging yet stern. For the first time since the academy, Zero felt a tingling in his fingers. He watched as Wakaba turned almost robotic, her actions exactly as Zero imagined. Except for the landing.

"I'm okay!" Wakaba assured. Zero smelt it first. The blood flooded his senses, enlarging the fangs. He tried to step forward, something blocking his path. Outraged, he turned to Kain who was back to sitting on the bleachers, draining a blood infused water.

"Wash up." He yelled back to her as Zero tried to regain control. Wakaba walked herself out. With the wall blocking him, Zero ran to the nearest blood source. Kain kept Zero's gnashing teeth out of reach. "We need to work on your control."

He offered a blood water, annoyed when Zero knocked it out of his hand. Seeing no other choice, Kain sliced his wrist. "Lick only."

Despite the craving, Zero did as he was instructed, the blood lust a little easier to handle. "You usually have good control over it."

Zero parted from his wrist, desperate for more. "Takuma prefers me not to drink."

"Why?" Kain questioned, reopening the wound. Again, Zero licked the blood off, not missing Kain cross his legs.

"He likes to see the damage he causes." Zero answered. He was unsure of how long it had been since he last drank even a blood infused water but shook his head when Kain cut a third time. Disappointed, Kain licked the blood off his skin. Zero hated how the small action affected him. "You used –"

"I know." Kain rested a hand on his cheek, the burgundy eyes more concerned though his voice was harsh. "You can't hesitate like that. It's dangerous for the receiver."

"How?" Zero stepped closer, trying his best to distract himself from the warmth.

"If you hesitate, they're left in an in between state." Kain ran his thumb over Zero's cheekbone. "And… It's better to familiarize yourself with what it should feel like. For the influenced and you."

"I see." Despite his best efforts, Zero nuzzled Kain's hand. He missed the warmth, almost unbearably hot skin. Kain dropped it.

"Practice the exercise." Kain instructed as Wakaba reappeared. Zero disliked the rude awakening of the situation. "Tuesday good for you?"

"Should be." He answered.

"What about you, Wakaba?"

"Huh?" She blinked stupidly, obviously confused.

"Tuesday work?"

"Um… Yeah?"

He nodded once.

A/N: 3:35 am…. Yup.