A/N: Vacation! Sorry I haven't been able to update – my computer that I write with keeps shutting down at random intervals and closing my Word processor. Need a new one so badly. Again, Zero-centric chapter for good reasons

He spent the night in five different positions. The first was during Kain's fitful slumbers, the soft gasps and muffled cries as his subconscious turned the situation over in his mind. Zero could only imagine what the nightmares contained. During these moments, Zero would pull him closer, his arms wound tightly around Kain's shoulders. His shirt was damp from the tears Kain's sleeping form allowed, the hem ripped and slightly burnt from the more intense dreams. He endured the burn marks on his skin, unwilling to blame Kain for any of these actions. Instead, he'd rub his shoulder and try to soothe him as best as he could. It would take quite a while before the dreamless slumber would begin, only lasting a few minutes. Then, position two.

Kain's fingers would dig into Zero's waist. The first time Zero had dealt with this shift, the Hunter had been a mess. It started as a soft growl, the first warning of Kain's intentions. Within milliseconds, his mouth was on Zero's neck. Even though the aristocrats' fangs brushed against Zero's neck, Kain hesitated before he drank. There was no desperation like Zero expected from a vampire suffering blood lust. The tempo remained slow and somewhat pleasant though, Zero would never mention that to anyone. Regaining his own control, the Hunters fingers wound in Kain's hair, guiding him away. Kain's bleary eyes, now rimmed with red, would clear after a moment. Then, the third.

Kain would wipe his mouth, the blood still on his tongue. He'd whisper half-hearted apologies, always asking Zero's permission before absorbing the burns into himself. The first time, he threw his pillow at Zero's face, sitting up in the bed with his arms wrapping around his knees. "I shouldn't have bit you."

"You're upset."

"That's no excuse." Kain said, lowering his head. The shaky breath signaled for silence. Zero desperately wanted to comfort him, touch him. Instead, he lay on his side, propping his head up. Then, the fourth.

Kain would throw the blankets off him and rush to the bathroom, the sound of vomiting echoing in the small room. Zero could hear the tap running, the gargling noise as Kain tried to rid himself of the taste. Once the tap shut off, Zero waited for him to return. After ten minutes, he entered the en-suite. The aristocrats back rested against the bathtub, his knees against his chest, his face in his knees as his hands yanked on his hair. Viewing this as some sort of punishment, Zero would unclasp Kain's hands and lift his face, wiping the tears running down his cheeks. Kain exhaled, almost like a mocking chuckle. "Pathetic, isn't it?"

"Hmm?" Zero questioned.

"That I can't cry over it." Again, he raised his hand. Zero sighed and sat next to him.

"It's not that you can't. You could and you will." Seeing the vampire shake his head, Zero continued. "Or… You're not allowing yourself to."

"Why would I do that?"

"Because a part of you thinks you don't deserve to mourn." The silence that followed confirmed Zero's theory.

Kain mulled the words in his mind. In a weaker voice, he asked, "how did you feel?"

"That I wasn't allowed to mourn. That it made me weak. That I had to be strong."

"What changed your mind?"

"… Funnily enough, Cross." Zero offered a half-smile, shaking his head. "After… Well, he used to bring me into his study and go through all the good memories. All the photos. At first, I thought it was him being a jerk."

"Then, what changed?" Kain asked.

"Third… fourth month… Somewhere in there…" Again, the half-smile. "He baked me a cake using my mothers' recipe and Master brought some books that I'd seen my father read… I was so angry with them that I couldn't eat and went straight to my room. It was the first time I broke down."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

"I am." Kain overlapped Zero's hand with his own. "I hate knowing that you were hurt and facing it alone."

"I chose to be alone." Zero stated. "It was the first time that I felt something."

"That's where we're different." Zero tilted his head, watching his companion. "I feel everything. Like a tidal wave of emotions… But, rationally… I caused it so…"

"We're not so different." Zero insisted. Kain lowered his head. "Back to bed?"

Once he led Kain back to the bed, feeling his counterparts' breath on his cheek, Zero's plagued mind continued. This time, the memory of that night had started to peak through. He exhaled and closed his eyes slowly. When he reopened them, he could only envision his parents shaming his relationship with Kain. After all, they were good Hunters. Everyone could agree with that.

He studied Kain's face, paler than it had been. The occasional tear slid out of his shut eye and onto his nose, somehow making him more elegant. Mother would have come around. You'd have brought her snow globes at every visit and helped her in the kitchen… or talked to her while she was in the kitchen. He brushed the stray hair out of Kain's face, resting his hand on the others cheek, shaking his head slightly. It does no good to formulate what ifs.

The cycle started again. The only tactic that changed was how Zero dealt with Kain's fangs. He held the gnashing teeth at bay, ignoring the burns on his side. Still, Kain's ability to regain control of himself was impressive though, the expression remained the same. Nor did it stop his need to run to the washroom. Zero followed him, leaning against the doorframe. Kain splashed water on his face, the contortion one of pain. The obvious withdrawal symptom of shaking become clear to Zero. He tried his best to remain neutral though, he vaguely wondered if Gonkuro had continued to feed Kain frequently.

It had been Kain's suggestion to watch something in the wee hours of day three. Zero had only agreed as he thought it might distract Kain's mind. It wasn't something Zero would have chosen – some historical drama about a girl and guy switching bodies. Once he had seen one, he'd seen them all. The first characters introduced were obviously lovers. But, the genre had branched to include a gay couple. That's something, I guess? Zero thought. Kain sat on the opposite side of the couch, the light from the TV illuminating his face. Not even half way through the first episode, Kain's head drooped, his breathing slowing. Zero shook his head and turned off the TV, covering Kain in a light blanket and adjusting a pillow under his head.

For the first time in days, Zero was able to check his phone. It was unsurprising that the majority of the messages were from Touya and Kaito. Yagari had texted a total of three times, informing him Bloody Rose was his for the taking and the remaining two vague threats if he didn't answer the damn phone. After replying to the three messages and two from Kaito asking for updates, Zero left the room and called Touya. She picked up on the first ring.

"How is he?"

"… Hello, Rima. How are you?"

"Cut the crap, Zero. How is he?"

Zero sighed, leaning against the wall. "How do you think?"

"Crying, inconsolable… You're not taking advantage, right?"

"Wrong, maybe and hell no, I'm not. Though, shows what you think of me."

"Sorry, sorry." He could envision her running her fingers through her hair.

"How are you doing? I know you and Gonkuro were close-ish…"

"… I'll figure that out once Akatsuki's okay."

In the background, he could hear Wakaba sigh exasperated. Zero nodded to himself, sinking to the ground. "He's finally asleep after three days."

"Is he showing signs of…?"

"A little. He's jittery."

"… Do you know if he's going to the funeral?"

"Hell if I know." Zero snapped. He softened his tone a little. "I don't think he's ready."

Touya sighed over the phone. "Then, you should be there as his representative."

"No."

"Why?"

"Several reasons."

"Do tell."

Zero growled. He could almost see her lift an eyebrow. "One, I don't know these people."

"Networking opportunity."

"… Two, who am I to crash it?"

"Someone who spent more time with Gonkuro than anyone else. And, they know you as Kain's boyfriend so…"

"And," Zero started, cutting her off, "Kain needs me here."

"He'll be worse if you don't go."

"Why don't you?"

"Hell no. I don't need the death glares, Gonkuro wouldn't have liked the publicity and, unless Kain's there, I know less people than you."

"Networking." Zero mocked.

"Plus, you're closer to Kain. He'd appreciate it."

The day of the funeral, Zero rested a hand on Kain's shoulder. The latter opened one eye, still half-asleep. Softly, Zero spoke. "You feeling okay enough to go?"

Kain absorbed the question before barely shaking his head. Zero nodded, brushing the hair out of Kain's face. Within seconds, the vampire slept again. The Hunter nodded to himself, squeezing Kain's shoulder lightly. "I'll be back in a few hours."

He knew Kain didn't hear him. He left a message on the nightstand, dressing in a suit Kaito brought for the occasion. The usual taunting face was masked with concern as he rested a hand on Zero's arm. "Do you want me to watch him?"

"He's asleep. He'll be fine." Though he spoke the words, there must have been a flicker of doubt that Kaito saw.

"I'll stay on the main floor."

"… Did Rima give any hints on how to do… This?"

"Kiryuu, how many funerals have you attended?"

"Attended, none. Organized?"

"Point taken."

"Not to mention, if I'm representing Kain…" He suddenly wished that the other was standing with him, explaining what to expect. "… How different is this going to be from ours?"

"… We should call Rima." With a quick nod, Zero slipped into the car and called. After a twenty-minute sermon, Zero felt he was in over his head.

"Why can't you come with?"

"Zero, you're there for Kain and Enmei… And yourself." He exhaled again, the tie starting to choke off the blood supply to his brain.

"Should I set up a shrine or…"

"There'll be one – in the manor house."

Zero rubbed his temple. "Who do I greet first? Enmei or Ozaki?"

"Normally, I'd say Enmei but, Ozaki will be a more difficult task."

"Are you sure me going to this is a smart decision?"

"Define smart." She sighed at the small whine. "It's smart because a lot of Kain's employees will be there. It will show consolidarity and only Enmei's aware of the circumstances surrounding Gonkuro's death. Official story is old age. And, Kain's already transferred the money."

"What?" The panic slipped into his voice, his brain wracking into the timeline. "When?"

"The night of. Twenty percent. Enmei says you don't have to do anything – just showing up will mean enough."

"You're texting with Enmei now?"

"You're freaking out over everything, Zero. Course I'm texting him."

"… What do I do?"

"Breathe, first. Second, just follow the person in front. Ozaki first, then Enmei."

"And then?"

"Mingle?"

"You're no help." Zero hung up on her, throwing his head back. He was grateful that Kain had helped in this situation. The usual with vampires was to express condolence and grovel depending on how high up the vampire was. How do I know more about Hunter and Vampire funerals than humans? He pinched the bridge of his nose, ignoring the frantic texts of Touya. What am I doing? I shouldn't be doing this… The memory of Kain holding the man, frail in his arms… Zero swallowed once again, the resolve calming his nerves. Just in time for him to play the role.

Zero followed a new arrival, mimicking their actions. He tried to brush the thought away, his own memory of Master standing next to him as he tried to ignore the Hunters approaching with their condolences. It was easier than acknowledging it. His eyes met Gonkuro's picture, his head lowering, unsure of what to be thinking. He joined Mrs. Ozaki and Enmei, offering his own condolences. Mrs. Ozaki's expression narrowed, almost sneering at him. Enmei shared a ghost of a smile, nodding slightly. His wife accepted the sentiment on Enmei's behalf, thanking him for his kindness before addressing the next guest. Zero wondered how long he should 'mingle', choosing to stand against a wall. It was weird for him to see the instant segregations – security, administrative, what he could only guess as data analysists – organized themselves into their own areas. Among some of them, they toasted to Gonkuro. Zero lowered his head, imagining what it would be like for Kain to be here. All he could see was the catatonic expression Kain had on the night of. His thoughts were broken as Mrs. Ozaki grabbed his wrist and dragged him away from the prying eyes. The scowl deepened. "Leave."

"Pardon?" Zero blinked several times.

"You heard me. You're not welcome here."

"I was invi –"

"Kain was invited."

"I'm here as his proxy."

"Who said you could?"

"Sakura." Enmei shook his head at his sister. "You're making a scene."

"Me? He crashed the occasion!" Mrs. Ozaki snorted.

"He and dad were close and Kain is not in the mental state to deal with this." Enmei tried to explain.

"Course he's not. If I were him, I'd have killed myself the night of." Her attentions switched over to Zero. "Which you should have! He's a murderer!"

"Sakura, voice down." Despite Enmei being significantly shorter than his sister, in this instance, he was imposing as Kain could be. "Do you think dad would approve?"

Mrs. Ozaki scoffed. "Dad was a stupid, vampire loving idiot. Look where that got him?"

"… And?" Again, she scoffed but, it was enough for her to leave them in the corridor. Enmei turned to Zero again, his expression softening. "I'm so sorry."

"You said there were other factors that caused Gonkuro to…"

Enmei could only nod. "His health was declining quite rapidly. Not that Mrs. Ozaki would know."

Zero kept himself composed. "Can I ask how?"

"Being alone in the house of loss… I mean, he swore he could talk with my mum. Add to his knee injuries…" Enmei sighed. "It's weird… It's sudden but, not."

Zero rested a hand on his shoulder, nodding. "Kain and I are sorry."

"Thank you." He shoved his hands into his pockets. "You know you don't have to be here."

"I want to."

"Mistress Touya implied the other."

"Well, this is the first funeral I've been to. Well, this kind."

"What's yours like?"

"Depends. Some are burnt, others are buried."

Enmei lowered his voice to a whisper. "What are vampire funerals like?"

"Boring. Lots of groveling, depending on the level. Overdramatic wailing. Lots of monetary gifts."

"So, like ours but, more butt kissing."

"Essentially."

Enmei fumbled with his suit, his voice dropping. "How is Master Kain?"

"About the same. He's talking, at least. Needs reassurance."

"When will he return to work?"

"He's a workaholic so… Probably once he feels a little better. Why?"

Enmei's eyes flickered to Mrs. Ozaki. "No reason."

"He can deal with the dragon."

Enmei patted Zero's shoulder. "You know, you don't have to stay, right?"

"Rima said I had to mingle."

"And you have – with me." He nodded to Zero. "Go look after our mutual friend."

"You're back early." Kaito remarked, picking Zero from the crowd of employees. The other shrugged.

"I said only a few hours."

"A few?" Kaito snorted, lifting an arm over his head in a big stretch.

"Any change?"

"He hasn't come out. At least, to this floor." He lifted Bloody Rose towards him. "Master dropped it off."

"Not yet."

"You're willingly hanging with a vampire with no protection?"

"I'm willingly hanging with a friend who needs support more than a bullet in his head."

"… You ever use Bloody Rose while –"

"Suggest that again and I'll beat you." Kaito raised an eyebrow as Zero's glare deepened. "Any other questions?"

"… Nah. Not today." He pushed past Zero, starting to leave at a leisurely pace. "Let me know if you need me around."

Zero was glad for Enmei's dismissal, unraveling the tie as he tried to slow his steps. He hated the anxious feeling stirring in his stomach. He had felt this anxiety before, many times. The first was when Master had arrived and organize the funerals. Many times after Lady Yuuki had spent time with Kuran. There was a portion that felt the relief. His mind constantly berated the elevator for taking a while, his legs for not moving faster. He didn't know what he expected. Kain wasn't the type to start feeding on passersby.

The relief was only momentary, his expression shifting from content to concern. Kain lay face down, his slacks hanging from his waist, the blood spewing from his mouth urging Zero to act. Helpless, his eyes scanned the room, hoping to find the culprit in a human form. His face fell as he knelt to Kain's level, the empty bottle and empty pill bottle on the table. He dragged the vampire to the bathroom, turning the shower on to cold water. The vampire jolted awake, more blood spewing.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" Zero shouted as the vampire used the back of his hand to wipe the additional blood from his mouth.

"Welcome back." Kain muttered, lifting himself from the tub. He poured some mouthwash into his mouth, gargling aggressively.

"Just… why?" Zero tried to keep his voice from rising, exasperated.

"Why… What?"

"Not in the mood."

Kain was silent for a while, visibly shivering. Zero's resolve didn't dissolve. "… I feel like his bloods still in me."

"It's been days."

"Days, weeks… Years." Kain turned to Zero, the divide shattering. Zero recognized the pain and anger in Kain's eyes, echoing his own from the years ago. "Fact is, I killed my best friend."

The words echoed in the bathroom. Kain leaned against the sink, his head lowering. "It's all I can fucking think about. Alcohol doesn't help. Pills don't help. I just… I want it to stop."

"And mixing both was a good idea?" Zero's tone softened.

"…" Kain met Zero's eyes, his hand lifting towards him, hovering above Zero's cheek. Immediately, he withdrew it, shoving it into his pocket.

"Tell me what you were thinking." The anger was gone.

"… I wanted to stop feeling… powerless. Stop thinking all together."

"Did it help?" Kain shook his head. Not surprising, big, dumb man…

"It made it a bit worse."

"Oh?"

"I hurt someone else." He chuckled wryly. "Apparently, that's all I'm good at. Causing problems. Hurting those I care about."

He swallowed the lump in his throat, the tears falling freely now. Zero wrapped his arms around Kain's frame. "Don't."

"Why?"

"… I'll cry harder."

"Then, cry harder." Zero whispered, dragging Kain's head down onto his shoulder. As he threatened, the taller sobbed like a toddler, his grip on Zero tightening. He repeated apologies, Zero holding him tighter as the cries subsided into hiccups and shaking. Kain loosened his grip, straightening as he did so. Zero wiped the tears from his cheeks. Again, the whispered apology. Zero became puzzled. "About what?"

"You shouldn't have to see me like this." He cleared his face, walking out of the bathroom. Zero followed, close on his heels.

"You'd rather Rima? Mama? Dad?"

"Hell no."

"Then, I'm the one who should be here."

"But, I'm jeopardizing everything you've worked for."

"I told you already, Lady Yuuki forgave you."

"Not Lady Yuuki."

Zero shed off the blazer, sighing loudly. "… What'd Kaito say."

"Just informed me that the more you ignore the Association, the less likely you are to be recommended for work."

"Let me worry about that."

"You shouldn't have to choose." Kain forced a smile, collapsing on the couch. "I'm fine."

"Sometimes, you have to choose."

"And, I really lo…" Kain bit his tongue. Zero chose to ignore the fumble as Kain started again. "Admire that about you. That you choose to be here. But, the danger has passed. I'm fine."

"… Regardless, I'd feel more comfortable if you'd have someone with you more often."

"I have Enmei."

"Enmei has a wife to go home to." Zero lowered his gaze, working up his courage. "I mean a roommate."

"… I like living alone."

Zero tried to hide his snort. Liar. "Even if it's Sayori?"

"Wakaba?" Kain lifted an eyebrow. "Why?"

"She's calm. She's good at giving space. You can use it as an excuse to see Touya."

Kain nodded. "All good points. Except: she's human."

"And? She'll also put you in your place if you try."

Kain nodded. "Counter offer: I go back to Lee."

Zero bit down on, what he could only identify as, jealousy. "Lee wants to be taken care of. You're needs will become secondary to him."

"… Wakaba it is." Kain muttered.

A/N: Hello lovelies! Finally, another chapter! Next one will also be Zero's POV. Mainly because Kain's temperamental right now and I do not need another depressive episode.