A/N: Hello darlings. Little updates about my life that I know you're oh-so-dying to know. I am back in school studying millworks and carpentry. I am also working until 8PM with a 7AM class so, this will probably be updated every second weekend. And then, I got Covid… So, that's been fun.
And now that I've hurt Zero, think it's Kain's turn. This will reference cleansing so, I'll not be graphic with that. I also don't know how long he'll be in here – I'm guessing probably, couple years. Thank Goth vampy's live a long time or he'd be screwed.
As always, let me know your thoughts. If I misspell a word, be kind but firm with which word and where it was as if I spelled the same word six times over and there's one time I spelled it wrong, I won't know which one you're referring to.
Blood. He had heard Aidou say many times that it was honey flavored. Since he could remember, Kain both doubted and had to take it at face value. He would never attempt to try it himself. But, as he drank from Lee, he knew blood no longer tasted like honey. It never lost its metallic sense, burning the nose with every sip. It burned in his veins, replenishing the water component the blood tablets supplied. Others would find his thought process odd. Kain found it imperative. If, for a single moment, he let himself focus on what he was doing, he would be the monster.
Still, the severity diminished from him. Through dim focus, he met Kiryuu's eyes at the last moment when the monster had known all along. Behind him, the fabled Grim Reaper peered over the Hunters' shoulder. The elation he felt as Kiryuu turned away… Was that his own? Or was that the monsters? Or was the monster and he the same? He kept feeding, the blood dribbling down his chin.
It was too late for him to wean himself off Lee. The bitter taste mixed with the metallic. Aidou had tried to explain the workings of the drug to him. Most he could follow, the majority he didn't care for. The small buzz in the back of his brain. It eased something. Gave something. A hidden purpose, he thought, that would reveal itself if he would –
He pulled away from the younger man's neck, panting. The high wasn't significant yet, it added fuel to the proverbial fire. With the unnerving feeling of being watched, he dared glance in the corner. Sets of eyes followed him, formless. Like a child enamored with a new toy, he withdrew from his previous occupation and stood, studying them from afar. These shadows were different from the Kiryuu shape he had taken as a form of punishment. They didn't meet his challenge at all, just judged from the sidelines. Mocked. Like his own reflection, a somewhat pitying yet hardened judgment. How long had they watched? The longer he stared into the void, the longer it stared into him.
Turning away to the body he knew was Lee's, Kain paused. The silver dyed hair, the gaunt skin… It wasn't hard for him believe the correlation for a moment. Kain kneeled down to the victim, two fingers on the easiest pulse near the jugular. The jugular he had torn out. Carotid artery, that's what it was called. Faint. The fangs extended again against his wishes, the hunger returning. Lee had trusted him not to drain him. But, you shouldn't trust a monster… he thought to himself. He lowered his head again, the sudden snap of his head by the hair preventing him. He lashed out at his interrupter before logic could interfere. The scent of perfume, the fluidity of a small shock… It had to be Touya.
She rammed him into the closest wall, headfirst. Disoriented, he let her rest her spike-heeled boot between his shoulder blades, the pressure cutting into his spine. He snarled and writhed, flinching only as the heel sunk deeper. Still, he was in a better position to see the woman who slunk behind. Faceless. Nameless. Drool dripped down his chin, pooling at the point. Far away, he heard his accosters' voice. "Verdict?"
"He's alive…" The voice was blank, it's usual compassion monotone. "Barely."
Touya sighed, waiting for the girl… Wakaba, he recalled… to get to safety. And take his victim with him. Had he been thinking, he'd have realized there was another there, another with a face of scorn.
"Touya." His voice was unlike his own. Hoarse, dangerous… seductive. Only slight pressure from her boot, already uncomfortable. He hoped that he could convey his smile without distortion. Soft, warm. He was pretty sure the monster had turned it into something smug, a hideous grin. For a moment, his eyes closed. Warmth spread through him, the sense of the high starting. He furrowed his brow. How much had he taken?
"Woah…" He felt her arm wrap around his waist, turning him to her. He thought he smiled his gratitude, resting his head on her shoulder.
Tired. He was tired. But, there was no sleep. Only sounds around him. He couldn't make out where he was. The sound was far away from him and opening his eyes was a Herculean chore he didn't want to do. Yet, her voice was clear. "You and I both know he's one of the good ones."
Silence. It was easy for him to deduce that she was on the phone. Possibly discussing how to kill him. He liked the thought. It was easier than finding Mayoko's form clinging to the ceiling like a giant spider about to eat him. Or Kitashi's form, sidling up near the bedside, just as horrifying. Or Gonkuro's though, his face wasn't distorted. No bits and pieces from old photos clung to him yet. Just the patient air, the dark mane. But, he, too, was accusatory for how Kain had fallen. His attention returned to Mayoko, high above. Her words no longer held the bite though, heard enough, it would send him on a frenzy. How dare you return after shaming our family name? How can you besmirch their name alongside your own? Has the Kain family fallen so low? It had been a speech he had heard many times. First, when he allowed Kiryuu into his home and much more after he had started feeding on Lee. However, the fear of disownment meant nothing to him now. He was the only surviving member. The pang of loneliness was more of a burden than a fear. He'd shoulder it. He wouldn't have to bear it for long.
Another pang. Kiryuu's disappointed face. The rueful smile. The exasperated sigh. Kain felt it like a sucker punch to the gut. Kiryuu was the last person who would forgive him, Kain knew. He'd also be the first to kill him on principle. Everyone else had familial connection to him, had to forgive him. Aidou would be the first though, he'd also never let it go. Souen would follow close behind but, there'd always be judgment in her voice. Touya would make it into a joke but still be cautious and the people's hero if he ever lost judgment again. Wakaba… She'd always be cautious around him, now. No, there'd be Kaito and Kiryuu. They'd forever have their weapons close by.
Kain swallowed his saliva. Nothing but the taste of bile coated his tongue. He risked opening his eyes, closing them firmly. Wherever he was, it spun. His hands curled into fists, teeth set on edge. If he were to die for this, it wouldn't be so bad. He had a good life. Again, another lie. He had wasted his life, had chased prestige to be the son his parents wanted him to be. Wanted acceptance, never receiving it. That was over the day of… What was it Gonkuro showed him? Mayoko killing Kitashi? The other way? The manipulation? Now his head hurt. He'd forever be an outsider, whatever way he looked at it. A puppet for Lord Kuran to control.
Still, it was easier to be a puppet than a puppet master. He deserved whatever was coming to him. And, if it meant death, at least it was his own fault. No one could blame Kiryuu for it. It was his own stupidity. Souen would tell him so at his funeral.
His brow furrowed. Yes, she would. He could see her telling everyone, her voice softer each time she made the declaration. Aidou would stand next to her, the tears still staining his face. He would have an argument with her when they got home, both too exhausted and sad to apologize. Touya would stay by the drinks, comforted by Wakaba. Her eyes would trace back to Kain, become a blubbering mess. Why didn't you tell me? I could have helped you. She would whisper this over and over, stubbornly agreeing with Souen until she'd have a 'moment of clarity' and blame herself. Wakaba would be emotionless, only there for her. That wasn't fair. Kain didn't know her well enough to know what her reaction would be. Just like Kiryuu… He couldn't see his reaction either. Would he be the stone-faced Hunter? Try to comfort anyone? Would he be in the corner, hiding his own pain? The last seemed the most likely.
No, he wouldn't give into this way of thinking. But, if he were to live, how could he return to a state prior to the monster? How could he trust himself? The answer was simple. He'd heard it enough times when he joined Touya at alcoholics anonymous. One day at a time.
He wished he could return to a state where he was still friends with Kiryuu. A time where nothing mattered except classes and drama and the occasional issue at work. Childhood? No, he'd have to return to a time after his parents' death. His lips twitched, hearing Mayoko's derogatory term for the Hunter. That would have been before Kiryuu would go to the Academy. It saddened him, knowing that even if his parents were alive, they wouldn't let him associate with Kain. No, it had to be after they both became orphans.
At Cross Academy, there were only three places Kain could be. The first would be sandwiched between Souen and Aidou, trying to keep them separated enough that they wouldn't start a fight. Yet, he would let Souen's hand slide to thump Aidou's head or Aidou form a snarky remark. Though, if Souen did anything else or Aidou's voice became too loud, he'd have to hush them rapidly. This was true of being in class, walking to classes, walking to the dorms. The kyaa girls were the only time he didn't have to be on constant vigilance.
The second would be in his shared room. As Aidou would be processing his newest scientific venture, Kain would be flipping through e-mails and studying his thousand and one courses. Generally, he'd have to leave for some meeting or other, strangled by the neckties, the clothes bound too tight around his torso. By the time the meetings were over, he'd have maybe three hours sleep. Then, he'd wake and start again.
The last was the woods. It was hard for him to go but, it was his only break. Period three was easy for Kain but, he was still failing the class because of his attendance. It was the only time Souen was in a different class from him and Aidou. His cousin found it just as easy as Kain but, he still showed. Kain, on the other hand, found early in the semester he needed a break from the constant bickering and ranting. He had found a large tree, a branch able to support his weight, able to hide him but, didn't obscure his view of the night sky. Many times, he had spent the period staring upwards or catching up on sleep. Sometimes, he'd envision what his married life would be like. Course, these thoughts were before Souen and Aidou had wound up messing with each other.
In his fantasy, Kain laid on this branch, closing his eyes as the September wind warned for colder weather. He knew now he would be alone – he'd never push for Souen's hand when it belonged to another. Though, he thought it'd be as Lord Kuran's mistress. For the sake of convention, he'd be pressured into marrying her regardless of her feelings. Another loveless marriage. He'd had enough of those. He'd refuse to marry her, claiming he was happier alone. Even if it led to the assumption he was in the closet.
"Hey! Come down from there!" An irritated voice boomed. Kain furrowed his brow, sure he had heard that voice before. Of course you have, he reasoned. Disciplinary committee… The one that yells at everyone. Still, the words didn't sink in until he heard the safety coming off. He glanced over his shoulder, the purple eyes on him.
"Put away your Bloody Rose gun." Kain warned, annoyed that his peaceful time was interrupted.
"I don't take orders from vampires." Kiryuu retorted as Kain jumped from the branch, landing on his feet like a cat.
"If I had bared fangs, you'd be right not to. But, pulling a gun on someone just because they're not where they're supposed to be?" Kain tsked. "Brutal."
"You can either talk with Headmaster or your Dorm President." Kiryuu offered, lowering Bloody Rose. Kain didn't mind talking with the Headmaster. Kuran, on the other hand… Instead, he tilted his head slightly, examining the boy. He was awkward, lanky. Silver strands covered his eyes, irritating them. Though his eyes were hard, Kain knew there was something more there. The Hunter without a family. All killed by Shizuka… Except him. Aidou and Kain had debated the why. Regardless, Kain's defenses had relaxed. Kiryuu, reading his sudden relaxation as submission, repeated. "So, is it the Headmaster or Dorm President?"
"Neither." Kain answered. He could see the rapid-fire argument forming. "This is my break."
Kiryuu's eyes narrowed. "Night Class doesn't get breaks."
Kain knew how Kiryuu disliked both his cousins, glad for the animosity. "They do when they're cousins are constantly arguing."
For the first time, Kiryuu studied him. It didn't take much effort for Kain to pass an initial inspection. The Hunter sighed, cussing to himself. "Anyone know you're here?"
"Just you."
"How often do you come here?"
"Once or twice a week."
Kiryuu pinched the bridge of his nose. "Same time?"
"Depends on the previous class."
"Right." He steadied his gaze again, meeting Kain's gaze. "Your secrets safe with me."
He turned to continue his rounds. Kain spoke up. "You know, if you need a break…"
"I'm fine." Kiryuu answered briskly, walking off. Kain watched him momentarily, trailing toward the moon. Would he have to find another place?
"Ow! Akatsuki, she hit me!" Aidou whined in his ear as they passed the last of the kyaa girls. Kain hadn't been paying attention, watching the silver head from afar. Not a week after their encounter, he became aware of Kiryuu's tics. The bark shrill towards the kyaa girls, his hand clenching then unclenching as Kain was trapped between the bickering twins. His thumb flicked each finger, his eyes darting from Cross to Lord Kuran and back. Kain ignored the loyalty wedgie as it hardened into a glare, a sneer. He passed it off as natural enemies though, paused. A few of the day class girls had commented on his looks before, careful to include scary. Yes, he tried to exude that, use it to his advantage. If he hadn't known better, he'd have said that Kiryuu looked more like a caged animal, desperately wanting to return home but afraid of the big spears that would poke and prod him.
"Akatsuki?" Souen's voice rang through his head. Aidou followed his gaze, scowling.
"I'll be back." Kain answered, slipping easily away from the crowd. Touya and Shiki glared at him, both biting off a piece of candy and unintentionally brushing by his cousins. Aidou and Souen spun around, unable to divide the crowd fast enough… And neither had the ability to disperse from the crowd like him. As the kyaa girls vanished, only a few remained to witness it. He was careful to avoid Cross' admiration of Lord Kuran. Kiryuu, obviously fed up, was beginning to start his patrol. Kain stood in front of him, unsure how to express himself. In the distance, he could see Aidou and Souen standing at either side of the corresponding gate, much to the fascination of a few remaining kyaa girls. Lord Kuran ignored him for the time being. Kain's attention returned to Kiryuu who stared at him momentarily, as confused as everyone else. "What?"
Broken from her trance, Cross snapped her head to the conversation. Kain would have glared but, instead he wet his lips. "I… wanted to thank you."
"…" Kiryuu shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets. He assumed the conversation was over, brushing past Kain. The vampire kept pace backwards, watching the Hunter slow. "What?"
"Just… If you need a break…" Kain was hoping he'd read between the lines. Ugh, this is so out of my comfort zone.
"… I'm fine. Get to class." He brushed past him, walking faster. Kain exhaled slowly, retreating to Souen and Aidou, preparing for the worst. He nodded as he passed a confused Cross, ignoring the gob smacked fans. As he reached his cousins, the entire Night Class studied him.
"The hell?" Aidou cursed, meeting a few wandering eyes with a scowl. Kain only shrugged, his head hanging as his cousins, forgetting their previous argument, rounded on him. It didn't stop his continued fascination of the Hunter and may have been the first time he ignored his teachers, his phone and Aidou. Souen had stopped caring outwardly, gossiping behind his back in relation to this.
Kiryuu seemed tense, his usual resting bitch face scowling more than usual. Kain scrutinized the boy from afar, unsure and uncaring if the Hunter could tell. No, he concluded, that's not his usual face… It looks more… Painful. How long had it been for him to come to that conclusion? He glanced at his peers, annoyed that none of them seemed to grasp the concept. Instead, they'd rather relate it back to bullying, test papers… He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Aidou, who had finally subsided his remarks, slid a paper over the desk.
Kiryuu?
Kain shook his head, his scrawl more in line with a two-year-olds' than Aidou's perfectionist cursive. People.
Kiryuu is people. Are you going to tell me what that whole thing was about?
No. Matter settled, Kain tried to regain his focus. Yet again, he found his attention shifting. He could almost hear Souen's voice in his head. You take everything on and pretend that it's nothing and then, when you need help because of what you've done, we pay the price. How, exactly, was Kiryuu his problem? He knew the Hunter had few people he felt he could trust. Kain could relate to some of it. Or, at least, try. It would be better than having to listen to the tales of Souen and Aidou where the problems were always of their own making. He nodded to himself, coming to a decision.
"Third period?" Kiryuu asked, nonchalantly. He had only done a customary glance at the taller vampire, his attentions on the others in the courtyard Soon, he'd climb to the roof and study them from afar. None had bothered to look Kain's way, their essays and other anxieties boiling to the surface.
"Mm." He stopped next to Kiryuu, staring at him blankly until the Hunter noticed.
"What?" Kain tilted his head, as if it were the obvious answer to Kiryuu's question. Kiryuu returned the blank stare, repeating himself though, his voice was more agitated than previously. "What?"
"Come join me for a break."
"Pfft…" Kiryuu shook his head. "Go enjoy your break."
"Cross-chan can deal with it. It's an hour of gossip." Kiryuu tensed at Kain's honorific.
"What if you're the bait and then there'll be a riot?" He questioned.
"Highly unlikely. No one knows I'm here."
"Or talking to me."
"Well… They might figure I'm talking to you." Kain enjoyed the small glare. "Only because of this evening."
"Which was stupid." He turned his back to the vampire, watching the class. Still, he had his nervous tics.
"Fine. I guess I'll try to hunt one of the day class members." Kiryuu twitched. Kain tried to keep himself from smirking, his innocent expression translating into one like Shiki's. Nodding to himself, Kiryuu glared at Kain.
"One break." They walked along the path, coming across Kain's tree.
"You know I was lying about hunting, right?" Kain asked after Kiryuu's glare intensified.
"If that's the case, then I should go back to actual dangerous monsters." He spun on his heel.
"You're too tense for it." Kiryuu paused. Kain continued. "I don't know what's going on and it's not my business but –"
"You're right. It's not your business." Still, he stayed in mid-step.
"You're agitated about something. Relax for a little. The world's not going to end tonight."
"Did your vampire leaders tell you that?" Kiryuu snapped. Still, he rested against the base of the tree. Kain did the same.
"If the world were going to end, there'd be other signs before vampires started attacking. Blood spilling from the sky, unknown gases coming from the ground, people killing people."
"Not comforting." Despite the proclamation, Kiryuu's lips twitched slightly.
"No? I think it'd be. Then, if you miss the glaringly obvious signs, well… Can't help you, buddy."
"I figured the world would end when the impoverished finally revolt and kill the one percent. Majority being vampires…"
"Hey, if that's the case, I'll throw Ruuka and Hana down." He shrugged at Kiryuu's puzzled look. "I'll be one of the last. Most of my wealth is spent trying to keep a standard of living."
"What, impoverished nation?"
"Average nation. One with TV, electronics, healthy workplaces."
Kiryuu studied him then shook his head. "You're an odd one."
"I know." Silence. It was a comfortable one, surprisingly. Kain cleared his throat. "We don't have to talk."
Kiryuu sighed, resting his head against the bark. For the first time, Kain found himself reflected in the violet iris without its vicious intent. He knew his cheeks flushed, avoiding the gaze. He was vaguely surprised that Kiryuu continued the conversation. "What do you usually do on your breaks? I hardly think having bugs get into your underpants is why you stay out here."
"Au contraire." He snickered at Kiryuu's paling complexion. "Nap. Study, Text."
"Right. You, Ichijou and Kuran are the ones who get driven everywhere." Despite the venom spat at Lord Kuran's name, Kiryuu almost kept it casual. "What's it like having a private chauffeur?"
"Kanno?" Kain scrunched his nose. "Not really my chauffeur. He's my butler."
"… And?"
Kain shrugged. "And, nothing much to it."
"Stop me if I'm wrong but, it's got to be better than driving yourself."
"No, I can drive. But, where'd I park the car?"
"Yeah, fangirls would be over that in a heartbeat."
"Hana's, mostly. Though, I think Ruuka's would try to impress her."
"No, I think yours would be more interested in it."
"I don't know. I think the Wild fans are more interested in knowing what I'm reading than my car."
"Unless you steal a few of Aidou's."
Kain raised an eyebrow. "Why would I want that?"
Kiryuu snickered. "Might teach him a few things."
"Yeah but, the amount of bellyaching…" Kain shook his head. "No, thank you."
Silence drifted again. Kain leaned forward. "What's it like being a member of the disciplinary committee?"
"Boring."
"Is it like a mandatory part of a Hunter's resume?"
Kiryuu snorted. "My lineage does that."
"Still, it's got to be impressive. I don't think most Hunter's get to protect over one hundred students from blood thirsty, albeit, very lame vampires."
Kiryuu sighed and shook his head. "I guess?"
"You guess?" Kain stared at him, unblinking.
Kiryuu feigned his upbeat tone. "Yeah, it's wonderful for the Hunter's association to know I played babysitter."
"Come on, you do more than that."
"Yeah, I get peer pressured into having a break." Kiryuu rubbed the temples. "And, the being tired and sore all the time really helps."
Kain ignored the obvious dig at his own actions. He could also hear him using Touya's methods of trying to pry information out. At this point, he was thankful they weren't friends. "Is that why you're all strung up?"
"What do you mean?" Kiryuu tilted his head.
"You seem… More hostile than usual."
"… And that's why I needed the break?"
"Well, that and…"
"And…?" Kiryuu had lifted himself to his knees.
"… I thought you might want someone to talk to. About anything." Kain met the lilac eyes. For a moment, they stared at each other. The walls around seemed to be coming down, building back up, brick after brick. Kain hated the feeling, racking his brain for something else to say, to stop him from leaving.
"Who assigned you to this? Kuran?" Kiryuu spat.
"No, I acted of my own accord."
"Mother…" Kiryuu shook his head, standing now. "Just because I let you keep this place as your break area doesn't mean you owe me anything."
"… That's not why." Again, another intense staring contest. There was no trace of a smile on either of their faces. Kiryuu's was scrutinizing, Kain's curious. Why had he agreed to this undertaking?
"Just… Why?" Kiryuu questioned again, his voice quieter.
"I don't know the why, yet." He answered. It wasn't the full truth. But, how did he tell someone that they seemed lonely, that Kain thought Kiryuu might want to talk, that Kain could understand how he felt about losing his parents?
"So, you brought me out here to experiment?"
"No." Kiryuu scoffed. Kain remained seated, knowing if he stood, it'd be intimidating. "But, answer this question before you go."
"Fine." Kiryuu lifted a leg, resting against the trunk. For a brief second, Kain wondered what he'd look like under the moonlight without appearing cross.
"Did you enjoy the break?" Kiryuu scoffed at the question. Kain could almost hear the wheels turning. "Then, we'll do it again."
He turned to his phone, ignoring Kiryuu's annoyance and footfalls.
The following weeks followed a bit of a routine. Three times a week, Kain would ditch his third block and track down Kiryuu. His Hunter counterpart, unless he was busy, would start asking Kain why he thought the disciplinary committee was something he could just blow off. Yet, Kain could see the gratitude as Kiryuu peeled off his layers one by one, always at the base of their trees. They had gone further into the forest now (in case Cross could see him slacking off). Kain didn't mind. Most of their conversations fell into comfortable silence, unsure what the next topic should be.
Yet, Kain could tell there was something bothering him. Something he couldn't bring to the surface. Every night he didn't take a break, he seemed angrier, desperate. Kain was glad he brought him to have a break, contemplating whether it should be a daily thing. At least, for a time, Kiryuu was calm. His nervous tic had left moon-shaped cuts along his palms, his heart rate faster than normal. In the forest, though the heart raced, his tics seemed to subside. Kiryuu slumped on what Kain affectionately called 'his tree', the wheels turning so hard, the aristocrat could hear them this time. He rubbed his jaw, something obviously bothering him. Kain offered his hand. Kiryuu stared at it, like a foreign body, trailing to Kain's face. "What?"
"I'm taking you to my favorite place." Kain stated blandly.
Kiryuu remained, unmoving. "Why?"
Kain shrugged. "Why not?"
"I thought here was your favorite place." He questioned.
Kain shook his head. A moment later, Kiryuu sighed and stood. Kain was careful to remain within Kiryuu's sight. He had been excited to show Kiryuu the secluded area and almost bore a mark from Bloody Rose. He traipsed over the forest floor, stepping over growths and branches. Kiryuu groaned. "How much further?"
"Twenty steps." Kain assured, almost smirking at Kiryuu's groan. The clearing was far enough from the Academy that Kain could see the stars without any pollution. The moon bathed the land in silver hue, echoing into the darkness. Kain immediately felt calmer, collapsing in the middle of the field, directly in the sun's reflection. Kiryuu shivered under the colder air, standing over him.
"This is your favorite place?" Kiryuu wrinkled his nose.
"No judging until you're right where I am." Kain scooted over as Kiryuu obliged, albeit grumpily.
"You just like it because the moon's pretty, don't you?" The Hunter criticized, glaring at Kain.
"Well, yeah." He turned his head back to the moon, smiling softly. "It's the one constant I can rely on."
"You know it has phases."
"Yes but, when it comes out of New Moon, even just slightly… It's like the world's problems can dissipate. Like how some people view sunbathing. Except, I find all my problems in the harsh light of day." Kain trailed off, sure he was boring Kiryuu.
"So, the moon hides it in the shadows instead and just let's you… be." Kiryuu finished for him.
"And yes, she's pretty." Kain added lamely. He turned to Kiryuu's form, sure the other was staring at him with a mocking expression. Instead, he was lying on his back, hands behind his head. The strained and pained expression had melted into one that was relaxed. The silver hued hair almost gleamed in the moonlight, like a beacon, the curious eyes studying the stars as Kain had done under long eyelashes, much darker than his eyebrows. The tension drained into the Earth. The closest Kain would ever get to a smile was gravity pulling his carefully carved lips down.
"She's beautiful, I'll give you that." Kiryuu commented, adjusting his position.
"Beautiful, yes." Kain forced himself to look at the moon, sure he meant something else. Kain was confused by Kiryuu's shivering, the usual stoicism fading. Kain slithered closer, the Hunter startled, broken by the sight of his breath. "You're freezing."
"Just cold." Kiryuu answered, his attentions returning to the sky. Kain focused on the warmth within, letting it exude out and towards Kiryuu. The Hunter stared at him, both surprised and annoyed.
And so continued their ritual. Kain found himself excited to meet Kiryuu's frame, the other still making a stink about his disciplinary duties and patrolling but following Kain the moment the other wound by his side. They filled their pass time with talk, brief naps (Kain napped, Kiryuu remained motionless), and whatever music they had on their phones. Kain refused to answer his phone during these times, sure that it would destroy the environment they had created for themselves.
Yet, despite the elated nature Kiryuu seemed to be in during the break, as it drew nearer to an end, he became hardened. There were moments when Kain could see the shields building back up. It was one of the rare times Kain was indisposed, completely drained of energy. He was on his phone, ignoring this instructor's droning voice. Like a bunch of meerkats, he noted the heads popping up over textbooks. One by one, the distinct chattering fell off. Aidou, who was yawning, perked up instantly. Kain smelled it last, unaware of where it was coming from. Aidou's eyes narrowed, contemplating the possibilities. Kain counted the number of vampires in the room, confused when the number was correct. In this class, anyway. He imagined Kiryuu running to the scent. Perhaps he had already dealt with the perpetrator though, no gun shot was heard. Kain was sure that he would hear it. Or, maybe Cross-chan had managed it. He tried not to smirk though it was hard to imagine the small girl winning against an imposing creature. He resolved to check for the silver head.
Kain stood outside for several hours, long after the smell of blood had vacated his senses. The Night Class had finally settled. Aidou became silent, thoughtful. Kain enjoyed the silence usually, worry becoming second nature. He slunk his way to the Day class dorms, paranoia seeping into every pore. It would be later revealed what had occurred that night, known to every vampire. Kain knew it then. The problem was finding which dorm room belonged to Kiryuu. He assumed the later would either be in a dungeon, waiting for punishment or in his dorm room, waiting for punishment. The last he couldn't consider, wouldn't consider.
"What are you doing here?" Kiryuu's voice asked from behind him.
Kain shrugged. "Classic vampire trait: stalking."
"Great…" No witty comeback? Kain turned slowly, the Hunter behind him almost visibly shaking. A different kind of addiction, one that Kain wouldn't understand.
"You know I'm teasing you, right?" Kain asked. Kiryuu only nodded. Kain traced the tear stains that had threatened Kiryuu's eyes, red still coating the corner of his mouth. Kain draped his uniforms coat around Kiryuu's shoulders, the cold barely comprehensible to himself. Not a word. They walked down the path a little of the ways, stopping as Kiryuu stooped and threw, the fresh blood and shock still driving him. Kain pulled out a handkerchief, handing it to the Hunter. Kiryuu shuddered violently, unable to lift himself from his knees. Kain stooped to his side, arm wrapping around his waist. Kiryuu rested his head against Kain's shoulder. They stayed there for a while, Kiryuu's breath on his neck. "Do… Do you want to go back?"
Kiryuu started by shaking his head then nodding. His fingers gripped at the uniform's undershirt. Kain lifted them both, allowing Kiryuu to rest on him. They walked up the steps of the back halls, checking to make sure the coast was clear.
Kiryuu's room was devoid of personality. Either that or it was cleaner than Aidou and his room. Kain thought about the amount of time Kiryuu spent here, sure that it summed up to an hour or two nap. He rested the Hunter on the end of the bed, watching as he flopped onto his back, an arm over his eyes. Kain sighed. "You can't sleep like that."
"… matter?" Kiryuu mumbled.
Kain sighed, sitting next to the form. "It matters."
"You're not stupid. You know what I've done." Kiryuu sighed.
"You're also beating yourself up over it." Kain remarked, lying next to him. He fought with him, trying to get his arm from his eyes and succeeding. The small glare told Kain that it was better. "One time doesn't make you a killer."
"What do you know?" Kiryuu almost shouted at him.
"A great deal, apparently." He tilted Kiryuu's face back to him. "One day, you'll be a Level E. It's a cross you bear. One that's wrecking you."
"Thanks for captioning my life."
"You didn't let me finish." Another sigh. One that was tired. "I'll keep you in my basement until we find a cure for Level E's."
"No such thing." Kiryuu argued.
"It'll become Hana's obsession."
"Not yours?"
"I'll keep you fed on blood and basic hygiene." Kiryuu snorted, still shivering. Kain rested on his side, swallowing audibly. "Let me try something."
Kiryuu shrugged. Kain slid his arm around the dip in his back, glad that the shivering went down. Those lilac eyes were amazed by the same anomaly. It was automatic. Kiryuu turned his body towards him, the shivers starting again. Unconsciously, he pressed into Kain's body, absorbing the warmth. His forehead rested against Kain's. He was warm to Kain's touch, flushed. Kiryuu snuggled into him, his arms snaking around Kain's waist. He muttered into Kain's shoulder. "It still doesn't matter. I'll fall to Level E inevitably."
"Doesn't mean you can't enjoy your life until you are. Humans do it all the time."
Kiryuu lifted his head, studying Kain. "Not Hunters?"
"Do Hunters enjoy their life?"
Kiryuu shrugged. "Do vampires?"
"Too many years might diminish the meaningfulness of things to be accomplished."
Kiryuu shook his head, patting Kain's arm. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up."
"Sorry I didn't succeed." He squeezed Kiryuu lightly, unwinding himself from the various limbs. "I'll let you sleep."
Kain avoided Kiryuu like the plague, his back purposely to the Hunter. His cousins bickered, Aidou's voice getting higher as Souen's became lower, almost dangerous. Kain rolled his eyes towards the sky, could hear Mayoko's chiding and rolled them to the ground, not bothering to look at either. He hung back after his ear started ringing, curtesy of Aidou. His steps slowed as he tilted his head one way then the next, still painful in his ear. Someone bumped into his arm. Out of his peripheral, he noted Touya. "Sorry, I'll move."
"Nuh." She nodded to her brunette counterpart who, albeit appeared annoyed, was with Ichijou not a second later. She offered a piece of candy to which he declined. "Right down to business, huh?"
"Business?" He blinked at her. Was this how they became friends?
"Kiryuu's staring at you like you got two heads. Don't look –" it was too late. His head snapped towards the Hunter who feverishly changed his gaze, barking orders at the kyaa girls. Only a few of them seemed to be following his directions, heading back to their dorms. Still, the tic was there, the tension clear in his voice and shoulders. "What'd you do to him?"
"Nothing." He answered, though robotically. He pulled himself from Kiryuu, meeting the clear blue eyes of Touya for the first time. As if she were sucking on a lemon, her facial features turned puckered, her eyes narrowing. He held up his hands. "I did nothing."
"Liar." Still, she jerked her head towards the school, chin jutting slightly. "You going to class? Or, are you skipping third again?"
"See, this is why no one likes you." He felt bad about voicing his thoughts, especially as her face fell. "You know everyone else's secrets."
"Everyone knows that secret." She defended though her answer was sulky. "And, he's back to staring at you."
"Glaring daggers." Kain answered.
"No. Wait… Sun was in my eyes… No."
"Liar." Still, he could feel the heat rise to his cheeks. He hated whatever this was.
"Call it like I see it." She nudged him lightly.
"You see hearts everywhere. Your libido is like a slip and slide."
"Then, what happened?"
"… I exist and he hates me?"
"Who's the liar now?" She bit off another piece of candy. Kain almost shoved her, passing through the gates. Instead, he chanced one more look at Kiryuu, regretting it immediately. There has to be a talk… He pinched the bridge of his nose, one more task on his list. He'd do it today.
Third period. He tried to listen to Aidou, wanting desperately that the time would take an eternity. Then, he started bouncing his leg. No, he had to have this conversation now. Suddenly, he needed second period to be done. The topic seemed to drone on. How had he never noticed this instructor was boring? Right… Being tired and reorganizing his to do list. Finally, it ended. He waited for everyone to leave before him. Other than Souen who had to get across campus, everyone else seemed to dawdle. Aidou was quiet for the time being. Kain sighed, following his cousin to… Whatever class was next. He slipped past the hoards of vampires, confused how he managed to disperse from a crowd easily but, when it was an emergency, every vampire noticed. Most gazes disappeared with a disinterested eye, too absorbed in their own thoughts. Kain managed to blend into the hedges, noting Kiryuu on the roof.
It didn't take long for Kain to scale up the wall. Kiryuu didn't turn towards him, the tension in his jaw. The Hunter sighed. "What do you want?"
"Break time?" Kain asked.
"I don't need a break." Still, as they had done for weeks, Kiryuu led Kain towards the woods. The other trailed behind him, stepping slower. Kiryuu turned on him, the smack resounding in the forest. Kain held his cheek, not daring to lift his face. Souen had proven that, once angry, Kain was a perfectly viable punching bag. He lowered his hand, still refusing to look at Kiryuu. The intrusive thought came to him immediately: He watched me drink from Lee.
"I deserve worse." Kain nodded to himself, preparing for another slap.
Kiryuu nodded. "You deserve worse."
"I do apologize for it." Kain offered after a moment of silence.
Kiryuu scoffed. "Right. Like it's not enough that I bend disciplinary rules for you."
Although taken aback, Kain remained silent. Kiryuu continued. "I guess it serves me right for letting you have your break and pitying you. Your cousins are annoying so, I understood it."
Years of loyalty burned on his tongue. Kain bit down, remaining silent. Kiryuu either misunderstood it as agreement or he was starting on a tirade. "And, I get you're a busy guy but, using your size…"
Kain remained silent, speechless. That hadn't been his intention. "And, I know Souen will never amount to much. Maybe as Kuran's concubine. She's submissive enough for it. Seriously, does she have any other thoughts besides clothes shopping?"
Kain felt the blood boil. He bit his lip, squeezed his eyes shut. How had the Hunter guessed his own complaints? Kiryuu continued. "Don't get me started on Aidou. He'd do better if he stopped arguing with Souen. And, his narcissism, rock star mentality…"
Kain blurred. Mayoko screamed something about family, the heat leaving from him. He inhaled deeply, gaining control again. A moment flashed in his brain, something related to this situation. He cleared his mind, finding Kiryuu crashed against one of the trees. Kain's eyes widened. He was unaware of how he wound up next to Kiryuu. The burn was on the lower abdomen, blistered. Kain pressed his hand to Kiryuu's abdomen, focusing the heat into him. He hissed, grinding his teeth. His arm, now covered in blisters that would heal in a few hours, lifted Kiryuu's head. He tried to remember how to check for a concussion. He tried to feel the air exhaling from Kiryuu's nose. Nothing. The colour drained from his face.
He had killed him. Tears brimmed his eyes. It didn't make sense. Being upset about this. He hadn't known him long enough to care. He shouldn't care. No, he should care. He had killed someone. Years of control, ruined. Souen and Aidou would have to hide it. Kain would accept the death penalty. No, he wouldn't go down this road. His mind returned to the dead body. Mentally, he slapped himself. Here he was thinking of the consequences. But, he had killed Kiryuu. The boy who suffered in vague silence. The one who still held a chance to avoid the worst possible fate. And Kain had ruined that. He felt his heart pounding, only momentarily stunned when Kiryuu's eyes snapped open, staring at him. There was no laugh but, a bit of the tension that hadn't been resolved, dissipated. "Any reason to touch me, right?"
Kain was silent, his eyes in little slits. Kiryuu lifted himself up. "Are you concussed?"
"Fuss pot."
"How do I check for a concussion?"
"I'm not concussed." Kiryuu muttered, his eyes flittering towards Kain. A tear slipped down Kain's cheek. "You're a big baby. Anyone tell you that?"
"Just you." Kain went to hug him, dropping his arms and resting his hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad you're alive."
"… Thanks?" Kiryuu let Kain's hand drop, wiping the tear off his face. "Now, stop crying."
"You're not my mom. Don't tell me what to do." Kiryuu almost smiled. Kain wrapped his arms around Kiryuu's waist, nuzzling his shoulder. Kiryuu froze, somewhat melting into Kain's arms.
Kain woke, his face wet. He was starting to wake when he thought Kiryuu was dead, the sheets underneath him bunched under his clenched hands. Blood and bile coated his tongue, the scent of vomit clear in the room. He was sweaty. Stunk. He tried to shut his eyes again, desperate to see Kiryuu. However, now that he was awake, his arm hurt. His eyes flashed to the IV drip full of borrowed blood and a clear mixture. Behind, he could glimpse the small figure's arm. In the dark room, he could only see the silouhette, his eyes reddening. He wanted to feed on them, supressing the feeling. Still, he could hear his heart hammering, the want clear in his body.
Touya glanced up from her fashion magazine as she had done a million times before, returning to the next page. He could feel the small twitch on his face as realization dawned on her. She stared at him again, closing the pages. Then, slammed it over his head. He was expecting that. What he wasn't expecting was the hug that followed as exhaled sighs of relief. Her sharp fingernails cut into his shoulders. He winced, trying to sit himself up. His body screamed at the sudden movement. She hit him again, this time on the back of his head, as she pulled away from the hug. Tears brimmed her eyes, the anger set on her mouth. She opened it a few times, trying to explain her emotions. He shook his head, eyes on the guest bathroom.
"I… I should tell the others." Touya stood. His hand gripped her wrist, shaking his head. Immediately, she switched her tone. "They have a right to know you're awake, Akatsuki."
He winced at the use of his name. How long had they waited for him? "Once I'm presentable."
His voice was dry, tired. Raspy. How long had it been? Still, Touya sighed and heaved him out of bed. She called for one of the maids to straighten out the room and give it an airing, helping Kain balance himself through the shower curtain. Numerous times, he stumbled, gripping the wall rather than the rack. His legs had lost some of their tone. Once showered and redressed in new pajamas (at Touya's insistence), he sat on the floor across from her, the IV still in his arm. "How long?"
"Three months. Aidou's idea."
"Why?"
"Let him explain that himself." Silence. Kain nodded. "Sayori forgave you. I'm… still processing."
"You take all the time you need." He lowered his head. "Hana and Ruuka?"
"Papa's being good. Little jumbled. Determined. He hasn't slept. Mama…" She shrugged. "Unknown."
Kain nodded again. He wouldn't ask. He shouldn't ask. A Hunter and Vampire relationship was one thing. An aristocratic vampire and a Hunter was another. But Kain had ruined any chance. Touya smiled at him.
"He visited once a week. More so to tell if we needed to… You know…" She lifted her finger to her neck, moving it horizontally with a grotesque sound.
"He won't visit again." Kain informed her, head down.
"No. He won't." Enough must have processed as Touya scowled at him. "But, you did that to yourself. Human blood with drugs? What the hell were you thinking? Do your dick and fangs share a brain or something? And doing it in front of a fucking Hunter? You're lucky you got out alive. Though, I should kill you."
Kain nodded along. He knew that rant was practiced. She had had time to calm down. Phrase it in the worst ways. He lowered his head, knowing her hand had gone up to pinch the bridge of her nose. "I'm pissed. Just… Why are you so dumb?"
"You're right." He met her eye with a small smile. "I am dumb."
"Worse than that – you're a big dumb dummy with drama king tendencies."
He shrugs, knowing he deserved worse. "Yes, I am."
Touya's anger dissolved. Kain knew he had Wakaba to thank for it. "Just… How long?"
"A few years. When I was in America."
"But, you were working all the time."
"Mm."
"And doing Senri."
"It was one time." Kain met her eyes, blood shot. "After he couldn't… He found Lee for me. We started as a throuple. We used him as a blood bag while we were there. He was on a drug and I didn't know."
Touya clenched her teeth. "Okay, I'm less mad at you –"
"Don't. He doesn't deserve the wrath. Or, maybe he does. It doesn't really matter. I'm the one who kept drinking."
"You didn't kill him." She scooted next to him, draping an arm over his shoulder. "He's back in America."
"… I would have if you hadn't stopped me." His brow raised. "How did you find me?"
"Zero. He was testing a theory that Takuma had about you and was proved correct."
The image of Kiryuu staring at him while he drank fluttered in his memory. Kain couldn't be sure if that was right or if it was a different one. His mind felt like it was cracking in several places at once. What memories had been altered? He squeezed his eyes closed. "Why didn't he just kill me?"
"He loves you." Kain always hated the way she used that word. It could range in meaning – so different from what Kain had used it for. She poked his cheek. "What?"
He met her blue eyes, so wide. Somehow innocent though, the devil in them lingered on the surface. Again, his small smile quirked. Satiric. "Not in the same way as I love him."
A/N: Sorry guys – that took waaaaay longer than I meant to. I still don't love this chapter but, in my defense, I'm currently taking millworks and carpentry, working a full time job in part time hours, learning three languages, having creative thoughts and hating everything and Akatsuki was being stubborn! Honestly, I had a whole section of him just banging Zero's brains out but noooo, Aka has to be a gentleman and prove that he doesn't love Zero for his body. Best I could get out of him was a quick cuddle session. Like sir, you is rude!
My schedule is changing so, I'm hoping that it'll be better. However, I will be doing rotations (thank God my schedule is just work for the next two weeks). I'm currently working on another two fan fics (one of them is Merlin rewrite that I promised back in 2017) and one of them is a new one (cause I rewatched Ouran High Host Club and things don't sit well with me and my brain just went 'hey, what if Kyoya acted as though the definition of 'too much time on his hands' was actually 'not enough time on his hands'? for which I now have a prologue for it).
I'm hoping to have another chapter up by Tuesday (haha…. Once I remember what my plan for it was).
Until next time, my darlings!