Beginnings

"Your outburst at the ball didn't go unnoticed Akatsuki"

Kaname had his back to me looking out the window. I glanced over at Kain, his demeanour had not changed even in the presence of Kaname. He had his back up against the wall and that same apathetic look. He sighed as he ran his hand through his hair.

"Kaname-sama, please. Akatsuki was protecting me. Takashi .... he..." I trailed off as I couldn't find any words to fill in my sentence.

"Takashi will be punished. Akatsuki ... it would be beneficial for you to stay out of trouble. Ruka, I suggest you be more sensible in your choice of company. Akatsuki cannot be everywhere at once"

I was ashamed .... "Yes, Kaname-sama. I will be more vigilant"

My eyes darted to Kain, he was as still as a statue. I walked towards him and took his hand and left the room,

***

As she took my hand, I was pretty sure she could feel the spark that travelled through my finger tips. Her touch was warm and her skin was soft, my mind ceased to function. She led me into an un-used study room in the dorm. The night was coming to an end and I could see the fatigue in her eyes. I wanted to reassure her.

"Thank you Akatsuki ... I don't deserve you as a friend. The way I treated you the last few days was cruel. I couldn't face anyone after Kaname-sama chose Yuuki. But... I think everything will be okay, because I have you to thank. I..."

I moved up close to her and cusped her chin in my hand and touched her cheek. Her closeness filled my senses.

"Is Ruka Souen apologising to me?" I couldn't help but grin. I dare not say anymore in case her spell on me would make me tell her everything ...especially the way I felt about her.

***

Akatsuki's muscular frame stood tall over me; I could hear his heart beat as I embraced him. I didn't understand why I saw him in such a different light. He smelt delicious and he felt strong ... I quickly pushed away from him as I clasped my mouth. To another vampire, extended fangs either meant hunger or arousal... I felt a hot flush on my cheeks and began to apologise.

"I'm sorry Akatsuki ... I haven't had a blood tablet in a while" I glanced up at his calm features; they gave away no emotion except his red eyes. I could see him struggling to hide the fact that he was in the first stages of blood lust. The air around us intensified and I could feel my cheeks flushing red.

"It's natural Ruka, don't feel embarrassed" I should have stopped there, but her spell wound its way through to my mouth.

"If you had asked, I would be glad to share my blood with you. I would never take blood from you without your permission Ruka, I would never do what that monster did"

The idea of sharing blood with Kain never occurred to me; my eyes looked at him in shock. Although I may have looked afraid, deep down, I controlled the urge to kiss him. He looked so calm and heavenly. My senses were flooded by him. His unbuttoned shirt and mislaid hair appealed to me more than ever. I longed to run my hand through his hair ... I was hungry and not in the literal sense.

"Akatsuki ... I" he pulled me up close and ran a hand down my back, his touch made me tremble and I did not dare to move.

"I didn't mean to scare you" he pulledaway from me.

"No ... I'm not afraid of you. I am afraid of what I will happen" My breathing quickened ... Akatsuki was the missing piece of the puzzle. My eyes drank him in, I was aware of my newly aroused state.

***

My mind was racing, I wanted to take her in my arms and kiss her. I was aroused and showing it, yet she made no move. The look on her face was torturing me and the air felt like it was suffocating me. I acted without thinking when I embraced her again, I could feel her lithe body against my erect head. I began to curse myself for giving myself away.

The friction between Ruka and me felt so good. I moaned as she moved up harder against me, I turned over and pushed her gently into the wall placing gentle kisses along her neck.

A low moan escaped her mouth; her fierce nature began to emerge as she pushed me against my will.

"Ruka...." I felt like I was going break her as I clung onto her body with my hands. My hands clambered around her waist and drifted onto the insides of her thigh. I stroked her leg gently and she breathed my name into my chest.