Thanks to my readers for the great reviews! All characters belong to Matsuri Hino! Thanks for reading!

Akatsuki regretted saying as much, as soon as he was amongst the trees in the forest. But something had lifted from his shoulders now, and that made him happy. A smaller, lighter weight had set in- what would Ruka think?- but he really didn't care anymore. His heart had spoken. He just had to wait for the reply.

Ruka wiped the single tear from her cheek. How could she have been so blind? Kain had always been there- comforting her when Kaname rejected her, taking her side, caring for her- and she had never noticed. She had closed her eyes to all else- and this is where she ended up. She realized that she cared for Kain too- above all else,he had been by her side. Maybe she wasn't made for Kaname- maybe she was made for another. She smiled for the first time in weeks, as she took a flying jump through the window and followed Akatsuki's steps.

Kain was sitting under a large tree in a small clearing. He had come here often before, to just sit and think. He arose from the slump as he heard footsteps and leaned, standing, against the tree. It better not be Aidou again, he thought. His face registered shock as Ruka came into view. What was she doing here? He hadn't expected to see her for days. She walked towards him, determination across her face. "What are you-" he started, as she put a finger on his lips. "Thank you," she whispered, and kissed him with a passion that set the forest alight. Literally. "Kain!" she said, breaking apart. "Oops. Sorry." He put out the trees and turned back to her, wondering just what had happened. Oh well. That could wait.