A/N: Insert obligatory apologies for taking so long to update the next chapter. I lost most of my motivation when my mom passed away earlier this year and I just can't seem to make myself get back into writing, so this has dragged a bit.

Also, to all the concerns I've received about this story sucking cause Kaname and Yuuki aren't together... don't worry, dawgs. That shit'll change real soon. They're still pretty "young" and new to the whole relationship thing and haven't figured out that communication is key.

I am rating this M/MA for violence, language and sexual themes.

Disclaimer: Vampire Knight is owned by Matsuri Hino.

The sun was high in the sky. The heat of it during midday was oppressive to Kaname. He shielded his eyes as he looked outside and examined the scenery and roads, taking in the vibrant colors the world portrayed during the day before rolling the darkly tinted window to the car back up, muting out the citrine rays of the sun. The world during the day was so vastly different than it was at night. He noted many differences subconsciously before his mind wandered back to last night.

He thought of Yuuki again, something he kept doing over and over again without realizing it. He remembered the look of betrayal on her face when she thought he was going to marry another, the hunger and possessiveness right before she struck out to bite him and the shivering ecstasy after drinking from him and feeling his blood course through her veins. He recalled the feel of her tiny hands crushing into his throat, the feel of her soft and sensual body rubbing up against his and her dainty fangs embedded into his neck.

Kaname made a tight fist as he tried to contain himself. Every fiber in his being was yelling at him—shouting so loudly it was like a raging storm in his ears—to go back, sweep Yuuki off her feet, kiss her deeply and spend the rest of the day in their bedroom together. Yet he stopped himself. He couldn't do everything he wanted to do when he wanted to. He had responsibilities and duties to uphold and take care. Instead of making up with Yuuki and spending time with her, he was on his way to the Ichijo Mansion.

He was going to spend the night with Yuuki after cleaning and changing her so that he could be there for when she woke, but he had received an update from Seiren stating that Takuma had missed his scheduled check-in. Takuma wasn't irresponsible or forgetful which could only mean that something went wrong. That worried Kaname. As per their previous discussions, he was supposed to check-in at certain times to make sure everything was going according to their plan and that he was still safe.

So that's how he spent the rest of his night. Rather than being cozy with Yuuki in a warm bed, he was going over possibilities and strategies with Seiren in his cold office. And there he was now, on his way to see Takuma's grandfather to see if he could get any information out of the old bastard. What irritated him most was having to wait yet another day before clearing up the misunderstandings with Yuuki. He tapped his finger on his knee as he thought about how to approach her and ask for her forgiveness.

Before he could give it much thought, they arrived at the Ichijo Mansion. The crunching sound of gravel as the car pulled up the long driveway was audible to his sensitive hearing. Kaname took notice of a few servants already exiting the mansion and waiting on the stairs to greet him. When the car pulled to a stop, the driver stepped out and walked around to the passenger side to open the door for him. He tapped his knee in thought once more before finally exiting. Seiren didn't bother waiting for the driver. She had her door open and was exiting the car before it had even come to a complete stop, scoping the place out and making sure everything looked relatively safe.

"Welcome to the Ichijo Mansion," one of the butlers stated, bowing deeply and lowering his eyes to the ground.

Kaname didn't bother answering. He didn't even give the man a cursory glance before going up the stairs to the main doors. Before he made it half way up, the mansion doors opened to reveal Asato Ichijo. He stopped, one foot on a different step than the other, as he looked up at the older-looking man with blonde hair and a full, well trimmed beard.

"Lord Kuran," Asato's grumbly voice greeted him. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

"I'm here to meet with you."

"Oh? I don't recall having an appointment with you. My apologies if it slipped through the cracks," he said sarcastically.

The two men stared at each other in silence, gauging each other's stance and trying to figure out each other's hidden agendas. Kaname took note of every fractional facial movement Asato made. He could tell that Asato was trying desperately hard to ensure he didn't give anything away, and that in itself gave everything away. He instantly knew that Takuma was there and that his grandfather had somehow prevented him from leaving.

"I didn't make an appointment," Kaname finally replied, taking another step to be on the same stair. "I came to discuss the asinine plan you and Sara concocted for her and I to marry. That just won't do."

"As you mentioned before, Lord Kuran, I am in no place to get in between the personal affairs of two purebloods. This is something you will have to discuss with Lady Shirabuki."

Kaname climbed up the remaining steps until he was face to face with Asato. He put his hand on the noble's shoulder and felt him flinch, making him smile. Asato tried to keep his face the same to cover up his folly. "Ichijo. The only thing you know how to be consistent on is going back and forth on whether you should or shouldn't intervene, depending on how the end result will benefit you."

Asato stiffened. "Don't be ridiculous, Lord Kuran. Joking and smiling doesn't suit you." He stepped away from Kaname's touch. "I don't know what's gotten into you the past few months or so, but you should go back to how you were if you know what's good for you."

Kaname could sense Asato's internal struggle. He knew that Asato had always both reveled and feared purebloods. The man respected them. He was fascinated and in awe of the sheer power that they held, but in the same token feared it. The fact that he, a high class older noble, with all the experience and power he himself held, was nothing more than the equivalent of a Level E when put against a pureblood, scared him. It had been his mission for many years to eliminate purebloods entirely, and if he couldn't do that then the next best thing was to be able to control them.

"Aren't you brave, Ichijo? I believe you just threatened me."

"I wouldn't dream of doing such a thing. And speaking of bravery, you're a lot braver than you used to be, Lord Kuran. That can be very dangerous for you. I'm not sure what changed but it'd be in your best interest if you went back to how you were when you were younger."

"And why is that, Ichijo?"

"It's more dangerous for you when you're not being the obedient little boy."

Kaname smiled wickedly, very much unlike himself as he leaned closer to Asato. He could feel the noble's immediate discomfort and worry spike. "You're mistaken, Ichijo. I was never the obedient little boy you claim I was. That's one of the many things you hate about me. You masked your greed for power and fear of mine with worry and concern, thinking you'd be able to control me and use me. Like you could cultivate me into your little pawn because I was but a child at the time. You truly, really know nothing of me."

Without another word, Kaname walked past Asato and entered the mansion without invitation, leaving the stunned noble to collect himself. Asato's cheeks reddened in both embarrassment and fury as his composure returned. He followed shorty afterward.

Kaname was looking around, inhaling the air to see if he could find traces of Takuma. He indiscreetly expanded his senses, trying to see if he could feel his old friend's presence. It was faint but there. Kaname half smiled to himself before he started climbing the stairs to the second floor. As he started heading toward Takuma's room, Asato called out and stopped him.

"My grandson isn't here. I haven't seen him. I thought he was with you, but if he's not then I'm not sure where he is. He's probably out lolligagging around. I'll let him know you're looking for him if I hear from him. My office is this way." He held out his hand to his left as he stared at Kaname intently.

"Takuma isn't here?"

"No."

"That's strange," Kaname said as he turned to look down at Asato. "He said he was coming to visit you when he left yesterday."'

"Did he?" He looked around as if Takuma would suddenly appear.

"He didn't show up yesterday?"

"No," Asato answered.

Kaname nodded as if in thought. "That's not what he said his plans were."

"Well, he's young. You know how kids can be. I'm sure you've made up excuses to go out and do things before. He's probably found a girl he fancies."

"If that is the case, then that means he's lied to me. Well," Kaname threw his hands out to his sides and then clapped once, rubbing his palms together. "There's nothing I can do about that now. I'll just have to punish him for lying when he returns to my side." He started walking down the stairs to stand beside Asato.

"P-punish him?" Asato bristled, his chest puffing out.

"Oh, yes. Punish. How dare he, someone who has devoted himself and his loyalty to me, a mere nobleman, lie to me, a pureblood? That's unacceptable. These kinds of things, you have to punish severely in order to prevent them from doing it again. You know how kids are." Kaname repeated Asato's words, acting non-nonchalantly. "I'll just have to bleed him out to an inch of his life and let him hang from his wrists for two weeks before I'm satisfied. Well, shall we go to your office then?" He started to walk away.

"Wait, wait a minute. I'm sure he didn't lie, Lord Kuran. Let's not get hasty and jump to conclusions. He was probably here and returned and you simply missed him when you began your travel."

Kaname stopped and looked over his shoulder. "If he was here, I don't see how you, his grandfather, would not know of it. That would mean that you are lying, which would also mean that I'd have to punish you instead."

Asato gulped, both nervous by the threat and angry with himself for fearing the pureblood. Kaname gave him a half smile and walked toward the office.

After several hours of going back and forth, politely arguing and playing with words, Kaname was tired of dealing with Asato and not figuring out a way to get out of the marriage with Sara. His main concern was coming up with an alternative that would appease the Council while eliminating the potential threat to him. If there was a way to do so without having to inform them of Yuuki and her existence, the better. They had agreed to an intermission, but it was well into the evening by then. He really wanted to head back home before it got too late, wanting nothing more than to see Yuuki. Every time he thought of the being able to see her and explain why he had been acting like he was, while apologizing and hoping to return to how they were, he became rejuvenated with energy and excitement.

But first things first, he had to finish his business with Asato and the Council before he could return home. Asato had insisted that Kaname stay for dinner, as it was an 'honor' to his household to have 'the King' visit. He was in a guest room, sitting in a chair with his legs crossed as he tapped his finger against the table. He felt her presence right before she teleported into the room, hundreds of vertical black lines flickering into place to reveal Seiren. She bowed her head and placed her fist over her heart in greeting.

"Report."

"He's here," she immediately answered, standing at ease in front of him, her arms behind her back.

"Where?"

"His bedroom. It appears he is imprisoned."

"Why?"

"There seems to be a barrier in place which prevents him from leaving."

"Interesting..."

"Others are able to enter and exit his room without being affected. He has been trying for what seems like hours to find a way out and fight the barrier, but he's getting tired."

Kaname stood. "Alright, I'll go to see him then. You go ahead and continue to recon and gather information. You know the drill. I'm counting on you." She nodded and saluted him in her traditional way before teleporting out of the room. He opened the door to the bedroom and was immediately greeted with guards. "What's this?" he asked them.

They bowed their heads and looked straight down. "We're here to escort you to the dinning hall, our Lord. Dinner is to be served and our Lord Ichijo requested we ensure your attendance."

Kaname sighed. It's not like he couldn't easily overpower the eight guards, he just didn't want to start another mess after doing so. He could see it now, the Council coming up with another crazy story about him trying to push aside traditions and running around by himself without regard to the rest of the vampire society. He ran his fingers through his hair out of frustration. For now, he would go eat and pretend to be social. Once dinner was over, he would go to Takuma's room and figure a way to get him out.

"So be it. Lead the way." Kaname gestured his hand for the guards to move. They split into two groups, four leading and four following from behind with Kaname in the middle.

"C'mon, Yuuki. We've been at this for days now. How can you not get this yet?" Hanabusa tiredly sighed from above her, staring intently into her eyes with a pleading look.

"I know, I'm sorry." She was flat on her back on the floor, staring at the ceiling with her arms and legs stretched out. "I keep losing concentration. Kaname has been gone for days without a word. I'm worried about him. What if something happened to him?"

"Pfft, this is Lord Kaname we're talking about. Nothing could have happened to him. Besides, this is perfect. We can practice freely without worrying about him walking in on us. So get your head in the game and let's get a move on it. We don't know when he'll return and I'm getting tired."

"Okay, okay, let's do it again."

"Thank you," he breathed out in relief. He removed his hands from his pockets and stood straight from his leaning position, holding a hand out for Yuuki to grab. She took it and he helped her stand and catch her balance.

For the past four days, since Kaname had left Yuuki in his care and disappeared, he had been training with Yuuki, teaching her all sorts of womanly things. They had gone over the proper etiquette when dining and drinking while still being feminine, the proper way to stand and hold herself while still being alluring, how to smile and joke seductively and even how to properly flip her hair over her shoulder to provoke interest. They spent a great deal of time training her mentally when taking breaks from physical training. He'd been catching her up with the history of their people and who was who in the vampire upper class. He even taught her how to play chess. Or so he thought; she beat him every game they played.

She had been making an amazing amount of progress, if he was to be completely honest. There was plenty of motivation and emotion to fuel her and keep her going. It was her way to not only get Kaname back to her side but a way to prove to him that she was no longer a child that needed constant coddling. That he had to trust her and see her as his equal. Hanabusa couldn't even begin to imagine what Yuuki was going through, but he felt her constant frustration of always being 'not good enough and inadequate to the all powerful and important Kaname'.

He shook his head as he recalled her words. Though he agreed that Kaname was like God—at least in his opinion—he had long ago shed the thoughts of Yuuki not being Kaname's equal. There was so much to her than just her sunny disposition and attitude. She just couldn't see it herself. In his opinion, no one could match her equal or was more befitting of being by Kaname's side than her.

"Ow!" she called out for the thousandth time since they tackled their current training project. It brought him back to reality and he shook his head to clear his thoughts. She had fallen yet again and was sprawled out on the ground.

"Again," he commanded as he held his hand out to her.

"You really hate me," she huffed as she took his hand.

"Now now. How can I do my duty as a chevalier, protecting my one and only Lady Yuuki if I hated you? I'd just do it in a half-assed manner and let you get killed." He grinned at her and blinked innocently twice.

She slapped his hand away and stood by herself. "If I get killed, I'm coming back as a ghost to haunt you until you die. Then I'll torment and haunt your ghost too so you never get any rest."

"G-ghosts?" He looked around nervously as his face paled slightly. Yuuki had found his secret of fearing spirits and ghosts the day before. Any time she was annoyed with him or wanted to tease him, she would start talking about them and scare him.

She grinned back at him and blinked twice, mimicking him. "What? I don't see any," she answered sweetly.

Hanabusa grumbled. "Don't think you can keep using that to have control over me. Now stop messing around and try again. One straight line, turn and return. That's all I'll settle for at this point."

"Fine, fine." Yuuki cleared her throat and smoothed her shirt. She extended her arms straight down and kept them close to her sides. With her hands flipped up and her palms down and away, she attempted walking in a straight line in heels again. She started to wobble but caught her balance before falling.

"Good, good. Keep going. Once you get this down, you can practice without holding your hands out for balance."

"I don't think I'll ev—" before she could finish her sentence, she fell again. "Ugh! I hate this!" She kicked her feet around and smacked the ground with her hands. "Why do I even have to wear these stupid stiletto heals? Can't I just wear flats or boots?"

"Sure, if you weren't going to a ball that was going to have the entire high class vampire community attending. All the nobles and purebloods are going to be there. Actors, politicians, large business owners, all the wealthy people, you name it."

"I don't care anymore. It's not as easy as you make it sound."

"It is."

"No, it's not! I'd like to see you try!" she shouted back.

"Fine!" he shouted in return, agitated. He stood up briskly and left the room, stomping as he quickly walked away. She stood and sat in a chair, massaging her calves and the tops of her feet. A few minutes later, she heard Ruka yelling. Another minute later and Hanabusa was returning with an angry blonde following her.

"You can't! Those are mine!" Ruka yelled.

"I'm just going to borrow them, jeez," Hanabusa replied as he sat down and started taking his shoes and socks off.

"No. No way. If you wear those, you're going to stretch them out and I won't be able to wear them again. Do it and die, Aidou," she warned.

"This is for our Lady Yuuki. Don't you want her to be a proper lady? You don't want to be embarrassed by her during the event, do you? All those eyes staring at her, judging her."

Yuuki gulped. "You're not making this easier on me. What are you doing with her shoes anyway?"

"I'm going to show you just how easy it is," he answered. He put on Ruka's heels and stood confidently. Without hesitation or having to use his hands, he walked around the entire room while pretending to greet people who weren't really there. Yuuki's jaw dropped as Ruka grinned despite her anger. He made another lap before he started to dance the Waltz with an invisible partner. "You see?" he asked. "Easy."

"I don't know what to say. How do you even know how to walk in women's high heels?" Yuuki asked.

"I don't care," Ruka interrupted. "This is by far one of the best things Aidou has ever done. I'm never going to let you live this down." She started to walk out of the room. "Oh, and by the way. You look great in those shoes. You can keep them."

"You mention this to anyone and you'll regret it!" he yelled at the back of her retreating figure.

"There's nothing you can say or do that'll make me change my mind!" she shouted back from the hallway.

He balled his fists as his face reddened. "I'll tell everyone just how big your feet are! My God, they even fit me!"

Ruka's footsteps could be heard as she ran back and popped her head into the doorway. Her lips thinned as she narrowed her eyes at him. "Mention that to anyone and I'll kill you."

"Yeah, yeah, go away. I'm busy training with Yuuki."

"It's Lady Yuuki," she corrected him before leaving.

Hanabusa rolled his eyes. "Alright Yuuki, let's take a break from this and tackle something else. We can practice again later." He watched her sigh in relief as she immediately took her shoes off and wiggled her toes.

"What's next?"

"Making Lord Kaname want what he can't have."

"I don't understand."

He grinned. "Of course you don't, that's why I'm here!" He stood and started pacing back and forth as he began to explain. "When you tell a child no, what happens?"

"Um... they question why?"

"Well, yes. What else? They want what they can't have even more and they'll try and try and try until they get it, with or without permission."

Yuuki nodded as she thought about it. "Okay, yes. I'm following."

"We have to deny him what he wants most, which is you."

"If he wants me most then why is he marrying someone else?"

"Yeah, about that. I've thought of that and the only thing I can come up with is that he's doing it for you."

"How is marrying someone other than the one he claims he loves doing it for me?!" she shouted as she stood up, angry.

"You've not met the Council or been a part of vampire society, Yuuki. You don't know what they're capable of or what they always demand of Lord Kaname. He's probably doing it to protect you."

"What's the point of protecting me if I'm miserable? I rather die." She crossed her arms over her chest.

"True, but don't be dramatic. There's more to life than just what's outside of your little bubble of a world. So, your first test is to deny Lord Kaname what he wants. If he wants to talk to you, say later. If he wants to eat a meal with you, say you've already eaten. If he wants to see you, say you're busy and don't see him."

"Wouldn't that just make him annoyed and push him away further?"

"Nope. He's taking advantage of the fact that you'll always be there by his side because you made the decision to come with him here and not stay at Cross Academy with Zero. I don't think you understand how much that meant to him."

"He's got a funny way of showing it," she mumbled under her breath.

"Alright, so, what's your first test?"

"Deny Kaname."

"You got it," he grinned. His gaze lowered to her heels that she abandoned. "Break time is now over," he said while pointing at her shoes.

After being bored out of his mind during the dinner, he dismissed himself and returned back to his guest room. He listened as guards walked back and forth, doing their rounds in the hallway. No doubt they were making sure he stayed in his room and didn't stray, but he was Kaname Kuran. Neither vampire guards nor Asato Ichijo were going to oppress him.

He counted the time it took for the guards to do their round and how long he would have in between the next patrol. When the guards left, he opened his door and peeked out to ensure no one was there. When the coast was clear, he embraced the shadows and transformed himself into his preferred familiar, his shadow wolf.

So long as there were shadows, he was able to easily blend in and out of them while in this form. He dashed down the hall and headed towards Takuma's room. A maid coming from the opposite direction was spotted and he immediately melted into the shadows a table cast. She walked past him without realizing anything. When she turned the corner, he popped out and started running again.

When he made it to Takuma's room, he saw the door open and the young noble sitting on the floor, his back against a wall. He looked frustrated and tired as he bit a nail, more than likely deep in thought. Kaname blew air through his snout to make his presence known. Takuma jumped from his spot at the sudden sound and turned to look in his direction.

His suddenly alarmed faced instantly melted away into a look of relief and happiness, as if he had finally found fresh water after being deserted at sea for months. Kaname looked from side to side to ensure no one was around before transforming back into his normal self.

"Kaname!" Takuma shouted in joy as he scrambled to his feet and ran to the door. Kaname put his long index finger against his lips to silence him as he looked around again. Takuma covered his mouth and tried to peek out the door as well, but the barrier caused him to take a step back.

"Interesting indeed..." Kaname said to himself as he examined the empty space in between the door frame.

"It's not interesting at all. My grandfather locked me in here as soon as I mentioned Sara's name. I can't get out." He looked distressed with his disheveled hair and disorganized clothes as he took a step side to side by the entrance. So close to his freedom yet so far away. "Can you get me out of here?"

"I'll certainly try. Do you know what kind of barrier he put up?" Kaname lifted his hand as he felt the air by the door frame. He could feel the magic humming and vibrating as he moved his hand through the entrance. He took a step forward and entered the room, then took a step back and stood in the hallway again.

"I-I don't know. Some sort of ward that he cast with my blood."

"Your blood?" Kaname looked him over, knowing that any physical harm would have healed by now. "Are you alright?"

"Yes, never mind that now. I need to get out of here."

"I'm afraid I can't break the ward if it was cast with your blood." Kaname looked at his oldest friend with sadness.

Takuma's eyes widened. "What do you mean? Why not? You're Kaname. You can do anything."

He really wished everyone didn't think of him as an all-knowing, all supreme being that was capable of everything and anything so long as he put his mind to it. The burden his shoulders carried weighed him down and he was surprised he was even able to hold a proper posture anymore. "Short of going and asking him what kind of blood ward he cast, it'd take too much time trying to go through them all and seeing if any of them break with a counter spell. Besides, I'd have to use your blood to break it."

"That's fine! Use it, I don't care. Just get me out of here." Takuma unbuttoned his sleeve and rolled it up to his elbow. He extended his arm out to Kaname with his wrist up, making sure not to touch the barrier.

"No, Ichijo. You don't understand. Your grandfather is stronger than you, which means I'd have to use a great deal of your blood to counter his. If we were going to try over and over again until we broke the right ward, you'd be dead. Or it'd take too much time. Besides, the scent of your blood would alert everyone in this mansion."

Takuma let out a frustrated sigh. "Then what do we do?"

"I have an idea but you may not like it."

"I'll take anything at this point."

"We use Seiren to teleport you out."

Takuma started to laugh. "You're brilliant! Why didn't I think of that?" He became excited as he moved around. "Okay, what do I need to do? I'm sure she's here, right?" He looked around, waiting for her to show up.

"Ichijo," Kaname said quietly, bringing his attention back to him. "Don't get ahead of yourself. You have to know of the risks that comes with using this method. If this was just a simple ward, you wouldn't look to be in the state you are in. I'm assuming it causes you pain?"

"Yeah."

"Since it's meant to hold you in, what do you think will happen when you leave? You'll be in an incredible amount of pain with this method. You could even die. Do you understand?" Kaname tried to emphasis his point with a look of concern.

Takuma looked at him with determined eyes. "Either be a prisoner for who knows how long or die. What's the difference? If I die, so be it. It'll teach that old bastard a lesson."

Kaname shook his head and ran his fingers through his hair. "Seiren," he commanded. She soon after teleported into view. "Go ahead." He waved his hand toward Takuma as he walked into the room and grabbed a chair. He moved it to the center of the room and sat in it, looking in the direction of the hallway.

"I cannot teleport far with someone else. It will be just outside of the mansion, in the gardens. From there, I will escort you to safety."

"That's not necessary. You stay by Kaname. I can take care of myself after you get me out."

"No, Ichijo." Kaname interrupted. "You don't understand. You will be in no condition to make it far without her help. Trust me."

"It's going to be that bad?" he asked, finally nervous about the amount of pain that was going to be inflicted. Kaname didn't respond, he just looked at him in his stoic way. "Alright." Takuma nodded solemnly he was ready to Seiren.

"Here we go," she whispered as she placed her hands around his waist. "Put your arms around my shoulders." Once he did, she started to teleport.

Kaname watched her familiar black vertical lines as they were now infused with red ones. He heard his best friend's screech of pain before they finally blinked away. Where they stood before was replaced by lines of blood temporarily suspended in the air. A second later, the lines of blood succumbed to gravity and instantly fell to the ground, creating a small pool of blood. It splattered on his pants and shoes, but he didn't care. Takuma's scent filled the air.

Now all he had to do was wait for Asato and his guards to run to where he was. He hoped that Takuma was relatively intact and that he could finish this business with Asato quickly so he could return to Yuuki. While he waited, he thought of her, sitting back into the chair and crossing his legs.

It had been another three days before Kaname was able to leave the Ichijo mansion and return back to his own. He had called several times to speak with Yuuki because he didn't want to keep her in the dark about his whereabouts for too long. Honestly, he hadn't counted on his trip taking an entire week. Each time he called though, she was busy and couldn't come to the phone. Or at least, that's what the maids stated. He wondered if that were true but figured the maids wouldn't lie to him. What could she possibly be busy with that she couldn't spare five minutes to talk to him?

He was in a terrible and grumpy mood. Things with Asato had only escalated after he helped Takuma escape. In fact, not only did they escalate, but any progress he had thought they'd made—which really wasn't much to begin with—had been thrown out the window. Now, instead of the ball being a month away, it was being held in just two days. That meant he had to come up with an alternative as quickly as possible to stop the announcement of his arranged marriage to Sara without having Yuuki get hurt. Although at this point, he figured if that was the only way, then so be it.

It didn't help that he wasn't able to see or speak with Yuuki. Although he realized it wasn't fair since he was gone, he selfishly didn't expect her to be busy and unavailable. Was she alright? Hurt? Or was she truly busy? But with what? It's not like she took her studies that seriously. Or had friends at the mansion, other than the other nobles.

His mood further plummeted as he thought of how he'd turned her world upside down and then practically abandoned her while yelling at her. Relationships? He scoffed. Who said he was any good at them? Other than her, there wasn't anyone else except Yuuki. To be honest, although he was incredibly old, he was asleep for more than half his life.

"Sebasuchan," Kaname called out when he stepped into the foyer. His Chief of Staff and head butler bowed his inky black hair down in greeting.

"Yes, my Lord?" he asked after standing straight.

"What of Yuuki? Is she alright?" His worried expression spoke of emotions that his voice refused to portray.

"Yes, my Lord."

"She's not hurt?"

"No, my Lord."

"She's been eating? Resting?"

"Yes, my Lord."

Kaname looked at him and cocked a brow. "You're not much for words today."

"No, my Lord."

"Are you alright?" Kaname asked.

"Yes, my Lord."

Kaname became further frustrated. Just what was wrong with everyone, anyway? Not only did they all expect him to solve the problems of each society, vampires, humans and hunters alike, they also never bothered to help or give him a reprieve. Instead, everyone had an attitude. Where was Yuuki? His one and only sane person who actually talked to him without a hidden agenda?

He heard two maids—who weren't paying attention to his arrival, he noted—talking amongst themselves in hushed and excited tones while dusting. Without meaning to, their words slipped into his ears as he was shrugging his long coat off and handing it to Sebasuchan.

"Are you serious?" the short one asked her taller companion.

"Yes!" she answered with a giggle and reddened cheeks.

"That's so exciting!"

Kaname started walking up the stairs, intent on making his way straight to Yuuki's room.

"I can't believe the Lady is pregnant. I hear it's really difficult for nobles and purebloods to get pregnant because of their blood lines. They have it so rough."

Kaname's ears perked up as he stopped in his tracks. Pregnant? Who was pregnant? What Lady? His Yuuki Lady? Lady Yuuki? His heart started to race as his blood rushed through his body.

"Yeah, they say that's why there isn't much of them around. Purebloods especially."

The pounding in his ears became deafening as he looked up the stairs, his mouth open in shock.

"Is she doing okay?" the short one asked.

"She's been busy lately. And I hear she's gotten real sick and has been resting a lot."

"She'll probably need a lot of blood from the Lord to keep her strength up and feed their baby."

Busy? Lady? Lord? Yuuki was a Lady. She was busy lately. He was a Lord. Was Yuuki pregnant with his baby? He gripped the railing as he swayed from the impact of the news. Blood. That's right. She'd need his blood more and more as she went further into her pregnancy. He ran his fingers through his hair. He would go to her now and let her have her full. She had already gone an entire week without any.

He rushed up the stairs and down the hallway. His entire body felt jittery with nerves and his palms became sweaty. Hanabusa was standing post, it looked like, right outside their bedroom. When they made eye contact, Hanabusa bowed down in greeting.

"Welcome back, Lord Kaname."

"Thanks," he said absent-mindedly, not really taking much of anything in. His one and only focus was getting to Yuuki, giving her his blood and talking to her and her stomach. He reached out to turn the handle to the door when a hand stopped him. In his distracted state, he became confused and looked down at the hand over his, then followed it up its arm to see its owner.

Hanabusa's electric blue eyes stared at him.

"What do you think you're doing?" he asked him.

"I'm sorry, Lord Kaname, but I can't let you in."

Kaname's eye twitched as he shook his head in confusion. "What did you just say to me?" he asked in disbelief.

"Lady Yuuki is resting and requested not to be disturbed by anyone."

"I understand that, but I'm not just anyone." He reached for the handle again. This time, Hanabusa stepped in front of him, blocking his way to the door.

"Again, I'm sorry, but she said she doesn't want to see anyone right now, including you."

"Aidou, step aside right now or I will forcefully remove you."

Hanabusa shuddered slightly by the threat and deadly look in Kaname's eyes, but stood his ground. "I wouldn't be much of a chevalier to Lady Yuuki if I did the opposite of her requests. I'm sorry, but her wishes are my command. Isn't that why you ordered me to protect her? Because I won't stand down from threats?"

Kaname stared at him, allowing his usual inexpressive face to slip into one of incredulity. "She specifically said she didn't want to see even me?" Hanabusa nodded. Kaname did so as well, the air and excitement leaving him in a rush and leaving him hallow and empty. He put his hand against the door and rested his forehead against it. Hanabusa didn't stop him. Instead, he looked at him with pity and stepped aside.

"Sorry..." the noble whispered as he looked away.

Kaname simply nodded again, feeling the heavy burden weigh on him once more. After everything that had happened since he had arrived at the mansion with Yuuki, he didn't expect her to ever refuse seeing him. Sure, he'd messed up, but his plan was to make things right. Was he too late?

"Yuuki?" he said quietly against the wood. "I'm sure you can hear me. I'm back. I hope you're doing well and resting. If you need anything, don't be afraid to ask the maids, Aidou or me. I'll be in my office when you're ready to see me. I..." he trailed off, "I love you, Yuuki."

He could have been forceful and pushed Hanabusa away, broken the door down and walked in. He could have forced Yuuki to see him and call her crazy for even suggesting such a stipulation. He could have done a lot of things, but he didn't. For once, he would listen to her and her requests instead of forcing his way all the time. Again, he'd go back to doing what she wanted. Everything was for her anyway. Her and now their baby.

A small smile reached his tired lips. "I love you, too," he said to the baby. He tried to listen, but couldn't hear anything. Without another word, he let his hand slip down the smooth wood before pushing away. He turned and walked away, his destination already set.

A/N: Any criticism, positive or negative, is welcome.

Thank you for reading.