Author Notes: Merry Christmas!! I had half of this chapter written in the No Matter What days but it still needed quite a lot of work since Ruka turned out quite differently now. It's an extra long chapter to make up for the very short one previously so I hope you all enjoy it. More comments in my bio profile as usual :D
-- Chapter Start --
Ruka closed her eyes with a resigned sigh. She refused to open them even after they had entered the otherwise empty lift although the lack of sight magnified the sounds of their breathing and the increasingly delicious smell of her saviour. Kain seemed content to be silent and Ruka remained silent as well.
In fact, she only opened her eyes after Kain had carried her out of the lift, down the corridor and into a room and that was only because the room contained Aido's scent. Her eyes snapped open then and she looked questioningly around, noting the twin beds instead of her own Queen sized one. When her head whipped back up to Kain's face, he was looking down at her with that inscrutable look on his face.
"Uh… Akatsuki?" Ruka's voice was smaller and more uncertain than she had hoped. "Why did you bring me to your room?"
Kain started a little at Ruka's words and he lifted his head, scanning the room as if seeing it for the first time.
I didn't. Nope - I did. Crap.
"I... uh, don't have the key to your room," he mumbled. Even to his own ears, the words sounded lamer than Aido's never ending attempts to impress Kaname. Kain could feel a dull flush slowly creeping up his neck. He knew Ruka could see it judging from the trepidation showing on her face. To Kain for whom honour meant something, that look hurt and he hastened to reassure her.
"It was nearer, that's all. Hey, you know I would never do anything to-" he began but Ruka was suddenly struggling to get down and he obediently lowered her to the floor. She immediately spun on her heel and moved to the windows. With a suddenness that startled him, she flung the glass panes open. The linen curtains billowed back immediately as the cool sea breeze swept into the room, bringing with it the heavy scent of rain. The moist air itself was laden with salt that crystallised into minute particles on Ruka's face but their presence only registered faintly in her senses as a very minor inconvenience. There were two more pressing issues at hand; one was her re-emerging blood lust, tightening her chest and constricting her lungs. The other was the barely concealed hurt on Kain's face.
Shaking her head, Ruka swung around. She could already see the half formed apology on Kain's lips and gave him a wistful smile that showed her fangs.
"Don't apologise, Akatsuki," she murmured. "I was being silly. I know you would never-" she drifted off and shook her head again. "I'm safer by your side than I am anywhere else or with anyone else. We both know that," she added with a slightly admonishing look. Kain swallowed, feeling his heart clench with a mixture of giddy relief and guilty knowledge. He allowed the relief to show on his face but kept the guilt hidden inside him. Yes, he would never consciously do anything to hurt this delicate beauty he worshipped with all his heart but he also knew his thoughts were far from brotherly. Or even platonic.
The look on Kain's face was more than enough answer for Ruka. Ignoring the increasing throb in her fangs, she turned resolutely to the window again.
"I should return to my room," she muttered to herself. Kain fixed his gaze longingly on her profile. Light was spilling out from one of the windows downstairs and it was more than enough to illuminate Ruka's face. He could even see the tip of one of her ivory fangs... the one nearest him. It was small and so delicately fashioned, just like how the rest of her was. Right on cue, that queer ache started in his chest again, a familiar and frequent ache borne of a yearning to comfort and soothe her in any way he could. It was usually left unresolved but right now there was something she desperately needed, something that he could give her. Kain's face set in that familiar, stubborn cast it usually did whenever he had made his mind up about something. He took a step towards Ruka and she glanced at him.
"You need blood, Ruka. Now," Kain replied briefly. He unbuttoned his T-shirt and tugged it over his head. Eyes widening in alarm, Ruka quickly shook her head.
"N-no! No, I don't! Some tablets and I'll be fine..."
As if he hadn't heard her, Kain covered the distance between them in three long strides. His hand whipped around her back, strong fingers tangling in the honey blond waves of her hair in a hold that was less than gentle, less than reverent.
"You little idiot!" he said tightly. "Do you think I can't feel your hunger? Your pain?!"
Kain yanked Ruka close almost angrily and she fell against him. He was prepared for that, using his own body to halt her fall and tugging on her hair to force her face up at the same time. Ruka froze when she felt a bare chest against her palms. His skin was hot to the touch. She could both hear and feel his rapid strong heartbeat and the rich crimson liquid surging through his veins. The painful throbbing in her fangs increased but a sudden surge of sorrow made her eyes burn at the same time. Swallowing hard, she forced her head down despite Kain's tight hold on her hair and stubbornly shook her head.
"No. Akatsuki. No, I – I can't..."
Kain's only answer was to tug on her hair to bring her face up to his again. His expression was grim. Resolute. And absolutely determined.
"Yes, Ruka, yes you can! Bite me!"
Much to his surprise, Ruka proved herself just as stubborn as he was. Mutely, she shook her head and glared at him with narrowed crimson eyes despite her increasing discomfort. Kain huffed exasperatedly but he was impressed all the same. He knew she couldn't not be tempted, not when her fangs were already fully out and the trembles shaking her were increasingly pronounced but she was still resisting.
He just didn't know why…
Ruka uttered a groan that was almost a sob. She pushed against Kain's chest as hard as she could, tears of both hunger and sorrow filling her eyes. She was so very tempted to take what was being offered with such generosity but she had suffered ever since she gave Kaname-sama her blood. She didn't want Kain to suffer the same fate even if he had never mooned about her in the first place. He of all people didn't deserve to suffer the bitterness of a one sided bond. Desperate to get away, Ruka pushed even harder against his chest but to no avail - the strong arms around her prevented her escape effectively.
"Let me go, Akatsuki!" she cried out finally, almost reduced to beating her fists against his chest out of sheer frustration. Still, Kain pressed his lips together and shook his head, combating an instinctive urge to give in to her request as he almost always did. She was trying to escape but this time, he could not let her. His heart was crying out for him to do something, something that would give them what they both needed.
If he had to play dirty, then so be it.
With his heart and his brain working collaboratively for once, Kain made a shallow cut over the pulse beating in his throat. Ruka reacted almost instantly, head jerking up in shock and delicate nostrils flaring at the rich, coppery scent.
Heavens, it smelled delicious...
"No fair," she whispered brokenly. Her body was now screaming for that precious nectar and she knew she wasn't strong enough to resist, not when it was so beautifully available and all hers for the taking. She could not turn away now and from the guilty but triumphant look in Kain's eyes, he knew it too.
Why, Akatsuki? Why chain yourself to me like I did? You saw my sorrow, you knew what this would do to you!
Ruka's heart was filled with pain and guilt but Kain's was filled with happiness. He had known for some time that he loved Ruka and he was more than happy to give his virgin neck to her. The bubbling joy in him surged to dizzying heights as she leaned into him. There was a shy but swift lick across his already healing cut and a heartbeat later, twin bursts of agonising sweetness.
Ruka's bite even though she was hungry, was delicate. Delicate and pretty, Kain thought distractedly with a return of that strange poetic streak. There was no pain at all, only pleasure and joy. A sweetly tingling pleasure that radiated out from the bite to travel through every inch of his body. A burst of joy that he was able to give her something she needed. Kain shivered as his willingness increased the pleasure of her bite, turning an innocent offer into sensual enticement. His hand gentled automatically in reaction, fingers sliding slowly through the silky waves to cradle her head supportively to his neck. His other hand was now splayed at the small of her back.
Ruka felt very good pressed up against him like this. God, it was hard enough keeping his desire tamped down when he just looked at her, but she was now pressing into him as if trying to get even closer. With her delicate fangs buried deep in his flesh, the soft movements of her lips against his skin as she sucked and the small hungry sounds of her feeding filling his ears, Kain fairly shuddered with ecstasy. Swiftly, his body hardened with unmistakable desire and he surreptitiously shifted his hips apart from hers.
In any case, Ruka barely noticed. Her slender fingers had discovered a broad expanse of hot, smooth skin and firm rippling muscle and she explored it with shy but curious delight. Strong shoulders, equally strong arms, a warm chest that heaved almost in unison with hers. So smooth, warm and hard, everything felt so unbelievably good to touch. Kain's blood tasted just as good. She had smelled it a couple of times in the past when Aido had needed blood but this was the first time she was tasting it. Actually, it was like drinking Kain into herself, Ruka thought almost dreamily. His blood was strong, rich and robust but there was a note of underlying sweetness about it.
A part of Ruka's mind was distantly amused at this description - it sounded more like an advertisement for wine but it was true. His blood did more than just quench her burning thirst, it also warmed and soothed and strengthened her. Ruka willingly lost herself in the sensual delights of blood drinking. She hadn't had fresh blood in what seemed like forever... and Kain's truly was delicious. But what was just as delicious was the way he held her close and safe as if she was the most precious thing in the world to him. He was offering her comfort and care with both his blood and his arms and Ruka could stay like this forever. In fact, she wasn't sure how much she took from him. It didn't seem like more than a few moments although it must have been at least a couple of minutes because Kain started to sway a little. Even though the strong arms around her did not falter, that uncharacteristic weakness made Ruka's eyes snap open. With a sudden sense of panic she quickly slid her fangs free and turned aside, panting. Something was trickling out from the corner of her mouth and she licked her lips quickly.
Heavens, h-how much did I drink...?
Ruka darted a glance at Kain's neck. The puncture wounds had no trouble in closing but she helped them along, instinctively leaning forward and licking off the remaining drops of blood from his skin. She found herself leaning contentedly into Kain's warmth again, relishing the strength she could feel. After a moment, she realised that there was something else she could feel - something that made her blink in surprise. Fortunately, Kain's rich blood had left her feeling warm, playful and bold. The knowledge that Kain was physically affected by her bite was, for the moment at least - more intriguing than disturbing to Ruka. In fact, she even found it amusing and almost giggled at the discovery.
Feeling both lightheaded and aroused, Kain trembled as Ruka's tongue delicately caressed his healing skin. He told himself sternly to hold still but that area was now exquisitely sensitive especially to her touch… her lips… and her tongue. Ruka found herself unexpectedly delighted with his reaction. After all, Akatsuki Kain was always calm and so in control of himself and his feelings. That involuntary shiver in him was... well, unexpected. Intriguing. And very, very interesting.
With her blood lust now fully sated, Ruka was seized by a strange but very feminine urge to make this boy tremble, to see him lose a bit of that detached reserve and habitual cool... the opposite of his hot headed and impulsive cousin. Ever since Ruka had give Kaname take her blood, she had felt like she was at his mercy, her moods and words affected by his actions and words. Well, she was fed up of being at someone else's mercy. She wanted to see someone else at her mercy for once. And who better than someone who always seemed stronger than anyone else? Someone with that frustrating and stoic calm about him, as if he could not be swayed by something as mundane as mere emotions...
Kain stood there rather uncertainly. He was still holding her, he was taller, stronger and heavier than her but right at this very moment, his heart was beating with something almost akin to fear. His own fangs were lengthening from the sheer sensual pleasure of the bite and his eyes had taken on an unmistakable hue. Ruka looked up and was instantly captivated. She had never before seen the signs of blood lust on Kain and the effect was... well, it was breathtaking. Impulsively, she reached up and pressed her lips to his. Kain was caught by complete surprise, hands falling nerveless to his sides in shock at her action as well as the taste of his own blood on her lips. Ruka's slender hands slid up his bare chest, fingertips traversing lightly past contoured planes and puckered nubs until they reached his neck. She reached up some more and threaded her fingers through the unruly copper waves to pull him even closer to her. Kain didn't move. He couldn't – he was completely stunned at her unexpected actions but Ruka wasn't. She wanted more. More of him.
Kain's lips were firm and warm, so like the rest of him. Always firm. Always warm. Supportive. Helpful. Compassionate. A gentleman and a friend. He was always there for her and the most beautiful thing about him, at least for now, was that unlike someone else, Kain could actually be hers. Her wondering thoughts broke off when Kain inhaled sharply against her mouth on yet another shudder. His strong arms closed around her convulsively as he took over the kiss with untried but willing passion, his aroused fangs almost drawing her blood in return. When they finally broke apart, Ruka finally realised the front of her dress was slightly damp courtesy of a trickle of Kain's blood staining his chest. Letting impulse guide her actions, she dipped her head.
Kain's eyes widened, his mouth opening on a hiss of surprise as a series of kittenish licks on his bare chest sent his mind reeling in shock.
Oh God, Ruka...!
A wild desire had awakened in Ruka, borne along on the rush of her own blood in her veins and helped immensely by the rich, warm blood she had taken from Kain. She could hear her rapid heartbeat in her own ears but she saw nothing but the bare cheated boy in front of her with his eyes dark with desire. It should have frightened her because Kain had always been nothing more than a platonic friend and a confidante but right at this moment, it only made her want... more. She didn't exactly know how much more but she knew she wanted this to go on.
Outside, it had finally started to rain outside and heavily too but neither of them were aware of it. Ruka looked up then and Kain could not mistake the assent in the eyes looking back at him for anything else. He was deliriously and ecstatically happy, his heart was pounding hard enough to burst out of his chest but he was also conscious of a sharp ache in it that was bittersweet. Ruka was only caught up in the moment of blood sharing and nothing more. She trusted him and she liked him but she did not love him. Not in the way he wanted her to. The man who lived in her heart was there still and Kain knew Ruka would never turn him out. The one person he highly admired and respected here in Cross Academy. The one person he owed his loyalty and allegiance to. The one man he could never hope to best, even if he tried with all he had.
But for now, Ruka was open and willing. She was practically offering herself to him. Could he be so stupid as to turn her down when his heart and arms were crying out for the once in a lifetime chance to love her, to show her what it was like to trust a man who would die for her? Could he not throw off logic and restraint for once? Caught between sensual temptation and struggling conscience, Kain found himself pleading to whoever who might be listening, be they angel or demon... sinner or saint.
Please... just this once, please let me love Ruka and not have her hate me after this, please!
Ruka was oblivious to his mental struggle since she was looking down. She had just noticed a similar crimson stain marring the pristine white of her dress and frowned in annoyance.
"I need to take off my dress, Akatsuki. Help me?" she asked, her tone almost plaintive. Kain only stared at her as if he had never seen her before so Ruka shrugged and did it herself. She undid the zipper at the back and peeled the dress off her shoulders with a decided lack of shyness that would have made her cringe at any other time. Once she had pushed the knit material past her hips, it fell to her ankles with a whisper that sent Kain's senses into overdrive. Ruka was now dressed in nothing but a delicately shaped white silk bra and matching panties, her form lissome and graceful. Kain swallowed hard, his body reacting even more strongly than before with whatever blood she had left in him rushing downwards.
Beyond beautiful. Beyond perfect.
With a silent prayer for forgiveness, Kain gave into his dearest wish. Without breaking eye contact with Ruka, he bent slightly and scooped her into his strong arms. His arms revelled - he had never touched so much of her skin all at once even though he was only carrying her and nothing else. She looked up at him silently, her arms going trustingly around his neck. The nearest bed - his - was only a couple of strides away and Kain reached it in a single heartbeat. He laid her down gently, sliding one arm from around her shoulders and the other from behind her knees, feeling her silky skin caress his. There was no mistaking the open trust shining in her eyes and Kain swallowed. Oh God, he wanted so badly not to have to leave her at this very moment... to just take what she was offering to him now, and not have to think like he always did.
Placing one hand on the pillow beside her and leaning his weight on it, Kain bent forward to look deeply into Ruka's eyes. She leaned up onto one elbow and returned his look without fear, her other hand going up to palm a broad muscular shoulder, relishing the warmth against her skin and the trembles that shook him from inside out. She didn't know why he still seemed too scared to touch her and with a small sound of impatience, Ruka unsnapped the front clasp of her bra and shrugged it off defiantly, lips tilting in sudden and pure feminine delight as Kain's eyes widened again, his smouldering gaze fixed onto twin perfectly rounded curves that looked more beautiful than he could ever have imagined.
Far, far beyond perfect.
Kain's gaze was hot, worshipful and ardent but he was too shocked to move. Ruka endured his statue like stance for a few seconds before she grew impatient again. Grabbing his free hand, she guided it to one of her exposed breasts, triumph lighting her eyes when she saw his dilate in pure shock. Kain found himself cupping a warm, soft mound of soft flesh and silky skin, topped with a deliciously puckered pale pink tip. Her breast fitted his hand to absolute perfection.
Far, far beyond perfect...
"Ruka!"
"Touch me, 'katsuki," she whispered huskily but Kain only groaned.
"No, don't tempt me!" he pleaded. His hand trembled visibly, tightening on her breast almost painfully before he released it. The long, low groan he uttered sounded like pure anguish as he hung his head, squeezing his eyes shut from sweet temptation.
"Please, I want-" Ruka stared at him beseechingly. She wasn't quite sure what she wanted right now. Perhaps it was only to know that she had the power to bring at least one man down to his knees and nothing more but it seemed so crucial now that she at least succeeded in this. This one small victory.
"No!" Kain ground out as he shook his head desperately. With each ragged breath he dragged into his lungs, he was also taking in her beautiful scent and with each second that passed, the will to do what was right became just a little bit weaker.
Don't, Ruka - please don't-"
Before he could even finish his plea, Ruka's hands slipped up to curl around his neck and pulled him closer.
"Yes, Akatsuki, yes! Please..."
That word had never failed her before and she had every confidence it wouldn't fail her now. Kain groaned again as his control splintered even more. As much as he hungered and longed for her, as much as he loved and needed her, he knew he couldn't cross this barrier. Not when Ruka's offer had arisen from the bite and bite alone. It was sheer torture in its purest form to have Ruka offer herself like this and to know he could never accept her gift. His breath came out in hot and ragged pants that brushed over her exposed breasts, sending ripples of goose bumps over her skin.
It was Ruka who trembled now as she witnessed the immense struggle going on in Kain and she was stunned into silence. A thread of uncertainty started to wind its way through her mind. Wait - this was wrong. She shouldn't impose on him like this, it wasn't right especially to someone as honest and as caring as Kain was. Ruka swallowed. She should retract her offer before she embarrassed them both anymore. Before she could mentally form any words, his head came up and she froze on the spot, her breath catching in her throat. There was raw desire in Kain's chocolate crimson eyes as they stared down at her but it was the pain and regret mixed together that made Ruka's heart give that same, queer little ache again. It was too late. Her stupid, impulsive action had destroyed whatever respect he had ever had for her. He probably thought her bold and shameless by now.
Then the broad back bent and the copper head dipped as if in prayer. Ruka's breath hitched sharply when she felt a warm soft touch on one of her nipples. It felt like a kiss but it lasted for only an instant before Kain raised his head again. This time, there was a mixture of anguish and triumph in those chocolate red depths. He moved up and bent his head again but this time, it was Ruka's forehead his lips paid homage to. Kain's innate control had finally won over desire. Perhaps he had always known it would.
... and the little copper haired angel that always occupied his right shoulder at moments like this sent the devilish counterpart on the left shoulder flying right off with a well-placed sweep of his lyre...
"Don't, Ruka," Kain pleaded hoarsely as he held her wide eyed gaze with his tormented one. "Please. Don't sell yourself short like this. Don't make a decision you'll regret tomorrow."
Ruka could only blink at him. "Y-you're not going to...?" she murmured disbelievingly. Kain shook his head, his eyes and his whole being more miserable than she had ever seen them.
"No," he whispered. "Maybe I'm crazy but I don't ever want you to hate me for this."
Hate...? Why would I hate you, Akatsuki? How could I ever hate you?
Without waiting for her answer, Kain turned away and dropped his head into his hands with a low groan. He was still a little lightheaded, harder than he had ever been in his life and downright miserable. Dragging air deep into his lungs, he forced his desire down as much as he could. He had made up his mind and was determined not to go back on his word. Ruka looked at him and moistened her lips. Her earlier sensual playfulness had fully disappeared and in its wake was acute embarrassment at how wantonly she had behaved earlier and guilt that she had put her dear friend into such a difficult position. She should scurry back to her own room and save both of them any further embarrassment... but she didn't want to be alone. Slowly, she sat up.
"Akatsuki, could you at least... well, stay with me?" she whispered. Her voice quivered a little and helplessly drawn by that soft and vulnerable sound, Kain turned around. Ruka was looking at him, too confused about his sudden withdrawal to realise she wasn't clad in anything except her panties. Her waist long hair helped to obscure her curves but only partially and Kain's crimson toned eyes widened as they darted to her chest and with a visible bobbing of his Adam's apple, back up to her face. Ruka couldn't help shrinking back a little when his brows drew together unexpectedly in a ferocious frown.
"Damnit Ruka, at least cover yourself!" he bit out. Sheer frustration lent his voice a low, angry slant and Ruka froze in complete shock. With a muttered expletive she heard all too clearly, Kain lunged across the bed but she didn't move. She didn't even blink when he grabbed the nearest article of clothing there was - the gray T-shirt he had worn to bed last night - and pulled it over her head without ceremony before stuffing her slender arms through its large sleeves with the same rough haste. His seeming impatience and carelessness was too much for Ruka on top of everything she had experienced tonight. He had never, ever, ever spoken to her in that tone of voice before. In fact, she had never before had a single impatient word from him all these years. He had never before touched her in this rough, uncaring manner either as if he were dressing a difficult child.
Kain was angry at her now and she didn't blame him one bit but it was too much for her to accept all the same. Sudden tears welled up and spilled over on a soft sob, freezing Kain to the spot. He gaped at her with eyebrows well up.
"Ruka?" he questioned uneasily. That confused tone was enough to galvanise Ruka into action. Wiping hastily at her cheeks, she swung around and scrambled off the bed on the other side, more concerned with speed than grace for once. She took two stumbling steps only to run straight into a solid wall of warm skin and firm muscle. Kain, even though shell shocked by her tears, had moved faster than her. In the next heartbeat his arms went around her waist, holding her captive.
"Ruka..."
She didn't give him any time to say anything else.
"Let me go!" she cried and looked up just in time to see him shake his head.
"No," he said determinedly.
Ruka exhaled in surprise. This was the second time in one night that Kain had said 'no' to her.
"W-why not?" she couldn't help stammering in shock. Kain dipped his head and exhaled, his warm breath blowing over her cheeks like a caress. One large hand came up and with that utmost gentleness she now knew she had come to take fully for granted, he drew the backs of his fingers down one damp flushed cheek.
"Not until I apologise for shouting at you." His voice was grave but his eyes were full of regret. Ruka's lips parted in surprise, tears drying on her flushed cheeks.
"You didn't shout at me," she felt obliged to point out and Kain grimaced.
"I did. And I'm not letting you go until you forgive me," he added softly.
Ruka opened her mouth to argue but Kain stopped her with a finger placed against her lips. He left his finger there as he spoke.
"I'm sorry, little Ruka. That was unforgivable of me," he apologised solemnly. His apology was ridiculous enough to make her blush considering the torture she had put him through tonight and she hunched a shoulder uncomfortably.
"I... I guess I've never heard you speak to me that way before," she confessed with a small sniffle and when she peeped up at him, he looked even more guilty than before. Ruka fell quiet, unsure of what to say next. In the silence that followed, Kain gently lifted out her long hair from under the T-shirt, letting the golden waves tumble freely down her back. Ruka stayed still, more than aware of how his fingers trembled as they combed gently, lovingly through her hair. Again, he was the one who broke the silence.
"You look real good dressed like this though... in my shirt," he added huskily. Ruka glanced up and gulped. She couldn't help but be aware of the warm look in his eyes now and how it accented the strange hint of possessiveness in his voice. It reminded her of how his body had reacted earlier. She tried for a hesitant smile and tried to ignore her deepening blush.
"It's the first time I've ever worn something of yours," she mumbled. Kain's lips quirked and Ruka couldn't help staring up at him in fascination.
"I know. And you're welcome to anything of mine anytime, little Ruka," he replied.
My heart... my body... my soul...
To Ruka, Kain's invitation sounded more erotic than gallant. It only made her blush deeper.
"It's torn and it's faded," she observed primly, more to cover up her embarrassment than anything else. It was a far cry from her usual luxuriant sleepwear but she wasn't really complaining. Not when the soft, comfortable cotton smelled so enticingly of Kain. Her words only made his lips quirk again.
"It's my favourite sleeping shirt. I've had it for years," he countered and Ruka smiled. Kain uttered a soft sigh as he pulled her close once more. It sounded like regret mixed with contentment but she was happy enough to let him hold her. She took a step closer, her face heating up again when she realised that he was still somewhat physically affected by what had happened earlier. It seemed prudent to pretend she didn't notice though. At least, she promised herself she wouldn't mention it if he didn't.
At length, Kain let her go with a reluctant sigh and Ruka peeped up at him again.
"I should go back to my room now," she said softly, conscious that she sounded very reluctant to do so. She wasn't at all surprised when Kain shook his head.
"You'll stay here with me. Aido can have your room if he wants," he said firmly. Both of them knew he meant nothing more than keeping her company. Feeling pleased yet still embarrassed, Ruka turned around. and got onto the bed once more. She seemed to have forgotten she was less than adequately dressed but Kain thought it unnecessary to remind her, not when she looked so damned good in his shirt and those silk panties. He waited patiently until she had placed her head on the pillow before pulling the sheets over her.
Exhaustion had caught up with Ruka at last and with her blood lust sated, she yawned sleepily. She felt warm and contented despite what had happened earlier. Another soft kiss was pressed onto her forehead and she smiled.
"Go to sleep, Ruka. I'll be here to keep you safe," Kain whispered. It was so atypical of him that Ruka couldn't help smiling again.
"I'll rest if you will, Akatsuki. And you always keep me safe," she replied.
Well, that was true. So far he had... and Kain finally allowed himself a real smile as Ruka's eyes closed in slumber.
-- Chapter End --
