Author Notes: Hey everyone! I'm still alive in case anyone's wondering :D Sorry for the long wait on this but I'm doing the best I can :D Hope you enjoy this chapter! -watches in exhausted amusement as her inner KainxRuka fangirl triumphs over her inner KanamexZero fangirl-

-- Chapter Start --

Two weeks had passed since that weekend by the seaside town and Kain's hopes grew a little more each day. It was still the school holidays and he had gone over to the Souen house several times since then to take Ruka out. He would have gone every night were it not for the fact that he didn't want to make her overly protective brother suspicious of his motives. Actually, it was Ruka he didn't want to make suspicious. She had to at least have an inkling about he felt about her... but she hadn't asked and he didn't want to scare her off.

If Kain had also secretly hoped that she would take his blood again, he was disappointed though. Ruka had asked him for more blood tablets on the trip back and was careful to take one each night. She was adamant that Kain would not have any cause to think her careless or thoughtless ever again.

Last week was the first time Kain had taken her riding on his Fury. He had always drive his car but she reminded him one night that he had promised to let her sit on his bike and Kain had happily spent two hours later that night polishing the already gleaming machine. He couldn't help the wide grin that spread over his face when he rode over the following night and Ruka greeted him in a crisp white cotton shirt, straight cut jeans and large gold hoops earrings dangling from her ears. She nodded towards his bike with a smile and for answer, Kain smiled back as he got down and held out his hand to her. He hadn't brought her a helmet but then again, he never wore one either...

"Your gleaming steed awaits, little Ruka," he murmured, taking a moment to admire the shining waves of her hair. Ruka wore it down more often than up nowadays and Kain chose to think that it was for his benefit. He didn't dare to rock the boat by asking but it never hurt to dream... just a little.

"I can only spare an hour tonight, Akatsuki," she told him regretfully. "My aunts are arriving later and Mother wants me to get changed before they come."

Kain nodded, barely managing to keep the disappointment from showing on his face. Still, an hour was better than nothing and he sat astride his bike again after showing her where to place her feet and after cautioning her to avoid the exhaust pipe that would make for a nasty burn even if vampire flesh healed swiftly. Having Ruka with him on his bike was another one of his fantasies and Kain's heart gave a little leap when he felt her hand rest on his shoulder. Then she was swinging a leg over and settling herself behind him a little gingerly. He turned his head to smile at her, all the while praying that none of her brothers would come out to query about the bike. Thankfully, none did.

Kain opened the throttle a little more once they were away from the high class residential area where Ruka lived. He noticed that she was being very quiet but chose to say nothing as he took them to a quieter part of their neighbourhood. Actually, she was feeling just a little bit uncomfortable. It wasn't due to her very close proximity to Kain's broad back or the comfortable seat she was perched on but rather, how she was sitting. That is, astride. It seemed a most unladylike fashion since her legs were now opened wide with Kain's admittedly nicely shaped behind just a couple of inches away but Ruka had decided she wanted to do this and she was determined to enjoy herself as much as possible. Kain's shoulder was also warm and firm under her right hand but she kept her left one in her lap, unsure of where to actually place it. Ruka had had enough of playing the wanton woman back at that seaside town - with a particular memory involving Kain's hand never failing to bring high colour to her cheeks - and she was adamant she didn't want to remind Kain of that. It was enough that she could still clearly recall the oh so soft texture of his sleeping shirt against her bare skin... and how delicious it smelled.

Ruka had to change her mind about her left hand a few minutes later on when they reached the outskirts of the town and the road they were on turned winding. When Kain leaned into a turn, she gave a small gasp and tightened her hold on his shoulder, her left hand automatically gripping his T-shirt at the left side of his waist. An unsurprised and rather sly grin tugged at the corners of Kain's firm mouth - he had been wondering when Ruka would realise that graceful vampire or not, she would need two hands to hang on, particularly since this was her first time on a bike.

"Keep one hand on my waist, Ruka," he said, half turning his head to the side and speaking loud enough for her to hear as they headed for the next turn. "It's safer and you won't have to worry about falling off!"

"Uh... But I... I mean, it's-"

Kain turned his head again to flash her a sudden grin and the almost wicked gleam in his eyes took Ruka quite aback.

"I don't mind..." he murmured. Ruka opened her mouth to retort but snapped it shut again. This time, it was the copper haired noble who uttered a gasp as he felt two hands clasping him firmly on either side of his waist. A slight warmth pressing against Kain's back told him that his pillion rider was now leaning against him with a trust that left him with almost speechless with a heart accelerating in joy.

"I trust you, 'katsuki," came Ruka's voice right in his ear. Kain sucked in a breath as that soft, sweet voice played havoc with his senses. It was heart warming to know that she trusted him so much but perhaps it was only because he had never before given her any reason to doubt his behaviour or his control. He was more than aware that it had cracked in that hotel room two weeks ago when she had tempted him though... God forbid if that iron control should shatter one day. It would-

No! Focus on what you're doing, idiot! After all that talk about being a safe driver...

Kain forced himself to ease up on the speed as he wracked his brain for something casual to say, anything at all. He seized upon the first thing that came to his mind - nothing like chatting about the weather, after all.

"It's a pity there isn't a nice breeze tonight," he remarked regretfully. "There's nothing like the feel of riding into the cool night wind, you know..."

Unless it's the feel of a Goddess riding behind you with her curves pressed right up against your - whoa!

A strong gust of wind blew up with a suddenness that took Kain completely by surprise. They rode right into it, the Fury wobbled dangerously and Kain cursed as he fought to keep the heavy machine steady.

"Crap, what the-!" he uttered and swiftly but carefully braked to a complete standstill, one long leg extending automatically to the ground to keep them upright. The rogue wind vanished as suddenly as it had appeared and left him sitting astride his bike, tilting his head to the right and left and blinking in surprise.

Geez, where the hell had that come from?

A soft sound came from behind and Kain hurriedly twisted around to regard his pillion rider worriedly.

"Sorry, did that scare you?" he asked, hoping that she wouldn't say no to future bike rides. Surely she wouldn't... no, of course she wouldn't! Ruka - for all that air of delicate fragility about her - was made of far sterner stuff than this. Right?

Kain found himself staring at a most unexpected sight. Ruka Souen had one slender hand clapped over her mouth, her brown eyes were twinkling impishly at him and her pretty face was flushed pink.

Wait - she thought this was funny?!

Kain's eyebrows flew up in surprise. That look of rare astonishment was too much for Ruka and she let out a trill of laughter, unable to hold it in any longer. When Kain's mouth fell open, that only made her giggle harder.

"Ruka?" Kain's voice had a rare uncertainty to it as a suspicion unfolded itself in his mind.

No. She wouldn't. She couldn't have.

"Was that your doing?"

In a flash, Kain's voice and face lost all previous uncertainty. His eyebrows drew together in a disapproving frown and his lips pressed themselves into a thin line. Ruka's giggles disappeared as swiftly as the wind she had called up a few seconds ago. She nodded a little sheepishly, white teeth catching at her bottom lip.

Nope. She did.

Kain's eyes narrowed and Ruka felt her heart sinking swiftly down to her stomach. This certainly wasn't the outcome she had envisioned - she had only called upon a little of her powers because Kain had said that there was no wind. It - it was meant to be just a bit of fun, that was all.

Kain had to press his lips together lest the reluctant grin he was trying to hold in broke through. It looked like Ruka was a Greek Goddess with a mischievous streak running through that lissome form of hers. The rebel in Kain that usually manifested itself in the form of jackets left unbuttoned and shirttails untucked appreciated that but the more sensible side of him overruled it easily. After all, it had had plenty of practice over the years in taking care of his two younger playmates even if he was now hopelessly in love with one of them. Right from the very beginning, all three sets of parents - Kain's, Aido's and Ruka's - had trusted the former implicitly with the latter two's safety and wellbeing. Kain was justifiably proud of this trust. Aido and Ruka's safety; particularly hers, was always of the utmost importance to him. Even now. No... especially now, when she was in his company and therefore, under his charge. His responsibility.

"That was a dangerous stunt to pull, Ruka. I thought you knew better than that," he stated quietly. Of course it wasn't as dangerous as it could have been since he had vampire reflexes, they were using a desolate road instead of a crowded freeway and he was very familiar with his bike but what if something had happened and Ruka had gotten hurt? Her brothers would have beaten him to a pulp before setting what remained of him on fire and even if he survived that, he would never forgive himself for hurting her. That thought alone scared him more than any beating or sudden gust of wind ever could.

Ruka hadn't heard an admonishment like that from her long time friend since she was ten years old and had been caught climbing a tree with far too few branches on it. Kain had never laid a hand on her or even raised his voice at her - well, other than that one time back at the seaside town - but this reprimand however mild, still struck her far deeper than any of her brothers' far more severe scoldings ever could. She swiftly ducked her head, her other hand slipping off Kain's waist to ball tightly in her lap. The urge to laugh had disappeared completely and Ruka felt her face burn with embarrassment as she realised how stupid and childish her impulsive action had been.

Stupid stupid stupid! Such an idiot thing to do after all that talk about wanting to try new things! How could you even think for a second that Kain... or - or anyone for that matter would think of you as anything other than a foolish, immature child?!

It was different when they were younger; Ruka was happy as long as Kain with sided with her against Aido. Now that she was older though, she realised it wasn't enough. She wanted the copper haired noble to understand and respect her, not just take her side because he always had. She wanted his approval over her actions and in everything she did. She didn't think she could bear it if Kain was angry with her or thought her - heavens forbid! - unworthy of his affection and trust.

Ruka drew an unsteady breath as quietly as she could and held it. Kain's rebuke had caused her eyes to sting and she swallowed, fighting fiercely to keep the tears from falling. The last time she had cried, Kain had fallen over himself trying to apologise and that was the last thing she wanted. It hadn't been his fault then and it certainly wasn't his fault now.

No - don't cry! It's bad enough that Akatsuki thinks me childish, I won't let him think me a cry baby as well... even if he won't ever say it!

A muttered curse two seconds later told her that Kain had sensed her distress after all. She froze as a familiar well shaped hand appeared in her blurry line of vision before two long fingers firmly lifted her chin, forcing her face up. Ruka blinked to clear her vision and to her surprise, Kain's frown was more ferocious this time. Her heart sank even lower. So much for thinking that he would apologise. Quickly, Ruka palmed away a tear that had slid down her cheek.

"I'm sorry, Akatsuki," she quivered. "You're right, I didn't think of the danger. You must think I'm so stupid for-"

She broke off on a muffled gasp as she was suddenly hauled into his arms with her face pressed hard into a broad shoulder. Kain was still sitting on his bike and he had to twist his back in order to hold her but at that moment, he didn't care if his spine cracked in two.

"No, Ruka, stop it!" he growled against her hair. "Stop apologising to me!"

Kain's heart was pounding with remorse and guilt. He had sworn that he would never ever make Ruka cry if she would only give him half a chance but he had now broken his vow twice. Twice! It was unthinkable.

True to his gentlemanly behaviour, Kain had apologised after all. It was heavenly being in his arms but Ruka pushed against his heaving chest hard enough to blink up at him, wondering if he was really angry with her after all. Kain huffed exasperatedly. As much as he loved his Fury and hugging Ruka, attempting to do the latter while sitting astride the former and facing front made it rather difficult.

"Hang on," he told Ruka grimly, who continued to stare up at him in incomprehension. Kain released her reluctantly and faced front again, wincing as his twisted waist grumbled its relief at him. He got off carefully and kicked the stand straight before practically lifting Ruka right off his bike. He could hug her properly this time and lost no time in doing so, stopping just shy of making it painful for her. Kain didn't care if she could feel the pounding of his heart against hers and what it meant. He was only aware that the side of his neck where she had claimed him was throbbing with anguish which must be hers, not his. He was causing this anguish this time. Not Kaname-sama or anyone else but him.

"I'm so sorry, little Ruka," he said huskily, pressing urgent kisses all over her shiny hair. "I was being uptight and unfair when you were just responding to what I said. There was never any danger and you weren't being stupid at all. I was being an idiot while you... you're the most beautiful girl in the world and I-"

With a Herculean mental effort that was probably equal to the physical one required to lift his Fury right above his head, Kain finally managed to catch up with his runaway mouth and rein it in before he blurted out the one last secret he had managed to keep from her so far. Ruka didn't seem to notice though. She had started sniffling again and Kain bit his lip as he continued to hold her. He should have been ecstatic that she was in his arms again but right now, he felt only guilty and undeserving. When had he thought that he was worthy of winning her heart?

Why was it the harder he tried, the worse it got?

Ruka tried to pull herself together. Anyone could sense Kain's confusion and misery right now and she could feel it too. She had bitten him once and it had somehow opened something in her... like a conduit. She knew how he felt, she could sense it as clearly as she could her own emotions. She knew that he had only meant to caution her and her tears had made him feel he had overreacted when it wasn't his fault in the first place. Ruka would have cursed right then if she had a string of handy swear words in her vocabulary.

Why was it that she was always making this strong and independent boy apologise to her?

"I don't feel beautiful right now," she mumbled as she nuzzled her face into Kain's shoulder, unashamedly drying her tears on the soft material of his T-shirt. That made Kain smile ruefully. He was torn between relief and disappointment that once again, Ruka hadn't seemed to notice the near slip of his tongue. The rebel part of him folded its arms and mocked him for his cowardice while the sensible part of him stated that this wasn't the right time. Kain sighed as he lifted a hand to stroke Ruka's gorgeous honey blond hair. He wasn't sure when would be the perfect time to declare his feelings for her but yes, he supposed it wasn't now.

"You're always beautiful and you know that," he murmured and promised himself that he would try to loosen up a little. Ruka had grown up with her older brothers cautioning her against anything that well bred noble females didn't do and the last thing he wanted was to take that a step further. After all, she had confided in him about all those activities she had missed out on and Kain was more determined than ever to give her a chance to experience each and every one of them. He would be with her all the time and he would keep her safe.

When Ruka pulled away a minute or so later, Kain reluctantly let her go. She brushed her hair back and gave him a hopeful smile that made his heart leap.

"So there wasn't any danger and it's perfectly all right to call up gusts of wind now and again?" she asked innocently, her lips twitching despite her efforts to keep them still. Kain blinked. Her unexpected question had caught him flat footed. This time, when he pulled his eyebrows together in the most disapproving look he could summon up, Ruka only smiled. She was almost giddy with relief to know that she didn't mind that look now. Kain wasn't really angry with her if his rambling but sweet apology was anything to go by. In fact, that expression on his face was what she - in years to come - would laughingly refer to their children as 'Papa's Look of Disapproval' - something that never failed to make it change into a grin, followed by an exchange of several deep and passionate kisses laced with love and laughter.

Kain wasn't at all sure how to answer Ruka's question. It was a clear double edged sword to him but he needn't have bothered. With another smile, she turned back towards the bike and hooked her thumbs in her jeans pockets.

"Shall we continue?" she asked. "We don't have much time before I have to get back..."

Kain shrugged and added a nod as he came over. He had planned to take Ruka to a twenty four hour diner on the other side of town where they served excellent pizza but that would have to wait for another time. They got on the bike again and this time, the rest of the ride was uneventful. Kain rejoiced in the fact that Ruka didn't hesitate about holding onto him this time, regardless of the state of the road. He resolved to take each day (or night) as it came. After all, there was plenty of time for both him to woo her.

Forty five minutes later, they turned into the long driveway of the Souen home and stopped behind the sleek black Ferrari parked there. As per the last two weeks, Ruka proffered her cheek for him to kiss. This time though, her smile seemed to indicate she wanted something more and Kain happily obliged by pressing his lips to hers. It would have turned into a deeper kiss if the front door hadn't opened an instant later. They both jumped apart and turned somewhat guiltily to see the butler standing there with his face as impassive as ever.

"Ruka-sama, welcome back. Akatsuki-sama, Tokutaro-sama and Yasahiro-sama would like to meet with you."

Kain swung around to Ruka whose looked just as startled as he felt. He had met her two older brothers numerous times before and they had always been cordial to him but he couldn't help the uneasy feeling that this time was going to be different. Had they found out what had happened two weeks ago? Did they know that Ruka had suffered an attack of bloodlust in a restaurant full of humans while in his company? Did they know that she had bitten him after that? Were they going to approve his apparent courting of their sister or tell him that they had found someone better?

As they followed the butler into the house, Kain stared straight ahead, only to be startled yet again when a slender hand slipped into his. Turning, he met Ruka's expressive brown eyes. She didn't say anything but her warm smile was enough to erase his uneasiness and he gently squeezed her hand, resolve strengthening his heart.

If Ruka's brothers were going to give him their blessing, then fine. If they thought otherwise, then that was fine with him too. After all the encouragement of the past two weeks, Kain knew he wasn't going to give Ruka up no matter what anyone said... not after having loved her in silence for years, he promised himself.

-- Chapter End --