Finally here's chapter 10. I had a hard time trying to figure out how I wanted to write this chapter but here we are. I hope everyone enjoys. Let me know what you think and leave a review.

Vanitas stood on the balcony overlooking the scenery of snow. He was contemplating on the whole complicated mess he and Ventus were in. What were they to do.

Earlier that day Ventus had told him and Sora all about his life living with that insane man. How Xehenort in secret had murdered not only Ollette but Ventus's brother as well. He also told Sora and Vanitas that when Sora had picked him up for the first time Ventus was badly hurt because he had almost been killed that day by Xehenort. If it wasn't for one of the other servants who helped him escape, Ventus would have been dead. Vanitas would never admit it aloud but it scared him. It scared the hell out of him. He remembered how Ventus looked, how hurt he was when he had first come to the Fair estate.

Ventus was in danger. His life threatened not only by Xehenort but if their relationship was ever to be found out Ventus would surly face a death sentence. Vanitas would have his title striped of him and how would he be able to help Ventus then? Perhaps that was one of the reason's why a noble's title was striped, so they could not affect the sentencing of their beloved. Not that they'd be able to anyway. Ventus also had mentioned that Vanitas himself could be in danger of being accidentally killed by Xehenort as well.

Vanitas knew he couldn't very well go to any adult about Xehenort even less his parents. They'd tell him that he was being paranoid or something along those lines. That or label him crazy and send him off somewhere. Or at least that is how he felt his parents would react.

He sighed deeply and watched his breath come out in a puff. What were they to do? It all seemed to hopeless. One wrong move and it would be over. This certainty had to be the worst Christmas he could remember. He knew there was a reason why he distanced himself from others and now he was reminded of why.

"Vanitas?"

Vanitas jumped a little. He had been to absorbed in his thoughts that he hadn't noticed Ventus come in. He turned around to face Ventus.

"What?" He asked.

"Um, I-I just wanted to see how you were doing. Is there anything I can get for you?" Ventus asked.

Ventus noticed that Vanitas seemed to be in an even more darker mood than usual. Was it because of what he had said. Was it because he had told Vanitas's brother about them without consulting with his master first? With all of the shown affection from Vanitas, Ventus had forgotten his place that night. That he was just a simple replaceable servant. What if Vanitas no longer loved him?

Ventus could feel his usual happy aura fake or not, fading. How much more could he take? Maybe he should have died back then? If he had would Vanitas be happier now? If they had never met would Vanitas be happier?

Ventus got down on his hands and knees and bowed his head low.

"I am so sorry Master!" Ventus said.

Vanitas raised an eyebrow. "what the hell?" He thought.

"If it wasn't for me, if you had never met me, you wouldn't have to deal with this mess I've brought. You could have, you could have been happier with someone else." Ventus continued. Ventus could feel the tears threatening to fall.

Vanitas knelt on the floor in front of Ventus and pulled him up from his bowed position. He looked totally pissed off. Vanitas then slapped Ventus across the face. Ventus stared at Vanitas with utter shock written on his face. The tear that had threatened to fall slid down Ventus's cheek.

"Who do you think you are deciding if I would be happier with someone else. You are the only person outside of my immediate family who has ever tried or even dared to get close to me. Tell me, why the hell would I throw that away!" Vanitas spat.

Ventus's lips quivered and another tear made it's way down his cheek. Vanitas didn't give Ventus time to respond and then embraced him in a tight hug. He knew that Ventus was dealing with a lot. Even more than himself. If he were in Ventus's shoes how would he handle everything?

Ventus hugged Vanitas back his hands holding tightly to Vanitas's shirt. He buried his face in the nook of Vanitas's neck and let the tears come.

The next day passed without incident. All three of the boys kept as quite as they could about everything. Ventus had stayed very close to Vanitas's side. Both were more quiet than usual.

It was finally the morning of Christmas. Ventus woke with tears in his eyes and the air caught in his throat. He burried his face in his pillow. It had been a long time since he had had that dream. It was a reaccuring nightmare he used to have of his brother's death. Why now the morning of christmas did that nightmare haunt his dreams? His conversation with Sora and Vanitas had awoke the tormoil within. The hord of sorrowful feelings that ate away at him. Ventus wished more than anything that he could have his brother back. To see his smiling face again. To be able to hug Roxas and speak with him again. But those days were gone. Snatched away from him by cruel hands.

He got himself dressed and ready for the day and looked himself over in the mirror. He stared at his reflection for a moment and then closed his eyes.

"Merry Christmas Roxas." He said to the emptiness in the room. He then made his way to the servent's breakfast room. He yawned softly as he gathered a tray and made breakfast for himself.

"Didn't sleep well?" Terra asked as he enterd the room.

"huh? Oh good morning Terra. Merry Christmas." Ventus replied.

"Merry Christmas Ven."

The two of them sat at the table and ate. Mostly in silence until Terra broke it.

"How's your back been? All healed yet?" Terra asked.

"Yeah it's healed. I'm glad the pain is gone." Ventus replied.

Another short period of time passed before either of them spoke. Ventus got up taking his bowl with him.

"I'm going to prepare Master Vanitas's breakfast now." Ventus said as he left.

Axel walked in shortly after with his own breakfast. Terra was still sitting there eating his food slowly.

"Axel." Terra spoke.

"Yeah?"

"Is it just me or does Ventus not seem himself as of late." Terra continued.

"It's not just you. He does seem a bit off. But that is to be expected." Axel replied saying the last sentence more to himself.

"And why's that?" Terra asked quite curious about why Axel had said the last part.

Axel looked up at Terra giving off one of his unreadable expressions. "Not that it's any of your business but I think Ventus is just missing his brother. It is that time of year where families get together and there was no tighter family bond than what Ventus and Roxas had. I actually miss that little blonde myself. He was quite the curious one. Always asking questions." Axel stated.

"Where is his brother now?" Terra asked.

"He's in Sunset Terrace Cemetery now. All the way to the back, thirteenth to the left. Been there for awhile." Axel answerd.

Terra could feel his hunger diminish. "Poor thing. I wish there was somthing I could do for Ven." Terra said.

"All we can do now is just be there for him. Also since I can't be there for him anymore when you go back. I'm going to intrust looking after him to you. It seems like you two are pretty chummy." Axel replied.

"You have my word. I will look after Ven." Terra pledged.

Ventus mentally shook off his gloom. It was Christmas for crying out loud. He wanted to make it a good Christmas for his master and that meant being as cherry as he could be without completely annoying Vanitas.

He gathered everything for Vanitas's breakfast and headed upstairs. Ventus wished he could have gotten Vanitas a present but he knew he couldn't. There were too many factors.

When he reached Vanitas's room he knocked on the door. "Come in." He heard Vanitas say.

Ventus entered and placed the tray of food on the table. "Good morning Vanitas and um, Merry Christmas." He said chearfully.

"Morning Ventus and I guess Merry Christmas." Vanitas replied.

Vanitas soon found out that the early morning visit from Ventus was his only peaceful part of the day. He had to deal with many formal events and a super formal dinner where he had to wear the most uncomfortable suit. Ventus too was dressed in the fanciest servant clothing. By the end of the evening they were both mentally exuasted. Vanitas calapsed in his chair and sighed. Ventus was the only other person in the bedroom so Vanitas didn't care how he acted. It was just Ventus after all.

"You should get out of those uncomfortable clothes before you relax." Ventus said with a smile. He liked the rare moments when Vanitas just relaxed and didn't look uptight or pissed off.

"Do me a favor Ventus and lock my door. I don't want anymore human interaction besides you right now." Vanitas said wearily.

"Sure." Ventus went over to the door and locked it. He then went over to the balconey window and closed the curtain, as well as all of the other windows to give his master more privicy.

"I wish I could have gotten you something for christmas. I know it would be bad if I did get you something and someone finding out." Ventus spoke aloud.

Vanitas made his way over to Ventus. "You don't need to get me anything as long as I can have you all to myself." Vanitas said possesively. They hadn't kissed or done anything of the sort since before the party. They had been trying to be careful but looking at Ventus now. Knowing that everyone was mostly all in bed by the late hour and the fact that everything was locked he couldn't help himself.

Vanitas got close to Ventus and placed his left hand on Ventus's cheek. Ventus could feel his face heat up and a blush crossed his face. The atmosphere in the room seemed to change and the look Vanitas was giving him was one of longing.

Vanitas leaned in close. His intense golden eyes now only focused on Ventus. When Ventus did not object Vanitas moved the hand that was on Ventus's cheek to the back of his neck and his right arm around Ventus's waist and pressed his lips to Ventus's.

Ventus allowed Vanitas's tongue to enter and let Vanitas take control. He wrapped both of his arms around Vanitas to steady himself and pressed his body as close as he could to Vanitas. Ventus could feel the intense feelings building in his lower regions as Vanitas deepened the kiss. They let go for a moment to breath.

Ventus looked into Vanitas's eyes. He could see the desire that laid within them and he wished more than anything to fulfill that desire.

Airth sat in her room thinking about all of the resent events with her son. Vanitas hadn't been acting quite like himself. More or less he had seemed different ever since Ventus had come to live with them. In a sense somewhat happier. But also, Vanitas had been even more obstinate than before with marriage. Not yeilding or compromising to settle down with any girl. Besides that she also noticed that Vanitas was spending a lot more time around Ventus than what was required and Vanitas never spent anymore time with any servant more than what he had to.

This all worried her. She had her suspicion's and if she was right she didn't want the wrong eyes and ears to have knowlage of it. She would not see her son stripped of his title and cast to the streets. As for Ventus if what she feared was true she would consult with Zack as to what they should do.

She called for Terra her most trusted servant and asked him to go to Vanitas's room and report back any unusual behaviors. Also to see if Ventus had gone back to his chambers. It was late into the night and Ventus should have finished helping Vanitas prepare for bed and should have already departed.

"Yes ma'm, I will be back shortly." Terra said and began to walk out.

"Wait Terra,"

"Yes ma'm?"

"Please consult me in the morning."

"As you wish." And with that he left.

He didn't like this one bit. Why exactly did she want him to check up on Ventus and Vanitas? Was something going on? He first went to Ventus's room and knocked on the door. When he recieved no answer he began towards Vanitas's room.

What should he say to Arith? He couldn't lie but if something was up should he be the one to hold their fate? What should he do? And why wasn't Ventus in his room? Did his mistriss suspect that Ventus was still with Vanitas? And why would that be? For as long as he had known Vanitas he had little or nothing to do with anyone let alone servants.

When he arrived he quietly and slowly turned the handle to see if it was locked or not. Sure enough it was locked. "Why on earth?" He thought to himself. Terra looked around and no one could be seen so he pressed his ear as close to the door as he could to see if he could hear anything. What he heard he could not believe. There were a few moans and then...

"Van-nnn-itas we should mmm s-stop"

Terra backed away from the door. He shouldn't be listening in. He was in shock. Of all the things that it could have been. Vanitas and Ventus were doing most inappropriate things with each other. He would not tell his mistress the details but he knew that he had to tell her of what he suspected. Terra waited around in secret to see when Ventus would leave. It was about half past one in the morning when Ventus quietly left Vanitas's chamber. Ventus looked completely disheveled.

Terra felt his heart drop knowing of what he must do in the morning. That night Terra had gotten no sleep.

So that's it. What do you all think?