AN: This chapter I'm listening to Calvin Harris/Rihanna (Slow version) – This is what you came for.

WARNING: M RATING (I know finally right?)

Chapter 10 – Everybody's watching her but she's looking at you.

Rei's head was flush against Zero's chest. His arms surrounded her as they sat on the dewy ground watching the sun begin its gradual descent in the sky. This was her favourite time of the day but it was over all too soon. Once the sun was on the horizon they always had to leave. It had been two weeks since they'd renewed their agreement and they had spent every afternoon in each others company. Zero pressed a soft kiss at the junction between her neck and shoulder. She smiled. She had never been happier. Sometimes their kisses became heated but Zero would always pull away first and Rei didn't push him. His kisses were enough… for the moment. They helped contain the fire that burned in the pit of her stomach. Rei sighed she would need to leave soon. Zero squeezed her tighter breathing her in. Sometimes he would drink from her but not as often as before whatever Kaname had did had helped immensely. But for how long? Her gut clenched thinking about that...don't. She knew how guilty he felt that he was still drinking her blood. She wished there was a way to show him how she felt about it. Couldn't he sense when he drank that she was more than ok with it?

Kaname had taken a step back and appeared to be giving her a little more freedom. It was odd and a little scary really. What was he planning? No time for that now just enjoy the moment she thought. She spun around in Zero's arms straddling his lap. She rested her head in the crook of his neck feeling his hands rub her back gently.

"I wish I could stay here instead of going to that stupid Society party." She mumbled against his chest.

Zero laughed.

"It might not be so bad. You might find someone you like there." He said shrugging his shoulders.

Rei pulled back from him her eyebrows raised scathingly causing Zero to laugh again.

"It'll be full of stuffy aristocrats and I'll be getting paraded around like some little perfect china doll. And Kaname will be there and…my parents." She groaned pressing her forehead to his chest.

Zero pushed her back gently so he could look in her eyes.

"Maybe it won't be so bad."

Rei smiled.

"Thanks for lying to make me feel better. I appreciate it."

Zero pulled her close his arms circling her waist. Rei's breath caught in her throat. She still couldn't get over the fact that they'd kissed. Multiple times actually. It still felt like a dream. He closed his eyes and pressed his lips to hers gently. It was a sweet comforting kiss. He pulled away gently leaving her wanting more.

"Better?"

Rei nodded a wicked smile on her lips as Zero drew lazy circles on the small of her back with his thumbs.

"But you know if you kissed me again I think that would help." She said softly.

She watched the pulse in Zero's neck jump. His eyes darkening at her words.

"Oh?" He replied bending his head down to hers.

Rei gasped he was so breath taking. Silver strands of his hair brushed against her forehead as their noses bumped together. She could feel his breath on her lips. They were so close to hers she could feel their warmth. She wanted his lips on hers so badly. She'd never wanted anything so much in her life not even blood. She felt her skin flush. His soft lips began to lightly brush against hers and all too soon he pulled back.

"Come on you're going to be late." Said Zero with a crooked smile.

He gently removed her from his lap and stood stretching in the dusk light.

Rei pouted. He was so beautiful as the orange light danced off his pale skin and violet eyes. His shirt lifted slightly to reveal the taut creamy skin of his hipbones. She wanted him so badly it hurt.

"You're such a tease."

Zero held his hand out to her.

"I'll make it up to you I promise." He said.

Rei took his hand and gazed into his eyes longingly.

"You better. You owe me one kiss to be bestowed at a time of my choosing."

Zero rolled his eyes but laughed at her. She was so mature yet still so innocent at times.

"Deal. Now we really need to go."

Rei nodded as she buttoned up her shirt fully and Zero did the same. They always looked a little dishevelled after their afternoons together and she hated having to hide it away like it had never happened. She wished she didn't have to keep him a secret. Kaname had to know what was really going on and Aido too. Maybe they just accepted it now. She wasn't sure.

They stood at the tree line. This was where they must part. She squeezed his hand and sighed as he let his fingers slip from hers as they went their separate ways. For a few golden hours they were lovers but then they went back to being strangers. She watched him go her heart aching as he took a piece with him.

Rei rushed around her room trying to get her rapidly growing hair to stay neat. At least her mother would be proud at just below her jaw it was the longest her hair had been in a while. She pulled the filmy lilac dress over her head. The lace neckline was high but the dress was backless. She felt oddly exposed in it without any underwear on. The fabric caressed her bare skin as light as a feather's touch, as light as his kisses. She blushed as she fastened her strappy nude heels. She dusted her eyes with a light glitter and slicked a light pink gloss over her lips. She was as ready as she was going to get. She was careful not to stand on the gauzy hem of her dress. Her hand trembled on the bannister as she descended the stairs. She gasped Kaname was waiting for her at the bottom.

"It would be my honour to escort you this evening."

Rei swallowed thickly and almost cracked a smile at the way Aido huffed and pouted. She took his arm gazing up at him evenly. What was really going on in that head of his? She dreaded to think. Kaname could be a nice guy when he wanted to be but he scared her. He was a mystery.

Kaname held out his hand to help her from the car and she took it hesitantly. This was all wrong his hand felt wrong. She gripped his arm as they walked up the marble steps to the mansion. Rei's stomach flipped nervously. She could hear the laughter and the clinking of fine crystal glasses. The room was beginning to spin. They were all looking. It was so warm. She squeezed Kaname's arm to stop herself from falling. Her stomach knotted even tighter as he led her to her parents. Oh God.

"Oh pumpkin you look absolutely ravishing." Said her mother kissing her on both cheeks.

Her arms were stiff and cold around her shoulders. She shot a strange look at Kaname which made the knot in her stomach tighten further. Her mother was just an older version of Mini her long blonde hair perfectly coiffed and her scarlet silk dress clinging to every curve. Her father gave her a tentative smile and a kiss on the cheek. Her father's black hair that was starting to grey at the temples was slicked back and his dark eyes crinkled warmly.

"Lovely dear. Thank you for taking care of our daughter Lord Kaname." They said bowing towards him respectfully.

"It's been my pleasure. Rei has shown great potential." He said with a sweet smile.

Her mother blushed. Rei almost choked on her own saliva as she stared at him wide eyed. Were they actually buying this crap?

"We were so worried for a while, with everything that happened, she got so…rebellious." Said her mother with a disapproving sideways glance at Rei.

She blushed as her thoughts turned to Zero. He was her rebellion personified if only they knew. She was going to throw up. Kaname shook his head.

"She's wonderful. You should be proud." He said.

Rei gasped and stared at Kaname as if he had two heads. What was happening? He took her arm from his and pressed a kiss to the back of her palm. Rei blushed from the awkwardness and confusion of this entire farce. What was going on here?

"I apologise I must take my leave for now." He said bowing towards them.

Rei's mother looked pleased as punch and Rei frowned as she watched Kaname melt into the crowd of dancing bodies. That was one of the strangest moments she'd ever experienced in her life.

Rei sipped on her second glass of champagne. It was helping her cope with listening to her parent's idle party gossip.

"So you and Lord Kuran seem to be getting along nicely." Said her mother with a smug smirk.

Rei swallowed feeling the champagne threaten to come back up.

"He's ok I guess."

Her mother laughed.

"You don't have to play it down for us dear. We know how it feels to be young and in love."

Rei was glad she hadn't chosen that moment to sip her champagne as she would have sprayed it over both of them.

"Love?" She asked her voice high and shaky.

Her parents shared a loving secretive smile.

"You've got the bloom of love on your cheeks."

Rei blushed her breathing becoming uneven. Her heart felt like it was going to burst through her chest. They thought she loved Kaname? Why would they think that?

"I can't believe he's here. I mean why they are even needed here." Said her mother looking down her nose at someone behind her.

"Who?" Asked Rei.

Rei was just grateful for the change in conversation.

"That Kiryu boy. Vampire Hunter scum. No need for the likes of them at these events." Said her father his voice sharp as glass.

Rei froze. She spun around slowly and gasped. He was here. He was really here. She'd never seen him dressed smartly out of his uniform before. He looked gorgeous. Easily the most beautiful person in the room which was no mean feat. His eyes met hers briefly and she blushed. So close yet so far.

"Um I'm going to get some more champagne."

Her parents nodded.

Her head buzzed and swirled with the champagne and the noises of the party she needed air. She weaved through the bodies and stood on the balcony inhaling the cold night air deeply. The air smelled like snow.

"You look beautiful."

Rei gripped the railings in her fingers.

His voice sent shivers down her spine.

"What are you doing here?" She asked.

She was afraid that if she turned to him the whispers would begin and that she would kiss him unrelentingly. She couldn't control it anymore.

"To keep the peace I guess."

"Peace? The war will never stop raging no matter how much we want it to." She said sadly.

Zero nodded his assent.

"I wish I could kiss you." He blurted out.

Rei's eyes widened as she glanced across at him. Her heart skipped a beat. His face was flushed and he looked like he wanted to take back his words. Don't take them back she pleaded.

"Then kiss me. You still owe me one." She said her lips curving into a smile and her voice husky with want.

Zero's eyes widened.

"Are you crazy? We shouldn't even be talking to each other let alone kissing." He said his eyes leaving hers and turning to scan the crowd for watchful eyes.

Rei smiled.

"Follow me."

Zero frowned.

"Shhh just trust me."

Rei walked back into the room checking for prying eyes before slipping around the side of the stage next to the balcony. She slipped behind the red velvet curtains as quiet as a whisper. She took her shoes off trying to be as quiet as possible and waited for Zero. She could hear the music and the voices in a muffled way as if she were behind glass due to the thickness of the curtains. Zero scanned the crowd. No one had watched her leave her parents were speaking with another couple. Kaname was gone. Now was his chance. He slipped behind the curtain stealthily. It was so dark behind here. He felt Rei's fingers twine through his as she led him through a series of twists and turns.

"Where are we going?" He whispered.

His heart hammering in his chest. He shouldn't be doing this. Yagari told him to watch and observe. If they got caught now it was deep trouble for both of them.

"A secret place. Me and Mini found this place years ago when I had to escape a boring party just like this one. They won't find us here." She whispered back.

She pressed open a door in front of them and slipped through pulling Zero behind her. It was the stage door that exited on the upper balcony. She crouched down hoping Zero was doing the same and took out the violet rose pin from her hair. She stopped at the first door and crouched down at the keyhole delicately picking the lock on the ornate gilt door frame.

Zero's eyes widened. She really was something else. She wasn't like anyone he'd ever met.

She heard the lock click and pulled Zero inside swiftly locking the door behind them. They could barely hear the noises of the party behind the thick walls.

Zero gazed around the room at the sparkling chandelier and the plush velvet curtains around the four poster bed. The wallpaper on the walls was swirled with gold leaf. This was the most expensive bedroom he'd ever been in. With Rei. Alone. He swallowed thickly. Relax Zero. You've been in a bed with her before. When they were both exhausted. Sleep was the last thing on both their minds. His heart felt like it was going to burst. His fingers shook he was so nervous. Rei squeezed his fingers reassuringly. She moved to the bedside table and lit the candles with a long match giving the room a warm orange glow. She blew out the taper the smoke swirling in the air.

"Me and Mini used to hide in here and tell ghost stories. They never found us once."

Zero smiled as he loosened the tie at his neck. He was beginning to feel uncomfortably warm as his eyes roved over the pale, perfect skin of Rei's back. He wanted to hold her. His arms were aching for her ever since he'd seen her enter the room arm in arm with Kaname. The image made his blood boil. More than it had ever boiled when he saw him with Yuki.

He placed his hands on her arms as he kissed her shoulder. Rei shuddered. His fingers traced her spine lightly and everywhere his hands touched left a trail of tingles. She was hyper aware of every part of their bodies that were touching. It was like electricity coursing from his body to hers.

She slowly turned in his arms and looked at him pleadingly. Zero tried to fight it but he couldn't any more. He was through with being careful. He grabbed her by the shoulders and pressed her against him his lips pressing against hers with more intensity than she'd felt before. He wasn't holding back any more. She felt it in the way he held her and in the way his mouth was almost bruising on hers. She opened her mouth for him and sighed as their tongues tangled together. The fire ignited in her belly each stroke of his tongue fanned the flames. This wasn't about blood this was about desire. After what could have been moments or hours he pulled away his eyes darker than she'd ever seen them. Their breaths were ragged and loud in the silence. Zero looked at her hungrily. Her lips tasted like champagne and strawberries and he wanted more. Rei pulled closer to him her fingers already popping the buttons at his collar. Zero smiled.

"I only owed you one kiss." He said teasingly.

"Well…I'm upping the stakes." She whispered in his ear seductively.

She flicked her tongue out running it along the shell of his ear till she felt the cold metal of his piercings scrape against her fangs. He shuddered and pulled her close. She edged him closer to the bed kissing him hard on the mouth. Zero sat on the edge of the bed and he pulled Rei into his lap their mouths greedy and desperate. She pushed him back gently and their kiss broke as his head found the softest eiderdown duvet. She gazed down at him evenly their chests heaving against one another's. Her knees were either side of his hips and he was glad she couldn't feel how hard he was. He wasn't sure if she wanted more than kisses and he wasn't sure he felt right about giving her more than that. She flung his tie away carelessly. He had on too many clothes. He leant up on his elbows as she deftly unbuttoned his shirt all the way. She hesitated over the last few they'd never been this far before. He held her fingers and gazed deep in her eyes. She held his gaze she wasn't afraid. She shrugged his jacket and shirt off his shoulders and he wriggled out of them impatiently. She hiked her dress up and straddled his waist. He was so beautiful. She gently traced the lines of his collarbone and the planes of his chest. She felt his skin heat beneath her palms. His fingers ran up her thighs and the want began to build in the pit of her stomach. It was pleasure and it was pain all at once. Zero reached up to the button at the back of her dress just beneath her silky raven hair. He paused. She would be naked. He blushed. There was no going back. She nodded and gave him an encouraging smile. He released the clasp and the violet lace fell to her waist a whisper in the silence.

Zero blushed and gasped. She was beautiful. He placed his hand shakily between her breasts feeling her heart race beneath his fingers. Her skin was so soft and smooth. Rei blushed as she watched him. She'd never been naked with anyone before. It was terrifying but one look in his eyes and she saw that he was nervous too. She could feel his fingers quivering against her breastbone.

"I've never…" He said a blush high on his cheeks and his voice husky with want.

Rei smiled.

"Me neither…it's ok." She whispered as she kissed him softly on the mouth.

He rolled her beneath him his fingers trailing to her waist as he pushed the lace past her hips and off the bed. He was just gazing down at her devouring her with his eyes inch by inch. She was completely naked beside him and she was the most beautiful thing he'd ever seen. Like this she wasn't pretending to be anything she was just Rei. He kissed her to reassure her. He could feel her trembling against him. He tentatively ran his fingers over her ribcage gasping as he came to the soft curve of her breast. His thumb tentatively rolled over her hard nipple and she moaned lightly into his mouth. Her fingernails scraped over his bare back lightly. She wanted more. She arched into his touch as he squeezed her breast experimentally. He kissed her throat slowly dipping his tongue into the hollow at her collarbone. Everything was melting away except the feel of his hands and his mouth on her body. That was all that mattered. He moved his mouth down to her breast slowly taking her nipple into his mouth.

She gasped as he sucked gently. It felt like a thousand tiny explosions were going off all over her body. Her loins throbbed for him and she almost begged him for more but he didn't make her wait. She felt tentative fingers at her hip. He raised his eyes to hers looking for any sign that she wanted him to stop. She never wanted him to stop. She urged him on with a nod and she bit her lip as his finger began to massage her sensitive folds. Her eyes flickered closed and she bit her lip as she let him explore and touch all the sensitive places inside her where no one had touched her before. His touch was so gentle.

Zero swallowed as he looked down at her lost in pleasure. He was making her feel that way. His heart thumped in his chest as he explored her slick folds. He had no idea what he was doing but she seemed to be enjoying it. He shouldn't, they shouldn't be doing this but he couldn't stop. She wriggled her hips beneath him and he smiled. So impatient.

Rei groaned as his finger touched the most sensitive spot inside her that made her see stars. Zero hesitated but Rei pulled him closer.

"Don't stop." She pleaded desperately.

Zero smiled and continued kissing her hard on the mouth. It was so sexy feeling her body vibrate from his ministrations. Her sweet little moans next to his ear was the sweetest music he'd ever heard. He wanted to taste her. He moved down her body gently his lips leaving a trail of burning fire on her skin. Rei tensed as she felt him move between her trembling thighs. He stayed perfectly still until she nodded her ascent. Zero touched the tender velvet soft skin of her inner thighs and tentatively flicked his tongue along the folds. She tasted just as sweet as her blood did. Rei gasped and clenched her hands in the soft eiderdown. She hadn't thought pleasure like this was possible. His fingers slowly reached up to claim her nipples again. She wished in that moment that they could stay hidden away from the world forever. She could feel the fire building in the pit of her stomach. She could feel that she was approaching her limit.

"Zero."

She moaned as her fingers clutched at the silvery strands of his hair. Zero held her hips down as she began to writhe beneath him. His name on her lips was the most beautiful sound in the world. Rei's vision went white as every nerve ending in her body pulsed. Zero held her as she trembled beneath him as her release wracked through her. He crawled back up her body and gazed down upon her. So beautiful.

Her eyes flickered open and she leant up on her elbows giving him a tender kiss. They didn't need to hide their feelings anymore. Not here. Zero pulled back his eyes remaining dusky purple with no hint of red. He wanted her not her blood. She shivered and he held her tighter. She reached her hand down between them and fumbled with the button on his trousers. Zero blushed and Rei smiled. He didn't show this vulnerable side of himself to anyone else which made he heart swell in her chest. She rolled him beneath her gently as he wriggled out of his trousers. She slipped her hand beneath his underwear hesitantly. Zero's eyes flickered closed and she watched as his fangs bit down on the soft flesh of his lips. Her fingers trembled slightly, he was so hard. It was intimidating and overwhelmingly sexy. She kissed him and he moaned into her mouth as her fingers caressed his hardness. She felt braver now encouraged by his pleasure sounds and increased her pace. She kissed his tattoo, gently moving her lips over his chest and stomach dipping her tongue into the hollows of his hipbones. Zero gasped and she watched him cautiously before he nodded his assent and she helped him wriggle out of his underwear. Rei swallowed thickly as the fear returned. Could she really do this?

Zero squeezed her fingers.

"You don't have to-"

Rei shook her head.

"No I want to."

Rei tentatively took him in her mouth. She heard him gasp and then felt his body tense. His fingers ruffled through her hair and she felt him relax as she worshipped his body as he had worshipped hers. She tasted salt on her tongue as she took him in deeper the groan that escaped his lips sent tingles throughout her body. She wanted more. She wanted all of him. Her heart thumped loudly in her chest. Could she really ask that of him? She felt his fingers clench in her hair desperately.

"Rei I can't-"

He attempted to push her back but she only sucked harder a wicked smile on her lips. She was in control here. She pushed his hips down as he groaned his release.

Zero felt like his body wasn't completely his own. Pleasure rolled through him in waves as he finally let go of everything he had been holding back. Her mouth felt so good and in that moment he wondered if something that felt this good could ever really be wrong.

Rei crawled beside him and curved her body against his on the bed as they both enjoyed the afterglow. He held her to him their bodies trembling and slick with sweat. This wasn't bloodlust but it was just as addictive and just as satisfying, maybe even more so. Rei would starve herself if it meant being with him like that again. They stayed twined around each other in the dark neither ready to face the party again. Zero held her face in his hands their eyes never leaving each others. Things were different again. Whether they'd intended it or not they were becoming more and more wrapped up in each other. As he pulled her in for a deep kiss she couldn't tell where their bodies began and ended and she didn't want to. She wanted this forever. Him forever. It was terrifying that she could be so sure after only a few months but the way he made her feel no one had or ever would make her feel that way again.

Zero redid the clasp on Rei's dress placing a soft kiss on her throat. Rei smiled and leant closer to him. She didn't want to go back down there but they'd already been gone too long. She turned to him straightening his tie. He was looking at her with a strange look in his eyes she wondered what he was thinking. Rei went to go blow out the candles but felt Zero tug her hand back.

"Things are only going to get more complicated." Said Zero quietly.

Rei nodded and embraced him fully.

"I know. But if we're together it'll be ok."

Zero held her tight. He didn't want to let her go. He wanted to take her away from here. Away from all their problems. He knew he was being selfish but he couldn't help it. He'd never been selfish about anything in his life until now. He didn't want to lose her. She gave him a reassuring smile and a kiss before she blew the candles out and led him back behind stage. She pulled him in for a kiss behind the thick velvet curtains. If someone were to pull those curtains open right now they would both be in serious trouble. She pushed back unwillingly and disappeared back into the ballroom.

She weaved between the bodies and Kaname reappeared at her side. Kaname grabbed her arm suddenly and led her back to her parents.

"Where have you been?" He whispered.

Rei blushed.

"Where have you been?" She countered. Kaname blushed darkly. She smiled maybe she wasn't the only one sneaking around.

"Oh you two lovebirds sneaking off again?" Said her mother pinching Reis cheek.

Lovebirds? She frowned a deep flush on her cheeks.

"Well I mean I realise you will want to finish your studies first but we were hoping to hear wedding bells by next year." Said her father gazing at both Kaname and Rei.

Rei's heart froze in her chest.

"What?" She asked her voice sounding foreign to her ears.

"Oh pumpkin don't play dumb. It has always been our wish and the Kurans to unite our families in marriage. The time has come and with you both getting on so well…"

Rei raised her eyes to Kaname panic set on her features as all of the weird instances began to piece together to create a horrendous jigsaw puzzle.

"Of course. " Answered Kaname with a smooth smile.

Rei's head buzzed. But he loved Yuki. And she loved Zero. Mini was supposed to marry Kaname not her. she gripped Kaname's arm tightly. This couldn't be happening. She looked around the room and her eyes found Zero's. He held her gaze as her stomach knotted. Things were about to get much more complicated. Oh Zero if only you knew how much.