A/N: Mad props and love to everyone who has so far put up with me, followed, favorited and reviewed the story. You guys keep me going.
I am rating this M/MA for violence, language and sexual themes.
Disclaimer: Vampire Knight is owned by Matsuri Hino.
The next day, Yuuki woke up feeling fully rested and refreshed. She stretched and yawned, arching her back and turning to her side. The sun was up and shining brightly, filling the room with vibrant rays and radiating light. She nuzzled the covers under her chin as she stared out the window with one eye. She felt incredible, light, joyful.
Not wanting to waste the day in bed, she finally threw the covers off of her and ran into the bathroom to freshen up and take a shower. The day was going to be long and exciting. She had to discuss things with Kaname and attend a ball full of nobles and high class vampires, politicians, actors, entrepreneurs and more. This would be the first time she'd be around so many non-hostile vampires.
She tried not to let her nerves get worked up. There was no time to be anxious. Her thoughts went back to Kaname and if he was going to be with Sara. Her heart hurt, but she brushed the thought aside. Instead of dwelling on the potential 'what ifs' she held on to hope. Hope that after they shared their intimate moment and exchanged blood last night, that he'd decided no one could fill the role of being by his side except her.
That didn't solve the problem about the baby... but she would think about that later. First things first, she'd get ready, speak with Kaname to make sure they were both on the same page, attend the ball and hopefully end the night with a bang. She giggled to herself. A big bang.
After she finished, she wore plain clothes until it got closer to the evening. She'd change into the gown her and Hanabusa purchased yesterday before they left for the ball. She spent some time drying her hair, blow drying the long strands and letting it all lay straight and smooth.
When she was completely done, she left her bedroom in search for Kaname. The first place she looked was his office, but he wasn't there. The blinds were closed, as they usually were, not allowing much light to come through the windows. She pushed one aside and could see the small particles of dust dancing around in the rays of light.
Papers were scattered all around his large desk haphazardly. She lifted a few and moved some around but didn't bother reading any of the content. It didn't feel right, as if she were snooping. If there was something there that she needed to know, she'd hoped that Kaname would just tell her. If he didn't, she could always take the initiative and ask him first.
Before she left, she looked at the chess board. A smile spread across her face. One of the black pieces had been moved, which meant that Kaname had entered the game. She bounced to the side of the table and examined the pieces, checking out his play and mentally mapping out several of her own.
She had requested a small chess set after she had seen Kaname's once when she was still a small child, living with Kaien. Of course, since it was the only thing she'd ever asked Kaien for, he had been more than ecstatic and happy to get her one. The game itself fascinated her and she quickly taught herself how to play. It was something that she felt she could share with Kaname. A hobby the both of them could share together.
'Pretty terrible' wasn't even accurate enough to explain how much she was bad at the game when she first started. But after so many years of practicing, she had actually become pretty good. This was the first time she was playing a game with Kaname though, and it made her extremely happy.
After tapping her bottom lip a few times, she moved one of the white pieces, examined the board some more and then left, her smile still set in place. Since Kaname wasn't there, she'd go else where to look for him.
When she passed the maids and servants in the mansion, she bowed her head slightly and greeted each of them. They were, of course, nervous and scared of her, yet also surprised and gave her tentative smiles. After searching several rooms and not finding Kaname, she headed for the kitchen.
Hanabusa, Ruka and Akatsuki were sitting there. They turned and greeted her when she entered.
"Hey there," she beamed, smiling and bouncing toward the fridge. "Where's Kaname?"
Akatsuki cleared his throat and turned away as Ruka examined her fingernails. "He left already," Hanabusa replied, eyeing the two disapprovingly.
Yuuki turned to face him. "Left? To where?" Disappointment welcomed her with open arms.
"He said he had some business to attend to with Ichijo. Something about Ichijo's grandfather, but I don't know what."
"Oh... Did he say when he'd be back? Will he be here before the ball?"
"He'll probably go straight to the ball from wherever he is. He took spare clothes with him." Hanabusa tapped his fingers across the marble counter top. "Listen, about the ball tonight..."
"Yes?" Yuuki beamed, excited and nervous about the event.
"You can't go," he replied, looking away from her large, brown eyes.
"What?" Yuuki's smile slipped. "What do you mean I can't go?"
Hanabusa moved around the counter and closed the distance between them, placing his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. "I'm sorry, but Lord Kaname ordered me to make sure you don't attend. I can't not follow his orders. He said there was going to be an announcement tonight that he didn't want you to hear."
"What?" she repeated again, all her previously delighted happiness vanishing. "But..."
"On the bright side, I do have some good news for you. Shirabuki isn't pregnant with Lord Kaname's child. It was a misunderstanding. Isn't that great news?" He tried to cheer her up.
It was. News that eased the gnawing feeling she had in the pit of her stomach the entire time but refused to acknowledge. "Yeah," she agreed as she looked down at the ground. "So if I try to leave to go, you'll stop me?"
He sighed and removed his hand, letting it drop to his side. "I'd have to, yes. As a direct order from Lord Kaname, it'd be my duty."
She sniffed, holding back tears that suddenly appeared in her eyes. All she wanted was to prove to Kaname that she was an adult, someone who had matured and could be independent. Someone he could depend on for once.
Hanabusa glanced to Ruka and Akatsuki. Since Yuuki wasn't arguing back, he'd have to implement his plan that he thought of during the night. "But," he began, "if, you know, for some crazy reason you used your pureblood ability to force me to take you, that wouldn't be disobeying Lord Kaname's orders."
Ruka and Yuuki looked up in surprise and Akatsuki grinned. "That's right," Ruka chimed in. "He couldn't get mad at Aidou or punish him since he's being forced."
"You just like the pain," Akatsuki commented, still grinning. "You're a masochist."
Hanabusa just shrugged and gave his cousin a quick wink. Yuuki laughed, feeling relieved.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"I don't even know what you're talking about," he feigned.
"Okay, here we go." She wiggled her shoulders and stared at Hanabusa, tapping into her pureblood powers and trying to figure out how to force him to listen. She pushed her power onto him in a quick jab. He shouted as he gripped the side of his head and leaned over.
"Ow, dude!" he shouted before he caught himself. He always seemed to forget himself when speaking with Yuuki. "I mean, take it easy."
"Um, actually, I don't know how to do it."
"Yeah, I got that when you stabbed me in the temple."
"Sorry," she replied as she heard Akatsuki laughing.
"Total masochist," he said under his breath, amber eyes twinkling with humor.
"Shut up, Akatsi. Okay, Yuuki, try it again but this time try to visualize what you're wanting to accomplish and then slowly let some of your power go. Don't just shove it all out at once unless you're trying to kill me," he coached her.
"Okay, here we go again. Get ready," she warned him.
She did as he recommended and visualized him obeying her orders without having a will of his own. Slowly, ever so carefully, she let some of the restraints she had on her power slip. It was like an ocean that fed into a river with a stick holding back the sheer force from the ocean's current. Right at the mouth of the river, she lifted the stick just an inch or two to let the water trickle through and saturate the river's bed.
"Alright, I'm feeling it. Very good. Now give me your command."
"Aidou, you'll take me to that ball tonight and you won't try to stop me."
"Yes, Lady Yuuki," he replied. "As you wish."
With the stick pushed back down and her powers under her total control again, she looked up at Hanabusa and smiled. "Did it work? Did I do it?"
"Yup, you got it." He returned her smile.
She squealed and jumped up and down in excitement as she looked back and forth between the three of them. Soon, very soon, she would need to sit down and really think about her powers and examine herself. It couldn't go on forever, she'd have to learn how to fully control herself and her powers sooner than later, otherwise she risked the chance of hurting people again.
Night had fallen and the skies were clear, allowing stars to shine brightly against the dark backdrop. The cool air was crisp and little plumes of breath could be seen whenever anyone exhaled. Nightlife provided natural music and background noise to the chatter of dozens of people who milled around, chatting with one another and making their way into the building that was housing the event. Men dressed in their best suits accompanied women dolled up in dresses in various shades; black, reds, purples, greens—all littered with dazzling accessories, perfect make up and extravagant hair dos.
Zero scanned the crowd and watched every single damn vampire with disgust. How perfect would it have been if he was able to just nuke the entire building? That'd solve a lot of problems and get rid of a lot of vampires. He was tired of hunting the Level E's which posed no threat or challenge for him. He wanted to hunt a vampire, really hunt and fight one, before he killed it.
"Take it easy there, boy," Toga warned him. "You're looking a little fierce. Relax, we're at a party." He raised his hands to encompass the setting.
"Tsk, like I fucking care where we are."
"Always so grumpy. I don't care that you're unhappy about this, but these are orders that were received by the Association. We're here to protect them and watch over them, make sure that nothing gets out of order so everyone can enjoy themselves. We're not here on orders to kill."
"This is stupid," Zero complained. "Why would the Association give us orders to protect them?"
"So young and naive. Do you think that our only mission is to kill vampires? You've got a lot to learn." Toga sighed heavily. "Fine, don't look happy to be here. Just be sure to keep yourself in check. I don't want to have to beat you."
Toga left and entered the building, set on scanning the area inside. Zero watched his old master until he vanished inside before checking the crowd again. Smile? They wanted him to smile when he was being forced to be in the company of them? Ha!
Yuuki's worried voice bled out from his memories. He became agitated and annoyed. The conversation on the phone with her was pleasant and bitter. He hated the fact that his heart raced when he heard her voice, that the constant burning in his throat doubled from hearing it after so long. The fact that his body and heart still wanted her so badly. Yet he loved the fact that she was upset that her little stupid Kaname was hurt.
Smile? he thought to himself again. Well, there was a reason to smile. He thought about what condition Kaname would be in that would get Yuuki so worked up and bothered. Sure, he could smile. But he knew it would be more of a malicious one than a happy one.
He walked toward the building, set on seeing how hurt Kaname was with his own eyes and looking forward to the joy it would bring him. The voices in his ear started to bug him now that he had his own mission he wanted to fulfill. He removed his earpiece, stopping the hum of commands and checks the other hunters were going on about.
He parked himself against a podium in a corner of the room and watched the men and women mingle. Chatter filled the air and was drowned out by music the orchestra was playing, couples danced and people laughed, glasses tinked together and there was an overall feeling of enjoyment in the air.
How terribly fucking annoying, he thought to himself.
Kaname was in his line of sight, straight ahead and standing on an platform, surrounded by men who seemed like they were trying to impress him. Kaname didn't seem like he was paying them much attention. He kept looking around as if he was waiting to find something. He'd nod and his lips would move every now and again, but it was clear he wasn't interested.
What Zero was interested in though didn't seem to be evident either. Where was Kaname hurt? He looked perfectly normal, wearing a black double breasted suit and a red tie, accented with a red breast handkerchief. In fact, he looked good. Too good. Zero shook his head, confirming to himself again that the beast was just a monster dolled up to look pretty to lure innocent and stupid people in right before he destroyed them. Like Yuuki.
Still, he examined him further, wondering if he'd catch a glimpse at what Yuuki had been freaking out about. Was there a wound hidden under his clothes, maybe? Was whatever injury he had already healed? Well, that'd be disappointing. It looked like any joy Zero was planning on having from watching Kaname be in pain wasn't going to happen.
"You may want to release your finger from that trigger," Kaien Cross said from behind him.
Zero looked down and noticed that he was playing with Bloody Rose, lovingly caressing the trigger with his index finger. He didn't even realize he had been doing it while watching Kaname. He let go of the gun in its holster and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I can't wait to see Yuuki!" he exclaimed.
Zero froze. "Yuuki?"
"Well, yes. I want to see what kind of dress she'll be wearing. I thought she'd be here already since Kaname is, but I guess she'll be arriving later. I wonder if they'll be matching!"
He turned to the old man, alarmed. "Wait, Yuuki is going to be here?"
Kaien stared at him with furrowed brows. "Why wouldn't she be here, son? It's a vampire ball with an important announcement." He leaned in closer and whispered, clearly too happy at the gossip he was creating himself. "What if Kaname asks her to marry him in front of all the important people in vampire society? Isn't that exciting?"
Zero panicked as he took a step back. Exciting? Hell fucking no. He could think of a dozen other adjectives to describe that scenario. Terrible, annoying, wrong, horrible, abominable. The list could go on.
"I'm not your son," he managed to whisper out, too worried to come up with anything else to say.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah," Kaien brushed him off.
His mouth dried as he watched Kaien raise his glasses up his nose and turn back to watch the crowd, a smile on his face. Why was he freaking out over the possibility of Kaname and Yuuki marrying? He didn't care. He'd figured as much when she left Cross Academy to be with that monster.
Yes, marriage made it seem so... final. So real. Like he really didn't have a chance.
Chance? He shook his head. Who was he kidding? There was no chance between him and Yuuki. He knew that. He threatened to kill her if he ever saw her again, for God's sake.
Kill her? His palms started to sweat. Would he do that tonight if she showed up in front of him? Could he do that?
The limo came to a stop and Yuuki swallowed nervously. She checked herself for the hundredth time and smoothed any and all non-existent wrinkles from her silk dress. She tried to stay calm as Hanabusa exited the car and walked around, opening the door for her and holding his arm out for her to hold onto.
When she climbed out, the cool evening air brushed over her warm skin. It calmed her slightly and she took a deep breath. Hanabusa patted her arm after she looped it through his.
"You'll do fine, Lady Yuuki. You look fabulous, as I said you would. Ruka did a great job on your hair and make up. Trust me, you look beautiful."
"I'm still nervous," she said.
"Don't worry, I'll be here for you. Just remember all the training we did. Smile, look at the speaker's eyes, be graceful. And whatever you do, don't trip and fall. I know heels aren't your strong suit."
"Right," she agreed, taking in a deep breath and straightening her back. "Here goes."
They walked to the entrance and she noticed the few remaining people outside stop and look at her. She paid them no attention and pretended not to notice them, keeping her head held high as she concentrated on walking in a straight line. The attendant at the front door blushed as he looked at Yuuki before he bowed his head. Hanabusa handed over their invitations and they were ushered in.
The ball was everything and more than she imagined it'd be. There were so many people there, all looking absolutely gorgeous and beautiful and confident that it intimidated her a little. She tightened her grip on Hanabusa's arm. He squeezed her hand for reassurance.
"You don't think I look out of place here?" she asked quietly, leaning into him so others wouldn't hear. It'd be hard whispering in an auditorium full of vampires with their sensitive hearing, but she was hoping the constant humming of noise blocked it all out.
"No, why?"
"I'm the only one that's wearing white..."
"I knew everyone would be wearing darker shades, that's why I specifically said for you to get a white dress. It makes you stand out in this sea of darkness, don't you think? You're like a beacon that will naturally attract people. That's the point, to have the focus on you so people want to stare at you. If Lord Kaname sees how many people are looking at you, he'll stake his claim that much faster."
"You're seriously like an evil genius, you know that?"
"Thanks, I'll take that as a compliment," he smiled. "Okay, now, I'm going to be close by but I'm going to let go of your arm. Remember your training. Go and talk to people, flirt with men, smile and look interested."
"I'm nervous," she repeated.
"I know, I know. I'll be near you the entire time. If things get out of hand or if you can't handle it, just look back. I'll be ten steps behind you."
Kaname was standing on the stage that was intended for the guests of honor. In today's event, it was him and Sara. He rolled his eyes as he thought of their silly idea to try and force him into a marriage. Did they really think it'd work just because they thought it would?
Guests constantly came up to him and droned on and on about matters he didn't really care about. He was polite though, making small noises of agreement here and there when there was a pause in their speech. His mind was on different matters, like making sure that Hanabusa followed his orders and was keeping Yuuki at home and away from the ball. Or on the speech he'd have to make, announcing to everyone that he and Sara weren't getting married.
In fact, he had planned on letting everyone know about Yuuki's existence. Once everyone knew, things would be different. People would be surprised, some would be angry at not knowing before, more so would be interested. With so many different possibilities, he didn't think it'd be wise for her to be there, being the center of everyone's attention. He knew she didn't handle large groups well or liked being stared at by people.
He'd introduce her to people slowly at future events and dates. It was the best way to ease her into the society and vampire world. Baby steps so it wouldn't be too overwhelming. It was also the best way to protect her. He didn't want her to possibly be swarmed by everyone in the crowd after he made the announcement.
So far, so good. He hadn't seen her anywhere and it made him relax just a bit. Except he kept feeling Zero's gaze on him, which only annoyed him. It had been a while since he'd seen that silver haired fool; the thorn in his side. A reminder of times he didn't want to think about.
Like him misunderstanding the little tryst between Zero and Sayori, thinking that he instead had slept with Yuuki. Or the time where Zero bit and drank from Yuuki. Or the time he had allowed Zero to bite and drink from him. Or the plethora of jealous moments he felt when Zero and Yuuki were together.
Kaname shuddered, feeling disgusted by the memories. No matter, those days were over and long past. Zero was here at the ball and it annoyed him, sure, but he was comforted by the fact that Yuuki wasn't, which meant that Zero and Yuuki wouldn't meet.
Sara giggled and placed her hand on his arm as she spoke with some politician. He turned to the side, pretending to look at someone else and causing her hand to slip away from him. She was kidding herself if she thought he'd go along with her plan. He scanned the crowd again, checking to make sure that Yuuki wasn't there.
He wasn't sure why, but there was a strange prickling feeling at his nape and he couldn't seem to figure out what was causing it. He glanced over toward the entrance and his heart froze. There was Yuuki and Hanabusa, entering the room. Maybe his mind was playing tricks on him, because he knew it was impossible for Hanabusa to disobey his order.
He shook his head and looked again.
Nope, they were still there. What were they thinking?! He looked Yuuki over and was stunned by her appearance. She was always beautiful, he already knew that, but she had emphasized on her assets and it was breath taking.
She wore a long, white A-line dress that was strapless. The neckline was straight across with some ruched fabric at one side, creating an angle and breaking the hard line. A slash of blood red lace accented the dress, trimming the tips of the ruched neckline like icing, wrapping around her waistline and then angling down to the hem. Red shoes covered her feet. When she walked, he noticed a high slit that went from her mid thigh all the way down. Her breasts, though not particularly large, looked supple and full and pushed up in a classy way. Her make up was minimal but still highlighted her facial features perfectly, lips painted red to match her outfit. Her long, dark hair was combed over one shoulder, straight until the ends where a soft curl kissed the tips.
Smooth, creamy skin wrapped in white with dark auburn hair contrasting against the canvas of her body was completely alluring. She looked absolutely stunning, looking every bit like a sophisticated, seductive and sexy woman. He was completely surprised.
And pissed.
And to be perfectly honest, aroused.
That only made him more upset. If he were aroused from just looking at her, even though he had several reasons to be, he was sure that other people would be attracted to her as well. His hand on his champagne glass tightened.
"Lord Kuran?" a fat, pot bellied nobleman called out. He was so distracted by the appearance of Yuuki that he hadn't heard a single word that was being exchanged.
"What?" he demanded, not bothering to look at the man. He kept his eyes on Yuuki and watched her as she mingled with the crowd and spoke with people. He noticed several eyes on her.
The nobleman continued talking but Kaname drowned him and his nasally voice out. He had better things to do, like wonder why Yuuki was smiling and laughing and flirtatiously touching her clavicle and jugular notch when talking to some other man.
The glass he was holding shattered as he squeezed it too hard. His jealousy was getting the best of him. The crowd around him startled and busied themselves, getting handkerchiefs out and holding them out to him to wipe away the liquid. Thankfully the glass hadn't broken any skin because the last thing he wanted was to have the scent of his blood in the air for hundreds of vampires to inhale.
He looked down at his hand and cleaned it off quickly, telling people he was fine and not to be alarmed before he turned his attention back to where Yuuki was. Was she still flirting with some other man? Did he have to kill him?
Wait, what? Kaname closed his eyes and breathed in deeply, trying to reign in on his emotions before he lost his control over his powers. There would be no killing, he told himself. None.
He looked back and noticed that she was talking to a different man, chatting away about who knew what. Several other men around her practically leered at her. He bit his gum and balled his hands into fists to keep himself still. Repeatedly, he told himself to stay calm. There were murmurs from some people in the crowd that he overheard, wondering who she was, which family she was from, how old she was and hey, there was something off about her, right? She didn't seem like a noble but did that mean she was a pureblood? He repeated his mental mantra to stay calm.
She was moving through the crowd, stopping and talking to several people, looking every bit of the queen she practically was. She made her way towards the edge of the room. Without realizing it, she stood in front of Zero. They stared at each other silently. Her back was to Kaname so he couldn't see her face, only the smooth expanse of her shoulder blades and nape, but he could see Zero's face clearly.
There was a mix of anger and love in Zero's gaze and that practically made Kaname sprint down to separate the two.
"Ladies and gentleman, if I may have your attention please," Sara's voice interrupted his dark thoughts. She leaned in and whispered into his ear. "If I were you, I'd be a good boy and follow my lead, lest I change my mind and agree with the Council's original ruling of your death," she warned him.
As she finished her threat, the chatter and music died down and the room fell silent. Everyone turned their attention to the stage they were on. Everyone except Yuuki and Zero. They continued to stare at each other, and Kaname continued to stare at them.
"I want to thank everyone for taking time from their busy schedule to make it here tonight," she continued. "We have a very special announcement we'd like to make and then the festivities can continue."
She placed her hand on his forearm to grab his attention, but he ignored it. Zero was reaching into his jacket and Kaname didn't know what for. He jumped down the stage like a cat and made a beeline to where the two stood. The crowd parted for him and people whispered to one another as he marched forward.
"Um, just a moment, please," Sara said from the stage, clearly angry and embarrassed by his behavior.
Kaname made it to the two, still oblivious about their surroundings. He quickly grabbed Zero's arm before he finished taking it out of his jacket and bore his eyes into the young vampire.
"What the fuck do you think you're doing, Kuran?" Zero demanded, brows narrowed into sharp lines.
"What do you think you're doing?" Kaname hissed. He jerked Zero's hand out and saw a small case of blood tablets in his hand. Admittedly, he didn't think Zero was getting a case of tablets. Call him paranoid, but he thought for sure that he would have pulled out Bloody Rose and shot Yuuki right then and there. He would take no chances when it came to her, no matter who was watching.
And watching they were. He felt the entire crowd looking at the three of them there. He could practically feel Sara's anger at being interrupted for the charade being put on now.
"You want some?" Zero asked, sneering. "What? You mean to tell me that drinking from Yuuki isn't enough for ya? Huh?"
The crowd broke into a frenzied buzz.
"He's drinking her blood?"
"Who is she?"
"What's their relationship?"
"Is she a mistress?"
"She doesn't seem weak, but maybe her blood is. Why else would he also need tablets?"
The questions kept coming.
He released his grip on Zero's arm and shoved it away. Zero grinned at him as he straightened out his jacket. Yuuki remained silent and poised, not allowing anything transpiring effect her or her demeanor. She turned around and faced the crowd, looking elegant and in charge.
She smiled gently and tilted her head to the side. "Everyone, I appreciate your interest. We'd be more than happy to explain it all to you. Ka—"
"No," Kaname interrupted. "It can wait. Right now, we need to talk." He grabbed her wrist and dragged her away from the ballroom. She protested and tried to keep her balance as she tugged at his grip.
"Wait, Kaname! What do you think you're doing? Hey!"
He didn't listen. Once they had left the room and were alone in an empty hallway, he pulled her in front of him and released his grip.
"What am I doing?" he challenged. "No, Yuuki. What are you doing?"
"What?" she asked, confused.
"What are you doing here? Why aren't you at home? Why didn't Aidou stop you from coming here?"
She lifted her chin in defiance and crossed her arms over her chest. "He tried, but I forced him to bring me here. I'm a pureblood just like you. That means I can control lesser vampires."
"You used your powers to take away his will?" he asked, incredulous. He didn't even know she knew how to do that. In fact, he was against purebloods flexing their ability in that way.
"Yes, I did." She uncrossed her arms and started poking at his chest. "And what about you, huh? What makes you think you can force me to stay home and come here to do whatever you please? Just what kind of announcement were you planning on making, anyway? Just who do you think you are? What, are you really marrying that Shirabuki chick?"
He looked down at her manicured finger nail, poking at his suit. Did she have so little faith in him that she would even consider that an option? "Me? Oh no, this is still about you, Yuuki." He looked up at her, looking stunning and managing to take his breath away even while he was angry.
The thought of her flirting with other men and being with Zero continued to fuel his jealousy. His eyes darkened as he stared at her perfect face and exposed skin. He took a step closer to her and she took one back, bumping against the wall. He put one arm against the wall, pinning her against it and leaned in.
"Did you have fun, Yuuki? Were you enjoying yourself as you flirted with other men? Do you have any idea how hungry the look in their eyes were?" He leaned into her and lifted her chin with his other hand. She stared up at him, lips pursed. "Well? You're not going to answer me?"
"If they looked like yours right now, I imagine I do know. Besides, what do you care?"
"Excuse me?" He took a step back and stared at her.
"You heard me. What do you care if I flirt with other men? Did it make you angry?"
His mind reeled from her question. "Of course it made me angry! And why wouldn't I care?!"
"Because you don't!" she shouted.
"Like hell I don't!" he shouted back.
"You don't!"
"Damn it, Yuuki!"
Their tempers rose and they both began to breath heavily, staring at one another with impassioned and accusing faces.
"You don't," she repeated again. "And if you do, then you have no right. You're the one that's going off and getting married to someone else!"
He ran his hands through his hair in frustration and pointed a finger at her. "I'm not marrying anyone except you! Why don't you get that, Yuuki?"
"Then prove it! What were you going to announce tonight?"
"My goodness, you never listen, do you? Fine! I was going to tell everyone in that room," he pointed at the wall separating them from the ballroom, "about your existence and that I love YOU. I love you, Yuuki Kuran, and no one else. I don't care about them, Sara, or anyone else on this stupid planet!"
He was starting to lose control over his emotions again, which in turn made him lose control over the tight reign he always had on his powers. The walls started to creak from his aura. She was there, in his proximity, looking too good to be true and getting both excited and relieved by his words. She stared at him silently with furrowed brows.
He noticed her eyes darkening as well, the flush in her cheeks from her anger, could hear her heart racing and could smell the intoxicating plum blossom scent that was her. His lips parted as he looked at her, both of them still breathing heavily from their flared tempers. She licked her lips and the action caught his attention, making him look down at them.
"Yuuki..."
"This isn't fair," she whispered. She stared at him, letting herself be completely exposed to him. All her fear of being abandoned, all her worries of the love of her life wanting another, the constant worry that had been gnawing away at her since she heard about the marriage. "You promised me, Kaname. You promised me there'd be no more secrets."
"I know, Yuuki, I'm sorry."
"Sorry isn't good enough. You can't expect to say sorry and think it'll wash away all the pain you've put me through."
"You're right," he agreed. "I promise, I'll make it up to you." He took a step toward her, extending his arm out to touch her. She moved her body to the side, clearly telling him his touch wasn't welcome. He watched as her chest rose and fell from her labored breathing.
Her lower lip trembled as her eyes watered. "You've promised things before and broke them. What makes you think I'll so easily believe you this time? Before we left Cross Academy, you specifically said you'd protect me and make me happy. You haven't done either."
Her words pierced through his heart, his previous anger rushing out of him. She was right, of course, but then she didn't know about all the things he'd done for her behind the scenes. That was his fault for keeping it all a secret though. She had every right to be mad at him and not trust him, but it didn't mean that the revelation didn't hurt.
"I have been protecting you," he tried to correct her, not wanting to have her think otherwise.
"Really? Protecting me from unknown threats?"
"They may be unknown to you but not to me."
She laughed and crossed her arms. "Isn't that just grand? You want me to trust you but you can't trust me to tell me what's going on? Do you still think of me as a child? And while you're out there, pretending to marry other people and protecting me from who knows what, you're missing one seriously large issue."
His brows furrowed as he stared at her. "And what's that?"
"That you're not protecting me from you. After we left Cross Academy, who has hurt me the most?"
His anger returned, but instead of it being caused from her flirting with other men and putting herself in danger, it was brought on by himself for hurting her so much. More so than he realized for her to say the things she was and for her to have those feelings.
"I've only ever loved you, Yuuki. I'm sorry, truly, that I've hurt you so much. That was never my intention. It's not that I don't trust you. Please believe that. I trust you with my own life. I really do."
"Then explain yourself."
He ran his hands through his hair in frustration. "It's that I don't want to worry you with unnecessary things! You may smile and be cheerful and say it's okay, Yuuki, but what about my own thoughts that I can't stop? I don't want you in darkness. I don't want you in danger."
"Get over it, Kaname."
He jerked. "Excuse me?"
"I said get over it. I'm a pureblood. Instead of hiding me under your skirt and trying to protect me, let me stand next to you and protect myself."
He narrowed his eyes at her. "Fine, protect yourself then."
She narrowed her eyes back at him. "Fine, I will," she hissed.
They stared at each other again, their emotions mimicking the ocean's current. Going back and forth between heightened and calm, angry and accusing, regretful and worried. He looked at her flushed cheeks, her bright eyes and painted lips. Noticed her leaning forward slightly with her arms still crossed under her breasts. That only made his attention get drawn to her cleavage.
He started to laugh as he shook his head and rubbed his face with both hands. She pressed her lips into a thin line as she continued to give him the stink eye.
"Who am I kidding?" he said to himself. He took a step toward her but this time she didn't move away from him. "You win, Yuuki. You seriously win. I'm an idiot and have always been an idiot. Will you please put up with me and give me another chance? Guide me into being a better person for you."
She hesitated, as if debating if his actions and words were all some sort of ploy to get her off guard. She examined him and noted his expression and features. There was no hidden agenda behind his gaze. He was earnest and sincere by his request and she could tell that he was also worried about her denying him.
His close proximity, being able to feel the heat from his body and catch his scent was distracting her. She couldn't help it. After all, she did love him. Hurt as she was, it wasn't in her nature to be mad at him forever and push him out of her life. But she also wasn't stupid.
"Fine," she said again, this time without any menace. He took another step toward her, putting him extremely close to her. She dropped her arms and looked up at him, seeing the relief in his face and the love that he had for her. "But I'm warning you, don't you dare hurt me again or else."
He nodded as he reached his hand out slowly. Again, she let him do as he pleased. He cupped her cheek tenderly and she closed her eyes, moving into the gesture.
"I really do only love you, Yuuki," he whispered. She felt his breath against her hair, his eyes boring into hers with renewed intensity. He looked at her lips. "Tell me it's okay."
She bit her lip before licking them, still slightly hesitant. "It's okay," she nodded.
He cupped her face as his lips crashed against hers. She grabbed onto the lapels of his suit and pulled him forward as he pushed her backward, her back hitting the wall again. They were both suddenly consumed with frantic need for one another, as if all they both needed to fix things between them was the proclamation of his love for her and the admittance of his stupidity.
He was already hard as he run his hands over her bare shoulders and down her sides, picking her up and wrapping her legs around him. The slit in her dress allowed him to easily push the remaining fabric covering her lower area up, pooling it around her waist.
"Kaname," she panted, running her hands through his hair and down his back.
He ran his hands up her thighs and under her dress. He was surprised to not feel any panties, shocked that she wouldn't wear anything underneath. She undid his tie and unbuttoned the top few buttons and spread his shirt open as much as it would allow, rubbing her hands over his bare skin.
He reached down in between them and unzipped his pants, moving around inside until he was able to pull himself out. Without any foreplay other than their angry fight, he placed himself at her opening and thrust forward, sheathing himself in her wet warmth in one shot.
They both yelled out in pleasure from the sudden feeling, her holding onto his shoulder and nape and him grabbing her thigh and waist. They both panted as he thrust into her, keeping a fast and hard pace. Now was not the time to call for sweet and slow ministrations. That could and would come later.
Right now, they both needed to feel the contact of each other. They both wanted, needed to be with one another to stake their claims on each other again. He kissed her as he held her tightly to him, loving the feeling of her tightness surrounding him and sucking him in. Her hand held his head firmly, fingers forked through his hair at the back of his head.
She moaned into his mouth, pushing forward with her hips as much as she could while pulling him closer with her legs, trying to match his momentum. His chest pressed firmly against hers as he pushed her into the wall. He just couldn't get himself close enough to her. He wanted to feel her all over, her entire body, squirming around underneath him.
"Yuuki," he groaned. "I love you." He kissed her yet again, unable to get enough of her.
"I love you, too, Kaname. I love you."
She started to tighten around his member and he could tell she was already getting close to her release. She kept playing with his hair as she gripped his back, kissing his neck and ear. It further aroused him and he shoved his face into her neck, breathing heavily as he slammed into her repeatedly.
He was lost in the feeling, consumed by the desire and need to be with her. He felt her muscles tighten and clench and he knew that she was ready. He rubbed his face against hers and captured her lips again. She came then, unraveling around him and moaning into his mouth as he licked her tongue. The feeling of her contracting and releasing, squeezing and pumping him as she came made him reach his limit. He came as well, hard, spilling himself inside of her as he groaned and rested his forehead on her shoulder.
They stayed in their position, unmoving and not speaking as they tried to gather themselves and calm their beating hearts. Every time she had a little aftershock run through her, causing her to clench, it made him tingle and rub himself against her. He wanted to go again, to feel her rising higher and higher before crashing, but he wanted to take it slower the next time. He wanted to extend the pleasure and draw it out.
He suddenly realized they were still in the hallway of an establishment that had hundreds of vampires in the room next door. No doubt they all heard absolutely everything and knew what they said and had done. He became protective of Yuuki, not wanting anyone to know or picture her in the state she was in. If he could throw a sack over her head so no one could see how beautiful she was, he'd be happy.
Before pulling out of her, he took his handkerchief out of his breast pocket and unfolded it. He slowly pulled out, leaving the delicious warmth of her and placing the handkerchief against her to prevent her from dripping on her dress. She unwrapped herself from him and stood on shaky legs as she grabbed the cloth and wiped herself. He stuffed himself back into his pants and zipped it, already missing the feeling of being inside her.
He was about to open his mouth to tell her they should leave and continue talking at home, but he couldn't get a single word out before she slapped him. He held his cheek and looked back at her, surprised. Tears brimmed her lashes as her lower lip shook again.
"What was that for?" he asked.
"That's for putting me through hell these past few months." She pushed past him and stormed off down the hallway, leaving him before he could say or do anything. He was about to chase after her when the door to the ballroom opened and closed.
Kaien walked up to Kaname, looking every single bit like the legendary vampire hunter he once was eons ago. Before Kaname could ask him what was wrong, Kaien punched his face. He held his cheek again, wondering what the hell was going on.
Kaien lowered his head slightly and narrowed his eyes at Kaname, giving him a menacing and deadly stare. "I don't care who you are. That's twice now that I know Yuuki has cried because of you. When it comes to my daughter, you are nothing but a man who is courting her. You are not a vampire, a pureblood or the king. You're just a man. If you ever make her cry again, I will take her away from you and I will hurt you."
Kaname silently nodded his understanding, rubbing his face.
"Good. Now, you've created a bit of a mess with your... um... extracurricular activities. Quite the buzz."
"That can wait. I have to go to Yuuki."
"No, no, Kaname. I'll go after her. I need to speak with her anyway. You, you have a mess to clean up. Go in there and settle everyone down, then go home." Kaien used his fatherly figure tone even though he had never needed to with Kaname before. It didn't leave any room for argument and Kaname, although could technically do whatever he wanted, listened.
He entered the ballroom and saw everyone in their excited, confused and angry states. He thought of bees who just had their hive shaken and beaten, flying around in circles and trying to figure out what to do. Zero was no longer where he had last seen him, but Sara was. She was livid but silent, face red and hands balled into fists.
The crowd parted for him again and some started to shout questions at him while others giggled and gave him knowing stares. Others whispered amoungst themselves. He remained silent until he made it to the stage and then held his hands out, letting his demeanor speak more than his words for the moment. Everyone took a step back from the stage and fell silent again.
"I imagine you all heard the conversation that transpired just now. Yes, that woman you saw earlier is Yuuki Kuran, daughter of Haruka and Juri Kuran."
Everyone started talking at once, their murmurs filling the air again. He could feel Sara's hate radiating off of her, but he ignored her.
"She can't be!" someone called out. "She was killed by your parents years ago!"
"Yes, that's right! Where has she been all this time then?"
"Why hasn't anyone told us she still lived?"
"Has she been in hiding?"
"Another pureblood lives!"
He raised his hand to silence them again. "She is indeed Yuuki Kuran, the woman I love and the woman I plan to marry." Sara's aura darkened. "She was being protected from our uncle. I know you all think that our parents went crazy one night while I wasn't home. I know you think they killed Yuuki and then together committed suicide, but the truth of the matter is, Rido killed them. Now that he's no longer a threat, there's no need for her to hide anymore."
The crowd went wild with the new information.
"I hope that you'll embrace her return to our world and kindly welcome her." He took a step toward the edge of the stage then stopped, adding, "It should go without saying that she is a pureblood of the Kuran line." He let his powers wash over the room so everyone knew just how serious he was, a silent threat for everyone to watch themselves. The temperature in the room dropped. "She not only can protect herself, but she has me as her shield as well. I hope you all keep your composure."
He jumped off the stage and walked toward the entrance in a leisurely pace, back straight and face impassive. He wanted to have Seiren teleport him to where Yuuki was, but he had to keep his emotions in check. Right now, he had to emphasize how deadly he could be if anyone tried anything with Yuuki.
No one said another word. They remained silent and again parted to create a path for him. They took several steps back to put distance between themselves and him. He could feel that although people were still curious, some angry and some strangely enough aroused, they were all anxious and intimidated by him and the power he possessed.
Good, just as they should be.
A/N: Any criticism, positive or negative, is welcome.
Thank you for reading.