A/N: A little slower than my usual pace, but that's kind of my style when things get heavy. I'll fix this…. Or well, I'll slowly mend it. People are complex creatures!

Once again, I say this all the time, but the response for this story has been amazing. I'm so overjoyed each time I see a review tick in with reactions and responses. Makes my miserable life a little less miserable! I hate to see this end… Oh, and if anyone wondered what Yume dirty danced to in chapter 8, it's Scream by Timbaland – the instrumental version. ;)

Audrey: Thanks for the review, I'm glad you like the story! How sweet of you :D Though I'll have to say that after being made aware of your review, Kezzi terminated her friendship with me citing "creative differences/she's more awesome than me" as the reason. Her loss! Jk.

Chapter 10: Her Boss, Not Her Fiancé

"You fucked up, didn't you?"

"Excuse me?"

"Argh," Hanabusa sighed exasperatedly, "just for one moment, cut the stern-boss-gig you've got going on. I know I'm not your favorite person – but you're my favorite person, and therefore I want to help you get through this."

"Why?"

"Why what?" Hanabusa said, some of his courage fading as Kaname's stoic expression remained intact.

"Why do you hunger so much for my attention? Why do you look up to me?"

"You don't remember?" Hanabusa's eyes widened. "When we were kids, we used to play together because of our parents. One day, one of the girls at our school, Akira Kirasagi broke my heart and I couldn't stop crying. You found me and you comforted me. You said, and I quote, 'stop crying, Hanabusa. It's annoying.'"

Kaname's eyebrows shot up his forehead like two rockets. "…And you found that comforting?"

"It's what you said afterwards!" Hanabusa grinned. "When I couldn't stop crying, you told me that I needed to move on and be strong. You patted my back and told me it would be okay – that my heartbreak would one day lead to me finding the right one. I always thought you were a mean kid – you never spoke to anyone and you kept to yourself, and since your parents were so rich, I thought you were a snob. But when you showed me that side of you, I learned to admire the strength inside of you. You were so young, and the media was crazy about you and the Kuran empire was resting on your shoulders. I mean, being born with that title and having all that pressure on you could have turned you into an arrogant douche, but you didn't. And I decided I wanted to be like you – powerful and strong – yet kind and compassionate at the same time."

Kaname pursed his lips. "We were 13."

"So you do remember?"

"Vaguely," Kaname admitted.

"Well, to be clear – you were 13 – I was 10, but I was pretty smart for my age – still am – so no wonder why you hung out with me."

"You were the cockiest 10-year old I ever came across." Kaname chuckled.

"Well, this cocky 10-year – er, I mean, 26-year old – is going to help you get the girl."

Kaname froze in his seat, panic in his eyes.

"Awh, come on! You think I didn't know?" Hanabusa rolled his eyes. "You're not very subtle, you know. I literally had to yell at you to get your attention whenever she was near; and you were always so obviously flirting with her. Poor girl didn't realize it though!"

Kaname sighed, slumping in his chair, no longer bothering to hide his feelings. It seemed like he was experiencing all the different levels of mortification everyday.

"I mean," Hanabusa rambled on, "remember that time I got that expensive shirt that Alexander Wang said was inspired by your style?"

"No?"

"Of course not! You didn't see me wear it because you were so busy staring at her ass!"

Kaname lost his composure, a red tint on his cheeks. "H-hey! Watch your language… I wasn't… I mean, sometimes I may have innocently gazed a second too long, but–"

"Ah, cut the crap," Hanabusa waved his hand in the air. "This is man talk. No bullshit. She has a nice ass and you want it for yourself – nothing to be ashamed of."

Kaname sunk in his seat.

"Anyhow," Hanabusa said, "lucky for you I can be your insider. Now, Ichijou told me about your little plan. It's good and all, but we need some more action. I have just been informed – through eavesdropping on your secretary – that she is going on a date with Zero Kiryuu this afternoon."

Kaname jerked in his seat, gripping the armrests. The manchild is taking her on a date?! H-how dare he!?

Suddenly he slumped in his seat, defeat weighing him down. No, the question is, how dare I feel jealous over her going on a date? I have no right.

She rejected me.

"Straighten your back!" Hanabusa bellowed. "This is not a time to sulk and pity yourself. Your enemy is taking your girl out for a date and that is not acceptable. You have to take action!" He turned and grabbed his coat, stopping by the door. "We're going on a date!"

"What!?"

"This is insane."

"Shhh," Hanabusa hushed him, crouching behind the giant plant. "Oh, there they are!"

Yuuki and Zero were holding hands as they walked towards their designated table. Zero led the way as he talked, making Yuuki laugh quietly. She was wearing a light white sundress, and her hair was out, cascading down her shoulders in light waves. The little shit was wearing ripped jeans and a sky blue shirt that was unbuttoned, exposing pale skin. His piercings shone from his ear as he turned his head, the light reflecting of the metal. His collar slid down and revealed his idiotic tattoo.

They looked like the perfect couple; stylish, attractive and beautiful.

But still, there was something about the arrogance and cockiness in Zero's body language and the slight tension and unease in Yuuki's shoulders that made the picture seem off.

They sat down by their table, not too far from where Kaname and Hanabusa were hiding. The restaurant was a newly opened one located in downtown Tokyo. The building was minimalistic and simple; the exterior of the building consisted of pure glass, and the floor was pure, grey cement. Specks of green patches livened up the minimalistic silver chairs and tables, trees and large green plants placed around corners and amidst the tables.

"Um, gentlemen, do you need a table or?"

The two turned with frantic eyes, staring down the timid waitress.

Her mouth widened in shock as she recognized Kaname. "Y-you're Kan-"

"Kaname Kuran, CEO of Kuran Inc. And I am his right-hand man, his body guard and even his vice president – Hanabusa Aidou," he stretched his hand out towards hers and grabbed it as he placed a chaste kiss on it. "We'd appreciate it if you kept quiet about our presence here today and made sure none of the other guests are placed in the area behind us. The CEO and I are scouting out the place because we are interested in investing a large sum in the restaurant. And I mean a large sum." He winked. "But in order to do that, we'd like to get a feel of the place and see how the customers like the place with our own eyes. You understand, don't you?" He smiled charmingly.

The waitress stuttered and nodded. "Y-yes of course! Um, let me know if there's anything you need, okay?"

"Sure thing," he winked, sending her off.

"My vice president?" Kaname lifted his left eyebrow, crossing his arms.

"I will be, when I get you the girl!" He grabbed Kaname's shoulder and pushed him down. With his hands he pushed some of the leaves aside, creating an opening for them to watch through.

"So you're quitting?" Zero inquired.

"Uh huh," Yuuki nodded, keeping her eyes on the menu in front of her.

"Why? I mean, I'm all for like women working and stuff, but in my opinion it kinda seemed like a pointless job. Your boss seemed like an asshole."

Hanabusa twitched. "What!? How dare he call you an asshole? He's… he's… an assworm!"

"Shush!" Kaname hissed.

Yuuki visibly stilled as her shoulders tensed up. "I'd… rather not talk about it."

"Why not? Did that perv hit on you or something?"

Behind the bushes, Kaname grit his teeth together, feeling his anger rise. Yeah, he kind of did hit on her but… he wasn't a perv!

Yuuki remained silent, her eyes plastered on the menu. "Hey, the pasta sounds goo–"

"He did! That son of a bitch!" Zero bellowed, interpreting her silence. "You know, when I first met you I was so freaked out by him cause he was acting like he was your overprotective husband or someth–"

"Could we not talk about my boss on our date?" Yuuki cleared her throat, fixing him with her stare. "It's really complicated and messy right now and… yeah." She shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

Zero's lilac eyes softened. "Of course," his hand covered hers and squeezed it assuredly. "What do you want to talk about?"

As their date went on, Kaname felt his heart sink, once again being reminded of how he'd treated her. His love for her had ended up doing more harm than good – and it had hurt her deeply, apparent by her unwillingness to even speak his name. He felt like an idiot, spying on his secretary on her date like he was some crazed stalker. If he had to be completely honest, it seemed like whenever Zero was able to set aside his narcissistic narrative, he could actually be a decent guy. And maybe… maybe Yuuki simply saw something in him that Kaname didn't have that made her actually like him.

"You should have been honest from the start. If you had, then… maybe we'd be celebrating our third real anniversary of dating right now – not one of your fake anniversaries which I now realize were just hidden opportunities for you to take me out on a date."

He watched as Zero's pale hand reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair from her face – much like Kaname had done before – back when they were getting along.

That could have been him. If he'd only been honest and brave from the start, it could have been him right now, sitting in Zero's chair, sharing laughs and touching her – celebrating three years together while the ring he would propose to her with burned hotly in his pocket.

But it wasn't.

Yuuki blushed lightly as she held Zero's gaze, watching as he leaned in closer to her face. He puckered his lips dramatically as he was about to kiss her.

Kaname's heart froze in his chest. No, no… Don't.

That could have been him kissing her.

Intently he surveyed Yuuki's reaction; she seemed like she wanted him to kiss her, but there was something in her eyes, some hidden emotion that made all kinds of warning bells go off in Kaname's head.

He clenched his eyes shut; the last thing he saw was Zero closing in on Yuuki's lips.

He couldn't take it. Couldn't stand watching her getting kissed by another man. Especially by that bra–

"ZERO KIRYUU IS AN ASS!" Hanabusa yelled next to him. Kaname's eyes widened as he jerked, staring at Hanabusa with incredulous eyes.

Zero immediately retracted from Yuuki, disrupting their almost-kiss. He glanced around frantically. "Who said that!?"

"ME, ASSHOLE!" Hanabusa yelled again through the cover of the thick bush. "Your acting sucks ass and your martial skills are baby-level! Boo, you suck!"

Zero shot up from his seat, clenching his fists at his sides.

"Zero!" Yuuki gasped. "Calm down…"

"Whoever you are, show yourself! My acting doesn't suck and my skills are like really, really, really awesome! I'm gonna kick your ass!"

"Oh yeah!?" Hanabusa yelled, still covered within the bushes.

"What are you doing!?" Kaname hissed as low as he could, grabbing Hanabusa. "Shut up!"

Hanabusa wriggled from his grasp, his movements causing the leaves of the bush to move, alerting Zero of their presence.

"Hey! That bush is moving!"

Yuuki glanced quickly over, her eyes narrowing in distrust as she finally recognized the voice.

"Remember, Kaname-sama, I'm doing this for you." He patted Kaname's shoulder as if he was a father explaining to his son that he was going to war.

"KISS MY ASS YOU BIG DOUCHELORD! I LOVE BEARS!" Hanabusa roared as he ran from the cover of the bush, zipping past Zero. The silver-haired action-star/martial-arts-star wasted no time in pursuing him, running like a madman after the surprisingly fast blonde.

Kaname glanced quickly over at Yuuki. Her back was to him as she watched Zero chase Hanabusa out of the restaurant. Using her momentary distraction, he quickly and quietly began sneaking away from the bushes, taking large steps.

"You!"

Kaname froze, recognizing the anger in her voice.

He didn't dare look over at her, freezing in place, one leg stretched into the air in front of him. An unassuming waitress came his way; quickly he darted out his hand and grabbed the takeaway-cup of coffee that was on her tray, sipping on it.

His spit out the coffee as it sizzled on his tongue, still too hot for his tastebuds.

"Oh, hey, Yuuki! What are you doing here?"

The waitress gaped at him. "Sir, that's–"

"Were you spying on me!?" She glowered.

"Whaat?" He breathed. "Noooo, I was picking up my coffee. Here," he raised the coffee-cup.

The waitress tried again. "But, sir that's–"

Kaname's smile widened uncomfortably as he willed her to play along. "The coffee I ordered online. Wonderful system, I'm impressed." He slipped her a 10 000 yen note as inconspicuously as he could to her.

She accepted the money as discreetly as possible, blinking at him. "Hai, thank you." She bowed and exited.

Kaname raised the cup in the air, smiling at Yuuki, wanting to escape as soon as possible. "So. Yeah. Crazy seeing you here. Well, I gotta g–"

"Unbelievable!" She roared, stomping her foot as she grabbed her jacket.

"I'm not finished with you!" Yuuki yelled, stomping out of the restaurant.

Kaname released the breath he didn't realize he'd been holding, slumping his shoulders. Hanabusa, what did you just get me into!?

Kaname was clever.

She knew he'd instantly find a way to avoid her wrath; suddenly he had to go on a 'business trip' somewhere; and when that ended, he was being called out for meetings and going on lunches here and there – conveniently whenever Yuuki was at the office.

She wouldn't give up, though. After her confrontation with him where she'd specifically told him she would never forgive him, he went ahead and stalked her on her date? It was not only bizarre, but also deeply annoying. The fact that he felt so entitled that he could invade her privacy like that and spy on her like some stalker was maddening.

And even more maddening than that, was the fact that his accomplice, Hanabusa, refused to speak to her – even when she offered him Yori's number.

"Come on, Hanabusa," Yuuki whined, crossing her arms. "Tell me!"

"Tell you what?"

Yuuki sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. "Listen, if you tell me what happened and how you and Kaname ended up at my date, I'll give you Yori's number."

"Y-you will!?"

"I will."

"You're bluffing!"

"Am I? You should try me and see if I am or not."

Hanabusa crossed his arms defiantly. "N-no, I won't do it," he turned his face away, "I won't betray Kaname-sama!"

And so, Yuuki had been forced to rely on her eventual interrogation of Kaname – whenever that would happen. She hadn't realized that her soon to be former boss was exceptionally good at hiding and avoiding confrontation.

A week after her date from hell, Yuuki was minding her own business at home as the reporter's voice suddenly caught her attention.

"… In other news, it seems that finally the CEO of Kuran Inc., Kaname Kuran, has found his ideal mate. The CEO announced his engagement to Sara Shirabuki yesterday via his reps. The two have been in an on and off relationship for years, and only recently decided to go public with their engagement. A wedding date has not yet been set, but we are all looking forward to seeing the stunning Ms. Shirabuki in her wedding gown!"

Yuuki dropped her chopsticks into her bowl, ramen noodles pouring messily out of her mouth as she gaped at the screen.

"I have something important coming up today. I won't require your assistance, so you're free to go." He'd told her coldly over the phone when she called him after finding his office empty again. She, of course, hadn't offered his statement any thought and pretty much bolted out of the office the minute he said she could leave. Ever since she'd handed in her resignation letter one month ago, their previous friendly relationship had shattered – and with his newfound fondness for stalking, her anger towards him had only increased.

She was angry with him; resented his actions and her own stupidity and naïveté for not seeing through his lies all these years. She felt belittled and small – the thrash talk she'd been subjected to in the ladies' bathroom had only scarred her further. Not only was her name sullied, but her carefree relationship with him had been completely ruined by his confession. Now, they barely glanced at each other; laughter and light jokes were extinct between them; instead she treated him coldly and tiptoed around him, uneasy by his presence.

He was in love with her and she couldn't wrap her mind around it – much less accept it.

But now… he was actually engaged? Publicly?

After rejecting Sara for so many years, telling Yuuki that he would only marry out of love and that he could never be with Sara… he went ahead and agreed to the marriage?

Yuuki wiped her mouth quickly as images of Kaname and Sara flashed on the screen. Confusion bled into her mind quickly, diluting all senses. Didn't he love her? Didn't he confess his undying love to her? Why was he getting engaged to someone else?

"Ah! Why do I care!?" She yelled as an unfamiliar ache settled in her chest. She shot up from her coach and threw her pillow across the room, forming a plan in her mind.

At 9 AM, she sent him a text, saying she wouldn't be in the office today.

Finely adjusted to his sneaky nature, she knew that by 10 AM he would feel safe enough to enter his office; sit down and do his daily paperwork before the meetings of the day would take place.

At 11 AM she strutted through his office doors, surprising him.

"Yuuki," his eyes widened like a deer caught in headlights, "what are you d–"

"I forgot to bring you some documents," she answered monotonously, flinging of her trench coat on the guest chair. She wore a cream silk-blouse and a tight navy blue skirt, coupled with black stiletto heels. For good measure, she'd left a few of the buttons on her shirt unbuttoned, revealing the swell of her breasts.

"Okay, just put them he–"

"Also, we need to talk."

Kaname leaned warily back into his chair, folding his hands on his lap as he watched her. "About what?"

"Your obsessive behavior and ridiculous actions," she hissed through gritted teeth.

Kaname pursed his lips. "If this is about the other day, then I apologize for the inconvenience. It was pure coincidence that me and Hanabusa were there."

"Stop lying!" She yelled, clenching her fists. "That's what you always do! Lie, lie, and lie! You say you love me, but you keep lying to m–"

"Aren't you a liar too?" Kaname inquired quietly, his garnet eyes piercing through her.

She frowned. "Me? I'm not the one who spent three ye–"

"No, but you are lying if you want to say this was completely one-sided. You encouraged me, Yuuki. You never told me to stop flirting and you never, ever protested whenever our relationship progressed beyond the boundaries of our titles."

Yuuki spluttered. "Are you trying to pin this on me!? All I did was act frien–"

"Friendly?" He laughed. "You sure were friendly all those times you slept over and made breakfast for me; the friendly dancing and the friendly touching – and let's not forget – those friendly almost kisses that happened in this very office and in Singapore."

"T-that…" Yuuki flushed, remembering their almost kisses. The heat as their breaths intermingled; lips hovering above each other, yearning to touch and to taste; that one time in the office when she'd hugged him out of joy, getting caught in his eyes and his proximity, wondering briefly what it would feel like to actually kiss him. And then, in the elevator at the hotel, both of them drunkenly flirting and touching each other, challenging the normalcy of their relationship and teasing each other. He'd been about to kiss her just as the elevator doors opened, and if she had been brave enough, she'd admit that she, too, wanted to kiss him.

But she was drunk. She… didn't think straight. Because she would never…

"You're remembering it right now," he deduced, his eyes trailing over her face, "all those moments when you and I were teetering over the edge of something. Moments where lines blurred and you felt something for me that was more than our professional relationship."

"Y-you're the liar here!" She bellowed, her face red. "You confess you love me, go spying on me on my date and then announce your engagement?!"

"Yes. And?"

"A-and!? And!? What the hell are you doing, Kaname!?"

"Does it even matter?"

"Yes, it does!"

"Why?" His voice rose, as anger suddenly bloomed in his body. Why wouldn't she admit it!?

"B-because!" She spluttered. "If you really loved me, you wouldn't be getting married to someone else! Ergo, you're lying about your sincerity when you say you love me!"

"What does it matter to you? You rejected me, Yuuki." He said coldly, some of the hurt returning to his eyes. "Fine, you don't love me back – but does it matter? I can't sit around and wait for you my whole life. It's time I move on."

"This isn't fair! Not to you or to her! You always said you didn't want to marry anyone unless it was out of love–"

"I won't see you showing up in a wedding dress, will I?" He whispered sullenly, his heart sinking.

The hurt in his voice was too much. She exhaled, speechless by his comment. He had her cornered and she didn't know how to get out.

She hated that she was hurting him, but… she didn't love him – she couldn't! Not after what he'd done… and all those moments he referred to were just her being friendly with him, nothing else. She was a good person; she would never initiate something with her… boss.

"Whatever," she wheezed, stepping around his desk and holding out his documents.

She dropped them unceremoniously to the floor, a cold look in her eyes.

"Here."

He stared up at her as she challenged him. Kaname was willing to bet his fortune that his engagement had sparked some unwanted feelings of jealousy in her that she didn't want to admit to. Her little rebellious action right now was just her trying to ascertain her power over him. She knew he was madly in love with her; but the threat of Sara made a part of her come undone – her inner jealous beast was craving for his submission.

So she wanted him on the floor, below her. Following her command like some slave – because in reality, that was what he was. A slave to her every whim, obsessed like some feverish fan.

But the hurt and the pain of losing her, and having her treat him so coldly had worn him down. Instead of shame and regret, he felt anger.

He was done crawling on his knees, damnit.

Time to be a boss the short time he had left.

"Pick it up," he said quietly.

Yuuki crossed her arms, raising her chin defiantly.

His eyes trailed up to her coldly as he stared her down.

"Pick. It. Up." He ordered.

Her expression faltered as she loosened her arms.

"Now."

She obliged slowly, his eyes following her movements as she slowly sank down to her knees and picked up the papers. Her eyes held his as he watched her on the floor from his chair, her mouth widening as his eyes trailed down to her cleavage. Her mouth dried up as heat blossomed in her body; suddenly she felt an ache in her stomach, a quiet yearning that was slowly spreading through her limbs.

She panted as he met her eyes again. She reclaimed her height and handed him the papers, shivering as his hand touched hers. Right now, he looked so dangerous yet alluring. In her eyes, Kaname was a kind and gentle person; but she knew that deep down, beneath those layers, was a ruthless business-man – her boss, cold and demanding – mysterious and seductive.

He was so multi-faceted. And his allure only drew her in.

Vaguely she felt something slip from her neck down her breasts, but she was too transfixed by his mysterious gaze to care about it.

Kaname stood up, his face stoic except for his eyes; they were filled with an underlying power that told her that he was not in the mood to be toyed with. This was him being dominating; taking control of the situation – and she crumbled, willingly following his every demand.

Hot breaths escaped her lips as she watched his fingers reach out to her décolleté, tracing down her sternum, dipping down in the small valley between her breasts slowly.

Slowly, he fished out the string of her necklace, which had fallen apart at the base of her neck and slithered down her cleavage. He kept his eyes locked with her as he did it, watching her reactions.

It was the necklace he'd given her on her last birthday; true silver, a crescent moon hanging from the chain.

"Turn around," he demanded again, his voice thick.

She obliged against her will, spinning around and panting. Need coursed through her body at his proximity.

Yuuki watched as his hands came around her, hooking the necklace delicately around her throat. His hot breath warmed the naked skin of her neck as he tied it together using the clasps. When he finished, he lingered a few seconds longer.

Yuuki was no longer panting; she was gasping for air as desire hummed in her veins.

"You may not be willing to admit it," he whispered in her ear, his chest pressed against her back, "but your body is." He pushed her hair over shoulder, tracing the artery that pulsed beneath the skin on her neck. "Feel that?" He whispered.

Yuuki felt like she was being ripped apart due to her inner conflict; one part of her was screaming at her to run away from him forever and take shelter, the word "inappropriate" ringing in her mind like a desperate echo.

But another part of her – the lusting mess that was her inner core – arrested her limbs and held her in place as she anxiously awaited his next move. She knew it was wrong – but she couldn't bring herself to move. His control over her was exhilarating and mind-boggling – she awaited his next command like a slave.

His lips found their way to her neck, soft like a butterfly's wings. Yuuki closed her eyes, resisting the urge to moan at his simple, yet erotic touch. His hands brushed down her shoulders and arms slowly. It was like her nerves were over-tuned; reacting to his touch and proximity with an explosivity she'd never known before.

"This…" Kaname whispered hotly against her neck. "Will be the last time I ever touch you. From now on, we are strangers at the workplace until your resignation is final. Expect no more attempts at pursuing you from me anymore. I will leave you alone, as you have requested."

She clenched her jaw, refusing to look back at him as he retreated to his seat, her chest expanding and collapsing in rapid succession as she panted. Straightening her back, Yuuki rushed out of the office, barely grabbing her coat in the process.

Her escape route led her to the women's bathroom, which thankfully was empty this time around.

She panted as she leaned against the wall, biting her lip as the ache between her thighs continued throbbing.

Weeks passed, and as Yuuki's final day steadily approached, Kaname grew colder and colder towards her. Sure, sometimes she was able to spot the familiar tenderness in his eyes that he held for her, but it was brief and short-lived – almost non-existent. He was an expert at covering up his feelings once he was forced to; now, he barely even looked at her whenever she was at the office, and his words were always brief and clipped. Sara popped in and out of his office more frequently than ever; serving as a reminder of the fact that he was now getting married despite his feelings for his secretary.

Yuuki would watch as he and Sara walked hand-in-hand out of his office for lunch now and then, blinking whenever Sara gave her a smug look. Kaname didn't even spare her a glance as he paraded his fiancé around, completely ignoring her existence.

It infuriated her.

It was like she had been the one that'd hurt him first. But in reality, it was he that had hurt her.

And yet, the ache in her chest wouldn't go away.

Perhaps it was guilt – because despite the enormity of how much he'd hurt her, she knew that she'd hurt him too by rejecting him and treating him the way she had. She'd had every right to act the way she did – but her one fault had been her failure to accept his apology.

If she had, then… maybe the ache would have gone away. Maybe they'd still be able to greet each other without starting a new Cold War. After all, her final day was steadily approaching…

"Well, I'm going to see my son now, bye!"

Yuuki glanced up from her desk as Juuri Kuran came strutting down the hallways. As the elder brunette spotted Yuuki, her eyes widened as she smiled, picking up her speed.

"Hello Yuuki!" Juuri gushed, smiling warmly.

Yuuki stood up from her seat and bowed, her sour mood instantly lifted by seeing Juuri.

"Awh, don't be like that!" Juuri hugged her tightly, her exotic perfume stinging Yuuki's nose. Yuuki couldn't help but feel the pressure of tears behind her eyelids; though it was strange, she'd come to view Juuri as the mother she didn't get to spend the rest of her life with. Ever since her fallout with Kaname, Yuuki hadn't seen Juuri or Haruka, politely declining their requests for dinner even when she really wanted to.

It seemed that cutting off everything Kaname-related from her life would be more difficult than she'd thought.

Juuri's face sobered as she pulled back from their hug, resting her hands on Yuuki's shoulders.

"How are you, Yuuki?"

"I'm… good," Yuuki managed to croak out, feeling overwhelmed all of a sudden. Juuri's eyes were filled with so much concern and warmth – it made her miss the happier times way back when. But not only that, in her eyes Yuuki saw the resemblance between Kaname and his mother – and it made her miss those days when he was the one giving her a tender look.

"Oh, my child," Juuri stroked Yuuki's chin, "my son really messed up, huh?"

"N-no," Yuuki said as a tear slid down her cheek, "it's not just his fault. It's… everything. The past weeks have been really heavy, that's all…"

"I see," Juuri replied, her eyes dimming. "Well I'm assuming you already know that I knew about his feelings even before he was ready to admit it. I apologize for meddling with your relationship. I just… got caught up in this dream of calling you my own daughter."

When she'd realized the reason why his parents were always pushing for her and Kaname to "just get married already", she'd gotten angry and resented them. The fact that even his parents knew all these years made her feel like an even bigger fool. So secretly she began to resent Juuri's behavior as a result of her hurt.

But now, when she was standing in front of her, she realized that she could never hate Juuri – her unofficial second mother. And if she was being perfectly honest with herself, she could never really hate Kaname either, despite the hurt he'd inflicted on her.

"Mmh," Yuuki sobbed, unable to talk as tears slid down her cheeks. She hadn't really been able to speak to anyone about her turmoil ever since his confession; Yori was constantly busy with work and so were her other friends. And there was no way she'd tell her father or Zero about Kaname

"I'm sorry, Yuuki…" Juuri smiled sadly. "I know you're hurt and confused right now, but…" She retracted her hands from Yuuki's shoulders slowly, taking a step back from the crying girl. "I'll have to side with my son on this one. Call it a mother's duty. He… loves you very much, and he has for a long time. It's not often that I've seen him get to passionate and excited about someone. I know it was not your intention, but you've hurt him deeply and with you leaving… I need to be there for my son," she said resolutely, her bottom lip quivering.

The confliction in Juuri's eyes told her that despite her words, she was still torn between the two.

Yuuki smiled, wiping her eyes. "Of course, I understand. We've both hurt each other… it is what it is. At least he's getting married now, so it looks like he's ready to move on. I'm happy for him."

She sat down robotically in her chair, shuffling some papers on her desk. "He's free now, so you can just go ahead." Her voice was strained but pleasant as she refused to look up at Juuri.

Juuri nodded quietly and opened the door, stepping inside his office.

"Oh my god," Juuri sighed sadly. "You two are going to kill me! My old heart can take all this heartache… Oh," she put a hand to her forehead as she panted. "Tell your father I loved him with all I had, please? And please don't let him put Rido down. I know he sometimes hates that dog, but he just has some aggression problems, other than that he's a sweet and loyal dog… For my grave, I request–"

"Mother." Kaname cut in sternly from his desk.

Juuri sighed, picking up a long lock of hair her shoulder and holding it out in the air. "You see this!?"

"Um, yes?"

"It's gonna get gray real soon because of you!" She hissed, dropping the mahogany lock.

"I'll buy you some hair dye. Or perhaps it's about time you look your age?" He winked.

"Ohh, you!" Juuri grinned. "Sneaking in compliments, just as charming as your father… even when you're breaking my heart."

"It's a disease," Kaname sighed, shuffling some of the papers on his desk. "Spreading rapidly."

"How's your grand plan going?" She said as she elegantly sat down in the chair on the opposite of his desk.

"Terrible," he answered, folding his hands on his desk.

"And what makes you think that?"

"Because… she doesn't love me back and that's final. It was stupid of Ichijou to think the engagement would sway her. But… she did confront me a few weeks ago. She seemed upset about the arrangement but she wouldn't admit to any jealousy or anything." He closed his eyes briefly, remembering how it'd felt having her so close to him as he seduced her; watching her breathing increase as her pupils dilated with desire, waiting for his command. "We fought, and since then we haven't really spoken. She has one week left before Seiren comes back and begins working here again. I think it's fair to say I've lost her for good."

Juuri sighed. "Oh, don't say that! She's just being stubborn… Actually, I just spoke with her."

"What… What did she say?" Kaname cleared his throat, feeling his curiosity peak. He hadn't had a chance to speak with her for weeks now, and he missed it. He missed the casual conversations about everything from the weather to the longer ones about her father and the future – just… interacting with her in a way that was non-hostile and not loaded with hurt and pain.

Juuri pursed her lips. "She puts up a good front. She's definitely still hurt and confused about a lot of things… She mentioned the engagement."

"And?"

Juuri hesitated. "She said she was happy for you."

Kaname leaned back in his seat, defeat claiming him. "Of course she is," he breathed warily, "her stalker boss who's been in love with her for three years is finally engaged and off the market. I bet she's elated, she'll probably go on a date with Zero to celebr–"

"Hey!" Juuri slapped his hand. "When did you turn into such a negative jerk? My son is not a quitter! You would have to be blind and deaf not to see that she was blatantly lying to me. Of course she's not happy! She just needs a kick in the right direction, that's all. She's quitting in a week, right?"

"Yes…" Kaname said warily.

"Okay," Juuri got up from her chair. "Then we'll get her to realize that she loves you too in a week. No problem! Come with me," she said.

He got up form his chair. "How is that even possible? In her eyes I've already moved on and I'm engaged… if that doesn't make her realize she has feelings for me, then what will?"

"A time-limit," Juuri quipped.

"Well, I am certainly looking forward to the future now!" Juuri announced as she stepped out of Kaname's office. She quickly glanced over at Yuuki who peered at her curiously.

Kaname stepped outside of his office-door as well, following Juuri. Immediately, Yuuki's eyes returned to her desk, trying her best to ignore them.

Juuri frowned at her response, lacing her arm around Kaname's as he escorted her out. "Well, son," she said loudly, "I think we should post-pone the wedding to next week, or maybe at the end of this one? I think the world would be delighted to see a surprise wedding taking place."

"Yes, for sure," Kaname said quietly, playing along. "It fits with my schedule as well."

"Great! Oh, I was looking online yesterday and found the perfect dress! Sara will look stunning in it, I'm sure, and your tux should be–"

Her voice faded away as they walked down the hallways and entered the elevator, leaving behind an eerily quiet secretary whose eyes lingered at where they'd just been.

Yuuki's fist clenched on her desk as tears gathered in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks like small rivers. Her shoulders shook as hurt and confusion blurred in her mind, mixing up her emotions while heart ached painfully in her chest.

A/N: Reviews are appreciated. Thanks for reading!