A/N: HOOOLY! 95 REVIEWS!? Can we make it to 100 by this chapter!? Then I'll love y'all long time.

This chapter is a little bit longer than usual... It's something to tide you over since I'm going on a small vacation this week. Also I'm sick, so really, this was one hell of a effort! Feel sorry for me! Review, review!

As always, thank you for kind words and your support. It means so much to me! :)

Chapter 14: His Beloved, Not His Secretary

"Did you know…." Yuuki trailed off in-between his kisses.

"No, and I don't really wanna know…" He said, continuing down her neck.

"N-no, I think you really want to know this," she said, pushing him off weakly.

Kaname huffed, blowing some of the hair out of his face. "What's so important that you feel like telling me now?" He said, gesturing to her undressed state and his suit that was practically falling off. "I only have twenty minutes before I need to get back to work, and…" He kissed his way up to her ear, biting down softly on her earlobe. "I really, really want to help you out with your revenge. I really want to finish… it."

The revenge?

Well, simple really – doing it on Yori's bed as a way for Yuuki to get even with her and Hanabusa for having sex on her bed.

Kaname was more than happy to help.

So happy in fact, that when she purred into the phone that her lecture had been cancelled and that Yori was out of the house and she just happened to have a lust for revenge, he'd cancelled the next few meetings he had scheduled immediately, and ran out of his office building.

He was a man in love, okay? And also a very devoted boyfriend. Who… just happened to get something out of helping her exact her revenge.

Yuuki moaned from his bite, momentarily forgetting what she was about to say.

Ever the sly fox, Kaname used her distracted state to unbutton the last buttons of her shirt, kissing his way up her flat stomach and to her uncovered breasts.

"H-hey!" Yuuki said, grabbing her shirt and closing the opening Kaname had created.

Like a kid lost at the toy store, Kaname's eyes widened dramatically as he pouted, the urge to cry from having her breasts withdrawn from his sight rising by the second.

"What'd you do that for?" His lower lip quivered.

Yuuki giggled, steering his face away from her breasts. "Because," she said when she finally managed to get eye-contact with the CEO that was currently on top of her, "I have something to tell you and I don't really know if you're going to like it…"

His pout disappeared as he sobered, wide eyes searching her face before glancing down at her stomach. "Are you…?"

Yuuki caught onto where he was looking. "Oh! N-no, no, no," she said, flustered by his assumption and the possibility, "not at all. Promise."

Kaname pursed his lips. "Well, that's… I mean, we haven't exactly been safe, and what if you mi–"

"I never miss my pills," she cut in quickly, blushing. "Umm... Anyways, this is not what I wanted to talk abo–"

"I'm just saying," he cut her off, looking directly into her eyes, "that if you were… I mean, I wouldn't mind. At all. Just… that I'd take care of you no matter what."

Her eyes softened as she cradled his face. "I'm… glad to hear that. That's sweet…" She reached up and kissed him, unable to resist temptation. He responded eagerly and tenderly, trying to reassure her even if he knew that she wasn't pregnant.

Actually, just the thought of getting her pregnant and having kids made his heart beat like crazy, excitement coursing through his veins. Of course, he hadn't really planned on it happening so soon with her studies and all, but… if it did happen, and she wanted it too, he would marry her immediately and become the happiest man in the world.

Thoughts of the future with her spurred him on, the image of her in a white wedding dress burning in his mind as he grew more desperate to love her.

Once again, Yuuki had to kill his vibe and end their kiss, dodging his advancing mouth.

"Kaname!" She complained.

"Yuuki," he growled, rubbing himself against her. "15 minutes."

"Well if you would just let me finish–"

"Speak," he commanded, using his CEO-voice.

He could see the effect on her immediately, her mouth widening as her eyes filled with lust. Yuuki, he'd discovered, liked it when he was… bossy. He'd discovered it when they'd had their little argument in his office and he'd ordered her to turn around so he could put her necklace on her. He'd noticed the way her chest rose rapidly as her blush intensified, travelling down her neck.

At the time, it had been a hunch. And when they got together… well, he found enough evidence to support his theory.

She bit her lower lip, trying to reign in her lust.

"Seriously, Yuuki, thirteen minutes or you won't be hearing more of that voice anytime soon."

She shook her head, clearing her mind. "Uhm… where was I… oh, yes! Seiren said she wanted to take her honeymoon soon, and… well, she needed a replacement."

Kaname blinked. "And..?"

"Well, I offered to take over for her."

Kaname's eyes widened. "So does that mean…"

"Yep, I'll be your secretary again, for a week at least. Unofficial really – I won't get paid or anything… If you'll have me, that is…" She trailed off uncertainly, afraid if the situation would bring back painful memories for him. It did for her, but she agreed because it was another reason to stay close to him during her summer break, and…. Now that they were dating, she could imagine working for him would be even more fun this time around.

"Of course," he grinned. "Wow… having you as my secretary again, I could've never imagined it…" He traced his hand down her side, creeping up beneath her skirt.

"Well, Ms. Secretary, this time around… will I get the full benefits of having you as my secretary?" He licked his lips as he wiggled his eyebrows.

"Mmh, I'll look into it, Mr. Kuran," she said, biting her lower lip. "If the company regulations allow it… though I'm sure we can find a way…"

"Wonderful," he quipped, tugging her lower lip free with his teeth and kissing her deeply.

When they broke away, he checked his wrist-watch quickly.

"10 minutes, Ms. Secretary. Better make it worth my time."

Using her strength, she flipped them over and straddled him.

"I'll work as quickly as I can."

A week later, Kaname was quietly tapping away at his computer in his office. Recently he'd noticed some new trends within the company stocks that he wasn't too happy about. A sense of foreboding chased him constantly; like something ominous was coming his way and he had no way of dodging it.

The sound of his door opening made him look up from his document; immediately a brilliant smile claimed his mouth as he watched Yuuki saunter into his office.

"Oh, Ms. Secretary, lovely seeing you," he purred.

Yuuki giggled. "Coffee?" She asked cutely as she placed a cup of coffee on his desk.

"Mmh, yes," he hummed, watching her as she came around his desk. He grabbed her arm and steered her towards his lap. "But I feel like I'm hungry for something else…"

She settled in his lap, putting an arm around his neck, a giggle escaping her lips when he kissed her hungrily.

"Kaname! Not here," she said, arresting his wayward hand that was making its way underneath her pencil skirt.

"Why not?" He pouted.

"Because," she blushed furiously, "you have a meeting coming up soon and anyone could walk in."

"You weren't this timid not too long ago when you commented on the desk's sturdiness." He whispered, kissing her neck.

"Kaname!" She yelled, slapping his chest lightly.

"All right…" He muttered sadly, giving her a quick kiss.

Her face sobered as she brushed his cheek, studying his eyes.

"What's wrong?" She asked.

He pursed his lips. "You're getting too good at this."

"At what?"

"Reading me. I don't like it…"

She cradled his face. "It happens when you spend almost every hour of the day with someone. Besides, I'm your girlfriend now, you can tell me anything. I can see there's something that's bothering you and I want to help you, Kaname."

He turned his head away, glancing to the side in an attempt to evade her. "It's nothing, really…"

"Kaname," she hissed, grabbing his face and leaning into his ear. "If you don't tell me what's wrong, then I'll guarantee you that this desk will never experience any action that will test it's sturdiness." She bit his earlobe, mimicking his earlier actions.

He turned abruptly towards her, his eyes wide. "I didn't know my secretary could be this demanding…"

"She can be anything you want," Yuuki purred, wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him closer. "If you open up to her."

He shook his head, baffled. "The amount of power you have over me, Yuuki… it's not safe at all."

She only smiled in response, her fingers threading through the hair at the nape of his neck. "You don't have to tell me if you don't want to. But I'd be very happy if you shared with me what's bothering you so I can help you…"

"Fine," he said, tapping her nose. "It's just that I've noticed some strange discrepancies in the company and… well, it's normal from time to time to experience that, but this has been going on for a while… A big chunk of our shareholders started selling their stocks all of a sudden, even if the economy is stable for the time being. The company is growing well additionally, what with our purchase of Shouto Entertainment company. This is all business talk, I know…"

"Kaname, you know I'm working on a degree in finance, don't you? Or were you too busy fantasizing about me being your girlfriend all these years?" Yuuki laughed.

"I… know," he said sheepishly. "Anyways, the bottom line is that I just have this… bad feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don't know how to decode the recent changes and it's unsettling me. That's all."

Yuuki nodded slowly. "I see… Well, you just have to give it time. I'm confident that you'll be able to face whatever is coming your way. Because you're smart, dedicated, talented…" She kissed his cheek. "Handsome, funny, cute, devilishly attractive…"

He grinned at her. "As long as you believe in me, Yuuki, I'll be okay."

"Good!" She quipped, leaning down for a kiss. He kissed her back, cradling her face in his hands.

"Why can't you just be my secretary full-time again? I like the perks of having you so near…" He trailed off, tracing the hem of her skirt and brushing her thigh.

She giggled against his mouth. When she didn't stop his hand from venturing beneath her skirt, he slid it up further, stroking the inside of her thigh.

"Because… it's against the company rules, annd…" She trailed off as his lips trailed down her neck, kissing and sucking on the sensitive skin. "… you'd never get any work done, beca–"

The door to Kaname's office opened.

"Here's the reports you reque– ooh," Ichijou's face turned beet red the second he spotted the CEO with his ex-secretary/girlfriend/temporary-secretary in his lap.

Yuuki removed Kaname's hand as smoothly as she could and straightened her shirt. "Hi, Ichijou," she said sheepishly, "I was just delivering some coffee…"

"Umm…. Yeah, I can see that," Ichijou mumbled, clearly embarrassed. "Actually…" He trailed off, some of his blush fading away as he looked at them. "Now that the two of you are here, I have something to say."

Yuuki made a move to get up from Kaname's lap, but Ichijou held up his hand. "No, no, you don't need to get up… Just, stay as you are."

"Okaay…" Yuuki trailed off, getting back on Kaname's lap. Immediately his arm went around her, holding her close.

"What is it, Ichijou?" He inquired.

Ichijou inhaled and exhaled deeply, steeling himself.

With a determined expression on his face, he got down on his knees and bowed his head to the floor.

"I, Ichijou Takuma, apologize to you!"

"Wh- Ichijou! What are you doing? Get up!" Yuuki's cheeks flushed at the display of respect and reverence.

"N-no," Ichijou said, his voice muffled by the floor, "I need to earn your forgiveness."

"What are you sorry about?" Kaname said, his eyebrows raised in confusion.

Finally, Ichijou raised his head, looking at the two. He felt like a servant bowing to his King and Queen – well, they were pretty much the King and Queen of the company and he did serve Kaname…

"I… a while back, I received your letters to Kaname. I was going to give him the first one, but… well, he wasn't doing too well, so I decided to wait. Eventually time passed and another letter came. That's when I decided that I didn't want him to know about any of them, because… I was mad at Yuuki." His eyes turned towards Yuuki apologetically. "I was mad at you about how you'd treated Kaname and just left him like that… I didn't… I didn't feel like you deserved to have any contact with him after what you did. And Kaname… well, I was afraid he'd only get worse from reading your letters. So I shipped them back to you, and when the third one I arrived I did the same. I just… I wanted to protect Kaname."

He inhaled deeply as he gathered himself. "Now, in hindsight, I realize that my meddling may have caused your separation to last longer than it had to. Seeing you two now, seeing how happy you are, made me feel really guilty for sending back Yuuki's letters…. I just needed you to know that it was I, and that I'm truly sorry for the harm I've done." He bowed his head to the floor again. "Please forgive me!"

Kaname's fist clenched. "Ichijou–"

"It's okay," Yuuki said softly, smoothing her hand over Kaname's fist. She glanced over at Ichijou as he looked up. "I'm glad that you looked out for him while I was gone. Your actions are understandable and I don't blame you at all. In the end, we found our way back to each other at the right time; those letters might even have gotten in the way. I… did a horrible thing and I hurt the one I loved the most…" She cradled Kaname's face. "I deserved your resentment and suspicions…" She trailed off.

Kaname shook his head. "That's not true… We both messed up–"

"I hurt you more than you hurt me, don't deny it. What I did was cruel and selfish and I still wish I could take it back… But what's done is done. Somehow you found it in your heart to forgive me, and I thank the stars everyday that you did." She stroked his cheek lovingly, threading her fingers through his hair.

"Yuuki…" Kaname whispered, leaning in closer. "Of course I forgive you. I'm crazy in love with you, you know that. There's nothing you can do that can make me hate you. Well, if you leave again – then I'll hate you for sure."

"Then I'll make sure that I never leave you," she giggled. "I love you."

She leaned down, claiming his lips softly. He reciprocated immediately, cradling her face. They lost themselves in their kiss, all sense of time and space blurring away as they basked in their connection.

"Um…" Ichijou coughed, clearing his throat. "I'm still here…"

"Ooh!" Yuuki turned away from Kaname, blushing as she stared at Ichijou. "I forgot…" She mumbled guiltily, glancing at Kaname.

He cleared his throat also, looking at Ichijou. "I… accept your apology. Like Yuuki said, we found our way back to each other even without the letters, so… It's fine. You were only looking out for me. I forgive you."

"Y-you do?" Ichijou said, clasping his hands together, his green eyes shimmering.

"I do," Kaname nodded, seeing no use in getting angry.

"Yay!" Ichijou squealed. "Does this mean I'm your best friend again? Please!"

Kaname laughed, remembering their drunk conversations about their friendship. "You never stopped."

Ichijou clutched his heart. "Ahh! I was worried there for a second… Goodness! We need to celebrate!"

"Actually," Kaname quipped, "as a punishment for your meddling… No alcohol for a week."

Ichijou's jaw hit the floor. "N-no alcohol?"

"No alcohol." Kaname nodded. "Not even those drinks with low percentages of alcohol in them. No alcohol whatsoever for one week."

Ichijou puffed his cheeks. "Ahh… F-fine. I can take it."

"Ichijou… you don't need help do you? I mean… professional help…?" Yuuki inquired gently, her eyebrows scrunched together.

"Oh, you're asking if I'm an alcoholic, right?" Ichijou laughed, back to his usual jovial demeanor. "Well, I am! Sort of. Almost. Working for this guy right here will turn the bottle into your bestfriend…" He pointed at Kaname. "The stress is crazy. But I can handle it in other ways. You can say I'm just very fond of partying!"

"Aha… I see," Yuuki breathed, still not convinced.

"Well, I'm happy I could get this off my chest. Here are the reports," Ichijou said, putting them on Kaname's desk. "Off I go!"

He was out in a flash, back to his usual cheery self like nothing had happened. Yuuki giggled and shook her head, baffled at the whole interaction.

"Well, I'll let you get back to work, dear," she said, getting off his lap.

"Don't go," he pouted, holding onto her hand.

"I have to," she said, clenching his hand reassuringly, "but you know I'm right outside your door if you need me. Just a call away…" She bent down and kissed his forehead.

Yuuki turned and walked towards the exit.

"Yuuki." He called out, watching as she turned, her hair bouncing softly over her shoulder. He couldn't help but admire her slender physique and simple but stunning beauty; his chest filled with warmth as he felt himself fall even harder for her – and all it took was a simple look from her.

"Hm?"

"I'm happy that you're here," he smiled, not only referring to having her in the office, but the fact that she was with him, by his side. "I truly am."

She smiled back at him. "Me too."

It was fair to say that this week was turning out to be the best week of Kaname's life.

Yuuki would constantly pop by his office under the pretense of fulfilling her duties, and stay for more time than necessary. He would find ways to sneak in kisses and excuses to touch her, and while she told him to be more discrete, she did nothing to stop his advances. Her attempts at discouraging him were half-hearted at most, and he knew it well. He'd take her out for lunch to fancy restaurants and use those occasions as dates; in-between her visits to his office they would flirt and laugh with each other.

He spent the day at work with her, and then returned to his mansion with her hand in his at night. Together they'd make dinner and drink expensive wine as the fireplace glowed in the background, chatting about everything form their day to the weather. At night, he'd make love to her after the day's teasing, eventually falling asleep to the sound of her heartbeat next to his. And when he woke up, she was there, her bare and beautiful face greeting him in the glow of the sunrise unfolding outside.

Hand in hand, she'd follow him to work and spend the day with him, repeating the cycle.

It was complete and utter bliss.

As for the other employees at the company, no one paid much attention to Yuuki's temporary return as his secretary. After their messy confrontation – in his mind he called it a break-up even if they hadn't been officially together at the time – he'd sought out the employees who had trash-talked Yuuki and spread lies about her. He'd fired them immediately and made sure that it'd been noted in their journals, making it harder for them to get a new job.

It was hard for him whenever they rehashed the past. Though it was inevitable, it still hurt sometimes to think about that time when they were at odds. Having her here again was such a contrast to the last time; he remembered the last two months of her time at the company with unease – her harsh words and attitude towards him was ingrained into his mind. He could remember vividly how he'd felt at the time; heartbroken, guilty… ashamed. But most of all he remembered the hurt that seared through him whenever she would turn away from him or give him cold looks of hatred. Having her pull away after having been desperately in love with her for years had been traumatizing.

But, seeing her smile whenever she saw him; being able to touch and kiss her behind the closed door of his office made it all worth it. He'd never imagined they'd end up this way; so many days he'd pined for her and looked like a fool in front of her, only because he couldn't man up and express his true feelings. And now… after overcoming so many obstacles, they were finally together.

It was like winning the lottery. And the prize was everlasting happiness reserved for fools in love.

All his thoughts about the past made him think about the future. How he wanted to spend the rest of it with her. He was happy that he could call her his girlfriend; but already after a few weeks together he could feel that it was not enough. That the title just didn't carry the true significance of what she meant to him.

Kaname wanted more.

Whenever he looked into her maroon eyes and lost himself in them; whenever they lay together in bed, listening to each other's heartbeats and talking about their day; when she'd moan his name beneath him, holding him close; Kaname wanted more.

The thought of marriage swept through his mind constantly after their little non-pregnancy scare. The only thing that made him hesitate was her.

She was a few years younger than him; just now wrapping up her studies and probably in a very different stage in life. They'd never really talked in-depth of where they stood or where they wanted to go, but he was confident that she wanted to be with him.

The only question that remained was if she was ready. Ready to take the next step; ready to enter the public world with him. Because it would be hard living as a Kuran; his mother had told him all about how she had to adjust to life in the spotlight among the rich and famous after she married Haruka. Yuuki would have to go through the same; and though he knew her skin was thicker than before, he also knew that deep down she harbored some insecurities and issues that could flare up in such a situation.

He only wanted the best for her; shield her so the outside world could never harm her. At the same time he wanted to show her off; hold her hand at public appearances; take her all over the world so everyone could know she was with him.

He was just so happy. Incredibly, exhilaratingly happy. Like he was on top of the world.

Still, there was a bad feeling nagging in the back of his mind.

He couldn't stop thinking about it even as she held his hand during dinner with his parents. He let them drone on in the background; the noise of Juuri's excited exclamations fading away amongst the chatter.

Juuri mouthed something to Yuuki.

"Huh?" Yuuki cocked her head to the side.

Juuri mouthed the same word again, her eyes wide as she held a thumb up.

"What?" Yuuki mumbled.

"Grandchildren!" Juuri whispered loudly. It woke Kaname up from his stupor. Curiously, he turned towards the two women.

Yuuki blushed, retracting her hand from Kaname's. "Oh, umm…"

"When?" Juuri questioned excitedly.

"Ahh, um... that's not a conversation we've had yet. Um, it's really earl–"

"Nonsense!" Juuri bellowed, clapping her hands together. "You don't need to talk to make babies, you know. All you have to do is get some good wine, some good music and some candles and then make Kaname perform his manly duty to–"

"Mother!" Kaname hissed loudly.

"- You can borrow mine and Haruka's Kama Sutra book, too. I hear some positions are better for baby-making. It could help-"

"Have you no shame?" Kaname whispered in horror. "Don't talk about such things at the dinner table…"

Juuri gasped. "Um, excuse you! Who are you to scold me? Boy, you need to get sla-"

"It's… just early to say. We haven't really talked about the future," Yuuki cut in softly.

Kaname glanced at her sideways, trying to decode her words. Though they hadn't talked about it properly, he felt like there was a mutual understanding between them that eventually they would go down that route one day. But the way she was evading made him feel insecure…

"But I want grandchildren! Now!" Juuri whined, stomping her foot under the table. "You owe me that after breaking my heart, waiting so many years before getting together… Besides, you missed Kaname's birthday! So you need to make it up to him!"

"Yeah, I know…" Yuuki trailed off, praying to the gods that the topic of conversation would end.

"It might be early, but I agree with Juuri-san – you owe us grandchildren."

"Dad!" Yuuki flushed.

"Well, it's true!" Kaien said, pointing his chopstick at himself, Juuri and Haruka. "Us old folks need something to brighten our days. You're old and boring now, but a cute little grandchild would surely make my life better. And you know I'm dying-"

Yuuki rolled her eyes. "Oh, come on, dad, we've had this conversation. You're not dying anymore!"

"Tch! What do you know?" Kaien crossed his arms. "For all you know I could die tomorrow. Would you let your poor father leave this life grandchildren-less?"

Yuuki huffed, crossing her arms. "Why is everyone putting me on the spot? I'm not a baby factory!"

"I'm not putting you on the spot," Haruka said softly, offering her a gentle smile.

"Thank you, Haruka. You're the best father-in-law ever," Yuuki beamed at him.

"…But I do agree with Juuri and Kaien – we need grandkids. Maybe not as soon as Miss. Impatient here suggests," he said, nudging Juuri who only growled in response, "but in the future it would be wonderful to see little ones entering our family. You and Kaname could work while we took turns watching the kids – it would be perfect."

"I take it back," Yuuki mumbled, digging a chopstick in her food.

They were at Kaien's house, where they were having dinner. Kaname had already met Kaien officially for the first time; it'd happened a few weeks back, not too long after he and Yuuki got together. The martial artist turned headmaster of Cross Academy had greeted him in a pink Hello Kitty apron – which he'd gotten as a gift from Yuuki after beating his cancer – and ushered him and Yuuki into his home. Kaname listened quietly as the exuberant man had told stories about Yuuki's childhood, soaking up every tidbit of information he could.

It seemed that she and Kaien were total opposites sometimes, yet they still shared certain qualities. Like Kaien, Yuuki had a tendency to go from serious to overly happy in a matter of seconds if there was something that excited her, though in a more subdued manner. Kaien, however, went all-out if he was excited about something, jumping around and crying even if it was because he'd cooked the perfect casserole.

But unlike Yuuki, he had a deadly side to him.

Yuuki excused herself from the table with a kiss on Kaname's cheek, promising that she'd be back soon.

Silence settled over the two men as they stared at each other. Kaien's eyes narrowed as he studied Kaname intensely, his brows furrowing in thought. Kaname had no idea what to say or how to act; impressively enough, the elder man's face was unreadable – a feat only a few people mastered.

Not for the first time, Kaname felt nervous. The only other times in his life he'd felt nervous was because of Yuuki… but this was a scared kind of nervous.

"You know I'm a martial artist, right?"

"Uhm…" Kaname swallowed awkwardly as he nodded. "Yes."

"And that I've taught Yuuki some of my moves?"

"Yes," Kaname said, "she mentioned she used to be active in the martial arts community for a while, but that it didn't catch her interest the same way ballet did."

"That's true," Kaien nodded. "She preferred dance indeed… But I still had enough time to teach her some important moves."

"That's… impressive," Kaname trailed off, unsure of where the conversation was heading.

"My Yuuki knows how to deflect an attacker."

"That's good," Kaname nodded.

"She also knows how to castrate a man using her limbs."

Kaname gaped. "That's–"

"And she can kill a man using her fists."

He swallowed, shrinking from the intensity of Kaien's gaze.

"As can I, Kaname. You better remember that if you ever hurt her."

"I won't," he promised, swallowing his fear, "Yuuki means the world to me, I would nev–"

"Oh, and have you tried her cooking? It's deliciouuus, just like her father's!" Kaien gushed, stars shining in his eyes as a dreamy expression grabbed a hold of his face.

"Uhh…" Kaname was unsure of how to react to the man's crazy moodswings. Why was he suddenly going from death treats to Yuuki's cooking?

"Dad, don't give him high expectations," Yuuki chided, walking into the room and sitting down on the floor next to Kaname.

Aha…

As Yuuki settled next to him, Kaname looked over at Kaien, who used Yuuki's momentary distraction to slide his thumb over his throat, pretending to cut it. It was a reminder of what would happen to him should he ever hurt Yuuki.

When Kaname nodded resolutely, Kaien gave him a quiet nod of approval before returning back to his exuberant self, gushing over Yuuki's cooking.

"Awh, don't be like that, Yuuki," Haruka pouted. "We only want what's best for you! You're family now."

"I agree," Kaien said, "one big happy family that could benefit from getting bigger!"

"That's the spirit!" Juuri bellowed, slamming her right fist onto the table and using her left hand to point at Kaien. "I like you, Kaien! You have the right mindset! Cheers!" She raised her cup and clanked it with his as he raised it.

"I thought you only liked me…" Haruka fumed silently, crossing his arms.

Kaname felt something poke his side. He turned towards a wide-eyed Yuuki.

"Say something," she hissed, desperate to change the subject.

He put an arm around Yuuki's shoulders and held her close to his side. "Yuuki and I appreciate and understand your concerns, but for the time being we're both busy with work and studies. We haven't really talked about the future yet, so nothing is set in stone. Who knows, a year from now we might not even be together. It's happened before," he quipped, smiling too amicably for his tone, "and it could happen again."

He retracted his arm from Yuuki, returning his attention to his food. He could feel Yuuki's eyes burning into him as he ate, but chose to ignore it. The three grown-ups were also momentarily stunned by his pessimistic speech, yet they chose not to comment on it, deciding that it was time to change the subject.

He hadn't meant to sound so harsh and pessimistic, but the ominous feeling in his gut wouldn't subside. Though they'd gotten over some very big obstacles, he still felt like he and Yuuki weren't even. Like she was still holding things back; still refusing to open up sometimes. Coupled with his paranoia of something bad happening soon, he couldn't help but feel somewhat annoyed with her. The way she was evading the subject of the future made him feel like once again he was the one vying for her attention, and not the other way around.

As Yuuki gradually reigned in her initial shock and joined the conversation around him, Kaname remained silent the rest of the night, absorbed in his own misery.

The second they stepped inside his home, the confrontation was immediate.

"What was that?" Yuuki spoke softly, afraid of agitating him.

"What was what?" He responded tiredly, taking off his jacket.

"At the dinner. The whole 'a year from now we might not be together bla bla life is cruel'."

"I don't recall saying those last words," he quipped, walking down the hallway.

"Kaname!" She hissed, stalking after him.

"What?"

"Stop avoiding me! What's going on?" She demanded, grabbing his arm and turning him so he could face her. "Talk to me," came her soft plea.

Garnet hues scanned her face as he pondered what to say.

"It's nothing," he whispered, turning away again.

Yuuki arrested him in place, pinching his right arm. He hissed at the pain, clenching the spot. "Auch…"

She shook her head, trying to clear her face from her wayward locks. "Don't close off like that. Aren't we past this point, Kaname? Didn't we fight so hard to be together and have full transparency between us? What's gotten into you? Was it something I said?"

He crossed his arms, eyes darkening. "Tell me about the future."

"What about it?"

"What do you see?" He inquired.

"I…" Yuuki fumbled for words. "I see myself finishing my studies and getting a real job. I see us, hopefully together lest we split up like we always do," she hissed, mimicking his earlier sentiments.

"Do you, really?" He asked. "Because the way I see it, it doesn't seem to me like you've really given this a lot of thought. You refuse to talk about the future whenever I ask you, and now, at the dinner… you just–"

"My god!" Yuuki cut in. "How would you feel if everyone wanted to turn you into a baby-making machine when you're not even finished with your studies? It was embarrassing!"

"That's the thing…" He whispered. "You and I are in such different stages of our lives. You're finishing up your studies and getting ready for an actual job, and I… I want more, Yuuki. I want… the full package. Marriage, kids, starting a life together… Perhaps my years on you are catching up with us. Maybe we're not as compatible as we thought."

Yuuki blanched, pale pink lips opening in shock. "Are you… what, are you breaking up with me now?"

"No," he cut in quickly, reaching out with his hand to reassure her. He retracted it upon second thought, not feeling comfortable with touching her at the moment. "I'm not. I'm not. I just… I need answers."

Yuuki closed her eyes in thought, breathing in and out in an effort to calm herself.

"Kaname…" She began softly, opening her eyes and revealing her sincere brown orbs. "Who says I don't want that? Who says I don't want to start a family with you and spend the rest of my life with you?" She grabbed his hand and held it with hers as she spoke. "It's just that… it's a little bit early. You have to give me time. I need to… be independent for a while, build something for myself. I want all of that with you, if you'll have me… Just give me some time."

His eyes softened as he listened, realizing that his mistake lay in not believing in her. She'd worked so hard to get to this point; went through countless hours of therapy and done so much to prove herself to him. And still he'd doubted her.

"For me, this…" He said, gesturing between himself and her, "is for life. I can't possibly move on and be with someone else. You're it for me, Yuuki. I guess… the scars from our past made me doubt your sincerity. Made me think that maybe you were only interested in something temporary…"

"I'd spend eternity with you if I could, you idiot boss," she said softly, wrapping her arms around his waist and looking up at him.

He chuckled at her nickname. "I'm sorry for doubting you, Yuuki. I didn't mean to put you in this position… I just have a lot on my mind these days, and I got paranoid."

"It's all right," she whispered, hugging his chest. "I can tell you're still not over the stress at work and everything… And I probably should have told you sooner how I felt about the future. I want everything with you, Kaname. All of it."

"Then…" He trailed off. "When the time is right and I ask you to marry me, will you say yes?"

Like always whenever he was with Yuuki, his heart fluttered in his chest rapidly, reminding him of the first time he met her and how he'd immediately fell for her. To think she was here now, in his arms, talking about their future amazed him beyond words.

"You've asked me to marry you so many times now, I thought it was a given that I would say yes," she giggled, looking up at him.

"Oh, that's right," Kaname laughed, remembering the countless of times he'd asked her to marry him when she was working for him. "I forgot."

"I always thought you were joking, but you really meant it, didn't you?" Yuuki accused.

He gave her a sheepish smile, bending down and giving her a kiss.

"Nuhh, d-don't," she spluttered against his lips, turning away, "don't try to kiss your way out of this. Answer me!"

"Heh," he blushed lightly, realizing that she wouldn't give up so easily. "I did, yes. If you actually had said yes, even jokingly, at the time I would've whisked you away immediately and married you."

Yuuki squealed, pinching his cheeks. "You can really be cute sometimes. And weird. But I like it, and the answer is yes, my sweet idiot boss, I'll marry you."

"I'm glad," he said, elation spreading through his bones as he kissed her forehead. "I look forward to the future, Yuuki…"

"Me too," she replied, reaching up on her toes and giving him a kiss. He hugged her tightly in his arms, feeling somewhat relieved.

Still, the bad feeling wouldn't go away, even as they undressed and made love later in the evening. At night he lay awake, filtering his fingers through her hair as she peacefully slept against his side, wondering what on Earth was wrong with him. He couldn't shake off the sense of foreboding that filled him, and as the night went on, Kaname realized that he would not get any sleep.

He hugged her tightly, wanting to feel her close as the fear of the unknown laced itself into his bones.

It seemed that his gut feeling hadn't been deceiving him

Hell had a name, and she sauntered into his office unannounced one Thursday afternoon.

A smug smile claimed her cherry blossom pink lips.

Immediately, Kaname stiffened in his seat, distrust shining in his eyes as he cautiously glanced at her. Of all people to walk into his office...

"Mmh, that frown on your face gives me such joy," Shizuka Hio smirked.

"I doubt you came here to see my frowning face. What do you want?" Kaname's voice was cold and clipped.

"You're right. You were always such a smart boy." Shizuka halted by his desk, her silver dress shimmering in the moonlight and the glow of the big billboards in Tokyo.

"Miss me yet?"

Kaname snorted. "Still trying to erase your existence from my memory, so no."

Shizuka smirked again, and it reminded him of days long past when she would give him the same wicked grin. To think that he had ever been infatuated with her was a mystery he was still working on solving. Their relationship had been unhealthy and toxic. He'd been too blinded by her allure to see her true nature; she was evil, selfish and downright crazy. And not just crazy as in the I'll-Slash-Your-Tires-If-You-Ever-Cheat-On-Me-crazy, but the I'll-Use-You-And-Abuse-You-While-Stealing-Company-Information-Behind-Your-Back-crazy.

He'd been young at the time, fresh in his position and feeling quite lost and inadequate. Work had been weighing him down heavily; though he'd prepped for the role as CEO of their family-company his whole life, he'd never imagined it would happen so soon. Haruka's health problems at the time had forced him to take a step back; and with Kaname recently graduated, Haruka saw it fit to appoint him as CEO for the time being. He'd said that he saw true qualities in Kaname that would make him a great leader and businessman; not just because he was his son, but because Kaname was born to be a leader – he was smart and tactic; he knew how to play the game and when to strike. His natural charisma and charm would ensure them many happy business-deals and associates.

After a few months, Kaname had come to realize that while he was talented, the work was still hard for someone as inexperienced like himself. His father's unwavering faith in him felt stifling; like he couldn't allow himself to feel any failure or weakness.

They'd met at a bar.

She was a few years older than him and recently divorced, looking for something to pass her time. There was something about the mystery of her smile that drew him in; the split in her satin dress revealed her long and slender legs, while her long silver hair tumbled down her shoulders. She was ethereal and surreal – and he was immediately intrigued.

But more than that, there was this deeply rooted sadness in her eyes that shimmered whenever she didn't have her guard up.

He felt like he saw the same sadness in his own eyes sometimes; the sadness brought on by the pressure of work and the loneliness that followed.

Their romance was a whirlwind at first; she taught him things he never could have imagined – she was not only his lover, but his mentor also, and he revered her. He let her control him, a slave to her every whim. At one point in their relationship, he got it into his head that it was love that bound him to her; so young and innocently naïve was he.

When he told her he loved her, she would only smile at him and make him do all kinds of things to prove it. Take her to Paris; buy her shoes; give her expensive jewelry; cover her expenses. And he, of course, accepted it. He didn't know any better after all.

But the way she treated him made him feel like he was less worth. She'd call him young and inexperienced; rile him up and then make him take her up against the wall. They were explosive like that; always hurting each other in an attempt to feel something. As time passed, and he grew more wary about her, he came to realize that she had more issues than she let on.

The final nail in their relationship's coffin came when he discovered she'd been spying on his business-deals and leaking the information, all to save her own name since her family had broken things off with her due to her unstable mentality.

His heart broke, realizing that she'd used him all along. But more so than that, he realized that the love and affection he'd felt for her had been just an illusion brought on by her manipulation. As soon as he saw her through self, he started resenting her. He broke up with her; they yelled at each other, she screamed and threw expensive china against the wall and ran off.

His heart wouldn't recover for a long time after, not until a certain brunette stepped into his office and applied for the position as his secretary.

Shizuka slapped a folder on his desk. "Lovely girlfriend you have there," she commented dryly as Kaname reached for the folder and opened it.

Inside he found pictures of himself… and Yuuki.

Pictures of them holding hands and going on dinners together; hugging and sometimes kissing; the camera zooming in at them from different angles. He frowned; most of these were taken after they started dating and were pretty much harmless. They could easily be explained to anyone looking for answers.

He continued flipping through the photos until one of them caught his eyes.

It was of him and her, caught by the security cameras in the elevator at the hotel they stayed at in Singapore. It was the night they almost kissed after dancing the night away; his hands were on the wall on each side of her head as he leaned in. She was leaning in also; her face was partly covered up by his shadow, but it still looked like she was about to kiss him.

They looked like lovers who were about to embrace each other; so intimate and lust-filled.

"Or should I say your secretary?" Came Shizuka's pleased voice.

He looked up, giving her a dark look. "Ex-secretary. What do you wish to achieve with this? There's nothing wrong with these."

Shizuka clicked her tongue. "Exes are hard to define…" She said pointedly, giving him a sharp look. "But say, Kaname, why don't you take a look at the timestamp in the lower right corner of the picture?"

Kaname glanced down and noticed the time and the date. If one were to put two and two together, they would realize that it had been taken during the time she was still considered his employee.

"Now, Kaname, what if I were to show your investors these pictures? Hmm? Imagine the horror they would feel upon knowing the CEO of the company screwed one of his employees? Oh, dishonorable! Indecent and unprofessional!"

Kaname resisted the urge to scream in frustration. He reigned in his emotions, trying his best to keep calm. "I'll calmly explain to them the situation. I'll explain that nothing happened that night and that we kept things professional until after she quit."

Shizuka pursed her lips as she raised her eyebrows. "You could do that, yeah. But… what if clumsy old me sent these pictures to the media? You know, with smartphones these days, all it takes is one wrong touch and suddenly you've sent some very damaging photos to some very important and influential news outlets."

Kaname's mask faltered slightly. If the media got a hold of this they would blow it out of proportion; the rumors of the "scandal" would spread to the investors and the other companies, escalating further until the Kuran Inc. stocks began to lose value. He was respected and revered in the financial world; coveted and mysterious in the public eye. The media was constantly digging in his personal life, trying to blow up news about him but no luck. His investors and competition respected him for his honest work and dedication.

But the real problem was…

"Ahh… there it is," Shizuka said silkily, recognizing his expression. "Your concern for her reputation overrides the concern for your own. You were always like this, putting other's needs above your own, Kaname…"

She was right. His company he could deal with; but the damaging whispers and rumors that would flourish around Yuuki was something he could absolutely not accept. She would be devastated by the world branding her again. And he knew she'd hate it if people only saw her as Kaname Kuran's girlfriend, and not someone who deserved respect.

"There was a time when you were like this towards me, too…" Shizuka whispered.

"Is this what this is about? Our relationship?"

"I missed you," she purred.

"Too bad," he said tersely, "it's been years since we split up and we've both been better off. Let me guess… the recent changes in the company was because of you, weren't they?"

Shizuka smirked, flipping some of her silver hair over her shoulder. "You know me, Kaname. I always do my homework. It was simple really; all I did was reach out to investors and shareholders and tell them that there was a big risk of the CEO ending up in a big scandal in the future… Some of them didn't believe me at first, but the second I mentioned "indecent relations with an employee" their blood ran cold and they withdrew immediately. I could go on like this, picking out the weak links here and there, but that's boring."

"Clever," he commented. "But there won't be any scandal. You don't have the guts."

"Oh, but I do, Kaname," she said, her eyes shining intensely. He could see it again; the spark of madness in her Hio eyes. Her family was renowned for their problematic behavior; her great-grandfather was the creator of the famous Hio Hotels; although he was a great businessman, he was known for his expensive and crazy habits. Multiple wives, scandal after scandal with call girls and drugs… these habits carried on through the dysfunctional family line, manifesting in different ways. Some of the Hios were normal people with a stable life; but some of them were on the other side of the edge – like Shizuka.

She was reckless and wild; prone to her own indecisiveness and impulsive behavior. Her favorite hobby was toying with people – she'd done it with her maids as a child, and transferred her hobby onto young impressionable men as she grew older – like Kaname.

She was a spider, and right now he was caught in her web.

"I ask again, what do you want?" He grit through his teeth.

"It would be so utterly pleasurable to watch you crumble and falter if these images went public. And her… the sweet little lamb that stole you away like that. Dating your secretary? How naughty," she commented, licking her lips. "See, I wouldn't mind doing the same if I was a CEO of a company, but I'm not. So what I want…"

"Is the company," he deduced.

Shizuka shrugged her shoulders. "Sure…" She stepped around his desk and came behind him, sliding her hands down his shoulders as she leaned down and whispered in his ear. "But Kaname… Don't you remember the fun we used to have? Don't you remember the things I taught you… the pleasure we gave each other?" She licked his cheek slowly.

He shot up from his seat. "Fun? I'm sure it was fun to leech off of me and sell company secrets behind my back. You're an evil, vindictive bitch and I want nothing to do with you." He hissed, turning away from her.

"Funny you should say that… I suppose I'll just release the pictures, then. Watching the company crash is one thing, but… Oh, imagine poor little Yuuki being outed in the media as the whore who slept with the CEO of the company she worked at. I suppose her little dream of becoming a respected little journalist would shatter into a million pieces when people find out about her true identity. Constantly rejected at interviews; constantly talked about in the media… oh, she would really hate you." Her eyes glowed with mirth as she watched his expression falter.

"Keep her out of this!" He bellowed, slamming his fists onto his desk.

"Kind of hard to do when it's her on the pictures," Shizuka quipped. "Really, you can only blame yourself, Kaname. Dating an employee, tsk, tsk…"

"What do you need? Money? Stocks? After all this time, why are you here now?" He demanded as desperation grabbed a hold of him. He couldn't allow Yuuki to get hurt again. Never.

Shizuka cocked her head to the side. "I want the company. I want to run it. All of it."

"You know that's impossible," he breathed, "I can't just give you the company, you know that."

"I know that. But I want to run it through you. You'll do as a I say; make the decisions I tell you to make, invest in what I tell you to invest in. You'll be a puppet and I'll be the one pulling your strings."

Kaname rolled his eyes. "You have no idea what you're getting yourself into. I may be the CEO, but that doesn't mean I'm all-powerful. I can't just make decisions for the company – I need the approval of the board of investors to proceed with anything I want to happen."

"Then make them agree with you," Shizuka hissed. "I don't care how you do it – but you're going to give me control over the company one way or another. Or these," she pointed at the pictures, "go public."

"Why are you doing this?" He questioned. "Why me? Why are you trying to use me again?"

"Because I need what you have to offer. But Kaname…" Her voice softened into a seductive whisper. "This could be a lot easier if you just gave in to me… Choose me over her. Build the empire with me at your side… think about the things we could do; the things we could be – King and Queen," her eyes shimmered as her voice rose like a crescendo, desperation growing inside of her. "Think, Kaname, think!"

"Never," he pledged, looking down at her. "I will never let go of Yuuki, and you will never have this company. In your fucking dreams, Shizuka."

"Oh, we'll see about that," She laughed maniacally, spinning on her heels. "I'll give you a week to decide what to do. Keep the photos - I have plenty of copies, ready to be shipped out." She stopped by the door, turning her head over her shoulder. "Oh, and Kaname? Be smart about this. One wrong move, and your life will shatter around you."

She blew him a kiss before turning and exiting; the clicks of her heels echoing down the hallways.

Kaname grit his teeth in frustration, growling as his mind worked overtime. Why did this have to happen now?

Everything he'd built in the company; the wonderful thing he had with Yuuki… it could shatter any minute as long as the devil bitch had those pictures. For the first time, Kaname Kuran didn't know what to do or how to strike.

In his own game of chess, he was backed into a corner; and his Queen was exposed and vulnerable – surrounded by wolves.

JAK: Thank you for the reviews! I'm happy you love the fanfic!

Rena: Awh, you catch onto so many details! That makes me so happy! I'm glad you enjoyed the chapter, and I hope you'll enjoy this one too!