Authors Note: So this is basically a series of unrelated drabbles with multiple, various pairings in it leading from het to yaoi to a three-way relationship. So chances are, somehow, your favorite pairing will be in here. All the drabbles are inspired by photography done by (www. Sasami – takarai. Deviantart. Com) So be sure to check out her pictures, they really are incredible! All the chapters have the same name as the picture they were based off of.

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight or any of its characters.

Center Stage

Shiki's best friend was Rima, undoubtedly. Rima understood him in a way that no one else really did. She didn't ask him questions when he didn't want to talk, and she was more for silent support.

But although Shiki was close to Rima…Ichijou got under his skin in a way no one else did. He knew the insecurities that went on behind those opaque blue cerulean eyes.

Ichijou also liked to speak in metaphors.

Shiki found this out when he was walking through the forest that surrounded the Moon Dorm one night. It was close to sunset, but it was a weekend, so everyone was either sleeping or in town. Shiki simply felt like walking, so he let his feet move without really thinking of where he was going.

Surprisingly, it led him to Ichijou.

The blonde was deep into the woods, with a watering can, standing in front of the trunk of a tree. He was helping the life of a tiny green twig that was right underneath the sun's rays. It had a few green leaves on it, but it was nothing to truly take notice of.

"What are you doing up so early?"

Shiki blinked and walked over to stand next to him. "I couldn't sleep."

Ichijou hummed in understanding, and smiled at him, straightening up as he watched dewdrops slide off the leaves he sprinkled.

"It's pretty, isn't it?"

The brunette shrugged. "It's hardly noticeable, really. Small."

"That's the point." Ichijou chuckled and lifted a long finger to tap is friend on the nose. "Right now it's small, hardly noticeable, a supporting character. But when the sun hits it like this, you can't help but take notice. It really shines. The sun makes it bright with its warmth. Soon it'll be bigger."

Shiki blinked down at the tiny plant. He didn't really believe that it would grow. It would probably die in a few days. The sun couldn't be hitting it all the time.

The teen nearly jumped out of his skin when a lean arm snaked around his shoulders.

"Come on." Ichijou steered them away from the tiny life. "Let's go have some tea."

"Hm."

Shiki walked away, sticking close to the blonde. His head fell against the strong shoulder unconsciously as they walked, and the bright blonde hair mingled with his messy dark locks.

Ichijou's body was very warm.