Akari woke up just before the evening. The blanket had slid down to her waist, leaving her chest on show as she lay on her side. She felt strong arms wrapped around her, one under her neck and crossing over her body, the hand resting on her shoulder. The other was wrapped tightly around her waist, keeping her close to the warm body she was laying next to. She tilted her head back slightly to see Rido. Instead she saw Kaname smiling at her.

She jumped up and screamed, it was a dream, it was just a dream. She looked around the room, it was her room, it was a nightmare.

Her sudden movement and scream woke up Rido, he jumped out of bed, thinking they were being attacked. Once he realised they were safe, he rushed to Akari's side. She was mumbling, she wasn't making any sense. He decided the best thing he could do was hold her and sooth her. He had only just wrapped her up in his arms with a blanket and gently running his fingers through her hair, when a half dressed Zero brushed in with his bloody rose. Rido quickly pulled the blanket up to cover her up completely.

"What happened?" Zero asked, breathing heavily.

"She had a nightmare, that's all." Rido stated calmly, his attention solely on Akari. Zero didn't believe him. He walked towards them with bloody rose lowered but still ready. He kneeled down next to her.

"What happened Akari?" Zero asked concerned, ignoring Rido's glare. Akari hiccupped as she tried to stop her tears. Rido was being socked by the sweat coming off of her. She was shaking and hugging herself tightly. Whatever it was, it had terrified her.

"Kaname." She finally managed to speak clearly enough for the two of them to hear and understand. Rido growled and held her closer.

"What did he do?" Zero went on the ask. He wanted know so he could question Kaname about it. He knew that some vampires had the ability to enter and manipulate dreams, he wanted to know if it was Kaname or just a dream.

"He…he…" She struggled to get her words out.

"Shhh, it's OK. You're safe now." Rido reassured her, gently running his fingers through her hair. He was glad that she hadn't plaited it like she normally did when she was going to sleep. He enjoyed running his fingers through her soft silky red hair. He would never tell her that. It also reminded him of fresh blood, it was his favourite colour.

"He was holding me..." She squeaked out. Rido held back his anger, right now, what she needed was calm. Zero was also doing his best to stay calm. "I…" She started but was fighting tears back. "I was…naked." She whispered; the two men almost didn't hear her. Rido understood her hesitation, she didn't want to upset him.

"Whatever happened, it won't upset me." Rido reassured her. Akari nodded in response before tucking her head under his chin. "It was just a nightmare."

"We, we were cuddling." She spoke quietly with a sniffle. "My back was to him, I..I didn't know until I looked over." Tears threatened to fall once more. "I…I thought I was waking up with you after…" Rido didn't need her to finish her sentence, he knew what she meant. She thought she was waking up after they made love the day before. He held her closer and rocked her, trying to sooth her. Zero watched them closely. He could see that Rido cared for her, maybe he didn't show it the right way all the time. He certainly had to learn how to channel his emotions better if he wanted to keep Akari. It stated to pain Zero that he would be helping to kill Rido to save humans from the threat of vampires. He hadn't realised, but he had gently placed his hand on Akari's back. Once he had, he stood up as quick as he could. Rido glared at Zero, he was getting too close to Akari for his liking.

"You can leave now." Rido told him, trying to keep his voice level. He knew if he sounded angry and upset, Akari would start worrying. It was a last thing she needed. Surprisingly, Zero listened and left them alone.

Rido pulled Akari to lay down next him. He pulled the covers over their heads, he wanted to show her she was safe, she was safe with him.

After that nightmare, Akari couldn't get back off to sleep. She wasn't sure why it had rattled her so much. Maybe because it was so real, it felt real. She thought it was really happening. She slowly slipped out of bed, being sure not to wake Rido, he was a very light sleeper. She tip toed to her large closet, being as quick and quiet as she could. She quickly dressed into a pair of black ribbed leather effect fitted trousers. As well as a black oversized hoodie that appeared to be five sizes too big. The front of hoodie stopped at the mid-thigh while the back continued down to the back of her knees, the sides flowed freely as it gradually dropped from the mid-thigh to the knee. The hoodies arms extended far past her hands, not that she cared. She tied her hair into a large bun, she didn't have the energy to plait it or do some fancy hairdo. She just wanted it off her face. She pulled the large hood over her head before choosing a pair of black lace up boots that went just pass her ankle. She quickly snuck back out of the closet before sneaking off out of the bedroom.