A/N: Finally! The last chap. First of all, I'm terribly sorry for taking such a long time to update. School just started and I was busy handling a few things (and stacks of homework thrown every single day to my face don't help much). And! Lots of thanks and gratitude to those who reviews, especially my loyal reviewers! Your reviews keep me moving and please continue doing so. XD

Disclaimer: This amazing manga belongs to Hino Matsuri-sensei. I never own the characters.

CHAPTER 3

It was the second dream Rima had that night. She was still puzzled over those dreams. What was the meaning?

Rima stood in a cavern of darkness. She stumbled a few paces forward and saw a circle of light. Rima stopped as she realized that someone was standing under the light. It took her a few seconds to adjust her eyes and finally a figure emerged in her vision.

His albino-like skin glowed faintly in the light. His silvery blue eyes sparkled as they met her cerulean pools. His lips curled upwards to form a gentle smile. His face was the face carved by an angel. Flawless. Perfect.

"Shiki Senri… why? How?"

Rima was spellbound as Shiki held out a hand. She was uncertain but the small voice inside her head urged her to take his hand. Slowly, she lifted her hand and touched his. He gripped her hand tightly, making her face warm.

Suddenly, a jolt of energy struck her. For a moment, she was frozen. She felt as if she was charmed by the strongest magic. The answers to her unanswered questions lied before her eyes. Everything was crystal clear. All the things that she needed to know were in her hands. The truth had unfolded itself.

Without realizing it, her tears rolled down her pale cheeks. She gasped and tried to catch her breath. The next thing she knew, she was pulled into a tight hug as a pair of strong arms wound around her. Rima buried her face on Shiki's chest and sobbed on his blazer, wetting it. She knew it was him since his familiar scent that she missed each day reached her. It felt so real. The warmth of his breath that brushed her hair and his gentle yet firm embrace…

"Don't cry, Rima," she heard him muffling.

"Shiki!"

Then she woke up. The hot tears stung her eyes as she realized that she was still crying. Glancing around the dark room, she tried to process her recent dream. Every single thing stuck in her head clearly. She could still feel his warmth. His scent, a mixture of vanilla and cinnamon, lingered around her. Rima could only think of one thing as she scrambled off her bed.

"I must find Shiki."

"Are you sure about this, Shiki?"

Shiki turned to face Ichijou as he settled down on his bed. His thoughtful eyes were fixed on the floor as he weighed his answer. Breathing in deeply, Shiki looked at the blond and said a clear "Yes."

"What?!" Aidou exclaimed, while his cool-headed cousin watched quietly at the side. "Then, what about Rima?"

"I'm doing this for her," Shiki said quietly. "If I leave, she didn't have to recall those painful memories. She didn't need me here. I'm sure she'd live a better life without me around. Besides, I need some time for myself."

Ichijou sighed, knowing that he couldn't change Shiki's mind. The others fell silent too. The door clicked and four heads abruptly turned as Kuran Kaname stepped in with Ruka trailing behind. Kain and Shiki stood to acknowledge the pureblood's presence. Kaname's deep eyes flickered towards Shiki.

"Shiki," he started. "Have you thought thoroughly?"

"Yes."

Kaname nodded. "If you've made up your mind, I don't have the right to stop you. Do whatever you think is good for you and for Rima."

"Arigatou, Kuran-sama. I'll inform Chairman Cross--"

Suddenly, the door burst open and Rima stood in the middle of the doorway, catching her breath. Her golden hair was not tied in its usual pigtails and her cheeks flushed as heat rose to her face. Shiki stared at her, not believing his eyes. The other vampires just blinked and shifted their gazes from Rima to Shiki.

Looking straight at the chestnut-haired vampire, Rima approached him as she tried to calm herself. Wide-eyed, Shiki blinked once.

"Tell me, Shiki Senri, what are you trying to do?" Rima asked, jabbing a finger at him. "Are you planning on leaving by yourself and not telling me anything? How could you even think of that?" Rima's voice broke as she struggled to maintain her expression.

"I remember everything now. Every single, tiny thing. You shouldn't do this to yourself. I never put the blame on you, Shiki," Rima said, her uncontrollable tears overflowed now. "Please, don't leave--"

Rima was startled when Shiki suddenly extended his arms and grabbed her swiftly into his embrace. He buried his face in her hair, calming her down. She clutched his shirt tightly as her tears continued to flow down. She didn't care about her stoic mask anymore as long as she could stay in his arms. It was just like the dream. Only this time, it was real.

Kaname quietly walked out of the room. Ichijou followed hi, gesturing for the others to leave the couple. Ruka glanced back at them and smiled gratefully before shutting the door close.

"Gomen. Rima," Shiki murmured, running his hand through her silky locks. Rima slowly pulled away and looked at him. Her fingers were still clutching the sides of his linen button-up.

"What are you talking about?" Rima whispered, gazing deeply into his silver orbs. Shiki held her gaze for a few moments before leaning down and pressed his forehead on hers. He released a sigh, making Rima's cheeks coloured with a tinge of pink at the feel of his warm breath.

"It was all my fault," he started. "I hurt you deeply, in the inside and outside. I could see you very clearly that time. My subconscious mind yelled at me to stop but I couldn't do anything. I have to do whatever he wanted me to do. I had disappointed you. I am just a pathetic puppet--"

Shiki stopped his words and lifted his face when Rima shushed him by placing a finger on his lips. Her blue eyes were clouded by droplets of crystals.

"You are not a puppet," Rima said in a clear tone. "Not Rido's. Not anyone else's. You're just… my Shiki. My perfect and only Shiki I could find in this world, in our eternal life. You hear me?"

Rima's face was totally red the moment she finished. Shiki's lips formed a charming smile as he leaned down once again, this time closer to her face. He paused for a moment and brushed his nose lightly on hers. Rima blinked at the sudden move.

"Thank you, Rima," Shiki said softly, pulling her into his arms. "Thank you so much." Rima patted his back gently, reassuring him. She squinted slightly when she felt his body tensed up. He held her tighter and she realized that his shoulders were quivering.

"Shiki?" Rima whispered, trying to look at his way.

"Don't move, Rima," Shiki muffled hoarsely into her nightgown, trying to control his whimpers. "Let me hold you a little longer. You don't know how happy… how grateful I am to get you back. It's like… getting back my life."

Rima closed her eyes and rested her chin on his nape. It felt really nice and warm.

"It's okay, Shiki. It's okay. We'll be together. Always."

"If you say so, koishii…"

Yes. Forever.


A/N: Done! I'm very very very sorry for making this story so short. I just couldn't let Shiki and Rima be separated for a longer time!! It will make me crying! (then why did you write this fic in the first place, smartie?)

Okay, so, uhmmm, reviews? For the sake of our favorite Shiki and Rima! XD