Chapter Two: A Bad Mix of Violence and Anger

Let's fast forward two weeks…

Shiki had Rima pinned down on the bed as he buried his fangs in her neck. With care, as not to hurt her, he began to take little sips of her blood. As he pulled the liquid into his mouth, he could feel Rima's heartbeat accelerating beneath him. And just a couple of minutes ago, she had wanted to go back to sleep.

As he drank more of her blood, her most intimate thoughts began to pass through his mind. She was thinking about the picnic they had a couple days ago when she fell asleep on his lap. Then, her thoughts drastically changed to a scene of him kissing her last night while they were modeling together. That brought on a wave of embarrassment and her cheeks naturally flushed red.

Shiki chuckled at Rima's shyness which brought her thoughts back to their current position. She was now thinking of his fangs in her body and how close to ecstasy it brings her every time they exchange blood…only it would be more comfortable if he dug in just a little deeper…

Shiki bit into her neck with more force, which brought a gasp from Rima's lips.

Shiki smirked, glad that he was the only one that could have such an effect on Rima. He was surprised, however, at how innocent most of Rima's thoughts were. If she had been drinking his blood and reading his thoughts…well, Rima would probably be disgusted with how sex-starved he was. And that was one of the reasons why it has only been Shiki taking the blood in this relationship so far.

Rima had her arms limply around Shiki's neck as she whispered to him, "I'm a little bit thirsty too. Care to share?" Her voice was seductive as she purred into Shiki's ear and a strong desire of his blood flowed his mind as he continued to drink from Rima.

Shiki froze. Not good, probably jinxed it.

Rima continued, "Shouldn't mates be exchanging blood instead of one taking all of it for himself?"

Shiki pulled back and ran his tongue over his bloody lips. "I'm not sure if I'm ready for you to drink my blood yet."

"Oh come on, Shiki. What is there to prepare for?" Rima sat up and leaned closer to Shiki. He noticed a hint of red starting to creep up into Rima's irises as she looked up at him with an innocent smile.

Shiki pulled back a little more, "Trust me Rima, you really don't want to know some of the thoughts that go through my head when I'm with you."

Rima tilted her head, "Oh? Like what?"

Shiki shook his head. "I think we'll need to wait a bit longer before you can drink my blood."

Rima rolled her eyes. "I think I'm prepared enough to read your thoughts."

Again, Shiki shook his head, "You have no idea what you're talking…"

But Rima cut him off. "Oh come on Shiki. I know how a guy's brain works! Ruka has told me all about it: sex, sex, sex, food, and sex."

Shiki turned a little bit red. Now was his turn to defend his gender…only he couldn't think up of a good counterargument. "Rima…I just don't want you to think I'm some sort of perverted freak."

"But I don't think that way. You cared enough for me to chase after me for almost two weeks, Shiki. That means your brain doesn't revolve entirely around having sex with me."

Shiki grimaced, "I don't know about that…"

Rima laughed lightly, "Then why don't we find out?"

XkurochanX

Let's go back…

Shiki had a very straightforward mind. He only focused on one thing at a time. Currently, his brain was blowing up about Rima and Ichijou, so he wasn't really concerned about the bruise he gave Aidou on his left cheek.

Fast wasn't a good word to describe Shiki as he flew down the halls that lead him to his dorm. His strides were unsteady and his body was burning with rage. If blood had a boiling point, he would have probably been evaporated by now. It was often rumored throughout the Night Class that Shiki was one of the gentlest of the male population…that is…until he explodes. Other night class students who were getting ready for class felt his convoluted aura as he marched down the hallway and decided it would be best for them to take a different route downstairs today.

Upon arrive in front of the last room in the noble vampire hall, the youngest male student in the Night Class kicked the door off its hinges and stared at the blond boy that was putting on his shirt. Ichijou blinked back innocently, "Goodness Senri, hasn't your mother ever taught you to knock?"

Under normal circumstances, Shiki would have laughed at the inside joke Ichijou had for his mother. But now Shiki's reply was cold, "I tend to forget every once in a while when I hear disturbing rumors in the Moon Dorm."

Ichijou sighed, "Well, at least don't kick the door off its hinges. You know how much it costs to repair that?"

"I'm sure we'll manage with my modeling job." Shiki's face was blank and most people wouldn't have even noticed he was made until they saw how cold his eyes were. "Let's change the subject; why don't we discuss these disturbing rumors?"

"What about them?" Ichijou turned back to buttoning up his black vest.

Shiki was struggling to keep calm. "I hear from Aidou that you and Rima are dating." There was a momentary pause as Shiki waited for Ichijou's reply. When it didn't come, he continued, "Is it true?"

Ichijou looped his red tie before answering. "Yes." He flashed his innocent smile. "Is something wrong with that?"

All traces of humor were lost in the conversation.

Shiki took two long strides and grabbed Ichijou by the cuff his shirt. "'Something wrong?' Don't fuck with me. What happened last night?" He could've sworn that there was steam coming out of his ears.

Ichijou raised an eyebrow playfully. "Oh, so who's being nosy now?"

Shiki continued to focus the power of his blue eyes on Ichijou. "Why?" His voice almost cracked.

Ichijou gave Shiki an innocent smile and began putting on his jacket over the vest. "Why don't you ask Rima, yourself?"

Shiki glowered at his friend with loathing and hatred. He could feel himself holding back on punching that smile off of Ichijou's face. For the first time in his life, Senri Shiki felt robbed of something that should have belonged to him. "Rima? Was she the one that initiated this?"

Ichijou stepped around Shiki to grab their Night Class uniform from the closet. "No…"

Shiki clenched his teeth until it hurt, "Then you asked her without even considering…"

Ichijou met his gaze this time, "Without even considering what?" Shiki didn't reply so Ichijou continued, "Let me guess, 'without even considering my feeling'?" Shiki looked away. "Didn't you just tell me last night that you had no feelings for Rima and you only found her…" Ichijou pretended to pause and think, "…attractive?"

Before Shiki could bash Ichijou's head in, the door to their room creaked open slowly and a timid girl with orange pigtails crept in. She didn't dare to push the door too far open in fear that it would tip over. Upon seeing both Shiki and Ichijou in the room, Rima turned and tried to sneak out without being noticed. Shiki grabbed her arm and pulled her in while slammed the door shut to trap Rima against it with his left arm.

Rima didn't dare meet Shiki's gaze as she felt his breath on her neck.

The dark brunette-haired boy grabbed and spun Rima around as he lowered his face inches away from hers. The voice that escaped his throat was one of forced calmness, "Rima, I want an explanation of this."

Rima, trapped against the wall, between Shiki's arms, didn't know what to answer and tried to merge with the door behind her, "I'm sorry, Shiki." Her voice was soft, but Shiki felt like she had just slapped him.

Shiki's nails formed thin lines on the wooden door. "Are you dating Ichijou?"

No answer.

Shiki clenched his jaw and formed a fist with his left hand. "Why did you agree to date him?"

No answer.

Shiki took Rima and shook her violently. "When did you start liking Ichijou?"

No answer.

The frustration cracked through Shiki's wall of calmness. He punched the door next to Rima's head creating a dent in the mahogany wood. "God damn it, answer me, Rima! Answer me!"

Rima shook her head violently and wiped a tear from her eyes. It took her a moment before she could recollect herself enough to answer Shiki. "You ask me when I started liking Ichijou. I will only answer after you tell me when you actually started caring about who I date."

Shiki hesitated for a second. Rima did have a point there. He had absolutely no right in saying who Rima should date or not. "But…you should at least be with someone that's…I don't know…better for you than Ichijou?"

Rima raised her head and met Shiki's eyes. Her jaws were set in her usual obstinate way. "Are you implying that I'm too good for Ichijou? Who else would you recommend?"

This time it was Shiki who remained silent.

"Shiki, Ichijou and I have been friends for a long time." She was playing with her skirt nervously, trying to find the right words to say to Shiki. "And he was the one that told me it was about time we started thinking of each other in a different light. I don't hate him, and considering that none of the other guys in the Moon Dorm ever notices me, why should I not say yes to him?"

"Is that what you really believe?"

"What?"

"That none of the other guys in the Moon Dorm ever notice you?"

Rima looked away, but Shiki caught the glimpse of sadness in her expression, "I share a room with Ruka. Who would be interested in me when they can stare at Ruka?"

Shiki felt a little uncomfortable. "Is this seriously what girls think of themselves? Don't they know that they don't have to be Ruka in order to be considered as pretty?" He paused, "And quite frankly, I believe you're just as beautiful as she is or…" Shiki trailed off.

Rima smiled up at him. "Thanks Shiki." She bit her lips. "But, I'm not going to regret my decision with Ichijou. He's the first guy that's ever told me he's wanted me…as more than a friend, I mean. And, to tell you the truth, I was really surprised. I didn't think someone like Ichijou would even bother looking at someone like me."

Shiki rolled his eyes silently in his mind, "Believe me, I didn't think so either."

Rima smiled a little, "I want to make him as happy as possible. That's another reason why I agreed to this. And I respect him enough as a person to date him. But I don't believe we're going to be serious about each other."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that…" she lowered her voice so Ichijou wouldn't overhear, "Even though I love Ichijou as a friend, I don't think I see him the same way he sees me."

Shiki raised an eyebrow at this, "Oh? You already like someone else?"

"No!" Rima quickly interrupted, "Well, I don't know." She blushed, which only made her look cuter, "I guess so, but I don't think he see me the same way I see him."

"Oh." Shiki didn't dare to let his hopes up, "He's better than Ichijou? I can't imagine who else that can be."

Rima shook her head, "He's someone very special to me so I can't tell you. If the secret leaks, he might not even be willing to be friends with me anymore."

"So you're close to him?"

"In many ways."

"Do I know him?"

Rima hesitated, "Um, yes, you do."

Shiki felt like he was being slapped by Rima's words again. He felt 99.9% sure that the person who Rima was in love with was him.

From behind Shiki, Ichijou sighed loudly, "Come on now, children, we're going to be late for class."

XkurochanX

Shiki had always hated walking to class due to the lingering of the sun in the sky, but he was especially not looking forward to this evening. Usually, he would walk alongside Rima who would at least still provide him with breakfast, but now that she was dating Ichijou, who else was there left to talk to him? He felt his feet getting heavier as he trudged in the back of the Night Class, watching all the beautiful night class students walking in front of him.

He had to admit, he was desperately lonely without Rima. As he looked up, he saw Rima laughing at one of Ichijou's jokes. Again, the twist of jealousy in his heart made him clench his jaw. They looked perfect together; their height matched each other's, their eyes contrasted each others, and even their hair had the same bright color to it. He himself…he was disgusted at how wrong he was for Rima. For the first time in his life, Shiki felt hopelessly lost. Where was Rima when he needed her? He had always had her by his side to comfort him, to talk to him about his problems; now, he had no one.

As they entered class, Shiki watched as Ichijou put an arm around Rima and tucked her into him. Rima was obviously surprised by his suddenly gesture of affection but she didn't mind him and therefore allowed Ichijou to rest his arm on her.

Shiki tasted the burning sensation boiling from his stomach again. He felt an overwhelming impulse to push Ichijou out the window…maybe a few hundred times would be enough to satisfy his envy. Shiki was a very territorial and spoiled as a child; if he wanted something, he was bound to have it sooner or later. As he was focusing to control the violent thoughts that passed through his mind, a hand from behind suddenly tapped him on his arm and Shiki heard Kain's far away voice asking him if he was okay.

Shiki tore his eyes away from his two best friends and seated himself next to Kain and Aidou. "I would be better if we didn't have class today."

Kain raised an eyebrow, "Damn, never seen you like this before. You must really like Rima, huh? If you liked her so much, why didn't you just ask her out before?"

"I don't like…"

"Cut the crap Shiki. You're not going to fool anyone with that white lie."

Shiki sighed. It would be pointless to lie to Kain, and he had to admit, it was nice talking to someone supportive once in a while. "I didn't ask her out before because I didn't want to ruin our friendship."

"Well, does she like you?"

Shiki hesitated, "I don't know. She said to me earlier today that she's in love with someone who she's afraid to confess to."

Kain snorted, "Well, that's basically saying the same thing as 'I love Senri Shiki'."

"How do you know she was talking about me?"

Kain gave Shiki a wry smile, "I think the entire Night Class knows that the two of you like each other as more than just friends."

"But Rima's dating Ichijou now," Shiki mumbled bitterly.

Kain thought for a second. "So you really really like her?"

Shiki didn't understand his only feelings until Kain pointed them out and seeing Ichijou and Rima laughing together made his heart realized his love for his best friend even more, "Yes."

"Do you want to drink her blood?"

A brief pause.

Shiki had never considered this before, but the sudden thought of Rima's blood made his mouth water. He wanted it. He wanted it so badly his throat was going dry. "…yes…" Shiki croaked.

"Seeing her with Ichijou hurts you, doesn't it?" Kain questioned gently.

"Yeah," Shiki sighed quietly.

Kain fingered through his hair with his right hand. "Then you're as good as in love with her; I don't get how you never noticed before. That's how I usually feel when I see Kaname-sama with Ruka."

"I'm sorry."

"No worries. But unlike me, your girl actually likes you deep down inside. Ruka…I think I've just given up on her."

"Why?"

"I know for sure that she definitely likes me as a friend, and nothing more. She would sometimes come to me just to complain about Kaname-sama."

Shiki frowned, "That's so cruel. How do you manage it?"

Kain shrugged, "It's not her fault. I don't think she knows about me and my problems."

They were both silent for a while, thinking about the girls they yearn to be theirs.

"So Kain…"

"Hmm?

"What do you think I should do, in my case, I mean."

"I'm not the expert on love. If you want to discuss serious problem, try talking to Ruka."

"Well, I obviously can't do that since they live in the same room."

Kain shrugged, "Well, in that case, why don't you just 'talk' to her?"

"What do you mean?"

Kain gave Shiki a too-innocent look. "If Ichijou steals your girl, why don't you just steal her back?"

Questions? Comments? Reviews?