After another fifteen minutes passed, a flustered woman came into the room. Abruptly, everyone quickly quieted down and eyed her as she went to the board. I was personally pleased as I got to talk to Amu in the absence of a teacher and nudged her awake so she'd stop pretending to sleep (she was horrid at it).

"Class," she began uncertainly, eyes roaming the student faces, "Mr. Suzuki is occupied by an emergency at home so I will be taking his place until he returns. You may address me as Miss Haigo."

Miss Haigo. A short woman with a red pencil skirt and a matching business jacket over a white dress shirt. Her brown hair was trimmed neatly to the edge of her chin and still kept a womanly air about her. As she began teaching I didn't bother to pay attention and tuned her out easily.

Instead, I watched Amu discreetly, studying her as I usually did though I never told her. It was beginning to become less of a shock to me whenever I saw her. She was definitely similar to the old Amu and yet she was still her own person. They could practically be twins even though the older one was taller and slimmer than this one. The Hinamori Amu beside me was still growing into her body and I had a clue of what she'd look like once she matured into a grown woman.

I could laugh because this was such a strange event, one I replayed over and over in my mind. Older Amu had been a refined young woman, strong-willed and deliciously beautiful. I could remember her clear as day, the sound of her heartbeat, the light sweat on her skin, her blood rushing through her veins...

I blinked and returned my gaze to the current Amu. She was strong-willed too and not to mention, undeniably adorable, but she was much more reckless than how I knew her before. How many times could one meet the strikingly simlar descendant of a past life? It was a dark time then, I realized, I was out of control; a monster. But what was I to do about it now? I could only hope I would never have to bring it up for I'm sure even Amu wouldn't forgive me - even if it was for my survival.

Especially...especially since I pretty much murdered her once. Technically. It wasn't exactly murder but it was quite close. At least I hadn't savagely ripped her throat open. And she died a painless - dare I say, blissful - death. She'd been quite beautiful really, her pale skin still warm moments after I felt the life give out on her. You might say it's cruel and unforgiving but hey, I had to do what I had to do. It's a prey and predator thing once I start hunting. But I don't do that anymore, I'm a changed man. Somewhat.

It was a slow process as I watched humans evolve and change. I made friends, had lovers, created a fortune...but I lost it all too. I made some human friends in my past time and yes, I could have turned them. But that would have been selfish of me, right? I could never do that to them. It was a crazy cycle I lived, gaining a fortune gambling it all away occasionally and returning myself back to my former glory. Nothing was ever a constant in my life.

But...

Amu. She had to be important if she'd appeared twice in my life. I just didn't know why.

"How was your class?" I asked as we crowded out the door.

"You were there," she pointed out with a roll of her eyes.

"I wasn't particularly paying any attention," I drawled putting an arm around her shoulders. "You're all that could hold my attention anyhow."

I felt her face heat and held back a smile when I hear the obvious playful annoyance in her voice, "Y-you shouldn't stare at me!"

"I never do it openly," I emphasized the word as if it made a difference. "But I know every single feature of your face, the gentle curve of your pink lips, your downcast eyes as you focus, the little gasp you make when I - "

"SHH!" She quickly clamped her hand onto my mouth. I smirked into her palm. "God, I get it. Your creepy stalker tendencies haven't honed down a bit have they?"

"I do not stalk you," I sniffed indignantly. "I adore your every movement and memorize your enthralling beauty, basking in the radiant tenderness of your very soul."

She let out a breath of irritation. "I really don't know what to say anymore."

"A simple 'kiss me' would do."

Amu threw her hands up in exasperation. "Say what you will! I - we - have a class to be getting to."

We crossed down another busy corridor, navigating through the crowd of students efficiently. She adjusted her shoulder bag as we rounded a corner and ran right into someone. I caught her as she stumbled backwards, holding her close and observing the offender.

"Sorry," Tadase immediately recognized the shock of pink hair. "I didn't see you there, Amu."

"Tadase!" The warmth in her voice struck a pang of jealousy I didn't even know I could have. And to top it off, she shook my arm away and embraced him. "I haven't seen you since break!"

He hugged her back, holding her at arms length. "Sorry I haven't gotten around to seeing you yet because I've been a bit busy."

"Ah, I remember," she smiled much to my chagrin. "You've got a lot of clubs to organize don't you?"

"I don't know why I volunteered for this sometimes," he sighed but gave her a smile. "I better be off now, we should meet up later."

They hugged once more and we were off on our way again. I didn't say anything, irritation and jealousy becoming apparent in my expression. Amu looked at me strangely but didn't say anything until we settled in another classroom.

"What's with that face?"

"What face?"

"That "I'm-a-grumpy-vamp" face," she pulled her face into a cross between a scowl and a pout. I ignored her quip.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Sure you don't," she relaxed her face and then studied my neutral expression. "Jeez, you're awfully moody today."

My smile spread to a slow grin and she suddenly pulled back knowingly. "And you my dear, are quite jumpy."

Amu rolled her eyes and dug through her bag. She handed me a thermos. "You forgot this at my place after your last 'nightly' visit."

I grabbed it from her and shook it. It was only halfway full but warm which meant she must have warmed it up for me. I smiled and nudged her. She nudged me back as a sign of 'don't bother me' but I saw a smile on her face. I set it down and considered this as an apology.

[A/N] Woo-hoo, quickest update in ages! Hope you guys are still out there~

~lonelybutlovely

I want to give thanks to:

Hinamori Ian - I'm not sure if I want Kukai to know...but I will definitely be continuing this story!

Secret - don't know how you are but hey, I'm happy you stumbled upon my story.

blu2012 - you are really amazing and cool for sticking with my story. You leave me one of the best lengthy reviews. It's been a long time since I've listed my reviewers but I figured because you guys are patient and reviewed on my last chapter really quickly you deserve some acknowledgement!