A/N: Once again, thank you for the response so far! It means a loot to me, and inspires me to continue writing. Especially reviews - I'm guilty of re-reading them when I feel like I have no drive to write. Anyone see the new VK chapter that released today? Yeah.. not my favorite. Luckily, we have fanfiction and AU's where Kaname is a sexually frustrated boss and Yuuki is the cutest secretary in the universe.

I had an amazing day today - free from work, and I got tickets to see a certain diva whose name starts with a B and ends with eyoncé this summer! So, I ended up writing this today and decided that this will my valentine's day gift to you all! Mwuah!

VK: Matsuri Hino owns VK, but she just announced that she's drawn the last VK chapter ever... which means we have to take over her job, right? Right?

Chapter 4: Her Boss, Not Her Date

A day and a half later, Yuuki found herself at the Shouto mansion where the ball had been hosted. Kaname had been running late due a meeting, so she'd arrived alone, wide-eyed and insecure as she watched the flashing lights of the paparazzi. They paid no attention to her of course; and for that she was grateful.

Her phone buzzed in her hand. She glanced at the screen and saw a new message from Kaname.

"Get inside as discreetly as you can. I'm sorry for the delay. I'll meet you soon."

"There's Kaname Kuran!"

"Kaname!"

"Hey, Kaname!

The paparazzi went amok as a black limo pulled up to the curb. They gathered around the sleek vehicle like crows, yelling as flashlights went off.

Kaname stepped out of the vehicle elegantly, clad in a black tuxedo with a cravat adorning his neck. Yuuki stared in awe as he expertly avoided the paparazzi, remaining silent as they called out for him.

He was so… otherworldly. Not just because of his rank and power, but there was something about Kaname that exuded mystery and allure. The way he carried himself; the elegance of his sharp jawline and broad shoulders; the hypnotizing hue of his eyes and the way he always seemed to have all the knowledge in the world in his head.

When he looked at you, he looked at you; recorded your reactions, deciphered your meanings like a game of chess. When he talked to you; he talked to you like he had known you for ages; made you feel special and important. He was an absolute professional in every field; and for the life of her, Yuuki could never really figure him out completely.

Just as she thought she knew him, he surprised her by showing her another side of himself. One step forward, two steps back – everyday he challenged her with his mystique and charisma. As she watched him disappear in the crowd, Yuuki couldn't help but wonder what a man like him saw in a girl like herself. Sure, she was a decent secretary, but her world and his world were two separate entities.

She didn't belong in his world, and he didn't belong in hers – yet here they were.

Shaking her head, she turned and found the backdoor entrance, entering the building.

"Look her in the eyes."

"Of course."

"Don't comment excessively on her appearance. 'You look lovely' is acceptable. 'I want to throw you over my shoulder and carry you to my mancave' is not acce–"

"I get it," he hissed, looking around the ballroom.

"Don't dance with her unless you have to."

He nodded his head.

"All that chest-to-chest touching will surely get you excited."

"Am I truly a caveman in your eyes, Icihijou? Do you think that low of me?"

His vice president scoffed. "You are when it comes to her! If you were able to see the look in your eyes whenever you see her, you'd be mortified. And don't you go around thinking I can't tell when your thoughts are in the gutter! I know, Kaname, I know!"

"I'll have you know," Kaname took a sip of his champagne glass, ignoring the butterflies in his stomach, "I have been nothing but professional with her. Courteous, polite – accommodating. Really, I am in control. Of course, she is very beautiful and desirable, but working so close with her the past weeks has taught me a great amount of self contr– holy shit!"

Kaname's already heightened heartbeat accelerated the moment he laid eyes on the brunette beauty standing across the ballroom. The gods must be punishing him, he deduced, eyeing the bloodred dress that clung to her supple figure – surely he'd committed some sort of grave sin in his past life to be continuously tempted like this. Her auburn hair was swept aside, revealing her left shoulder and décolleté.

She looked magnificent, spectacular, otherworldly, and heaven-sent; like an angel and a vixen at the same time.

And his pants were suddenly tighter than he remembered.

He grit his teeth, almost salivating at the thoughts that ran in his head and the ideas her dress inspired in him. It was probably one of those dresses that were so tight that taking them off was a slow process, bit by bit revealing skin, fuelling his desire and the anticipation coursing through his veins…

The urge to throw her over his shoulder and carry her off to his cave and ravage her struck him like an arrow.

Damnit, Ichijou was right.

He was a caveman.

"What? What is– oh lordy," Ichijou gasped. "She looks good."

"Oh my god," Kaname whispered, "how am I supposed to… wait, did you say she looked good?" Kaname narrowed his eyes at his vice president. "Are you into her!?"

Ichijou blushed. "N-no, I was just stating the obvious! She looks good and oh my god she's coming over – quick! Act normal!"

Act normal? Act normal when the woman of your dreams who also happened to be your secretary was wearing a red dress and looking utterly delectable, was coming over to you like a goddess descending from heaven?

How?

That damn dress! He wanted to rip it to shreds and the–

"Quell the caveman thoughts!" Ichijou hissed. "Now!"

Yuuki ducked as waitress zipped past her and stepped over to her boss and the vice president. She bowed her head in greeting. "Kaname, Ichijou, nice to see you again."

Both men gave her a peculiar look, their mouths unmoving. Ichijou's smile stretched on and on – it almost looked a bit forced. Was there something wrong with her attire? Had her eyeliner smudged?

Ichijou suddenly jerked and spoke. "Hey, Yuuki! You look wonde- great. Great!" He gave her a thumbs up with his right hand.

Yuuki smiled. "Oh, thank you! You look good too!"

Ichijou continued smiling. Behind his back, he slapped Kaname's back with his left hand, almost knocking the air out of his paralyzed boss.

Ichijou cleared his throat a little too loudly, hinting that Kaname should say something.

"Wonderful, yes." Kaname said robotically, his eyes glazed over. "Um, this night. Is wonderful. You… look lovely, Yuuki." Quickly he put his empty champagne glass on a passing waitress' tray and grabbed two new ones. "Drink?"

"Thank you," she accepted the drink from him. "You look quite handsome," she commented, smiling as she took a sip of her glass.

She thought he was handsome? As in attractive? As in… she liked his appearance?

Just as joy overwhelmed him and made his limbs come to life, a sudden ache formed in his chest. Kaname's eyes widened as he felt his heart stop beating. He staggered and fell against Ichijou, choking sounds emitting form his mouth as his left arm throbbed with pain.

"He's having a heart-attack!" Ichijou yelled into the room. "Please, someone call an ambulance! He's dying!"

Yuuki gasped. "Oh, Kaname! No!"

The whole room watched in shock as Kaname fell to the floor, his back crashing against the marble. As his vision faded and everything turned black, Kaname managed to utter a few last words. "You… think… I'm… handsome?"

And then he died, never hearing her answer.

"When a lady compliments you, it's normal to accept it with a 'thank you'", Icihjou said through gritted teeth. He snapped his fingers. "Kaname!"

Kaname shook his head, waking up from his little daydream. It wasn't real. Absentmindedly he put a hand on his chest, feeling his healthy heart beat regularly beneath layers of skin and bone. "Heh, must be the uh… I swam today!" He exclaimed.

He gazed at Yuuki as she listened intently. "I wasn't sure I heard you right, you see. I have water stuck in my ears," he shook his head as if trying to release the water, "heh, guess I should lay off swimming for a while."

He could literally feel Ichijou roll his eyes as he lied through his teeth.

"Thank you, though," he added warmly. "You look lovel–"

Yuuki giggled. "I think that water got stuck in your brain too. You just said I looked wonderful a minute ago. Come on now," she said, grabbing his arm. "We have people to meet! Ichijou, see you later, okay?"

"Bye!" He called as Yuuki dragged her boss away like he was some petulant child refusing to obey orders.

Well, Ichijou shrugged his shoulders, he kinda was.

"Here," Kaname said, lacing his arms with hers. "This is better. Wouldn't want anyone to steal away my beautiful secretary away from me," he winked down at her.

Yuuki blushed. He was too charming sometimes.

"Okay," she cleared her throat. "To your left, that's M-"

"What?" Kaname said, leaning down. "I think there's still water in my ears. From now on, you shoulder whisper it to me clearly so I can hear properly."

Yuuki's blush was now matching her red dress.

"Erm," she cleared throat and strained her neck to whisper in his ear as he leaned down. "That's Mao Chieko," she whispered, "owner of a smaller company that Kuran Inc. owns."

Kaname fought to suppress the shiver that ran up his spine as her hot breath fanned his ear. Why would he go ahead and suggest such an idiotic thing?

Kaname greeted the woman quickly, using her name and thanking her for her hard work.

Whatever it was she'd been doing.

"To your right over there," Yuuki whispered, "Nagamichi Aidou, one of the biggest investors in Kuran Inc. and a big supporter of both you and your parents. His son will be an intern at the office soon. His name is Hanabusa."

"Nagamichi," Kaname greeted. Of course he knew Nagamichi well, but he hadn't bothered telling Yuuki since he wanted to hear her voice. But the fact that his son would be working at Kaname's office was new…

He gave Yuuki an appreciative side-glance.

His secretary was quite skillful.

"It's been a long time. I hear your son will start interning at our firm?"

"Oh yes," Nagamichi replied, "Hanabusa is very much looking forward to it. Your parents suggested it over dinner one day and I thought it was the perfect opportunity for him to experience real life. But do tell, who is this beautiful woman at your side?"

Yuuki looked around frantically. Who? Who? Had she missed someone? She thought she'd memorized every face in the entire room!

"This is Yuuki Kurosu," Kaname spoke, catching her attention. "My new secretary."

Oh… it was her? Yuuki blushed. You idiot!

"A pleasure to meet you," Nagamichi bowed. "Take good care of this one, ne? I've known him since he was young. He can be quite troublesome if he wants to. I'll be on my way!"

Yuuki bowed and smiled, saying her goodbye. As soon as Nagamichi was out of her sight, she flipped around and untangled her arm from Kaname's, slapping his shoulder.

Kaname jerked. "What was that for?"

"You knew him!" Yuuki accused. "Yet you listened to me ramble about him… you should've just said you knew him!"

"Oh," Kaname nodded. "Yes, I did know him. But I didn't know his bratty son was joining the company, so… well, who am I to interrupt my lovely secretary when she's whispering so sweetly in my ear?" He smiled charmingly.

"Y-you," Yuuki stuttered, "from now on I'll scream in your ear, we'll see how much you'll like that."

Kaname gulped.

Her screaming into his ear? Oh he would like that very much.

"N-not like that!" Yuuki chided.

Kaname raised his brows in response; surprised that she had caught his train of thought. Was he that obvious? Oh god, what if she was so appalled and disgusted by him that she filed a sexual harassment report and qu–

"I know you," Yuuki tsked. "You like watching me squirm when you make pervert comments or suggestions like that."

"I didn't say anything."

"No, but your face did!" Yuuki screeched. Glancing around quickly, she gathered herself, not wanting to draw any further attention to herself. "Knowing you, eventually you would say whatever pervert thoughts you were thinking out loud and make me embarrassed. I get it; my words don't always come out the right way! And you know what, Mr. Kuran?"

She slapped his arm again. "I won't be bothered anymore!"

Determinedly, she laced her arm through his and dragged him to another part of the floor.

"You're cute."

"What!?" Yuuki spluttered. Did he jus–

"I said, 'would you like a drink?" Kaname offered her a glass of wine, staring at her quizzically.

Yuuki sighed in relief. For a second she thought he'd called her cute. She accepted the glass, taking a sip of the wine.

She grimaced as the bitter liquid assaulted her tongue. "Too dry," she commented.

"Here," Kaname said, "try mine."

He grabbed her glass and handed over his to her. Reluctantly she sipped as he watched, measuring her reaction.

"Ooh, this is good," Yuuki said, taking another sip.

"I figured a girl like you would prefer the sweetness of Moscato wine," Kaname hummed, taking a sip of her previous glass. "Ah, perfectly dry," he commented as finished his sip.

"Huh," Yuuki said, staring at him. He actually liked wine like that? And somehow he guessed her favorite… "Hey, hold up," she said, reaching her hand to his face. He stilled and watched as she used her thumb to rub his lower lip.

Okay. Now he was going to suffer a heart attack.

Realizing that she had probably breached the border between boss and secretary, Yuuki gulped and retracted her hand, her eyes wide. "Uhm… you got lipstick from my glass on your lips, so…"

"Ah," Kaname said, licking his lower lip. "Thank you."

"I'm sorry," she breathed, "that was inappropriate of me. I shouldn't ha–"

"No worries," he smiled, "I'm glad you did it. Wouldn't want everyone to think I'm a shameless womanizer at this fancy ball. Or even worse, that I've seduced my strong-willed secretary," he winked, holding out his arm for her.

Yuuki giggled, accepting his arm. "Oh, shush."

For the next hour, they worked the floor. Yuuki was exceptionally prepared and knew each and every person. As her boss, Kaname was utterly impressed with her dedication and knowledge. It seemed like she knew things even most people weren't aware of.

Even if Ichijou didn't believe him, Kaname knew that it wasn't only just his feelings for her that persuaded him to hire her. It was her spirit and dedication, her ability to work hard no matter the obstacles in her way. He admired that.

She was giggling about a comment he'd made about some of the older nobles in the room, and his heart had soared upon hearing her laughter, when she suddenly stopped.

"Over there, coming our way," she whispered in his ear, "is Zero Kiryuu. He's an actor slash model slash martial artist. PR hired him to front the new perfume from the company's cosmetics branch. Next to him is his manager, Maria Kurenai. She was the one that discovered him and brought him to fame."

As Zero and Maria came over and Kaname made himself ready to great the silver-headed man, he couldn't help but notice how Zero's eyes were explicitly trained on his secretary.

Kaname tensed, squaring his shoulders, puffing out his chest.

"Pleasure to me–"

"Hi," the manboy said, grabbing Yuuki's hand and kissing it, "I'm Zero."

Kaname watched with an expressionless face. The audacity! He… he just… grabbed Yuuki's hand and kissed it! His ugly lips touched Yuuki's hand and… and… why is she blushing!?

"Um," Yuuki's eyes shifted from Kaname and Zero in uncertainty, assessing the situation. "Hi. I'm Yuuki," she bowed.

Kaname was ready to commit murder. He didn't even care if he went to jail. Or, no, he would pin the murder on that imbecile Ichijou as punishment for letting some manchild like this represent the company. In fact, he'd make sure Ichijou received the death penalty.

"Yuuki, huh," Zero said, his eyes smoldering. "I like that name."

Was he… leering at her? Kaname had the sudden urge to hide Yuuki behind his back just so the manchild would stop looking at her like that.

"H-hey, Zero," Maria tried swatting his arm to get his attention, glancing nervously at the murderous expression on Kaname's face, "you're being disrespectful. This is Kaname Kuran, the CEO of the mother company behind the new perfume ad you're shooting."

Finally, the brat tore his eyes off of Yuuki and acknowledged Kaname. "Yo," he said, reaching out his hand.

Kaname ignored the outstretched hand. "Pleasure."

"Zero i-is really looking forward to working with your company," Maria bowed, looking from Zero to Kaname to Yuuki sporadically. "Aren't you? Zero?" She elbowed him.

"Yeah," Zero shrugged. "So," He looked between Yuuki and Kaname, "are you two together or…?"

"Yes."

"No."

Yuuki's head snapped towards Kaname, who was awfully busy glancing around the room. When he refused to explain himself, Yuuki huffed and turned back to Zero, offering him a smile. "We're together here at the ball, yes, but I'm his secretary," she laughed. "We're not together together."

"Oh, I see," Zero grinned. Now that he no longer saw Kaname as a threat – since he was her boss, damn it all to hell – his body language changed and he instantly opened himself to Kaname. "I'm looking forward to working with you," Zero bowed, "I'm really grateful for the opportunity to… meet such interesting people." He winked at Yuuki.

"Yes, well," Kaname huffed, "same. Right back at you. Now if you'll excuse us, we have to go."

"Yeah, sure," Zero said, still looking at Yuuki who blushed under his intense stare. "Hey, Yuuki, we should hang out sometime, hm?"

Kaname wasted no time in dragging her away. "Y-yeah, sure! See you around!" She called.

More like see you never, Kaname seethed.

"H-hey!" He heard Yuuki call. "Hey! Idiot boss! Stop dragging me around like I'm a piece of meat!"

Kaname released her immediately. She stumbled slightly forward, catching herself. "What wa-"

"What did you call me?" Kaname's voice was quiet. Too quiet. Oh no.

"N-nothing, or, well I didn't me–" Yuuki stopped herself when she saw the murderous look in his eyes. He couldn't be that mad about a silly comment, could he?

"You are to respect your boss." He said sternly, pinning her down with his stare. "I will not tolerate such behavior from an employee, nor will I tolerate an employee of mine flirting with people associated with the company."

Hypocrite.

"F-flirting with people associated with the company? W-who did that?" Yuuki stuttered, afraid of his temper and scared that she'd hurt him with her words.

She paused. "Wait, you think that I was flirt–"

"If you'll excuse me," Kaname cut her off effectively, "I have somewhere I need to be. I don't need your help for the time being. Grab a drink, eat some food. Enjoy yourself while I'm gone."

He turned and strutted away, disappearing within the crowd.

What the hell had just happened? One part of Yuuki felt terrible that she'd hurt him by so recklessly calling him an idiot, but another part of her was fuming because of his behavior, and well, because he was being an idiot.

"Gah!" She sighed, exasperated. "He's too much sometimes!"

Hours passed. Kaname appeared and disappeared in front of her, mingling with the nobility. She watched him smile and nod his head politely as he listened, calm and sophisticated. She watched as people laughed at his light-hearted humor; keen eyes observed the ladies that constantly gathered around him and stole every chance to get a word in with him.

He was the center of attention; the heart of the party. Everyone wanted something from him.

Everyone wanted to use him.

Yuuki sighed, looking down in her wine. The more time passed, the more the ache in her chest worsened. She'd hurt him; that was the only possible explanation for him dismissing her like that. He was usually so sweet and gentle with her; but like the flip of a switch, he'd changed completely.

Hurting him hurt her, because she respected and looked up to him. She knew he was her boss and all, but to her he was somewhat of a friend. She could talk to him about all kinds of things and he would calmly listen and understand; and in turn, when he had something to say, she listened and helped him figure out his problems. Their banter was easy-going; their companionship was exceptional – never had she felt so in-tune with a person before.

He really was one of her closest friends. And she'd hurt him.

"He is one fine specimen, no one in their right mind can deny that."

"Sara!" Yuuki turned, watching as Sara stopped next to her, azure eyes trained on Kaname as he worked the room. She was wearing a fitted white gown that hugged her body magnificently. Sophisticated jewelry adorned her elegant neck, catching the light from the chandelier. Her lips were blood red, curled into a secretive smile as she observed Kaname.

Yuuki suddenly felt really small and insignificant next to the tall beauty.

"I wonder what it's like working for him? With him being so attractive and all… Must be tough," Sara wondered out loud. "Kinda makes you want to break the rules, eh?" Sara turned and wiggled her brows at Yuuki. "Don't worry, you can say whatever you like to me. This is strictly girl-talk."

"Oh," Yuuki ripped her eyes away from Sara, looking into her drink. "Well, I don't really think about it. I mean, sure, he's handsome and we get along just fine, but in my mind he's just my boss."

"Really?"

"Yeah, well I mean," Yuuki continued staring into the wine as she spoke, swirling it around, "I guess you could say I consider him a friend. But… he can be very difficult sometimes. He's just... very complex and it doesn't seem like he lets people into his heart that easily."

Sara snorted. "Tell me about it. He is one stubborn and annoyingly mysterious guy. If anyone knows how hard it is to get him to open up, it's me…" Sara trailed off.

"Are you… hurt by his actions?" Yuuki asked quietly.

"Hurt?" Sara scoffed. "Oh no. More like annoyed. I mean, this is plain girl talk, okay?"

Yuuki nodded in response.

Sara flipped her hair over her shoulder. "I mean, I got total sex vibes from Kaname the first time I met him. For some reason he hasn't tried anything with me, but I'm guessing we'll save that for the wedding night. I mean look at me!" Sara said, gesturing to herself. "Who can resist this? Apparently he can though," she slurred, giving Kaname the side-eye. "He is, ah, what do you call it? Dripping with sexiness. It's almost annoying that he won't try anything. I guess he's just a gentleman. Or maybe he has insecurities? Maybe he feels like I'm way out of his league…"

Sara sampled her drink, swaying slightly.

"Anyhoo, you and him seem pretty close already. I mean, I wouldn't mind if he had an affair with you, you know. But I need him to marry me, you know? Like on paper. You can have fun with him and whatever, hey maybe I'll even have you carry our heir? We'll see about that. But… as for marriage – stay away from him. Okay?" She patted Yuuki's shoulder condescendingly. "I like you, Yuuki, don't get me wrong. But I want what's mine."

Yuuki could only gape at the delusional woman in front of her. Did she just say that she wanted to use Yuuki as a… surrogate mother for their baby? What? A-and that she'd let Yuuki have an affair with Kaname?

I don't want to have an affair with my boss! I'm not that type of person!

She opened her mouth to protest, but with one flick of Sara's hand she was gone. "Bye now!"

Stunned, Yuuki watched her disappear into a crowd of handsome young men, her seductive laughter echoing.

Yuuki downed her drink. The entire night had been a roller-coaster ride. First, she'd been nervous about the ball, then she'd felt happy and good when she and Kaname worked the floor and made fun of some of the nobles, and then he'd gone psycho on her and turned completely cold towards her, which in turn had made her sad and lonely. And now, Sara was insulting her and treating her like a human baby-oven and it made her so mad, Yuuki was sure she wou–

"Dance with me."

"Oooh!" Yuuki gasped as he stole her away onto the floor, grabbing her waist with his right hand and lacing his left with her right hand.

She looked up at Kaname in confusion. Everything had happened so fast!

"What… how, you," she stuttered.

"Those old ladies were absolutely harassing me out there to dance," Kaname said, expertly guiding her, "I had to get away. I'm sorry, but you have to be my shield for the rest of the night."

"Oh," Yuuki said, glancing over at the ladies. Sure enough, they were all huffing and puffing, annoyed that the manmeat had gotten away from their clutches. Yuuki had to hold back a giggle at her thoughts.

"Is something funny?" Kaname gently inquired, bringing her attention back to him.

"Oops," she said. Had she giggled out loud? Damnit, she knew she shouldn't have accepted that last wine-glass…

"Just their faces," she said, giggling again.

Kaname laughed along with her, looking carefree and happy as he twirled her around.

The song changed to a slower beat, and she felt him slow down in return. Together they swayed lightly to the music with ease.

"I thought you were angry with me…" Yuuki muttered against his chest.

"I'll…" Kaname hesitated, "…admit I over-reacted earlier. I apologize, it wasn't my intention to upset you or make you feel bad."

"I don't think you're an idiot boss," Yuuki whined, "I really don't. But I sometimes think you're an idiot who happens to be my boss. See the distinction? As a boss you're great," she slurred slightly, "best boss in the world!"

Kaname's chest rumbled as he chuckled. "How many glasses of wine did you have, Yuuki?"

"A few," she admitted, "but not that many. I'm a light-weight, y'know."

"Ah," he said. "Good thing I'm here to ward off any ill-mattered men. Trust me, there a lot of men that would love to take advantage of you. But why did you think was I being an idiot earlier?"

"Well," Yuuki sighed, "you were being so mean to that guy earlier. Zero. Yeah. I didn't think he was being really nice to you either, but as the CEO you should've raised yourself above his level, you know? I care about your reputation, that's all. It's important to me that people don't think ill of you."

Kaname smiled. She was too good and pure-hearted.

Actually, he hadn't been mad about her comment – whether she would admit it or not, she called him an idiot more often than what was normal for a employee, but he didn't mind – but it was that guy, how obviously he flirted with her and how easily she went along with it. It'd just… made his jealously flare up insanely. Just the thought that another man could so easily steal her away from him made him feel physically unwell.

And how was he supposed to explain it to her?

I was angry because I was jealous and I was jealous because I'm in love with you and have been since the second I met you. Forgive me?

"I see," he muttered, resisting the urge to stroke her back as she felt her lean more and more on his chest, "thank you, Yuuki, for looking out for me. I really do appreciate everything you do for me. You are quite valuable to me. Earlier, I… I suppose it was just his behavior that annoyed me, and well, I have a lot on my mind these days, so I suppose I just got overwhelmed. I shouldn't have taken it out on you, and I'm sorry."

"It's okay," she yawned, pushing slightly back from his chest, unaware that she'd basically been half-sleeping on him, "it's my fault too for not recognizing that you were upset. I say you're an idiot a lot, but I don't mean it. Well, sometimes I do, but it's for your own good."

He chuckled. "Well, I'm glad that's the case."

She grinned and yawned again.

Even if she was tipsy and tired and her makeup was slightly smudged, she was still brilliantly beautiful to him.

"I think it's time for someone to go home," he said, seeing her tired look. "Well, my home, that is."

"Sleep with you!" Yuuki laughed as he led her to the exit. "Do you remember when I said that? That was mortifying! I always say inappropriate things to you, but it's not on purpose, I swear!"

Kaname laughed, holding onto her arm. He liked drunk Yuuki. Drunk Yuuki was less reserved.

"Admit it," he teased, taking advantage of her slight inebriation, "you do it on purpose to tease me."

"Maybe I do, maybe I don't!" She giggled. "And hey, you do it too! I swear sometimes you say really weird stuff to me that sounds like you have a different meaning to them."

You are tragically right, Kaname thought.

"Well, I am an enigma," he replied, steering her towards their car.

"Oh hey, Ichijou! Did you have fun tonight?" Yuuki grinned at Ichijou.

"Hell yea!" Ichijou gave her a thumbs up with both hands. Kaname sighed.

His vice president was drunk. Again.

"No, I'm not drunk," Ichijou hissed, seeing Kaname's look. "Just slightly inebriated."

"Uh huh," Kaname said, not fully convinced.

He opened the door for Yuuki and helped her in. "Bye, Ichijou! Drink water so your drunkenness won't catch up with you!"

"I'm not that drunk!" Ichijou said as Kaname shut the door. "I swear."

"Yeah, yeah," Kaname sighed. "I have a favor to ask."

"Sure, what it is? I mean, what is it?" Ichijou slurred slightly.

"You know that fragrance deal we have with Zero Kiryuu?"

"Yeah?"

"Push it back," Kaname ordered, walking to the other side of the car and opening the door.

"For how long?" Ichijou scratched the back of his head, wondering why he would suddenly bring it up.

"Forever." With that, he got into the car and shut the door. The car drove away from a stunned Ichijou that was scratching his head in confusion.

The next morning, Kaname awoke in his bed by the sound of his curtains being violently pushed aside. Light filtered into the room, blinding his sore eyes. "What the–"

"Rise and shine!" Came his wife's voice. Through the hand that was covering his eyes, he could see her silhouette against the sunlight. The smell of food assaulted his nose and vaguely he felt his stomach grumble in anticipation.

Then, his vision blackened as his wife threw a shirt on his face. "Cover up!" She ordered.

"Why?" He whined.

"Because your secretary shouldn't be subjected to your shirtless self." She huffed, walking over.

Oh, that's right. It was not his wife – yet – that had walked into his bedroom, but his secretary.

And he was her boss.

Reluctantly, he pulled the shirt over his arms and over his back, leaving the buttons unbuttoned. "You'll have to suffer through this," he said, referring to his chest and abs. It was a good thing he'd worked out, he decided. Mentally he made a note to give Ichijou an extra Christmas bonus, since he'd been the one that had insisted Kaname worked out regularly.

"I'll manage," she giggled, putting a tray over his lap.

"What's this?" He asked, glancing hungrily at the delicious food in front of him.

"Breakfast!" She said, sitting down on the edge of the bed as he dug in. "I mean, I'm not your maid or anything, but I felt like you deserved a good meal after last night. I… eh," she blushed, "got a teensy bit tipsy last night, and I'm sorry about that."

"Ha," he said between mouthfuls.

She scowled. "I… it's not like I had a blackout drunken night or anything! I behaved perfectly fine!"

"Really?" He said, putting butter on a toast. "I didn't consider your behavior in the car as 'perfectly fine' as you so eloquently put it."

Yuuki blushed. "What!?"

"Oh, you don't remember, right? Ah…" Kaname sighed. "I almost had to file a sexual assault report on you. You were all over me, saying I was the greatest boss in the world and that you'd do anything for me." He winked. "And to me."

Yuuki shot up from the bed in horror. "D-did not! No! I would never… Because I…" Yuuki paused as she tried recalling the night. I remember getting into the car, and then Kaname got in after me and then…

"Can't remember, huh?" Kaname said, popping a piece of toast in his mouth. "Who didn't have blackout drunken night again?"

"Y-you, you… I, no, I… Can't be! I…" Yuuki felt like she was watching a trainwreck, only she was the trainwreck.

"Or maybe it was because you fell asleep instantly and we had to carry you into the house."

She pointed at him. "Aha! I knew you were lying! Because I would never, ever do that!" She lowered her hand, narrowing her eyes. "Why would you trick me like that?" She pouted.

He took a sip of his coffee. "Because I'm an idiot boss."

Yuuki smirked. "Well, I'm glad you're no longer denying the truth." She walked over to one of his desks and retrieved her folder.

"It takes a strong-willed secretary to make a man admit his weaknesses, I suppose" he quipped, smiling into his cup.

"Uh huh," she quipped, glancing in her folder. As she read, he couldn't help but admire her figure. Gosh, that hot secretary look really did fit her. The fitted pencil-skirts, the simple blouses, the black high heels…

Sexy as hell.

"Today, you have a meeting one o'clock with investors, an interview at two o'clock, and then a staff meeting after that. At night, you have a dinner with Nagamichi Aidou. Oh, and Ichijou called, he said he needed to talk to you about the fragrance deal with Zero Kiryuu." She scribbled something down in her folder, unaware of how his hand clenched his coffee-cup tightly at the mention of Zero's name.

"We need to leave soon, so eat up and get dressed, okay?" She smiled.

He nodded. "I will."

She turned and walked towards the door, stopping at the threshold, one hand against the door as she turned sideways.

"Oh, and Kaname?"

He looked up from his food, glancing at her quizzically. "Yes?"

"I still prefer champagne."

"What?"

"The color of your new carpet," she winked mischievously.

Kaname nodded, chuckling over the fact that she'd remembered.

"Champagne it is."