I thought I'd get more done over Xmas, but of course that didn't happen. I'm sorry! Have another chapter :) More coming in less than 2 months this time I swear.

~Belle 3

When I opened the door to the garden I was amazed at what I saw. Huge, ornate flower arrangements bordering cobblestone pathways lead to several clearings surrounded by short greenery and decorated with stone benches and various other stone ornaments. I noticed Aido sitting on one, facing away from me. His golden hair was blowing in the gentle breeze, and my hands ached to touch it again.

Instead I settled for asking, "Are you okay?"

Aido whirled around, as if shocked that I'd found him here. I suppose Aido hadn't considered that Kain would tell me where he was. "Am I what?"

"Okay." I said a little louder, taking a step closer. I noted his eyes were still ruby colored - I must have distracted him from his thought process. "And clearly, "I said, tapping the skin beside my right eye with my finger, "you're not. Would you just take some blood? You obviously want some."

"Of course I do, Kisa-chan." He said gruffly, turning away again. "But I've taken a lot from you already - you should rest."

Clearly he's going to be stubborn about this. I thought to myself, frustrated.

Then make him want it more. My mind thought back, surprising me.

Thought you didn't approve of any of this?

I could feel my Inner shrug. Just trying to help you. You're worried about him.

Of course I am. I blushed and sighed, tucking a piece of my chocolate brown bangs behind my ear and willing the heat away from my cheeks. My mind made up, I quickly walked toward him and put my arms over his shoulders and crossed them around him. I gently pulled him back against my chest, and I leaned forward beside his head so that my neck was beside his ear. Aido stiffened instantly, but I remained still.

He was quiet for a long while before he spoke, and when he did, his voice was dangerous. "Why did Shiki touch you? I can smell him on your neck."

I blushed and prayed he couldn't feel the heat. "He told me to tell you to be careful with my neck, that it was going to scar."

"Shiki should mind his own business."

"Mhmm." I held him a little tighter, and moved my neck closer to him. His hands, neatly folded in his lap, started shaking.

"Why are you tempting me." There wasn't enough expression on the last word to make it a question. Aido's voice was strained, but he made no attempt to move.

"Because," I said, "You want it, and you're denying yourself. If I want you to leave me alone next week, I have to give you all the blood you want on the weekend, right?"

"But now," Aido said, reaching a hand up to brush his fingers through the few pieces of bangs that had fallen when I leaned over, and cupped my head in his hand. "I need it. And that should be terrifying."

It was quick this time; he barely took enough to make the red in his eyes go away. When he drew away from me he rubbed his mouth. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

This time he leaned back a bit further and regarded my neck carefully. "Shiki was right about your neck. I've been careless. I apologize; I'll take care of that right now." He pulled me close to him again, and attached his lips to my neck once more. He drew his tongue soothingly over the area several times; I shivered under the coolness of the touch. He pulled back and examined his work, his mouth turning up at one corner. "Much better."

Somewhat rattled by Aido's actions, I let go of him, coming around to sit on the bench beside him, far enough away that I wasn't touching him. He noted this with his eyes, glancing down on me and then facing forward again.

"I haven't asked you any questions lately."

That lightened the mood instantly. "Oh God." I moaned, hiding my face in my hands. "Do we have to do that?"

"Hey I said I'd find out more about you. Maybe I can be a character reference for you if Kaname-sama tries his argument with Headmaster Cross again."

Though the underlying consequences of what Aido was referencing were nothing to laugh about, I laughed anyway. "I don't think he'd appreciate you siding with me against him."

Aido let out a breath through his mouth. "Pfft. I'm starting to open my eyes to the kind of person Kaname-sama is. His actions that day in the Headmaster's office surprised and shocked me."

"Ha, It shocked me too." I laughed without humor.

Aido shot me a look sideways. "Yes, okay. What are your grades like?"

I made a face. "Um, good, I guess. I get marks like Zero, Yuki said."

Aido's eyebrows went up into his hairline. "Kiryu's marks are admirable."

I shrugged. "I'm not all about school."

Aido turned toward me more. "Really? What do you like to do in your spare time?"

"You're going to think this is really cliché, but I love to read." I said. "At times, when real life is really getting me down, or when I've had a hard day, I love being able to just take out a book and drown myself in fantasy."

Aido perked up considerably, smirking. "I should show you the Moon Dorm's library."

"Oh my god." I said, eyes wide. "You have your own library."

Aido's chest puffed up in a prideful manner. "Of course. We are all avid readers."

"I'm so jealous right now."

"SO AM I!" A voice right behind the two of us squealed, and I jumped a foot if I moved an inch. "You two are hogging the beautiful garden!"

"Hello, Aika-san." Aido said, turning to her. "You look lovely."

Something in my stomach twisted, remembering how just seconds ago I was thinking I was getting closer to him.

"Yes, hello Satoshi-san." I said politely, looking at how her blonde ringlets were touching Aido's hair as she leaned between the two of us, and how Aido wasn't moving.

"Matari-san, could I see Aido alone for a second?" Aido looked at her, but his face gave away nothing.

"Uh, yeah." I said, jumping up like I'd been reminded of something I'd forgotten. "I have to go anyways, I'll just go back inside, Aido." Aido nodded, his expression still guarded.

I left the garden, not looking back.