A/N: Before the story continues, I just want to say thank you to all the readers who support, favourite and review this story. It means so much to me to know people enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it! Thank you all so much!

Also, for the dance scene in this chapter (sorry for the spoiler!), I want to share with you all the beautiful violin piece that Yuki dances to with _ (Read on and found out!). This is the link: watch?v=nICbEbCaK40 . This is the piece that I was listening to while writing that scene and I found it to be so exquisitely beautiful. I hope you guys play it during the dance scene so the romance is truly in the air.

Happy reading!

Haruka looked at his watch, before glancing at Kaname. There were both dressed handsomely in specially tailored black tuxedos, patiently waiting at the bottom of the staircase for the Kuran women. They stood with an air of confidence and dignity and looked more like brothers rather than father and son. Nevertheless, they both looked like swoon-worthy heartthrobs.

"Kaname, we should be heading off soon. We're already late."

Kaname threw his father an amused look, "Tell that to the two ladies of our family Otosan, not me."

"You're right," Haruka chuckled."Juri," He called up the grand spiral staircase, "The car has been ready for a whole hour, we should go."

"Coming!" They heard her say before a door opened and out spilled Juri Kuran in a midnight blue ball gown. Her hair was in a messy bun with wisps of hair coming down to frame her face. A pearl necklace adorned her neck, paired with pearl earrings. She came rushing down the staircase effortlessly, holding her dress in one hand, unaware of Haruka's wide eyes.

Juri giggled, finally beside him, "So do I look pretty Haruka?"

Haruka cleared his throat, his eyes adoring the woman in front of him, "Absolutely beautiful. No matter how many years I spend on this earth, your beauty will never fail to astound me."

Juri leaned up to kiss him while Kaname looked away, rolling his eyes. He wondered if his parents would ever stop acting like they were a pair of high school sweethearts instead of 3000 year old vampires. You'd think by now they'd be slightly sick of each other but that definitely wasn't the case. Eternity only served to sweeten their love.

"Okasan," Kaname asked loudly, effectively tearing the two of them apart. "Where's Yuki?"

Juri looked up towards the staircase and smiled, "Yuki come down, I know you're ready."

They could hear Yuki groan from behind closed doors, "This dress is too much Okasan! And it's strapless. What if it falls off? And the skirt is so puffed up I won't fit into the car! Let me change!"

"You'll be the belle of the ball darling. Come down and dazzle us!" Juri laughed, knowing her words only served to annoy her daughter even more.

Mahogany doors opened to reveal a flustered red-faced Yuki in a strapless burgundy ball gown. The puffy skirt fell in silk waves while the upper part of the dress hugged her torso and was adorned with exquisite spirals made of crystals. A silver heart locket Kaname had given to her last Christmas hung from her neck and a single burgundy rose was clipped to the side of her wild flowing curls.

Kaname's heart stopped upon seeing her.

"My baby girl," Haruka murmured with a smile. Juri was absolutely glowing with pride as she looked up at her daughter.

Yuki walked down a couple of steps, holding onto the banister tight. She never liked heels before and right now she absolutely detested them. She felt her face go hot as her family watched her awkward descent.

Why couldn't I have been born graceful? she thought, annoyed.

Kaname smiled knowingly before walking up the steps halfway to meet her. He bowed before her, taking her hand into his and brushing his lips on it gently. Yuki's face felt like it was on fire. Kaname then placed her hand into the crook of his elbow and together, they descended the stairs together.

With Kaname's guidance, Yuki glided down the staircase much more easily than before. Her heart swelled with love for him and pounded at how positively handsome he looked tonight.

"Ready to go?" Haruka winked at Yuki.

She took a deep breath, swallowed her complains about the ridiculous ball gown she was wearing, and smiled.

"Ready."

"Zero, must you really leave those top buttons undone?" Kaien frowned.

Zero sighed, "It's better than wearing a bright blue tie on a navy tuxedo."

"Actually, I think Dad looks dashing," Ichiru grinned at his father, who beamed in return.

"Suck up," Zero muttered.

"Brownie points for being the nicer child Ichiru," Kaien laughed.

The Kiryu family was currently already at the engagement ball. Aristocrats clad in gowns and tuxedos danced on the dance floor as a small orchestra in the corner played a mixture of classical pieces and modern songs. If they weren't dancing, they were drinking wine or conversing at the tables. A huge chandelier hung from the ceiling and the light in the room was set to a romantic orange glow perfect for the vampires. Aristocrats from the night class such as Ichijou, Aido, Kain and Shiki were all in attendance and were currently dancing with their partners. Sara and Akito were also dancing too, a respectable space noticeably given to them by the other dancers on the dance floor. Sara was dressed in a grand cream ball gown and her hair was in a sleek up do with jewellery adorning her neck, wrists and ears. Akito gazed at her fondly while she smiled back.

Zero, Ichiru and Kaien were seated at a table, with many aristocrats often coming to greet them or talk to them. Nobles such as the head of the Aido clan and Ichijou's pesky grandfather had conversed with them for quite a while before too. While Ichiru and Kaien were friendly, Zero merely nodded his acknowledgement of them. This sort of grand, social setting was not his kind of setting.

Where is she? He thought, absently pulling open another button on his shirt. He and Ichiru were dressed in similar black tuxedos except Ichiru chose to wear a red tie with it and he chose to just wear a simple white button-up underneath.

The large mahogany doors were opened by the Level C vampire butlers and in walked some new guests. Whispers suddenly flew around and a rush of feet towards the door was created as a new arrival came to the vampires' attention. The aristocrats were eager to greet them so these were obviously purebloods.

Once a path cleared, it was revealed to be nothing less but the Kuran family.

They walked together, Haruka and Juri, then Yuki and Kaname, in all their glory. With their characteristic deep mahogany hair and burgundy eyes, there was an extraordinary beauty about them that even other purebloods couldn't match. This was the gift of the Kuran line age - they were once the only vampire family that exuded enough dominance to gain rule of all vampires, thousands, upon thousands of years ago. Royal blood and exquisite beauty would forever run in their descendants.

Sara and Akito stopped dancing to greet them along with the other nobles who wanted to suck up to another pureblood clan.

"They're here! Yuki looks so grown up in her dress!" Kaien gushed, his eyes lighting up. He pushed his chair back and rushed forward to greet them. Ichiru laughed as he watched his father almost swallow Yuki in a hug. Juri and Kaien were so excited to see each other, that it was almost as if were long lost siblings finally reunited.

Zero's thoughts went blank for a solid moment as he finally saw what Yuki looked like.

Is that her..?

He couldn't take his eyes off her. And apparently neither could anyone else who was near her. Compliments were given to her left and right about how beautiful and mature she looked. She awkwardly accepted them with a genuine smile of gratitude.

Ichiru whistled, voicing what Zero was thinking in his own Ichiru-way, "Yuki-chan is one hot mama tonight."

Then, Zero noticed something else.

He watched Yuki as she watched Kaname watch Akito and Sara. Unhappiness flashed in her face but she quickly covered it with a smile.

Zero sighed quietly, his awe dampened.

This is going to be a long night.

"Have you heard about Lila-san?" Kaien gossiped, a spark in his eyes.

"No, what of her? I haven't heard anything since she had that miscarriage," Juri said, eager to hear more news.

Haruka shook his head, smiling but interested too, "You two are like old women."

Yuki sat quietly, with Kaname to her right and Zero facing her. Tension surrounded the three of them as the last time they were all together had ended badly. Ichiru, who was sitting next to Zero, glanced between the three of them, slightly puzzled at their adamant silence.

They had all been sitting here for a whole half hour and the most conversation they made was greeting each other. The other three adults however, didn't even seem to notice this as they were so absorbed in catching up and discussing the latest vampire gossip.

"Do you remember that Yuki?" Kaien asked suddenly.

Yuki looked up, his voice breaking her out of her thoughts, "I'm sorry, do I remember what?" When did their conversation suddenly get to her?

"That your very first dance was when you were 5 years old with Zero?" He said mischievously.

"Oh they were so adorable! I remember how Yuki stomped on Zero's feet till he almost cried," Juri giggled.

Yuki's eyebrows pulled together in confusion. She looked to Zero in front of her, who looked like he'd rather be thrown into a bathtub of ice cubes than be there right then.

"Okasan, I thought my first dance was with Onii-sama at seven years old?" She glanced at him, remembering clearly the image of a young Kaname dancing with her to an old sweet song.

"No, the first time was with Zero alright," Haruka chuckled, "We have pictures in the attic if you want to refresh your memory love."

Yuki's face turned red and she looked at Kaname, who's face was a stone as he looked at Sara and Akito still dancing on the dance floor.

Is he even tuned into to what they're saying right now? Or does he only look anry because of Sara and Akito? Yuki's heart felt too battered to hurt much more than it already did.

Kaien clapped his hands, a cheeky smile on his face, "Zero and Yuki should dance again! Zero's been sitting on his butt since we got here and it's about time he got up to take a beautiful girl to dance."

"What, no-" They protested simultaneously.

"Go on Yuki, for old times' sake," Juri grinned.

"I don't even remember the first time we-"

Abruptly Zero stood up. He walked around the table to Yuki's side, with everyone's eyes on him. Kaname turned to look at what he was about to do.

He held his hand out to her, "Come on."

"Zero, ask properly!" Kaien chastised, "She's a lady that deserves the proper courtesy and manners a gentleman should have."

Zero threw his father a scalding glare, which only served to make Kaien giggle even more with Juri. The two of them together were a giddy match. Yuki felt like dying with embarrassment at that point as everyone's eyes were on them. Not just their families' but also the vampires sitting at the other tables around them. A lot of "oohs" and "ahhs" were heard.

Zero gritted his teeth in annoyance, his cheeks tinged pink. "Yuki, will you do me the honour of dancing the next song with me?"

"I-I'd love to." Yuki managed to say, before taking his hand and letting him lead her to the dance floor. Holding her gown in one hand so she wouldn't trip on it, she could feel all eyes on them. Like with Sara and Akito, a respectable space was immediately created around them by the other dancers once they reached the dance floor.

"Now what?" Yuki muttered, her heart pounding, "I can't dance!"

"I'll lead you. Stop being so nervous." Zero took her hand and placed it on his shoulder while wrapping his other arm around her waist. Their hands joined together at the side and they stood at a close proximity.

Yuki hadn't felt so nervous in her whole life, her head just a couple of centimetres away from Zero's chest. Her heart was thumping so hard it could have leaped out of her chest with the force.

Zero leaned down, his lips at her ears, "Relax. I've got you."

Goosebumps rose all over her arms at that one sentence.

Zero's heart wasn't doing its regular thumping either. He was nervous just like she was, but he was determined to be strong enough to carry both of them through this dance. He didn't want to embarrass her. He wanted to show her how good dancing could feel if it was done right.

A new song started and vampires shifted their attention from Sara and Akito, to Yuki and Zero. The song was a violin piece of "A Thousand Years". Yuki could hear other instruments accompanying it but the dominant sound was the beautiful cry of the violin. It sounded so heart achingly beautiful to her ears. (click the link guys!)

Slowly, Zero began to lead her in sure steps and she did her best to follow his lead without looking down at her feet. She was worried about so many things; like tripping over her own gown, or stepping on Zero's feet. Then there were more serious worries.. like how Kaname must feel right now. But Zero's silver violet eyes had a fiery determination in them that she focused on because she knew that that look was for her.

Zero twirled her and her gown looked like a swirl of burgundy as she did. He caught her back into his arms and they glided across the floor in smooth, intimate dance steps. Together they were a passionate burning flame dancing together and their chemistry was exploding from the way they coordinated and concentrated in making sure they matched each other's motions. All eyes were on them.

Whispers flew around, vampires were in awe of the stunning pair.

"They look so good together!"

"Yuki-sama and Zero-sama, no one could have guessed."

"I feel hot just looking at these two! They're on fire."

"How are they so in sync?"

They were electrified with passion as they danced to the beautiful piece of music. Yuki felt so alive, the music lighting her heart with such emotion as she moved and twirled effortlessly with Zero. Somehow, with him, she knew she'd be okay. She knew she could trust him.

Zero smiled, looking at Yuki as a blush bloomed on her face. Her eyes had closed for a moment in bliss and he wanted to freeze that moment. The moment where she looked so happy, so content.. and he was part of the reason why.

"They're beautiful together."

Kaname scraped his chair back loudly, getting up abruptly and walking towards the balcony. The comments being made about Yuki and Zero, the sight of them dancing so intimately like that... coupled with the fact that he was at Sara's engagement party - it was all too much for him at this point. Haruka, Kaien and Juri looked at him walk off for a moment before returning their eyes to the dancing pair. They felt a little uneasy, knowing all too well Kaname most definitely wasn't enjoying the dance.

Yuki, in the midst of all the dancing, still saw her brother stalk off towards the farthest balcony. The doors shut behind him. Immediately, she was brought back to reality and a heavy weight was placed on her heart. Guilt settled into her stomach.

The song finally ended and Yuki smiled at Zero.

"Thank you for that.. Zero," she murmured.

"You did well," He smiled, ruffling her hair a little.

She laughed, swatting him away. After leaning up to kiss him on the cheek in gratitude, she hurried off to the balcony that Kaname had disappeared to.

Zero's eyes followed her as she rushed off and he shrugged off the feeling of annoyance as he headed back to the table.

As was expected, much fond doting, teasing and "I told you so's" came from Juri and Kaien. Zero soon got up again to go to another balcony opposite to the one Kaname and Yuki were at right then.

"I'll go with you," Ichiru grinned.

"Ah Zero. My dear, sweet, older brother," Ichiru was sporting a dopey grin on his face.

Zero looked at him with a strange expression. "Are you high Ichiru?"

He laughed, "No, but you are. Damn, you're so high that you don't even know what you took to get high in the first place."

"What are you on about?"

"You're gone Zero and you don't even realize it right now."

Zero threw his head back and groaned, "You've finally cracked. I knew it. This day's been coming for a long time."

"No listen, I'm talking about Yuki. Duh."

Zero's head snapped towards him, "What about her?"

Suddenly, seriousness clouded Ichiru's expression and he sobered up from the humour he was displaying.

"Seeing her always fall back to Kaname Kuran mustn't be easy. If I could share your pain to split the burden, I would. But I can't. I'm sorry."

Zero's eyes widened, "Wait. You think I have feelings for that annoying thing?"

"110% yes." Ichiru's humour switched back on and he flashed him a wide grin.

Zero glared at him, "Why would I? What gives you the slightest notion that I like her? I danced with her. So what? I tutor her. So what? That doesn't mean I go falling head over heels for her or whatever the hell they say about falling in love."

"You're in denial," Ichiru sang, leaning on the marble balcony railing. Oh how he loved teasing his brother so much sometimes.

"Yeah? Well you're on weed."

Zero pushed himself off the railing and stalked back inside angrily.

Ichiru chuckled as he watched him, before looking up at the stars.

Deny it for as long as you can Zero. But it's still going to be there.

Yuki stepped out into the cold night air and the doors slowly shut behind her.

Kaname was leaning forward on the balcony railing, resting his elbows on it. Instead of looking up at the majestic clear night sky filled with countless constellations of shining stars, his gaze was turned down to ground below.

If that wasn't a clear sign of his mood, then nothing else was.

Yuki approached him gently and he sighed, noting her presence.

She stopped right behind him and before he could turn around, she wrapped her arms around his torso. She could feel him stiffening in surprise as he straightened up in her embrace. She hugged him tighter wishing and willing his pain to disappear with every beat of her heart. He relaxed in her embrace after a moment and turned around to envelop her in his arms.

Yuki didn't say anything. She just kept holding onto him tight; guilt and jealousy and pain for his pain all welling up inside her for him. It felt like a hurricane inside her; a horrible twist of emotions that were all bundled up into one big mess. She could only imagine what he was feeling right now.

"Yuki," he kissed the top of her head. His grip on her was so tight that it almost hurt, "You are the only one keeping me together in one piece."

They held each other tight as they swayed slightly to the music coming from inside. The music eventually stopped after a while. Instead, voices proceeded to talk loudly into microphones, with applause following. Speeches were probably being made right then but the two of them could have cared less in that moment.

Kaname pulled away slightly and kissed her forehead. Letting his lips trail down her nose sensually, he finally planted his lips on hers in a soft kiss. Yuki's hands wrapped around his neck and he pulled her close as they continued to kiss deeper and more passionately.

Suddenly, the mahogany doors opened to reveal the people inside the ballroom all staring at them.

Yuki jumped in shock as everyone, from Sara, to the nobles, to her parents... to Zero, stared at the two of them. Kaname stepped in front of her half hiding her from their sight instinctively.

A lot of gleeful smiles and whispered comments of how adorable the Kuran siblings were, echoed around the huge grand room.

"There they are!" Sara laughed, clapping her hands, "Sorry to interrupt, it's just that we were making announcements for our formal plans and we wanted everyone to know and share the joy with us. Our sincerest apologies."

Yuki wanted to bury herself in a hole and crawl back out when a new era had begun and these people no longer existed to remember this. She was made of embarrassment in that single moment. Kaname brushed it off and thanked Sara with a forced chuckle. He wrapped his arm around Yuki's waist and led her back inside, gazes still on them.

Yuki's eyes flitted around the room, trying desperately to find her silver haired tutor. She spotted him leaning against a pillar at the other end of the room. His gaze was planted on Sara and Akito on the platform announcing their wedding plans but as soon as Yuki's eyes rested on him, he looked around as if he knew someone was staring. After searching for a few seconds, he caught her gaze. Yuki didn't know what message she wanted to convey to him through her expression; she just knew that it didn't feel good at all that he had caught her with Kaname like that along with everyone else. She had been in full make-out mode with Kaname, their passion evident to the naked eye and it didn't feel right to have Zero witness that.

Zero returned her gaze for mere seconds only before turning his back on her and heading to another balcony.

Sara and Akito were much too absorbed in what they were saying to care.

But Yuki cared.

She cared just a little too much.

A/N: I had a lot of fun writing all the drama in this chapter. *laughs* Please leave a review to tell me what you think! Did you enjoy Yuki's dance scene with Zero? Was Kaname being too melodramatic? Did you enjoy the chapter? Any suggestions or pairing you particularly like? Please leave your thoughts because knowing the story has readers who want another chapter, definitely fuels my speed to write another one for you!

Till next time!