Happy Noshember!

It's been awhile, but I have an update! It's a bit longer than the usual chapter length, but I hope you enjoy the extra Shima since I know that this fandom is fading out. I however, will remain a loyal fan for a very, very long time.

Again, Rima dominates.

Disclaimer: I don't own Vampire Knight. I wish I could own Shiki though -licks lip-

Behind the Curtain
Act 6
Shocked

Summary: When Rima is blunt, distracted and OOC, she causes the men around her to take a nosedive. Besides, she's still capable of shocking people, even without using her power.

A shiny, black coupe rolled to a stop beside the curb in front of a modern, 3-story night club. For being located in the upscale area of town where only the wealthiest of the wealthy could afford to spend their leisure time, the edifice was not by any means modest.

The sole passenger, a petite woman with long, flame-colored hair, took off her black sunglasses and folded them with delicate, perfectly manicured fingers.

Rima checked her wristwatch. Fifteen past twelve.

The night was still young.

She tucked the shades into her silver designer clutch just before her chauffeur rounded the car and opened the door.

"Madam, we are here," he announced, extending his arm.

"Thank you for doing this on such a short notice, Ryu," the woman murmured. She placed her hand atop his and stepped out onto the pavement. Her four inch strappy heels seemed to be a safe choice to wear in place of her usual six inch pairs.

"It's no problem at all," the slightly blushing middle-aged driver replied. His employer was rarely ever this friendly except on her very, very good days (or more appropriately, nights).

She glanced up at the establishment and noted the unending line of patrons that wrapped around the building wearily. She adjusted her taupe shawl on her shoulders and glanced to her right.

"You may go home," she dismissed.

"When would you like for me to pick you up?" he asked.

"Didn't I tell you to go home?" she raised her voice.

He seemed confused. 'Did I just get fired?' he frowned.

"You have the rest of the day off," she declared.

He cringed, "But-"

"Don't worry about it. Besides, isn't your son's birthday today? I'm sure he would appreciate you being there to celebrate it," she interrupted.

"Yes, it is! Thank you, madam!" he said with enthusiasm. "Good luck and please be careful," he bowed to her.

"Aren't I always?" she quipped.

"Oh and Ryu, please make up with your wife soon. All of your belongings in the trunk make the car feel heavy," she tossed over her shoulder as she strutted towards the entrance. She didn't look back to see her chauffeur faint from shock after finding out that she knew about his secret.

Despite her current weakened physical condition, her years of modeling made every path an instant cat walk. Swaying her hips smoothly and holding her chin up high were things she did automatically without much thought.

The lavender and baby blue fluorescent lights that lined the walls let out a soft, constant buzzing that she could detect even when she walked past the 52nd person in line.

She effortlessly ignored the curious looks and whispers from those she passed by and didn't stop until she reached the two hulking bouncers. Even under their scrutinizing gazes, her calm and collected façade did not falter.

"Pretty busy for a Monday night, isn't it?" she greeted casually.

"Excuse me, ma'am. You're going to have to wait your turn in line," the younger one barked roughly.

He was probably new. She'd never seen him before.

"My VVIP card says differently," she responded. Her lips stretched out into a thin smile as she handed him the golden plastic rectangle between her index and middle finger. His forehead scrunched up in confusion as he took it from her.

While he was glancing over its contents, his partner let out an audible gasp when he figured out the identity of the cardholder, "I'm sorry for the confusion, ma'am. Please come inside."

"It's not your fault; I haven't stopped by in a while anyways, so I wouldn't expect you to remember my face," she shrugged nonchalantly.

He blushed in embarrassment, "It won't happen again, ma'am. I will call for a hostess to be right with you."

"There's no need for that. I know my way around," she declined. 'I'm the one who designed this place, after all,' she mentally added.

"Uhh…I-If y-you say so," he blundered.

She nodded in acknowledgement. "I'll be going then. Keep up the good work, Jun."

"T-Thank you, ma'm," he managed to utter before fainting from shock due to the fact that she knew his name.

Even in her simplest little black dress and with minimal makeup, she was a rare beauty in comparison to everyone else in the room. Therefore, it wasn't surprising when she noticed someone occupy the empty seat next to her at the open bar on the second floor a few moments right after she, herself, had settled in that corner.

"Excuse me. Could I get a bourbon on the rocks? And can I get something for the beautiful young miss?" a masculine voice spoke.

Under normal circumstances, she would have turned him down with a feisty retort like "you can get the hell out of my sight, creep," but tonight, unlike all others, was different.

So she did something that surprised even the bartender who she knew by name. She didn't diss him. "I'll get a ginger ale. Put it on my tab, Martin," she waved the bartender off.

"I don't mind paying," the man commented.

She finally turned to look at the stranger next to her. He had blonde hair, slicked back and was wearing a white dress shirt from an overseas brand with the top two buttons undone. He seemed to be in his late twenties and not too harsh on the eyes.

Unfortunately for him, she wasn't interested.

"You might not mind, but I do. I can pay for my own drink. Do I look like a poor commoner who can't afford herself a few glasses of alcohol?"

His eyes darted to her barren ring finger before meeting her eyes. She noticed.

He grinned, "Well aren't you uptight? Surely, a martini or cocktail will help you loosen up."

"I prefer scotch," she declined. "However, I can't drink tonight."

"Can't drink or won't drink? Don't worry, I won't tell anyone that you're a lightweight," he teased.

She frowned. "I'm not."

"Anyways, what brings you here tonight? No fancy date with your boyfriend?" he pried.

"I don't have a boyfriend. Why are you here?" His happiness seemed to multiply after hearing her admission. Maybe he did have a chance.

"Ahh, well… I just finished an important work-related meeting here a few hours ago," he scratched the back of his head.

The bartender placed a glass in front of her, "your drink, ma'am."

"Thanks, Martin. Could you get me a glass of chilled honeybush red tea as well?" she asked.

"Of course," came an immediate reply.

The man raised an eyebrow, "They have tea? I didn't see it on the menu."

"This place doesn't sell tea," she answered vaguely.

"But you just…" he started.

"I just what?" Rima shot back.

"Nevermind. I'm John," he finally introduced. "And who are you?"

"Me? I'm no one special," she replied.

"So, 'No One Special," what do you do?" he pried. "I actually just—"

"I'm just an ex-model, fashion designer, architect, interior decorator…Oh, and I own half of this club," she told him wistfully.

His mouth was wide open as he processed her words. "Wait… you just said…"

She cocked her head to the side, "is there a problem with what I just said?"

"Rima! What are you doing here?" a familiar voice came from behind them.

"Am I not allowed to visit you at work?" she questioned the newcomer.

"That's not my point! You should be home resting, especially since you haven't been feeling well these past few days," he expressed worriedly.

"Well about that…" she tapped her nails against the counter.

Shiki noticed the person sitting next to her. "Oh! I didn't see you there, Mr. Williams! I see you decided to stick around after our meeting."

"Yes, I did. You've done a splendid job with the establishment. I greatly look forward to seeing the completion of our contract," he complimented.

"The stage is going to be spectacular after the remodeling is done," Shiki agreed enthusiastically. "I see you also met my wife."

"Your wife?"

"Yes, this is my wife, Rima. We co-own this club. She usually doesn't attend meetings unless if they are of great importance," Shiki explained.

"Speaking of which… Why are you here, Rima?" Shiki averted his undivided attention to his wife.

The couple didn't notice when John froze from shock and then fainted upon figuring out that he had openly flirted with his business partner's wife.

"Uhh… I…" she stumbled.

"Did the doctor's visit not go well? Is there something wrong? You can tell me," Shiki urged.

"Are you sure you want to know?" she bit her lip.

"Whatever you have to say, I can handle it," he declared. He gently placed his hand on top of hers comfortingly.

"Well if you say so…" she sighed. "Senri, I'm pregnant."

Rima silently thanked her superhuman vampire reflexes or else she wouldn't have been able to catch her husband as he, too, fainted from shock.

End.

Updates won't be periodical, but I'll be encouraged to have them more frequently if you guys give me some feedback. Aka PLEASE REVIEW AND FAVORITE!

As usual, please let me know if you spot any mistakes; I don't have a beta.

I put a few little things in this chapter that I'm not sure if you picked up like the fact that Rima ordered blood at the bar, etc.