A/N: Hey minna!! This is chapter 18 of this story! Wheew! Can you imagined that?! Anyway… this will be the second part of the story… Hmm... yes, there’s a new enemy joining Sara… . And God, he’s here to ruin the love chemistry between Yuuki and Kaname!! Waaaaah!!!~ Anyway…

Sorry for the late update. I promised Friday but I only post it today. Gomen, gomen!! We had a sudden reunion with the family and we went out of town. I know I’m making excuses. But please forgive me… . Anyway… ^o^

Thanks to… *xXMusic-luver Xx, yueyuuko, Chibi Kitt, iloveme5895, JessiCeleste89, stabinmonkey, vampieooo, Akira91, clara954, bringITback, Chicorin, minyaka14, Peachie-Trishie and vampfreak290* and also to the readers of this ficcie. Thanks for the continuous support and faves of this story! I hope you guys will like it till the end!! Domo nee!!! ^o^

-a little skit from me and the VK gang-

Zero: Why do everyone think I'm the bad guy?

Me: Uh... coz you don't need to act one to be one? *grins*

Zero: You're a mean author. Not to mention a bad one. *glares*

Me: *insert evil laugh here* mwahaha!I'm just stating a fact.

Zero: It could have been Ichiru.

Me: Nah... Ichiru's too sweet. ^o^

Zero: Favoritism. Tch. *scowls*

Me: (laughs) Anyway, you're not the bad guy Zero-kun. ^^ (Zero lightens up) Just kidding!! Who knows what's running in my head. hahaha...

Anyway… Enjoy minna!! ^o^

Trail 18: Three things of life that are most valuable -
Love, self-confidence & friends.

‘Cherished Moments’

“I don’t think I’m ready for this Ruka… I mean I love Kaname but I don’t think I’m ready to take our relationship to that level.” Yuuki gulped and sacredly looked at Ruka.

Ruka rolled her eyes and looked at the brunette. “Yuuki.” She held the brunette by her shoulders. “You can do this. This is only normal between two lovers.”

Yuuki blushed and shook her head. “I can’t… Mou!! I just can’t. I’m embarrassed just by thinking of it!!! Ruka-san there’s got to be another way!”

“There isn’t! Now, if you aren’t going to get your act together and be bashful about this… Kaname will lose interest to you. Do you want that?” Ruka scolded her.

She shook her head. “But what if I fail to please him?”

“You’ll be fine. C’mon. Just put this on and we’ll start practicing.”

Yuuki looked at the piece of cloth and gulped. “I can’t really do this!! You know I’m bad at this!!” She whined.

“Stop being a scardy-cat Yuuki-sama!” Ruka sternly said.

Yuuki felt Ruka’s menacing aura. She didn’t know what she was more scared about, Ruka or… “Mou!! Fine! But don’t blame me for whatever gonna happen!!” She took the cloth and went inside Ruka’s changing room.

Ruka sighed and looked at the carrot head female beside her. Rima looked back at Ruka and sighed.

“Are you sure she can do this Ruka? You know how bad she is at this…” Rima asked.

“This is for the best of them.” Ruka uttered in a matter of a fact tone.

Rima shook her shoulders, “So you say.”

Then after a while Yuuki came out, her eyes closed and her face beet red.

Ruka and Rima looked at Yuuki and then eyed on one another. ‘This is going to be a long day.’ They thought in unison.

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“So is it true Kaname-sama?” Aidou asked the pureblood as they drank coffee in his office.

“True about what?” Kaname asked the blonde with a expressionless face. As Yori placed the cup in front of him, he thanked her. Then he eyed on Aidou and urged him to continue.

“That you will announce Yuuki to everyone as your wife.” Aidou continued. “Everyone’s talking about it.”

Kaname nodded and said, “It’s about time I take the cat out of the bag.”

“I see… when’s the big party?” Aidou mouthed as he took another sip.

“This Saturday.” Kaname answered calmly.

“I see… so I guess Ruka and Rima are busy preparing Yuuki-sama for it.”

“Yes. Actually they’re at our house.”

A smile formed on Aidou’s lips after what Kaname said. Kaname noticed the smirk on the noble’s face and stared at him.

“Yes, what is it Kaname-sama?” Aidou fidgeted as he saw the look the pureblood was giving him.

“I should ask that to you Aidou. What’s so funny?”

“Uh… well… It’s just I’m still not used to you saying ‘our’.” The blond meant ‘Kaname’ and ‘Yuuki’ being together for good.

“What’s so strange about hearing that Hanabusa?” The new comer Akatsuki uttered as he entered the room. Afterwards he bowed at the pureblood and sat beside Aidou. “it’s nice to see you are well Kaname-sama.”

“Nice to see you as well Kain.” Kaname replied and nodded.

“I’ve invited the media for the interview as you wished Kaname-sama.” Kain reported.

“Thank you for your hard work Kain.” Kaname thanked Kain and then placed the cup on the table in front of them. Then his eyes gazed at the window. “Have you heard from Ichijou?” He asked.

Aidou and Kain looked at one another indifferently and replied. “No Kaname-sama.”

“I see… I wonder if he’s still angry at me.” Kaname asked no one in particular.

“Of course not Kaname-sama!!!” Aidou instantly answered and stood up. Then noticing the gaze the pureblood gave him, he sat down and continued. “I mean… I’m sure Ichijou-san isn’t angry at you.”

Kain agreed with his cousin and added, “He’s probably laying low for a while Kaname-sama. We all know how much you treasure Yuuki-sama.”

“Do you think I’ve went overboard at what I said to him?” Kaname asked the two.

Kain and Aidou shook nervously.

‘I did.’ Kaname thought and sighed. He remembered what he’d told his close friend the other day. He wondered if his friend thought his statement as an offense.

He took a deep breath before whisking the thought away. He looked at his companions and saw their concerned gazes. He decided to change the atmosphere around them. “Anyway, I need your help in inviting the guests on this list.” He instructed them.

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Yuuki took a deep breath when he heard the clamor of Kaname’s vehicle. She immediately went towards the door and then as she passed through a mirror, she checked herself.

The moment Kaname opened the door, Yuuki stood in front of him.

“Welcome back.” Yuuki greeted him and smiled.

Kaname was surprised to see Yuuki and returned a smile. “I’m back.” He responded before examining Yuuki’s appearance. He walked towards his lover and hugged her. He smelled her scent and teased her, “What are you up to Yuuki?”

Yuuki blushed at what he said and laughed. “Nothing dangerous, Kaname.” Afterwards she added, “I think.”

Kaname eyed on her with confusion and kissed her forehead. “I see. Then I guess I’ll have to check it out myself then?”

“Alright!” She cheerfully replied and guided Kaname towards the kitchen. Then she happily showed him, “Ta-da!! Dinner is served!”

Kaname eyed on Yuuki and then the meal in front of him. “You prepared this by yourself?” He unbelievingly asked his wife.

“Yes, why do you seem surprised?” Yuuki asked. Then she pulled Kaname to sit. “Although, Ruka and Rima helped me.”

“They must have been troubled.” He teased her.

She pouted. “They did. Ruka scolded me for the nth time about me being bad at cooking while Rima simply looked at me with this gaze.” She copied the annoyed Rima and scolding Ruka to Kaname that sent him laughing.

He pulled Yuuki to sit on his lap and she wielded obediently to her husband. “Then?” He urged her to continue.

“Well… I succeeded on my nth try.” She confidently told him and grinned.

“You sure it’s edible?” He asked her for reassurance.

“Of course! Did you think it taste horrible?!” She whined.

“Even if it did, I will still eat it. After all, you were the one who did it.” He assured her.

Yuuki felt happy at his comment but at the same time she felt insulted. “Are you saying my cooking isn’t good?”

“The omelet you cooked was good.” He joked.

“Mou… You’re mean Kaname.” She squinted her eyes and pouted.

Kaname laughed at her cute gesture and then opened the lid on the foods. Then he tasted the chicken curry while Yuuki eyed on him. At first he teased her that it tasted bad but then he showed her a smile and she felt relieved. When she figured out that he was teasing her, she hit him lightly.

Their dinner was served with Yuuki’s cooked meals and laughter that night. Afterwards, Kaname and Yuuki talked on the veranda.

“A party?” Yuuki expressed. “This Saturday?”

Kaname nodded. “I’d like everyone to know that we are married.” He kissed her hand and hugged Yuuki from behind.

“Eeeh? But won’t that affect your job as an actor Kaname?” She worriedly asked him. “After all, I’m just a simple article writer and freelancer of a magazine. I don’t know if the story I’m making be a big hit.”

He eyed on her gently and held her hands into his. “You need to believe in yourself Yuuki. I believe you’ll do well. Plus, I don’t think I’ve made a wrong decision in loving you. I always thought of you as a diamond in the coal mine Yuuki.”

“You’re putting too much on my shoulders Kaname. I think I’m suited as a coal rather a pretty diamond.” She told him.

He chuckled and hugged her tightly. “I don’t care what you think of yourself Yuuki. What matters is my feelings for you. I want you to know that I’m not afraid of losing everything just to have you.” He whispered and kissed her.

Yuuki didn’t stop him as his lips met hers. She didn’t refuse his love for her. She let her actions return her feelings for him rather than words. She entwined her arms around him and responded to his kiss.

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The night of the party came and everyone who was invited came. Before the party officially started, Kaname gathered the press and the media on a vast room of the Aidous. He told them about his sudden marriage and introduced Yuuki to them.

The cameras flashed one after another as Yuuki walked beside Kaname. She introduced herself in front and soon answered the questions thrown to her one after another. After a few questions, Kain took over and told the press that the conference was finished. The press continued to ask questions but Yuuki and Kaname didn’t answer them. Then the couple left the room and walked through the corridor leading to the party.

As they walked in the room, they saw the familiar faces of the noble and noted high ranking vampires. Although some faces were unknown and alien to Yuuki. Kaname guided her towards the crowd and let everyone swarm around her. The nobles around her bowed and greeted her.

*

“Good evening Yuuki-sama…” they greeted me in chorus.

As they did, it sent Goosebumps to my body. It was really creepy how they say my name.

I glanced at Kaname and saw that he was unaffected by the way they greeted him. I supposed that he was used to their greetings. I eyed the vampires in front of me and I recognized no one. To me, their faces were all the same.

Their intentions were all the same.

I tensed and greeted them back. I had to act politely around them even though deep inside I never want to mingle with them again.

I had to act civilized. Just like Kaname…

Then I remembered what Kaname told me yesterday… He warned me about them but I didn’t actually believed they were as he described.

“Yuuki-sama might I say you look beautiful tonight.” One noble vampire tried to flatter me but I knew better.

I wryly smiled and replied, “Thank you for your compliment. Please enjoy the party.”

I saw the fake despicable smile on their faces and it almost made me sick seeing them. I wanted to run away but I couldn’t. I can’t.

I held Kaname’s hands tighter and continued smiling.

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= No one’s PoV

Yuuki was relieved to smell the fresh air after the encounter with the noble vampires in the party. She walked towards the veranda and saw that no one was there.

She leaned on the stone rails and sighed.

She knew Kaname would be looking for her in the party but she figured that he would understand why she had to go get away for a while.

She was enjoying the nice breeze when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned around and saw a familiar face. “Hey boss!” She greeted him.

“It’s nice to see the cheerful aura is still there despite the atmosphere earlier.” He joked and laughed.

She laughed at his comment and then said, “So… are you just going to stand there Takuma-kun?”

Takuma hesitated for a while whether he should stay or go beside her. In the end, he decided to walk towards Yuuki but he placed enough space between them.

Yuuki noticed his coldness and teased him, “Do I have some communicable disease that made you want to stay away from me?” Afterwards she laughed. She thought Takuma would laugh as well but he stood there silent. She realized that he was staying away from her. “I see… did I do something wrong Takuma-kun?”

Takuma eyed on Yuuki and shook his head. “No.” He simply replied. “Don’t get me wrong Yuuki-chan. It’s just…” He paused and sighed. “It’s complicated.”

“Oh… I see.” She muttered and then thought about what he said. “Is it a girl?” She fished.

“No.”

“Um… a guy then?” She raised a brow.

“Yes.”

“Eeeh?! You mean you’re---!!!” She covered her mouth to stop the next word.

Takuma saw Yuuki’s expression and realized the thought running inside her head.

“But it’s not what you’re thinking Yuuki-chan… I’m not gay.” He straightened her idea and smirked.

“I see… that’s a relief. I wouldn’t know what I’d do when I hear that you’re like that.” She sighed with relief and eyed on Takuma.

“You really believed that?” He asked her.

“Yes!!!”

He laughed at her reply and she pouted in response. “What’s wrong with thinking that you’re like that?” She asked.

“Nothing. It’s just… hilarious when you think about it.” He uttered between his laughs.

“Anyway… who’s the guy that’s jealous of me? A close friend of yours?” She questioned after a while.

“Yes… he is. And he’s not jealous of you… Rather, he’s jealous of me being close to you.” he corrected.

“Ehhh?! You? And because we’re close?” She repeated and then thought of whom he was pointing at. Then it hit her. “Kaname?”

“Yup.” He nodded and then gazed at the stars.

“But why? We’re just friends!” She yelled and tried to get his attention.

“Well… we both know that but he doesn’t. He may as well think I like you more than that. And it’s rather sad to think that he sees me as a rival in your heart Yuuki.” He expressed and sighed deeply.

Yuuki frowned at the news and decided. “I’ll talk to Kaname. He’ll listen to me if I tell him there’s nothing between us.” She whirled around and was about to walk when he stopped her.

“It’s better if you don’t do that Yuuki-chan.”

“eeeh? But… Kaname thinks we’re—“

“I know.” He let go of her hand and eyed on the sky once more. “But it’s better this way… He might think that we really do have something going between us if you meddle in our problems Yuuki-chan.”

“But it’s not right. I mean… why does your friendship have to suffer because of me?” She asked him.

Takuma wryly smiled and replied, “It’s because Kaname likes you that much.”

“But—this is wrong and unfair to both of you.”

“As they say, all is fair in love and war.” He quoted.

Yuuki knew that it was wrong but she realized that this was one situation where in she couldn’t butt in. She sighed and tapped Takuma’s shoulder. “Sorry if I caused you trouble Takuma-kun. But please don’t think badly of Kaname. Don’t throw your friendship just because of me Takuma-kun.”

Takuma smiled genuinely and nodded. “I won’t and don’t think of him like that. I know he has his reasons.” He stopped leaning on the rail and took out something on his pocket. It was a candy wrapped in colorful paper.

She gladly took it and smiled at Takuma. “Thanks. I hoped that you two would make up soon. I don’t want seeing two precious people in my life fighting.”

“I hope so too.” He wished. Then after a while, he decided. “Better yet… I’ll talk to him right now.”

“That’s a good idea.” She agreed.

“Yeah… I’ll see you later then Yuuki-chan and thanks for the encouragement.” He told her before leaving her behind.

“You’re welcome and good luck!!” She added as he glanced at her and smiled.

‘Gambatte nee, Takuma-kun!’ She wished as she turned around. Then as she looked at the stars and fancied that they would grant her wish.

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Meanwhile…

Kaname was secretly looking around for signs of his beloved wife. But unfortunately he couldn’t find her anywhere in the party. He decided to call on Seiren.

“Have you seen where Yuuki have gone?” He asked her.

“Yes, she’s in the veranda taking a break.” Seiren reported.

“I see… Thank you for the information Seiren.” He thanked her and attempted to go to where Yuuki was when someone called him.

“Kaname…” Sara’s silky voice called out.

He stopped in his tracks and looked at her. “Sara-hime. It’s nice to know you’ve acquainted us with your presence.”

Sara wanted to raise her brow at what he said but she stopped herself. “It is an honor, how could I turn down your offer?” She smiled and secretly eyed on the woman behind him.

Seiren felt her gaze and excused herself from the two purebloods.

When they were left alone, Sara took the opportunity.

“I guess this means you don’t trust me anymore Kaname.” She straight forwardly told him.

“How could you say that, Sara-hime?” He naively asked. He knew what she was talking about.

“You know what I meant Kaname. You didn’t break up with your wife despite her infidelity towards you…”

He closed his eyes and replied, “I beg your pardon Sara-hime but I think your source is wrong about that information.”

“Are you saying the pictures were made up?” She questioned.

“Of course not. I just think you’re over reacting to it.” He frankly told her.

“Then you’re initiating that I’m lying and making these up?” She scoffed.

“No… I don’t.” He paused and looked at her. “But I’m afraid if you were able to do more than tell me about Yuuki’s flaws, I might as well think you were trying to ruin Yuuki’s image to me.”

“Are you saying that I feel inferior towards that little girl?!” She gnashed.

“No… I believe you’re a very fine woman Sara-hime. But I believe that Yuuki has some attractiveness that cannot be compared to anyone.” He calmly commented to the fuming pureblood. Seeing that the discussion wasn’t going anywhere, he decided to end it. “Now, I think it’s too late to talk about this. Whatever happened before to Yuuki and to us, it doesn’t matter to me anymore. Marrying Yuuki is my own decision Sara… I just hope you’ll understand that.” He turned around and walked away from her.

After a few steps, Sara called him. “Kaname…” He stopped but didn’t look at her. “I apologized. I was just… as you say felt inferior to the little princess. I just hope our close relationship won’t be affected by my intentions for the better future for you, Kaname.”

Kaname glanced at Sara and nodded. “Don’t worry, I won’t let that small incident affect our relationship as purebloods Sara-hime.”

Sara felt relieved that Kaname wasn’t angry at her because of the pictures. But then, her heart almost stopped when Kaname’s eyes turned cold and calculating.

“I just hope that you won’t do anything rash that could harm Yuuki or else, I don’t know what I may do to you. Despite our status as purebloods, I can’t assure your safety when you’ve come to the point of assaulting Yuuki.” He warned her. He saw Sara’s eyes cloud with fear as he said that. After a few seconds, his face became gentle. He wryly smiled and bid farewell to the pureblood, “Please enjoy the party, Sara-hime. And once again, thank you for allowing your presence to be here.” He nodded gently before walking towards the ther guests.

Cold sweat perspired from Sara and she felt her heart race as Kaname left. She glanced around and checked if anyone saw the ill conversation between them. She quickly turned around and walked towards a place where there wasn’t too much crowd.

When she was alone, she cursed under her breath. “Damn that girl. Aarrgh.” She frustratingly said and broke the vase near her. The rose petals fell and water splashed on the floor when she broke the vase. She eyed on the broken piece of vase and sighed. She tried to calm herself and took deep breaths.

“Feeling a little agitated are we?” A teasing voice commented and chuckled deeply as he walked towards the female pureblood.

“What are you doing here?” She sternly asked him.

“I was invited just like you.” He remarked and went out of the shadows. “I wanted to get a glimpse of her.”

“Just a glimpse?” She repeated and then laughed. “Ha! You’ve come here to do more than that!” She sarcastically told him and glared. “You’re here to take her away right? Hurry up then… If Kaname finds out about your plan—“

“He won’t know if you won’t tell him.” He instantly replied. “And stop fidgeting. You’re looking more pitiful every minute I see you.” He sharply commented.

She felt insulted to what he said but she couldn’t bark back at him. She could only gnash her teeth and look away. She curled her arms in front of her and puffed. “So.. what are you planning? Mind sharing it to me?”

“Now’s not the time.” He sighed and picked up a rose from the broken vase. Then he twirled the stem around his hand and grinned. “You need to be patient Shirabuki-hime.” Then he placed it up and slightly bowed at the female. “See you later then oujo-sama.” He turned around and waved his hand at the pureblood in a way of mocking her.

Sara irritatingly eyed on him as he left. She spat at him and scowled. This was a terrible night for her. She hoped that whatever that guy was planning, would work. So she didn’t have to feel inferior to that little girl which Kaname took so much interest in. She hated her and she wished that she could just disappear.

Then as time passed, a smile formed in Sara’s lips. ‘Soon… she would be gone.’ She told herself and smiled at triumph. She bended down and took a rose that lay on the cold marble floor. She eyed on the flower and played with it. ‘It would only be a little amount of time before she gets out of the picture.’ She added.

She smirked and then raised a brow. ‘And as soon as you leave… As soon as Yuuki Cross is out of the picture—‘ She glared at the rose and soon it slowly wilted. She crushed the flower and the ashes fell on the floor. ‘Kaname will be mine.’ She looked down with slur and then turned around. She walked back into the festivity with triumph in her wits.

…xoxo…to be continued.

A/N: So how is it?! Hehe… ^o^ Hoped you liked it. Anyway, that’s it!! The next chapter will be posted soon. *I’m not gonna tell when because I’m a little busy with a project I’m gonna do.* What project you say? Hehehe… Himitsu nee!! ^o^ anyway… Ja mata nee minna!! I’ll update this story soon! I just can’t get enough of Yume and VK! Bye now!!~

~mitsuki-chi.x

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