Aftermath

[Ace]

Ace's momentary security was torn once again at Kiki's random outburst. He couldn't help the hurt that seemed to grow as she removed her hand from his, but tried to ignore it and focus on what she was trying to say to him.

"Well, how exactly did you see it, Miss Ki?" said Ace, a casual eyebrow raised as he sat back and folded his arms across his chest, smiling ever so slightly. Her sudden about-change had immediately reverted him to form, the confident exterior replacing what had moments ago been vulnerable and open. "Did you see us grinning madly at each other and throwing our arms round each others' necks? Or did you see an icy cold reception from both sides? Sorry if my return wasn't quite what you expected, but I do believe situational factors have to be taken into account... if I had ever imagined seeing you again, it would certainly not be under the threat of a deranged student and her Vampire pal."

The cutting edge in his voice was barely detected, but it was there - the steely ice that was as cold as his unbeating heart. And yet, he was teasing her, gently toying with her just as he used to. Perhaps it would be easier this way, for both of them.

[Kiki]

Kiki chose not to reply. She heard the sarcasm, however slight, in his voice and sighed reservedly. Her eyes began to flutter closed, her body was still trying to heal itself and the emotions that had filled the however long it had been was enough to make her already exhausted mind and body even more so.

Before she allowed her eyes to close, she shifted slightly and moved her hand to take hold of Ace's again. She smiled tiredly, now feeling the waves of exhaustion embracing her.

"Please, don't leave just yet," She whispered, her eyes more closed, hiding the violet colour of her eyes. "I want you to be here when I wake up." Her voice dropped to a tired murmur and before she secured an answer, she fell into sleeps bottomless depths.

[Ace]

Ace stared for a long while at Kiki, who had fallen deeply into sleep. He ignored the hand that lay on top of his, and let his mind drift away into the thoughts he had kept away while she had been awake.

Of course he would still be here when she woke.

In truth, there was nowhere else he'd want to be.