Hi everyone! Yours truly, me, is back with another chapter. Yeah, I know this took a while. <ducks rocks and snowballs> but I did write it and it's pretty long. I have been using my spare time to read other people's fanfics to, hopefully, make mine better, (and groan about how bad mine is compared to theirs). Anyways, enjoy the fic. Against Zechs' better judgment, Treize had taken Ann back to Luxembourg. "Sir! You are making a mistake!" He had told him in one of their rare arguments. "I know what I am doing." "She is dangerous. Even more so once she learns who we really are. Our entire brethren will be in danger. She is like fire, she will burn you if you come too close." "Maybe I like playing with fire. It will certainly make my life more interesting. What better prove of my power than to tame a vampire slayer?" "If you don't get us all killed first." "Have I ever done anything I had no control over? My decision is final Zechs." As soon as they had gotten back, Treize had immersed himself in books from his extensive library. Zechs grumbled to himself. It's unwise for Treize to be distracted when their final operation is so close. But there is nothing he could do about it. Treize tapped his finger restless against his desk. Not for the first time, he wondered if the myths about vampire slayers are true. No ordinary weapon can kill him, not even a bullet to the heart. But vampire slayers are different, he had met one briefly when he was younger, it was not a pleasant memory. She didn't get him, but it was a close call. He had spent days looking up information on the slayers in his library, information was almost nil. He hasn't got much to work with. He rubbed his chin as he glanced over at her sleeping figure. He had made sure she stayed unconscious until he could figure out what to do. How could he win her over? He had no doubt he will keep her. <Even though she wouldn't like my choice of words. > He thought with wry amusement. He had no doubt she didn't like him much at this point. She is a strong-willed girl, it wouldn't be easy to win her over. He always had two ways with women, break them or seduce them. Thinking about her serving him as a slave appealed to his darker side, but he dismissed it as impossible. The second choice is more likely, but it won't be easy given the current situation. He pondered for a few more minutes before standing up decisively. Walking over to her bedside, he paused for a moment. She looked peaceful and venerable when she slept, he reached down and brushed one hand through her soft hair. With a sigh of regret, he snapped his fingers twice. She opened her eyes slowly, unwilling to leave the peace of unconsciousness. The first thing she saw was a wall hanging of a gold lion on a crimson background, which informed her she is not in her own bedroom. The second thing she saw, was most unfortunately, Treize Kushrenada. The rush of rage came back to her and her fist snapped forward to hit him. But the last few days had drained her energy so he caught her wrist easily. "No violence my lady, please." He said calmly, forcing her arm back to the bed. She opened her mouth to reply, but all that came out was a harsh, dry cough. He wrapped one arm around her waist to help her sit up and offered her a glass of water. <Great, job Ann. You are trapped and at your enemy's mercy, with no one who knows where you are. You are in a real mess. > The water soothed her dry throat allowing her to speak again. "So, what are you going to do with me, your Excellency?" She said, not bothering to hide the dripping sarcasm. "I believe you belong to me now. You will answer to mine wishes." <and desires. > He added silently. She glared at him. "Never!" She spat. His blue eyes bore into her until she was forced to look away. "Don't be so hasty in your judgment. There had not been a single person I had not been able to control. Or eliminate." For a moment, his lips twisted into a cruel and sadistic smile, but the expression disappeared so quickly that she wondered if it was her imagination. Her eyes flashed. "You won't get away with this Treize Kushrenada. I will avenge my father." He stroked her hand with long slender fingers. "I don't intend to run and I don't think you will be capable of carrying out that threat in a few months. It will give me great delight to see you groveling at my feet." Her teeth clenched until they ached. "Why you-" "Don't worry, I won't be low enough to use force on a lady. You will be very willing, very willing." "Bastard!" She spat out. He raised an eyebrow. "Please, watch your language. I admit it wouldn't be fair for you to judge me if you don't know who I really am. You think I am a murderer, but you will see it is only my nature." His words made her hesitate for a moment. "What do you mean?" "Let me show you." He whispered. Her eyes widened as he changed. His skin became white as the sheets and impossibly smooth. Blue eyes became even more intense, spiraling into endless depths tinged with red. He became taller and the muscles on his arms rippled with strength. She was involuntarily pressed back by the energy he projected. He smiled, revealing long fangs protruding from his upper lip. "You always wanted to know who I am. Now you do. Do you feel fear?" He extended a pale hand and touched her face. She flinched, but did not move away. "Courage, I like that. But your power is nothing compared to mine." His hand tightened on her and drew her to him. "I can make your life painful, or give you a lifetime of blissful passion." She tried to pull away, but his voice wove a spell around her, pulling down her guard. He pressed her back to his chest and bit into her slender neck. The needle-like pain woke her up and she thrashed against him, but he locked his arms around her and took a sip of her blood. She froze as a flash of pure ecstasy flowed through her body. The pleasure was searing and raw bordering on pain. It burned her skin like fire. She whimpered as her blood flowed into his mouth, the sensations almost too much to take. He crushed her tighter to him, delighting in the smell of lust and fear. <I can turn your pain into pleasure. Only I can touch you like this. > He spoke to her through the link created between them through the flow of blood. She shuddered, from pain, pleasure or perhaps both. Warmth spread from the tip of his fingers to his chest, to his toes. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he was plunged into a headlong rush of maddening bliss. He had to stop, he can't, but he had to. He tore himself away from her, pushing the tempting flesh out of his reach, panting with exertion. Her blood fizzled pleasantly in his veins and he was enveloped in euphoria. She lifted trembling fingers to her neck and they came away with a few drops of blood. The wound was already healing, it won't even be visible in a few hours. Everything was starting to click into place. Treize's mysterious ways, his uncanny wisdom, how he seemed to always know what she was thinking. And the cold dark side that he had hidden so well. However... "It's day time." She murmured confused. He chuckled. He seemed to have already recovered and she was glad he had assumed a more human form. "Humans, always thinking they know everything. Most of the legends about vampires are completely untrue. I haven't turned into a pile of dust yet have I? You have a lot to learn." He was interrupted by a knock on the door. A man wearing the uniform of a colonel entered. He had long platinum hair and wore an odd silvery mask and moved with feline grace despite his muscular build. He gave off a feeling of power like Treize does, just less noticeable. Another vampire? She wondered. Treize frowned slightly. "Zechs, I told you I was not to be interrupted." Zechs leaned over and whispered something in his commander's ear. Treize rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Very well. Tell them I will be there." Zechs bowed before retreating from the room. "Make yourself comfortable." He said as he picked up his uniform jacket from the chair. "Think about what I have said. I will see you tonight." With an elegant half-bow, he disappeared out the door. Ann slumped against the pillow, just realizing how tense her muscles are. That man made her uneasy. He had a way of always keeping her unbalanced and taking the upper hand in their conversations. With a grunt she threw herself off the bed and found some decent clothing. She was furious at him, but even more furious at herself. She had been a fool, falling for his gentle manners and romantic words. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself, there is no use in getting angry now. Once dressed, she looked around for a way to escape. She had to warn her brothers as soon as possible, she tried not to think about what would happen if she were too late. It only took her a few minutes to examine all the exits, there was no way out. But she expected as much, after all, it's Treize she is dealing with. With a tired sigh, she dropped into a chair and mentally went over dozens of ideas, each wilder than the last. She could attack him when he came back tonight, but with out even a weapon, that will be suicidal. Supposing she did break out of this room, she had no doubt that guards will catch up with her before she can get very far, then she will really be in trouble. Her fists clenched in frustration. She was not afraid of pain or death, but not knowing what is coming next made her nervous. Treize held all the cards now, if she hoped to win, she will have to bend to his will until he deals her a hand. He is pulling the strings like a master puppeteer. Not being able to control her own fate frightened her more then she cared to admit. There was no chance of revenge or escape, she is helpless, at his mercy... She shook her head hard as she forced back a feeling of panic. She won't give him what he wants, she won't let him live on her fear. She stood and took out her emotions by punching a pillow, it made her feel a little better. The unfortunate pillow soon became a cloud of feathers. "I am afraid I have no idea what you are talking about General Septum." Treize leaned forward in his chair and folded his hands together in front of him. Septum glared at him from his position at the head of the long table. "Don't act stupid Duke Treize." He spoke the young aristocrat's title with obvious disdain. "You knew about theses Gundams long before we did and didn't inform the Alliance about them. I could have you charged with treason and court marshaled." Zechs shifted uneasily besides Treize. Treize regarded Septum coolly. "And what makes you so sure if I may ask?" "You sent troops to the colony I ordered to be wiped out, a colony with gundam 05 which fought with your troops. You didn't report this incident nor did you act to destroy the gundam." "Yes, I admit I did that. As commander of the Specials, I reserve the right to act in a way that I judge fit. The gundam did not seem to be a enormous threat and I felt it would be unnecessary to waste more valuable troops. As for the reason I concealed this from the Alliance, I thought the news would cause undue alarm. I have analyzed the data gathered in that battle and I assure you my troops are ready to face the gundams." "Your troops!" A Captain had sprung from his chair to Treize's right, livid with rage. "We had no warning! Our entire unit was destroyed because of your arrogance. The gundams could have been eliminated in the early stages before they took out a factory and 20 Leos!" He leaned forward and jabbed a finger at Treize." Your troops! All you damn aristocrats care about are yourselves! You are destroying the Alliance with your greed and ambition!" Zechs leaped from his chair and leveled his gun with the Captain's head. "You will not speak to our General in such a manner." He said, his voice cold. The man gulped and all the color abruptly drained from his face. Septum rose to his feet. "Put that gun away!" There was a minute of thick tension before Treize held up a hand. "Peace, Zechs." Zechs put away his weapon. The Captain remembered to breathe and sat down shakily. Treize stood calmly. "I do not think anything more will come out of this meeting. I will have a report for the Alliance on this issue. Until then, we shall wait until we can discuss problems in a more civilized manner." He nodded sharply to Septum. "Good day General." Septum slowly sat down. The room immediately filled with protest. "How can you let him walk out of here like this General?" Fumed an elderly officer near him. "These youngsters have no respect for their elders and betters!" Septum silenced the room with a wave of his hand. "Don't worry about him. I will deal with Kushrenada and his lapdog Colonel when the time is right. But for the moment, he is still useful to the Alliance. Patience, gentleman, he will get away with nothing." Bits of feathers and scraps of silk floated around Ann. "I wouldn't want be whoever you are mad at." Commented a female voice from behind her. Ann turned around quickly, mentally cursing herself for letting her guard down. The intruder held up both hands. "Don't worry, I mean no harm." Ann looked at the girl critically. She was about her age, but her short dark purple hair made her look younger. She wore the uniform of an OZ lieutenant. "Frankly, you weren't the person I expected to see. Since you are in his room, can you tell me where Lord Treize is?" Ann shrugged. "I don't know. He was called away." "Oh, ok. I guess the report can wait." She said placing a stack of papers on the table. She noticed Ann was staring at her. "I'm sorry, it was rude of me not to introduce myself. I am Lucrezia Noin." "I am Ann Layfeyette." She replied automatically,. "So who are you mad at? If you don't mind me asking." "Treize." She said bitterly. To her surprise, Noin nodded sympathetically. "I can't blame you. You are not exactly the first one." "Aren't you suppose to be supporting your commander?" Ann asked cautiously. "Of course. Can I sit down?" Ann nodded and urged her to go on. "I admire Treize as an commanding officer. He was my teacher, the best one I've ever had. The man is a genius. But I believe he should be more considerate in the way he treats people." "Does he ever listen to anyone?" "Yes, he does. He politely hears me out, and does nothing. But he is a perfect gentleman. The devil himself to women." "Maybe it's because he is a-" Ann stopped herself, she nearly blurted out his secret. But once again, Noin surprised her. "He's a vampire? Yes, I do know. I've known him my entire life. He was the one that picked me off the streets and placed me in the Academy. There are very few things that he conceals from me." Ann raised both eyebrows. Noin blushed. "No! Our relationship is not what you think. We are just good friends. He is almost like a father to me. Enough about me, what about you? How did you get here? I am pretty sure I haven't seen you here before." "It's a long story." "I don't mind. I know something is troubling you, I'd like to help if I can." Ann took a deep breath and everything that had happened came tumbling out. She instinctively felt she could trust this young soldier. She told her everything minus some of the more graphic details. The sun was setting when she finished, long golden rays painting across the furniture. "So, can you help me?" She asked hopefully after a moment of silence. Noin cocked her head to one side. "If you mean to help you escape, no. Treize keeps a very tight grip over his people and the estate is huge, you won't even get out of the main gate before the guards notice you are missing. Even if you did manage to get out of Luxembourg, he will catch you in no time. But," she added at the sight of her crestfallen expression, "I can help you in other ways. You want information on your brothers, right? I have contacts that can find them very quickly." "Thank you" Ann murmured. "I will be eternally grateful." Noin grinned. "Don't get all formal on me, we are friends. I will do all I can to help you out." Her face got serious again. "Try to be careful around Treize. He is usually a very nice guy, but he has some very dark sides as well." "Dark sides?" A flashback of the morning, and Treize's taunting voice came back to her. "Yes, you can say it's a side affect of being a vampire. He hides it pretty well, much better than most vampires. He is quite the gentleman most of the time, but try to keep him happy. I've seen him angry before and it's not pleasant." She looked up quickly at the clock. "Time sure flies. I have to go. Don't forget to give the report to Treize when he comes back." With a friendly salute, she was gone. Ann looked up at the fading sun and mentally prepared herself for the evening. Noin hurried down the hallway and narrowly avoided bumping into a tall form. "Zechs!" Her face broke into a huge smile. "Where have you been these past few days?" "Meetings." He said shortly in his deep voice. His face remained impassive, (or what she could see of it) was as hard as the mask he wore. Noin sighed, she suppose she couldn't expect more, this is Zechs after all. She was probably on of the only people who knew about his true name and history, yet, he always kept her at arms length. Almost like he was afraid. She reached out and touched his arm, he flinched slightly. "Are you ok Zechs? You seem a bit moody lately." "Fine." He muttered. "Well if you have any troubles, you can always tell me. I am your friend Zechs, don't treat me like a stranger." Some of the hurt must have seeped through her voice. "Sorry Noin." He sounded genuinely apologetic. She shook her head. "You have changed Zechs. You have always been distant, even in the academy days, but every since you became one of them, there is something different about you." The corners of his mouth tightened. "I am a vampire Noin. I am not what I had been." She looked pained. "You could do it with out the Treize's power." He shook his head. "No, I wasn't good enough as a mortal. There were limits. The Blood made me faster, stronger, invincible..." "It is eating away at your humanity." Noin exclaimed, unable to control herself anymore. "I know something is going on that you are not telling me. Please, Zechs." He shook his head harder and slowly backed away from her. "I vowed to avenge my family. At any price." He whispered. "Stay away Noin. I don't want to put you in any danger." "Wait! Zechs!" He ignored her and walked away quickly, disappearing into a patch of shadows. She looked sadly at the spot where he had vanished. "Zechs..." Zechs stumbled into his room. If he had stayed another second beside her, he knew he would have lost what little control he had. Damn, he could still smell the delicate lilac scent that hung about her. It's been so long since he had tasted human blood. He had lived on animals for weeks in fear of giving himself away. He always hunted with Treize or he would bring him fresh blood. He grimaced as a jolt of pain hit his stomach, a remainder of a easy meal slipped away. He should have grabbed her and slashed her wrist. Just a few sips, that's all he wants. He shook his head, hunger is giving him crazy thoughts. He was not Treize, he lacked control over his vampire abilities. He always killed his victims. <Stay away from her Zechs. You are a dangerous creature. She is your best friend. > While most vampires bathed in the glory of it, Zechs hated the kill. It sickened him. And it was just one more stain on the Peacecraft name. <Father, I have failed already. My hands are stained with the blood of innocents. > The lights flicked on causing him to jump. "Zechs." He sighed with relieve and straightened himself. "Master." "You look pale my friend." Commented Treize. Zechs stiffened. "I am perfectly well sir." Treize shook his head, a faint smile touching his lips. "Don't deny your nature Zechs. It won't do you any good to fall ill with the operation so close." He thrusted forward the glass goblet he carried in one hand. "Here, drink." Zechs accepted the goblet and looked at it with a mixture of loathing and longing. The thick red liquid swirled around slowly and the metallic scent caused his mouth to water. Treize sensed that his fledgling wished to be alone. "Good night Zechs. Don't forget you leave tomorrow at 0800 hours." "Yes sir." He murmured with a distracted air. The door clicked shut behind him. He stared at the liquid as his mind churned with emotions. Suddenly, his eyes hardened with decision and he downed the entire glass in a single gulp. His fists clenched with ecstasy and his pale skin flashed with color. The glass dropped to the ground, shattering upon the hard marble. He leaned over breathing hard. He was choosing the cowards way out. Yet, he could not change his destiny. His fists slammed into the wall in despair. Ann looked up as the door was thrown open. "Lord Treize requests your presence for dinner tonight." Said the servant in an imperious manner. Ann stood up from where she was seated at the window and followed the man out. They wove through halls and doors until she completely lost her sense of direction. Ann grimaced; Noin wasn't kidding when she said this place is big. Finally, the servant pushed open a pair of carved oak doors. Treize stood and bowed from the waist. He was dressed formally in black dinner jacket and slacks that made her wish that she wore something less casual. "I am glad you are joining me for dinner, my lady." She smiled sarcastically. "I wasn't given much of a choice." His smile matched her own as he waited for her to be seated before himself. The food was, with no doubt, the best she had ever had. She wondered if he always ate like this or he was trying to impress her. But she was too nervous to enjoy the lavish meal. There was little conversation. They watched each other carefully, seeking some kind of flaw or emotion. There was none. Both aristocrat's manners were perfect and each wore their own masks. "Excellent," commented Ann, breaking the silence as she dabbed her mouth with a napkin, "compliments to your chef." "I am glad you liked it." Replied Treize, his cerulean eyes glittering, they never left her face during the entire meal. He leaned back comfortably, one hand idly swirling a glass of strong wine. Ann braced herself. "Do not think of me as heartless regarding the death of your father. I only pity him for his foolishness. He could have joined our ranks and prospered, yet he chose to oppose us." A now familiar pain flared in her heart. She kept it hidden carefully. "I prefer to think of him as wise to avoid such a ruthless and self serving group." She countered smoothly. "At least he died doing what is right." Treize arched an eyebrow. "The strong will triumph and the weak will crumble. That is the way of the universe. Your family's ideals of pacifism and equality are fleeting dreams." "Even a dream is better than blood drenched reality." She retorted. "Ambition and power will only lead to massacres. " "Humans are weak creatures. They need a higher authority to guide them." "Humans have a will of their own. They are not stupid, just lacking in sound judgment. They will unite and rise up against any force that tries to oppress them. One may fall, but hundreds will rise in their place. The strongest thing in the world is the human spirit. You can hold their body, but not their soul." She looked at him steadily, daring him to say something. He gave a soft laugh and bowed his head, acknowledging his defeat in their small verbal duel. Ann's lips curved upwards in a faint smile. She had won this round. "Very good." He chuckled. "We will see the truth of your words soon enough." He was not angry, in fact, he was delighted to have a worthy opponent. <But don't expect me to lose so easily, my lady. > "I fear the day has been tiring for me. I think it would be best to retire early tonight." His eyes promised more than his words, much more. Ann made an effort to stall the inevitable. "It's still early. Perhaps you can tell me about your conquests?" She immediately regretted her choice of words and the meaning they implied. Treize grinned wolfishly, his eyes glittering eerily in the dim light. "I would prefer to add one more name to my list." He got to his feet and offered her his arm. Ann sighed and got up, resting her hand carefully onto his forearm. The walk back was uneventful, but tense. Ann could guess what Treize had in mind. Since he already lost the verbal match and he would never resort to violence, that left one possibility... Now if only her stomach would stop doing butterflies so she could think. Some of the shaking, she noted with some disgust, is from excitement. Her stupid body is definitely not cooperating. Treize clapped his hands together twice as they entered the room and dim lights flickered on. The slowness which he moved frayed her nerves even further. "Why don't you just say what you want? Can't you be straightforward for once? I am tired of the suspense and all the guessing." Muttered Ann, the tension finally getting to her. Treize didn't reply. He removed his jacket and draped it over the chair before coming to stand before her. Ann suddenly regretted voicing her thoughts, the silence is worse than any reply he could probably come up with. One of his hands carefully entwined it's fingers through her own, caressing and teasing in a way that cause electricity to shoot to the tip of her toes. "Touch is a much older language than words." He commented casually, ignoring her question, his voice and face remaining calm even as their fingers engaged in a small dance. "Some say that the most intimate form of communication is the touching of hands. Humans can express a wide range of emotions just through touch." Both hands went to her shoulders, kneading the tense muscles, a thumb traced the line of her collar bone. Ann gave herself a mental shake as his voice tried to bewitch her. "This is not a game Treize Kushrenada. I am not a pawn." His hands stilled. "No, you are much more." "I am not your toy, the world is not your playground." She bit out. He smiled tolerantly as if she was an infant throwing a temper tantrum. Her tempered flared. "This isn't a game! And I am not a child!" His expression turned serious. "No, you are not." He whispered. He pulled her close for a searing kiss that took both their breaths away. She looked at him with wide eyes, eyes now full of surprise and lust. He gently pushed her on to his bed, showering her face and neck with kisses, not giving her a single breath to recover or think. A hand slid under her shirt to caress her smooth stomach, another ran down her back, feeling the bump of her vertebrates. "Treize, stop." Her voice was sounded dazed. His teeth gently nipped at the creamy skin around her neck. "You don't mean it." "Yes I do." She whispered, her breathing becoming more rapid. A delicate blush spread from her collar to her face. "You don't sound like it." He observed. A wet tongue probed at a sensitive spot just behind her ear. She groaned and raked her nails down his back drawing paths of liquid fire. A hand cupped her chin and lifted her eyes to look into his own. "Say that you don't want me and I will let you go." He breathed, his breath flowing over her skin. She glowered at him in helpless fury. She can't, and he knows it. Even now, his skillful mouth and hands were driving her to the brink of madness. Her body arched towards his, seeking more while her mind recoiled in disgust. He chuckled and she hated him for it, hated him for being right, hated him for making her lose control like this. But anger only fired her passion more, throwing body and mind into swirls of motion. "You are beautiful when you are angry." He said as he discarded both their clothing smoothly, keeping her pined down with his body. Carefully, he entered her, hissing at the wetness of her passage. Her eyes were tightly shut and her fingernails dug crescents into his shoulder. The bright blue eyes and casual smile seemed to mock her as he moved with exaggerated slowness, keeping his thrust shallow. Her muscles tightened as he kept her near the edge, but he always retreated before her body could have the much needed release. But, she swore, she won't let him have the pleasure of hearing her beg. Her pride forbid it. "Such fortitude." He commented, his voice not showing a bit of strain or emotion. "Is it really worth it? She forced smile. "You can't always have things your way." "I admire strong women. Have I ever told you that? Well, I suppose it isn't polite of me to keep a lady waiting." He pushed deeply into her forcing a small cry from her lips. "God, yes. Just like that." She moaned as the last bits of her self control started floated away with each movement of their bodies. Both of Treize's hands came up to cup her breasts, his thumbs stimulating the erect nipples. She bit her lower lip until she drew blood to prevent herself from making anymore noise. Treize leaned forward until his forehead touched her own. "Say my name." He murmured. She shook her head to say no, not trusting herself to speak as her pleasure mounted to unbelievable heights. "I think you will." Treize said. He caught one nipple between his lips and delicately flicked it with the tip of his tongue. It was more than she could take and she screamed his name as her body wracked with pleasure drowning out his own groans. For a few minutes, there was silence except for the sound of labored breathing. Finally, Ann threw his arm off her and sat up, wrapping the sheets around herself. Treize shifted to his side and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Do you hate me?" He asked, his tone neutral. <Of course I do. > Was the answer that immediately came to mind, but she realized she couldn't say those words. "I think you try to simplify things too much my lady. You want to think of me as a villain so you can avenge your father, but did you ever try to listen to your true feelings? The world is not painted in black and white, it is in shades of gray." "What should I do then? Become your mistress, your whore?" She snarled suddenly. "I said no such thing. Your future is of your own choosing. All I am offering is to guide your path. Revenge is important, but it is not everything." "Such civil words. I don't think you are one to judge such things." She said bitterly. He shrugged. "I understand human nature. For example, I don't think you will leave even now if I let you go." Her eyes widened. "How-" "You know you can't defeat me now. But if you stay beside me long enough, you believe you will win my trust and find some flaw in vampires that will enable you to kill them." She grimaced. "You are a mind reader." "Actually, vampires can't read minds. They merely can see subtle changes in expression and can detect mood changes by smell. I had studied humans all my life, I find they are fairly predictable creatures." "So you are not worried I might stab you in the back one dark night?" She said sarcastically. "Like I said, humans are predictable. Besides, I never change my mind once it's made up. I think we will both benefit from this relationship." "I say it's rather risky to me." She said dryly. "There is a chance to everything. Besides, they say that all's fair in love and war." He yawned and offered her a hand. "If you are done talking, I would like to get some sleep." She only hesitated for a moment before laying down beside him. Steady breathing indicated that Treize was already asleep, but Ann sat awake for a long time, thinking about what he had said.