Disclaimer: The characters and all other trademarks belong to Sensei Matsuri Hino and Lala.

Note: Can be a bit depressing. You were warned.

You said you wanted to be my side forever.

You said we'll be together for eternity.

Looking at you, in your deceptively peaceful slumber—I still wonder if you never stopped lying to me.

"Yuuki…"

Aido was looking at me with worried eyes.

"How long does he have before…." I couldn't say it. That shirt, when opened, will reveal a gaping hole. I tried to touch it, but I simply touched your hair.

"Kaname-sama is quite old, even by our standards." He looked at the ceiling, scratching his head. "He may have at least tonight."

Tonight.

Today is the last day of the furnace. It was able to supply the Association with enough weapons to fight vampires for another millennium or so, thanks to your generosity.

"Thank you, Aido-sempai." I could not help smiling a bit as the vampire before me blushed crimson with my address.

I stood up. My wedding ring flashed briefly with the little ray of sunlight that escaped between the thick curtains. I clenched my fist briefly to look at it a bit longer.

Zero.

Tears briefly filled my eyes and I rapidly blinked them away. He died protecting a child from a weapon they were testing, you see. I was able to show him how much I loved him right before he turned into sparkling dust.

I feel old. And so, so exhausted.

Did you feel this way when you were awakened that second time?

"Mother." The newcomer stood at the doorway.

"Yes, Ai?"

Ai bowed briefly to Aido before he went out of the room. She's so respectful, you'll be proud of her. And she's so smart. She also makes sure her brother does his homework on time.

"Mother? Are you alright?"

I blinked. "I'm sorry, I was far away. You were saying?"

"I just said Ren and I were wondering if you're sure about this."

I tried to look at her with your eyes. Beautiful, yes. I like to think that she resembles you more. She can be quite solemn at times. She loves her family fiercely.

"Thank you for putting up with your naïve mother." I cupped her face and wrinkled my nose at her. She laughed. "We've gone over this a hundred times."

"Yes, I know, but—" She looked at you and I saw a glimpse of anger.

"I'm doing this so he can have a chance at redemption."

Redemption. You with your ideals of a perfect world, willing to bloody your hands to do so. You with your infinite sadness. You with so much love to give.

I dropped my hands and smoothed a stray lock of her hair (like you used to do with me).

"So we babysit him until he's strong enough, is that it?" Ah, that part she probably got from Zero.

"He'll probably have no memories from his previous lifetime. And that would be fine. So few of us get to start over with a blank slate."

When did I become so worldly?

I hugged our daughter. She sighed. Sometimes she acts so much older than me.

"Do you remember my message for him when he wakes up?" I cupped her chin.

"Yes."

"Do you promise to not tell him about what I did?"

"Yes. But I can't say the same for Ren."

I chuckled at the thought of my son.

"Ren will do what he thinks is necessary."

And like a charm, her brother came to take her away about an errand for their Cousin Shiki. The two of them make such a handsome pair. Will they eventually marry? I hope so. That's been the family tradition since you were first born, is that right?

Your face. It's still as beautiful from when I first saw you.

My only regret is that we will never get to see each other before you wake up.

Will you grow old? Will you find a new lover? Will you live your life to the fullest?

I kiss your lips for the last time.

"Goodbye, Kaname."

There. I can now call you with just your name.