The first week was the hardest. We drove, only stopping to siphon some gas and to swap out drivers so everyone could take turns getting some sleep. We were all exhausted and hungry. We finally reached a little town that had no signs of anyone, human or vampire, for a long time. We had picked up food from the small convenience store as well as medical supplies from the pharmacy. It wasn't much but it would be enough for the seven of us for a few weeks. Us humans that is. We found what must have been an Inn, probably for people from the city who wanted to get away. It must have been a beautiful place while it was still operating but the years of neglect had taken its toll. The Inn had twelve rooms and a large lounge area with a bar for guests. It also had a large garden area and a stonewall surrounding it. It wasn't much security but it was the best fit for us we had seen since leaving the city. It even had a little viewing tower we used to keep watch. It was probably for tourist but it worked well enough. We were in the middle of nowhere, but that is exactly what we needed now…

"Shinya…?" Narumi was giving him a weird look as he tilted his head. "Wow… you were really zoned out…"

"Aha, sorry I guess I was." Shinya laughed awkwardly.

"I was wondering if you could help me bring some water up?"

"Sure, I'll help. I think I'm finished fixing this gate. What do you think?" He said as took a few steps back for a better view.

"Watch it…" Kimizuki said as he pushed a wheelbarrow past them. Shinya sympathetically watched him as he continued on his way…

Since that day at the airport, he hasn't said much. He's still very upset, understandably so.

"Looks good!" Narumi said, interrupting his thought. "We've gotten a lot done this week, it's actually starting to look like a reputable Inn again."

"You're right, it isn't bad at all…"

"Hey, when you guys are ready we made a little lunch." Yoichi said as he, Shinoa and Mitsuba walked up behind them.

"That's scary…" Narumi said.

"Hey, hey~ we had supervision this time so it shouldn't be too bad haha~!" Shinoa laughed mischievously.

"Alright, we're just going to grab some water and we'll be back up soon." Narumi said as they headed towards the little creek beside the Inn.

They filled a few pots of water to boil and store for drinking. He noticed Mika walking towards the Inn, she would often go out to scavenge for food for them but mostly she stayed by Yuu's side… He finally woke up a few days ago but it was only for a few minutes and he was still very out of it when they'd try to speak with him. They would only try rouse him each day to eat and drink a little. After taking all those pills that day and everything else… he needed rest more than anything.

We all need rest but… sleep brings nightmares…

He and Narumi headed back as well. After taking care of the water they sat down with the girls and Yoichi. Kimizuki hadn't come back yet and it worried him a bit, leaving anyone alone at a time like this… but he understood Kimizuki needed some space to himself, pushing him would only upset him probably… They had made some grilled fish with canned peas. It was simple but it tasted good, not that they were in any position to be picky… Kimizuki finally returned as they finished and were thanking the girls and Yoichi for making their lunch. He took his plate and thanked them before going outside to eat by himself. Shinya decided to follow him out and join him quietly and maybe get an idea about how he was doing without being to imposing…

"Hi~" He said as he sat next to him. Kimizuki nodded in acknowledgement as he continued to eat. He still needed time it appeared so instead of being pushy Shinya just sat with him and looked out into the over grown garden. It was in worse condition when they arrived but Kimizuki had spent a lot of time working out here. Bundles of sticks were placed neatly in piles around the edges, revealing a clearer landscape in their absence.

"It's beginning to look like a garden again." Shinya gave him an encouraging smile. "Good work~"

"Thank you." Kimizuki said as he stood up to bring his dishes back inside and get more water before he went back to work again. Shinya continued to rest as he watched him lifting the bundles of sticks into the wheelbarrow.

"How is he?" Mitsuba said softly as she walked over carrying a full plate of food.

"Same, but he will come around. We all process things differently and in our own time…" Shinya said.

Mitsuba sighed, "Well, I was going to see if maybe Yuu will wake up long enough to eat a little. Want to come?"

"Sure." He said as he got up and walked towards her as she turned to lead the way to Yuu's room.

They entered after a knock, seeing Mika sitting at the small desk in room reading. She had found a few books while she was out looking for supplies and would read them to Yuu while he slept.

"Hey Mika-chan." Mitsuba greeted her kindly.

"How is he today?" Shinya asked.

"Hello, he's been sleeping more peacefully lately. " The vampire said as she folded the book closed.

"Do you think we can wake him up for some food?" Mitsuba asked and gestured to the plate in her hand.

"I tried earlier when I smelt the food but he didn't stir at all." She explained. "We can try again…"

"It's okay, I'd hate to wake him up if he's actually getting some rest."

"Hello~" Shinoa said as she poked her head in. She was holding clean blankets she and Mitsuba had washed yesterday and left out to dry. They were going to change out Yuu's blankets since the old ones still had dried blood and dirt on them. Mika carefully lifted Yuu off the bed and held him as the other three changed the blankets. Shinya watched as she placed him back in bed, pulling the clean blanket over him and tucked him in. Shinoa walked over and stood next to the bed with a worried expression.

"Yuu-chan, wake up soon okay?" She said while gently rubbing his arm. Mika returned to the desk and the book she was reading as they all left the room after saying their goodbyes… Mika, like Kimizuki, also hadn't said much in the last week. He could understand the reason behind her stand-off demeanor… She was the only vampire here. It must have been uncomfortable for her and it didn't help he nearly killed her himself… He felt bad about that, considering how much she's helped them since they arrived, all while taking care of Yuu the most. She also had saved his life despite him attacking her when Guren…

Guren…

It hurt to think about him or that day in general… but there was nothing he could do for him here… He couldn't go back either, not without being killed as soon as he was spotted. Kureto had also tried to kill him that day… No, he had to stay alive… He had to find a way to help Guren and the others. He wondered how Goshi, Mito, Sayuri and Shigure were as well, if they survived. They were all he had… That's why he could understand how Yuu and Mika felt about each other better than anyone. They too made their own family and it was torn apart. Now, he felt his was being torn apart as well…

The day passed quietly and the sun was setting, bringing about the coolness of the night. They all had just finished eating dinner together and were now cleaning up after yet another simple meal of fish and peas… Kimizuki had already gone to his room alone without saying much, same as the other nights… Mitsuba and Shinoa were also heading to their rooms after stopping to check on Mika and Yuu one more time. Yoichi had fallen asleep on the sofa and Narumi also went to see Mika. Mika, being a vampire, didn't need sleep so she would often watch over their little Inn at night while Narumi shared the room with Yuu during her absence. It had only been a week but they had already developed this little routine of sorts…

Shinya walked outside, it was chilly even with his jacket and he rubbed his arms for warmth… He too had a room, however, he couldn't really sleep. He'd wake up often either from dreams or restlessness. He'd always just lie there all night until morning came and he heard the others beginning to rouse… He spotted Mika in the tower, her back to him as she looked out towards the human and vampire cities. She was often alone up there… so, not wanting to fall into his own usual routine, he decided to go up as well and keep watch with her. Even though she was the only one awake he had been meaning to talk to her and now would be a good time… After grabbing a blanket he headed up the stairs to join Mika. She sat on the railing with her legs dangling off the edge as she turned her head to look at him. Oddly enough, she looked tired…

"Good evening~" He said in a cheerful whisper.

"Hello, did something happen?" She asked as she lifted her legs off the rail to turn around and slid off back inside the tower.

"Oh no, everything is fine. Everyone's asleep. I just couldn't sleep."

"I see… That's good." She said as she started to turn away again. He hadn't exactly had any conversations with a vampire before and Mika was a little difficult to read at times. There was a slightly awkward silence for the next few minutes until he remembered what he wanted to talk to her about.

"…Hey Mika…"

"Yes"

"I wanted to apologize…" He said as he walked closer to her.

"For what?" She looked at him, seeming a little confused by the words. He stopped a few feet from her and leaned over the railing.

"For Nagoya, when I stabbed you… I understand now you were just trying to protect Yuichiro. I would do anything to protect the ones I care about as well…"

"Thank you, Shinya, I understand why you did it though."

"Aha~ That's the first time you've used my name." He smiled. Mika looked away a little. It was true though. She'd only ever called him stupid human once and referred to him as 'the sniper' according to Shinoa and Mitsuba.

"I guess you're right." She chuckled. That was the first time he had heard her laugh as well.

"I also wanted to thank you, for saving my life at the airport." He said as he watched her, the wind caught her hair now the way it did that day. She looked as though she were trying to recall the memory of it when she finally spoke.

"When Yuu-chan and I saw you and your friend fighting he said we had to stop it. That you two were each other's family."

"That's right, he's my best friend." He said as she looked at him as well. She must have heard the pain in his voice.

"I'm sorry, about your friend…" She said softly.

"Thank you…"

They were quiet again. Both had seen those who they considered friends do things they'd never expected or understood. It was Mika who finally broke the silence.

"Will you be here for a while longer?" She asked.

"I could stay."

"Do you mind if I rest a little bit?"

"No, I don't mind." He said as he pulled his blanket up a little more.

"Thank you, it shouldn't be long, just let me know when you're ready to go back inside." She said she sat down against the wall. She pulled her legs to her chest and folded her arms in her lap as she closed her eyes. Shinya stood watch as Mika rested, it had been a little over an hour and curiously enough she was sound asleep… He started to feel a little sleepy himself but he didn't want to wake her. He sat down near her carefully and watched her in great interest…

Hm, a sleeping vampire…

The breeze pushed her bangs in her face and she twitched her head a little as though they had tickled her. It didn't help to move them away in the least bit. Seeing her sleeping like this, she looked human. Both calm and gentle in her defenseless state… Her long blonde hair swaying gently as she held herself, if she weren't in vampire robes he really would think she was just a sleeping human girl… Again the breeze toyed with her hair, Shinya leaned in closer, reached out and gently tucked them behind her ear.

They're human ears…

She moved a little and he pulled his hand away quickly, his eyes wide as though he got caught doing something wrong. He felt a little silly and shrank back into his spot again. He wasn't sure what brought impulse that on… He scolded himself for his strange behavior.

I really must be tired.

Another thirty minutes or so went by before he looked over at Mika again. She looked cold… but vampires don't get cold… She was certainly different from what he knew and expected from vampires… It was all so odd… He took his blanket off and placed it around her shoulders and observed her again… It wasn't long until she seemed a bit more comfortable.

I guess she was cold…

He laid his head back against the wall, closing his eyes. He tried not to think of what had happened in Nagoya. Every time he closed his eyes that day would play out again in his mind. Instead, he tried to just think about what needed to be done tomorrow. The gate was fixed and the wall was still in good condition. They needed to find more food and a way to get plumbing back into the Inn. There was a generator but it needed some work. Narumi had been working on it lately; it would be nice to take a shower. Even if it was just a cold one.

As he sat there planning his day he drifted to sleep. When he woke up, he felt warm and strangely comfortable. He opened his eyes slowly and came to see he was lying in his own bed. How though? He fell asleep in the tower…

When did I come back inside?

He rolled out of bed feeling much better, rested for a change. He fixed his clothes and came into the living room, seeing Shinoa, Mitsuba, Narumi, Yoichi and even Kimizuki were there having breakfast already.

"Good morning!" Yoichi greeted him and the others looked over and greeted him too. "Did you get some rest finally?"

"Y-Yes I did." He said as he ran his ran combed his hair with his fingers. "When did I go to bed?"

Everyone shrugged. "We were in bed before you I'm pretty sure." Shinoa said. That's right, everyone had already gone to bed before he went up with Mika…

"Oh, alright." He turned and left the living room. The others looked at each other and shrugged again as they ate and went back to whatever conversation they were having. He headed towards Yuu's room… After a knock he was told to enter by a voice on the other side of the door… Mika was at the desk again when she looked up at him.

"Good morning." She said.

"G-good morning." He said as he came in. After taking a moment to check on Yuu he asked, "Hey… do you know how I got back to my room. I thought I fell asleep up in the tower but then I woke up in my room… I'm sorry I fell asleep by the way…" He started to ramble till Mika answered.

"I brought you in." She informed. He stared back at her but didn't respond. "I'm sorry, you just looked cold and uncomfortable so I carried you back inside…"

"Oh haha it's okay! I was just wondering. Well, I should get going. See you later!" He said as he backed out of the room waving his hands. He bumped into the doorframe and quickly turned to head back towards his room. He fell back into bed again and stared at the ceiling. He remembered he had given her his blanket last night thinking she was cold, he felt a little embarrassed about it now for some reason…

What is with me lately?

MIKA'S POV

They had been at the Inn almost two weeks now and Yuu still hadn't woken up but only a handle full of times and it was only for a few minutes each time. She watched him as he slept, worried…

"Mika-chan~!" Shinoa flung the door open and posed in the doorway. "Mitsuba and I have come up with a plan!" She said as she came in and sat on the bed next to Yuu.

"O-okay?"

"Well, Narumi wants to take a nap so while he's in here with Yuu-chan me, you and Mitsuba are going to go shopping!"

"Shopping?" She repeated the word, it didn't really sound like a good plan to her…

"Yup! There's a clothing store in the town. Us girls can go and then once we're back the boys go!" She said as she jumped up again.

"I'm fine in this." Mika said. Shinoa walked up to her and stuck her finger in the slit of her uniform where Shinya's blade came through and tugged on it. "No, I think it's time for new clothes. Plus we all shouldn't be going around in our old uniforms, so consider it a tactical wardrobe change haha~!"

She did make a good point. Also, if Narumi wants to take a nap she should leave anyway. Yuu will be okay…

"Alright then, lets go…" She agreed. Shinoa clapped her hands having won and hurried out of the room as Mika followed.

They arrived in town and decided to see if they could find supplies first. They had already taken anything of use to them but they did find a few more canned foods and a few tools. They entered the small clothing store and started to look around. Mika found black pants that fit into her thigh high boots comfortably and a blue fitted sweater. She could move easily in these clothes… She looked at her reflection in the mirror; it felt strange being in human clothes after so long. Her long wavy blonde hair seemed brighter against the dark blue of the sweater.

"You look cute Mika-chan!" Shinoa said as she appeared in the mirror beside her.

"Thank you, its comfortable." She answered softly. Their height difference was obvious when they stood beside each other like this. Mika was almost 12cm taller than her and Mitsuba was between them in height. Mitsuba and Shinoa also found some things they liked after going through a few different outfits. They spent more time trying on dresses and impractical shoes than anything else. Even getting Mika to go along with it… she had fun though and it was a pleasant distraction.

"Wouldn't it be great if we were just normal girls in a normal world!" Shinoa said as she twirled in her new skirt.

"Obviously…" Mitsuba said as she pulled her boots back on.

"We would be worrying about exams and boys instead of the JIDA and vampires! Hey speaking of boys, Mika did you know Mitsuba has a crush on Yuu-chan!"

"Shinoa! I do not! " Mitsuba's face turned red.

"Ahahaha~!" Shinoa laughed as she ran outside to their car and jumped in. They had found a smaller, quieter car and mostly used that instead of the noisy military vehicle. Mitsuba chased after her as continued to deny the earlier accusation. Mika always found their antics entertaining, it was never dull with them. She drove back as the other two went through some of the supplies they had found. They would need to venture out further soon to find supplies, probably to a larger city than where they were in now.

It was already nighttime as they walked up towards the Inn they heard some laughing. It was a nice sound considering none of them had been in the best mood lately. Mika heard a familiar laugh… She bolted inside, leaving a confused Shinoa and Mitsuba behind. They ran towards the Inn as well calling out to her.

"Yuu-chan!" She said as she appeared in the room suddenly, startling Yoichi when she entered.

"Mika!" Yuu jumped up and wrapped his arms around her squeezing her tightly. She was so happy to him up and moving around finally. "Mika, you're here." He said softly as he pulled away to look at her. He had a huge smile on his face.

"Yuu-chan!' Shinoa and Mistuba said almost simultaneously as they entered. They both hugged him as well. While they were gone Shinya, Yoichi, Narumi and Kimizuki had filled him in on what they've been doing. He wanted to walk around and see the place but it was already nighttime so they insisted he stay inside for now.

"Just take it easy Yuu, we will put you to work soon enough." Narumi said with a laugh. "Although you've missed most of it. Shinya and I even got the generator to work today so now you can take a shower, you kinda need it haha!"

They all chatted and laughed together for a while longer but it was getting late and they urged Yuu get back in bed despite him complaining he had already spent enough time in bed. Mika watched as they all joked around together and filled in a few more details of their time here but mostly she was quiet, only wanting to see how they interacted with each other, with Yuu… After they said their final goodnights she walked him back to his room alone supporting him with her shoulder and helped him sit down on the bed.

"How have you been Mika, really? I'm sorry I wasn't able to at least introduce you to everyone."

"It's okay, they've all been friendly and seem to be okay about being stuck here with a vampire… I'm just so glad you're finally awake…" She said as she pressed her forehead his. His arms fell around her shoulders and he embraced her tightly.

"Hey Mika…" He said as he pulled away.

"Hmm?"

"When did you last have blood to drink?"

Mika hesitated, but she answered him honestly. "Not since Nagoya."

"You must be thirsty then, here…" He said as he tilted his head.

"Yuu-chan, I'm fin-"

"Mika, please don't say you're fine. You need blood and I told you I'll give you my blood whenever you need it." He said interrupting her.

"You're still healing, now is not the time."

"I feel fine. You've been taking care of me so now it's my turn, so drink." He said as he tugged on her hair.

Mika sighed reluctantly, he's always so pushy… Rather than arguing about it Mika obeyed and bit down into his neck. She only drank a little, just enough to satisfy the thirst that had been growing each day. It was strange, feeding on human blood now… it tasted so much better than Krul's and Yuu's… Yuu's had such a mild taste to it, like honey almost… She pulled away and assured him it was enough with a gentle hug…

"Better?"

"Nn…" She gave him a soft smile in reply. He still looked exhausted and just as he was getting into bed Narumi walked, signaling it was time for her to take her leave. After saying goodnight to both of them she exited the room, needing to head up to the tower now. She felt noticeably better having satisfied her thirst, stronger in a way…

"Hey Mika!" A voice called to her just as she was stepping outside, the sniper… no, Shinya, was standing just outside as though he had been waiting on her.

"Hi Shinya." She answered, still feeling a little unsure about him… On one hand he was best friends with the man who saved Yuu-chan, but also used him and tried to kill him. On the other he had been kind enough to give her his blanket while she slept a few nights ago. He had been kind to her since arriving and appeared to have little issue with being here alongside a vampire… Even still, she intended to keep an eye on him and at a safe distance for now.

"I was talking to Shinoa and Mitsuba and they said your were planning to head into a city for more supplies tomorrow?" He asked.

"Yes, there isn't much left in the town that's of use." She said.

"I was wondering if I could tag along with you~?"

Mika honestly wanted to go alone, she can move faster on her own.

"Um, well if there's something you need I can see if I can find it…"

"Well it's a few things for the generator that need to be replaced, otherwise it wont work for very long." He said. She thought about it, she'd have no idea what she was looking for it even if he drew a picture. But she really didn't want to go with him…

"Oh, what is it exactly. I'm sure I could find it." She asked, he started to explain to her what they needed and what it looked like. Her eyes glazed over a bit.

"Aha~ you have no idea what I'm talking about do you?" He said with a smile.

"Eh… no, not really…" She admitted.

"Haha! I thought so, alright, I'll be going to bed now and we can leave first thing in the morning okay~" He said. Mika wondered if this guy was always this cheerful as she tried to come up with a good reason to get him to stay behind but he had already headed down the hall. Mika sighed…

First Shinoa, then Yuu and now him. Humans sure know how to get their way…

Mika jumped up into tower and looked out towards the cities. They would be heading that way tomorrow. It looked quiet out there, which was a good sign. It was going to be risky for her alone but bringing a slow human along is now going to make it even more difficult. She felt a little frustrated even thinking about it, how troublesome… The night passed and morning came. Mika had moved up to the roof and was lying on her side watching the sun peek over the horizon as it gently colored the sky a powdered blue.

"Mika!" A voice below called up to her, she looked over the ledge and Shinya was standing there waving at her. "Are you ready?!"

Mika stood up and stepped off the roof. She landed without hardly a sound a few feet from where Shinya stood.

"Ready."