As he heard Dawn scream out his name, Zero growled. He hated himself for being unable to help her. He searched for the power he had before; the power he used to kill Rido Kuran, but found nothing. Dawn continued crying out his name as the level E's fangs got closer to her neck. Its actions were interrupted as a dagger pierced its heart. Dawn dropped to the ground in shock, staring into space. "I've got her; you two take the others." A voice called as she slowly collapsed onto the ground.

She awoke in the headmaster's quarters, in the same bed she was in before. Ichiru sat on the chair by her bed and she flinched away, remembering the previous night. "I'm glad you're okay." He whispered. Dawn stared at him in shock; how dare he show himself after what he did. Akatsuki Kain walked inside, clearing his throat. "You're awake." He stated, looking at the girl. She nodded and made to sit up, but failed miserably, groaning loudly. Ichiru grabbed her arm, looking at the bloody bandage wrapped around it. He slowly and gently began changing it, the girl's eyes on him all the while. He kissed her hand after he finished and stroked her hair. "I'm not that bad, you know. I really am sorry." She nodded in response and looked up at Akatsuki. "I came to check the fire." She nodded and smiled at him as he walked to the fireplace and used his powers to build the fire again. She smiled at him gratefully before returning her attention to Ichiru. "Your voice is probably strained." He told her. She didn't know why she was capable of forgiving him after what he did. Her eyes widened in shock as Zero ran in. As he made to punch his brother, she grabbed his wrist, shaking her head. Zero stared at her in shock before calming down. It was just like her to be so forgiving. He sat on the side of the bed and pulled her into his arms gently. "You okay?" He whispered.

She nodded, whispering a response. "Y-yeah. . ." He looked into her eyes before gently kissing her lips. It didn't last long as he pulled away quickly, tears in his eyes. "You are the most amazing person I've ever met, Dawn." She smiled at him and stroked his cheek with her thumb. Ichiru cleared his throat, causing both to look at him. He grinned and held his hand out for Zero to shake in a peace treaty. Dawn smiled at Zero and nodded as he hesitantly shook hands with his brother. Kaname Kuran stepped inside, receiving a glare from Zero. She rapidly sat up, blushing heavily. The vampire smiled at her and walked to her side, stroking her hair. "Thank you." He said kindly. She blushed and nodded, unable to find her voice again. He leant forward and kissed her forehead, causing both silver-haired men to draw breath. He bowed to her before turning around and walking out of the room. Zero brought a wet towel and wiped her forehead, smirking at her. Ichiru laughed loudly at his brother's actions, and it dawned on the two brothers that this was perhaps the first time in many years that they laughed together like this. Ichiru stood up and playfully pushed Zero away, kissing Dawn's lips. "Oh no you don't!" Zero said as he pulled them apart. Dawn was in shock at the two boys and sat up further. They took a hand each, kissing it lovingly.

Dawn looked up to find the two brothers glaring daggers at each other. She had hoped that they were happy together, but it was a dream. "It was your fault for being late!" Zero yelled.

"Are you mad?! You're the one who let her go!" Ichiru yelled back. The girl sat up.

"You two, please!" She pouted. They looked to her and each dashed to her side, as if racing.

"How're you feeling, Dawn?" Zero asked her quietly.

"I'm alright. . . What about you, Zero? And Hanabusa-senpai!" She rapidly sat up in bed.

"Relax. That idiot's fine." Zero scoffed, bringing her back down gently.

"Ichiru, h-how did you know?" She looked to the younger twin.

"When you take my sword, it means I have to save you. Old times give you experience, Dawn." He chuckled. Zero growled, causing Dawn to pout at him. He sighed and wrapped an arm around her, kissing her forehead.

"Ichiru, you really are amazing." The twin chuckled and kissed her head, earning a glare from Zero.

"Is she awake!?" Hanabusa Aidou yelled as he ran into the room. She looked at him and smiled.

"Hello, Sir Aidou."

"Jeez, cut that out! You almost got killed because of me!" He looked honestly sad. She giggled and shook her head.

"I followed by my own free will; it isn't your fault." He sighed in defeat.

"No use arguing with her." Ichiru told the vampire, smirking.

"I guess you're right." Hanabusa forced a smile. "Lord Kaname actually sent me to check on you. He also told me to tell you that the ball you were invited to was postponed to next week, and wanted to know if you'd be able to make it."

Zero frowned at her; what would she be doing with a vampire? It made absolutely no sense at all. Ichiru, however, was grinning widely. "Yeah, I think I can make it." She replied, a gentle smile on her face. Zero wasn't happy, of course. What was his Dawn doing agreeing to go to vampire parties with the lord of the vampires? He stood up and loomed over her, the expression on his face nothing short of frightening. Dawn raised an eyebrow at him; she definitely wouldn't be afraid what with her frequent experiences with much more frightening vampires. Even the Level E that hurt her was more frightening than this sane human before her. Of course, he wouldn't be sane for much longer if she kept on associating with – and making friends with – his mortal enemies; vampires. Seeing the seriousness in his eyes, she sighed, a look of sadness crossing her face. She would have to tell him the truth about her bloodline, else he'll get mad later on when he found out through some other source. She knew he'd be mad anyway, but she wanted to get this over with. "Ichiru, could you please excuse us for a moment?" The younger twin nodded and bowed before leaving the room and closing the door.

"This must be pretty important if you don't want Ichiru to hear it." Zero mutters.

"It is. Zero, I… I'm part vampire." She got the words out before she could hesitate or change them. Zero remained silent, only standing up and taking a step back.

"Wh-what?" He whispered

"Zero, please… I'm mostly human!" He glared at her, not believing her words. "See, Sir Kuran Senior had an affair with a cousin of his who was part of the aristocracy. Their child married a human and had me, so really, I'm only a quarter pure vampire, you could say.

"Do you drink blood?" He hissed.

"Very rarely. Like, once a year or something." She replied.

"Where do you get it from?" He asked quietly.

"Usually animals or pills. Human blood 's never touched my tongue." She sat up further.

"I guess…" He blushed and looked at her. "I guess I can't hate you more than I hate myself." She let out a sigh of relief and held her arms out for him as much as she could. Zero hesitated before running to her and holding her. "Promise me something." He whispered.

"Anything." She whispered back.

"Whenever you need blood, come to me." She nodded and smiled at him, kissing his head.

"Whenever you need blood, you come to me. You could use some pure blood every once in a while."

"I love you." He murmured. Her cheeks grew bright red as she took in the impact of his words. Love was such a big thing. She didn't think he loved her as much as admired her, but she was wrong. She assessed her feelings quickly, wondering if she really, truly returned his feelings. She did.

"I love you, too, Zero." She replied, causing him to jump. "What?" She asked, giggling at his reaction.

His cheeks turned red. "I just… wasn't expecting that kind of response…"

"I love you." She repeated, kissing his cheek.

"I… I love you, too." A small smile played on his lips.

"I bet you don't love me as much as I love you." She whispered, giggling.

"Oh, really?" His smile grew wider. "We'll see about that!" He laughed as he kissed her lips, earning kisses back. They kissed for a while before Dawn heard a knock on the door.

"Dawn? Zero?" He called.

"Come in!" Dawn called out, despite Zero's silent pleas for her to kiss him once more. She held Zero's hand as he stood, unaware of the happiness he felt at having her soft, tender hand in his.

"So, what were you talking about?" Ichiru asked, leaning against the wall.

"Oh, nothing." Dawn sang before Zero could respond coldly. "Just a few confessions." She giggled and squeezed Zero's hand, making jealousy boil in Ichiru's heart.

"Well, I'd like some alone time with Dawn, too." Ichiru said, huffing.

"Fine by me." Zero said, squeezing her hand tightly as if to assure her that he still loves her. More than Ichiru seemed to show her. Zero exited the room quietly before closing the door. Ichiru remained at the wall for a moment before walking over to her.

"Zero probably fed you lies about loving you and liking you and not being able to live without you." Ichiru said, smirking.

"Lies?" Dawn frowned, not feeling comfortable knowing that she was unable to escape while Ichiru was speaking like that.

"Of course. My brother's a heartless jerk."

"Last I checked, it was you who tried to rape me." She sneered, anger playing at her voice.

"Oh? However, you noticed how violent he is, didn't you?" Ichiru frowned a little.

"Only when provoked. I also know who provokes him most of the time." Dawn frowned and sat up. "Let's hear what Zero has to say about this." She looked to the door. "Zero!" She called. He dashed in before she had finished his name.

"Right here!" Zero ran to Dawn's side and held her hand.

"Zero, Ichiru thinks you don't love me. That you're too violent for me." Dawn smirked and squeezed Zero's hand.

"I will always love you, Dawn." Zero assured, kissing her hand.

Later that week, Dawn stood in her blue gown in front of her mirror. Hearing a knock, she called out for the person to come in. Zero stepped in, wearing a tuxedo and a bow tie. "Your escort has arrived, my lady." He announced, grinning widely. She ran into his arms, giggling happily and holding onto him tightly. Zero kissed her head and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before letting her return to the mirror. She held the blue rose around her dress.

"Should I put it at my chest or at my waist? Should I keep it at my shoulder?" She looked to Zero who walked over to her and took the rose, placing it in her hair and tucking it between her strands.

"In your hair." He stated before kissing her lips. She kissed back, leaning up to wrap her arms around his neck. Zero's eyes widened as he noticed a small notebook open on the table with a pen on it. He pulled away and picked it up. "May I?" She blushed.

"Only if you promise not to tell anyone what you've read." He nodded and began reading.

Dear Diary,

Only ten hours left until the ball. Ruka offered to take me to the hairdresser's with her, but I declined. Zero wouldn't be happy if he found out that I was spending extra time with the vampires. He worries a lot, but he's sweet. Lord Kaname stopped by in the morning and reminded me of the time during which he'd wait for me. It's fun being in the Headmaster's building, but it's a little odd waking up to the same man who runs my school. Yuuki's nice; she braided two bits of my hair today and I think they look great. She told me she'd transfer to the Night Class as of next week. It'll be a shame not seeing her in class, but I've got Zero. It's extremely embarrassing to admit, but I like it when he kisses me and I feel safe when he holds me. It's like I've got my own personal bodyguard, but he's better than any bodyguard.

Well, I'm almost done getting ready for the ball. Now, if only I had some chocolate cake. Maybe I'll make Zero get me some if he stops by.

Zero laughed as he set the book down. "Mind if I borrow it? Oh, and I forgot to give you this." He reached in and gave her the notebook she had handed him when they first met. "I filled in the first entry for you. I expect to read some more cheesy stuff in there. I'll be enjoying the rest of this book in the meantime. As for your cake, well, it should be arriving any minute now."

Dawn nodded and flicked open the book.

Entry Number One.

Zero Kiryu.

Well, I guess this is like a sort of diary. Dawn, I really don't know what to put in here, since I'm with you almost every waking moment, but I do want to tell you that I love you. Yuuki's been trying to tell me she's leaving, but I don't want any goodbyes or tears. It'd be best if she just left. Anyway, we'll still see each other in the headmaster's quarters. Man, that is one crazy guy. He's under the impression that he's my father just because he took me in. Anyway, I guess my day's been okay. Ichiru teasing a little, but it's fine. I'll be waiting for your response.

All my love,

Zero.

She closed the book and put it away, kissing his blushing cheek. At that moment, Hanabusa Aidou shuffled into the room nervously.

"Um, lady Dawn?" He murmured.

"Yes?"

Hanabusa blushed and looked up at her. "I ate your cake."