Summary: Same as before

Proceed With Caution/PWC: If you want

'thoughts'...Nevermind, you all should already know this from reading loads of many ffics.

A/N: For those still confused, Juubei is the psuedonym the cloaked vampire is going by. Also the delay behind this is that I finally moved to Japan, so sorry about that. I really wished to update it sooner, please forgive me. Also this was originally 17 pages long, but I cut it a couple pages short. Don't want to get too ahead of myself. I hope this doesn't confuse any one, as well, as hoping you all don't hate me as much as you already do, and disfaved/followed this. I hope I can make it up.

If there are any other questions please feel free to leave a comment or PM me, hopefully I can clear a few things before proceeding, and losing you all.

Disclaimer: As before I do not own this story, or the characters whatsoever, but please enjoy. I do not make a profit and have nothing to gain from it but experience to further my writing/story-telling skills. Thank you, and I don't care if they suck, we all start as Novice somewhere.

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Chapter 14: Sunset at Noon

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"Zero?"

Lilac eyes trailed over the wet floor below, observering the sky hidden behind obscured clouds, the rain poured down on the outside world.

"Are you listening to me?"

Murky purples floating behind never-ending trails of the changing ashened colored scenery. The wet substance hitting against his chest added to the cool breeze that felt nice against his feverish skin. His thought still lost at the sound of fading echoes booming in the distance, bringing his mind back to the undesired recollection of what was shared between Kaname and himself. Barely registering the sound of the voice calling from inside the room, desparately beckoning Zero back to reality.

The reality he tried to stop dwelling on.

A reality he wished he would stop living in.

All he still cared for, while solely waiting to vanish along with all ideas of existening.

Zero's lips wanted to press up against and brush together the taste he wanted in his mouth desperately. Arms moving from trapped positions, tangling in hair darker than his own, and entangled in a new embrace around his beloved's neck .

The taste of dark cherries, strawberries, and mocha still fresh on his mouth with the ever lingering scent of cinnamon.He was foolish for what he'd done, knowing there was no hope in ever believing he could ever be loved. Zero had crossed the bounds, letting himself get swept up in the heat that consumed him from the inside. A fool for allowing himself to get lost in a kiss.

Tightening his fist absently at the memory, he replayed it as if trapped. Feeling the burning sensation sting the corner of his eyes. Trying not to recoil from the look of utter despair, regret, and something unknown on Kaname's face. Once he realised what they'd been doing, Zero was sure it was the look of disgust. It may have not been said, but the silver-haired perfect was no idiot.

"Zero!" The voice exclaimed again, screeching loudly next to him. Booming unrelentingly and harming his right ear violently, making the drum feel as if it would burst. Tearing his eyes from the inclument weather that matched the raging storm inside of him, his eyes narrowed coldly forcing himself to avert such a glare from the vice president. The silverette regarded Takuma cooly, watching as a shadow of a smile disappeared from the blond aristocrats face, only to light up green eyes. No matter how much he wanted to shout at the vampire, he couldn't find it in himself. The fire that began to form within his chest from his small bonding time with the Ichijou heir already reached inside him, warming him despite how cold he felt inside.

"You haven't been yourself lately, Zero." The noble stated with a hint of concern coating his voice, trying to not let his anxiety or fear take over him. Walking pass the vampire, the hunter wanted to escape the room, for once afraid of what his ex-kin would say.

"Was it that bad?" The question caught him off gaurd, finding himself ill-prepared to answer anything that may have been implied. Zero had to forcibly stop the sickness he felt within the pit of his stomach, rising like bile. Not sure enough of himself to face the elder in the room.

Zero couldn't help but incline a fine silver eyebrow. Doing his best to cover the surprise that could be seen reflecting back from one of the many mirrors in the room, before disappearing behind a bravado he'd built long ago. The ex-human knew it would be of no use to hide it, but he didn't want to play the game of twenty questions either.

"What ever happened between Kaname and you, it couldn't have been that bad? Could it?" Takuma smiled impishly, unintentionally stalling the teen. The aristocrat didn't want the silver-haired teen to fall back into the gloom he finally was able to break the teen from.

Thinking back, the hunter couldn't answer right away. Knowing that it was far off from bad, but worse. Clenching his jaw tightly as if to grind his teeth to dust, Zero turned to the male, not knowing exactly what to say. Just knowing at the time, he just really wanted the vice-president to stop taking it upon himself to pry in his private life. The young vampire didn't need-nor want the older vampire to come up with-idiotic and pointless conclusions. Neither did he want to discuss such idle conversations that would not help neither of them.

If anything, the whole situation just pissed him off more, upsetting him more than he'd care to admit. "I don't know what it is you're implying, Ichijou. But I suggest you stop coming up with silly assumptions on what I may be thinking, or suggesting anything happened between that prick and I." The lilac-eyed teen tried his best to regain his composure, to safe face, and build back up his fallen pride. But knew he was failing at it, during his speech his voice cracked giving away the fear he couldn't show to the remaining world.

"Why did you come today?" The older male wanted to know, already having some idea as to what could have transpired between the two vampires. It wasn't that hard to figure out, if you knew the current relationship prior to what ever altercation the two could have possibly got in to within the past twenty-four hours. Takuma was no fool, and could read people very well. From sensing the great tension built between Kaname and Zero, he could put two and two together. "I want the truth, Kiryuu." The noble vampire requested politely, taking to note the sudden change of the perfect's attitude; along with the silverette going back to using his last name.

There was no answer, but he didn't really care for one to confirm what he already suspected. Or what he thought he already knew from the tension that was read clearly in the air. One that he knew could be felt by every night class student present while in the presence of the two vampires in the same room. Or even when passing by eachother in the passageways of the dormoritory.

Bloodlust.

Many would just assume the deep hatred they shared for eachother was the cause.

"Why'd you show up here so early and demand my audience?" The young Ichijou challenged the male, not once dropping his composure. "A training session that you demanded, and knew you would be so distracted? Look at you, can't even hold a bamoo blade decent enough to safe your life!" Takuma would take any reaction from the teen, but not the lifeless and emotionless stare he'd seen appear there in brilliant amethsyt eyes.

Eyes the color of dancing purple lillies glazed over, Zero didn't want to think about it. Let alone talk, it wasn't the reason he came. It wasn't the reason why he wanted to see the blond. He didn't come here to confide in the older male, there was no way he could have easily let himself trust one of the enemy. There was no way he'd become so lost, that Takuma was the only one he could talk to about anything. Zero refused to believe he became so weak as to stoop low enough to having to rely on the help of a vampire to keep him from losing his sanity, from falling in to the fear that crept up inside of him.

Abruptly his eyes took on the color of steel blue that seemed to drown out all else with a pue metallic atmosphere. Lost in his own head, eyes capriciousy flickering from cloudy purple to unhinged red, to uncontrollable silver blues that chilled the very air. At the sudden drop of temperature Takuma knew he said too much, only aiding to send the teen spiraling out of control in his inner turmoil. Ice forming over the rain particles blowing through the room, hitting thier bodies in small pricks like needles.

Takuma's arms wrapped around his body, the feeling of frost heavy in the air. The vice president had guessed right, but that wasn't what he feared. The fear was Zero not being able to control the powers that were envoked within him. The powers that could only be handled by a pureblood, or a high level vampire, not an ex-human. The wind blew cooly, the particles so thick, it could have been mistaken for snow.

The light drizzle pouring in, fitting with the shape of the male taking hold of the bamboo blade in hand. Just for the aristocract to watch as it was consumed by the cold turning adamant, and room tempture dropping well below freezing. The silverette's eyes trained on the instrument, a reflection made on the hard substance to cast back the same as a crystalised mirror. Something thought impossible for him to accomplish.

Zero didn't want to see what appeared there shining back in his eyes. The hurt with-held inside wanting to be shown to the outside world.

Gritting his teeth, the same self-loathing thoughts came crashing into his frame. The gravity of the past finally catching up to him at the rejection of the one he knew could never love him in the form he now possessed. Pain-filled orbs closed as he felt dizzy, the snow now chilling him to the bone. Zero felt that if he wanted, he could cause the shattering of his existence. To make all of it stop, to make himself go away for a long time.

Forever.

Takuma watched frozen to the spot, as the room started to warp around them. It was hard to breathe as the moisture in his body began to turn to ice from the uncontrollable freezing atmospher. The blonde was stiff, his fingers grasped on the handle of his wooden blade, doing his best to break the molecules from the current chill of events.

If only he could reach out to him.

If only he could voice out his name.

But Takuma couldn't allow himself to be lost in his own thoughts, wondering what kind of pain crippled Zero, to chill even his gentle heart. Feeling the blood flow inside him become more restrictive, his heart beating slower. The vice president didn't fear turning in to living ice, if it meant he could be beside the achromatic-haired perfect forever. Takuma wanted to protect Zero's heart from further injury. From the cruel truth of the past, if the ex-human were to ever find out why Kaname and he could never work. But also, the reason why they could, as Takuma knew the truth lurking, hiding, and hurting deep within Kaname's chest; as well as his very own.

'Give me something...' The words kept repeating themselves, whispering from some place far in his ear. Piercing him fatally, making his stomache churn uneasily, and head spin at a nuaseating pace. Zero still felt the nothingness wanting to consume him whole, all the while becoming tired of getting caught in the useless cycle of pain he fell in.Something inside echoed from his chest. The unknown entity dwelling, trapped in his heart knew the answer, raking at his insides and leaving jagged ripples behind in their stead.

"Zero..." Takuma could only whisper, watching as the same presence from many times before overtake the silverette's body.

'It was the only real thing I had left to feel.' The voice spoke mixing in with the overpowering sound of static. 'It was the only thing I ever felt. Throughout my entire life, it was there in the background.' Who ever it was, Zero knew it wasn't himself, the buzzing in his ears crackling loudly, becoming a deafening whisper. 'I was brought up on it, to withstand it, subjected to it, and created only for it.'

Opening dulled vermillion eyes, Zero listened to the voice knowing the familiarity behind it, hearing as it changed from that of a young male to the reflecting shining light of a blond haired female with oranged painted fingernails. The female he could only recall from his own dreams stood before him, holding his chin close to her own, staring with azure eyes. "You don't have to live for those things anymore, Rei." At the words his decision for once made as he desired not to stand for the past any longer. Zero wouldn't be the reincarnation of such a life, burdened by the sadness that radiated so deep inside of him.

Dropping to his knees, the ex-human fought off the cold, breathing heavier than the blond standing unmoving in the room, left to become a spectator. Zero questioned his existence once more, wondering if being loved was ever truly benieficial for him. All he ever loved, he eventually lost. Lillian smiled at him, warming him from the inside. The answer he sought went unsolved by a wavering smile of uncertainty.

'What else is there left for me?' The same presence said, echoing with the identical voice of his own, wanting to know as he fell forward catching his body on all fours. Shaking from the impact, mauve-orbs widened catching his reflection like a mirror. Gripping tighter than neccessary, the wood substance shattered, strained in his hand becoming splintered shards of ice and wood.

'Was it really the only reason why I was ever even born?' Zero was afraid of the answer to the many questions building inside his mind, too afraid to open his eyes, if the truth were to stare back at him from the melting image of his face.

Takuma could feel what lingered inside Zero's heart, watching almost fearfully as eyes turned a deep crimson letting him know the teen was losing the fight with himself. The temperature dropped almost impossibly low before ascending back to the heat at remembering the reassuring female vampire. The chaotic behavior and change making Takuma's heart stop beating before he started inhaling air once more in to his lungs.

Heavy breathing could be heard as the ice melted away, an electricfying tension lingering in the air. Both trying to catch what was lost in the short time of what seemed like an eternity as one of the mirrors completely encased in ice shattered.

Despite having drunk the night prior, his body couldn't sustain the power coursing through his veins . The vampire inside him needed more, again calling out for something to be completed. Kneeling, one hand placed on his knee, the other gripping painfully against the fabric coiling in his fist. Zero's eyes stared over at the noble vampire, his body fell completely forward, not being able to stop himself this time from hitting the floor below.

The want to hurt, to feel, to make something bleed becoming ten fold as the hunger pangs wrecked his body. To drink his fill, to complete an unforseen bond that only the vampire inside knew. The darkness of temptation seemed promising, but Zero refused to give in. A hand placed gently on his back broke him from such turmoil.

Hands gripped him firmly, trying to still his breath as frost swallowed the color of eyes that reflected the rows of lillic trees. Zero stared up-a deep depression unlike before shining through-as he was pulled into Takuma's warm body. "It's okay, Zero." The ex-human couldn't tell the other just how wrong he was for saying such words of false comfort, as if human. But he couldn't bring himself to break away from the embrace that engulfed him warmly. For the first time he was glad to hear that voice as his eyes closed slowly, trying to find solace inside the body, still silently wishing it was the scent of the one he yearned for.

"It's okay...Zero." Takuma said watching as tears slid down cheeks, a mouth panting frantically trying to get much needed air as Zero cried out, hating more than the fact that he was weak, that he was a shivering pile of tears in the enemy's arms. Holding tight to Takuma until he felt the pain in his heart subside ever so sightly, bringing him to the brink of darkness. Having no more control, the young teen slipped into unconciousness, falling into a world of hurt and longing, with tears still leaking from his closed eyes.

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The sound of a leaf falling in the rays of the light as sun spots filtered through many trees, dancing in the unforseen breeze. A brilliant ray of streaks littering the sky, the sensation of a strong wind that flew by gently.

Kaname pushing hair back behind his ear as Reiyuu's eyes closed slightly, watching the birds fly thier way south. To a place the blond was sure they welcomed eachother, happily like what he pictured a real family to be. The brunette's arms encircled around his waist, pushing his body closer in the moment presented before them. Staring up, not suprised but still he couldn't help but portray the feeling that he was. Innocent eyes and cherry-blossomed lips looked up to meet a smile so enchating and lively as if beckoning the younger vampire to cheer up.

"Isn't it amazing, Reiyuu?" The arms wouldn't let go of their release on the younger male, adoring the image he recieved moments ago of the colors and wind painting a perfect picture where he reflected an angel to the older pureblood.

"I suppose so." Rei's voice almost sounded meloncholic, as his metalic blue irises wandered up to meet the eyes of a russet color. A face so gentle, skin so warm and soft to the touch. Something that could break through his senses and inner walls, making him want to be with the older vampire all the more. Making all the bad thoughts and nightmares go away. Still, the young pureblood had to wonder if it was right, for a demon such as himself to be loved by someone so gentle.

"Where do they go, Kaname?" Rei's eyes then floated off following sorrowfully, wanting to become just like one of them, to be able to spread wings and fly from the tragic fate he knew lay ahead of them.

The fate of a pureblood vampire, the pressure, expectations, goals, and future were preordained. The belief of dreams and hopes seemed to be put off somewhere far out of reach. Still, suffering alone wouldn't do, and was somewhat pleasant to know someone would endure the insufferables along side him. The rays of sun gathered around thier heads, for one reflecting a halo. The wheat-haired blond turned to the pureblood, his hand reaching out to the distance as if he could still catch them.

Zero watched from the distance the display, standing right behind them. Listening intently as the blonde spoke with words etched with pain, and sorrow-filled. "Sometimes, I wish I were more like them."

"Why?" Kaname wondered what could have brought such a mood on, or why the teen wasn't acting himself lately? What could have happened in the short time they spent apart from eachother?

"Sometimes, I wish I were a bird. Then I could truly be free." Reiyuu said his heart beginning to ache. "Free from all the burdens set upon the world for us, free from the fate." His eyes closed painfully, the emotion he felt he couldn't distinguish between hate or anguish. It was almost foreign and completely unknown, getting tired from the dizziness of everyday living spinning around him furiously.

Silver irises drifted back up to the face of the vampire now holding him in a comforting way as a worried look crossed his face. Reiyuu wanted to know, if all he seen was all that truly happened the day they all died, those who remained in the village, family along with them. The day a part of him fell in to the pitch black to become a missing piece and killed him on the inside. "Do you ever feel the same, Kansan?"

"Who says they are free?"

Turning at the very words, the light of long silver tresses escaping in the wind made his eyes widen at the unknown figure in the distance watching

"Zero?" Kaname woke at the moment he realised who the being was. Sitting up, disheveled, he could feel his frantic heart slowing to a steady beat. Remembering the very echo of words, which he once said to the blond he held in his arms, which felt like centuries ago.

At the very thought of the teen's name he whispered in his sleep. On his lips lingered the taste of what he couldn't rid himself of. The taste of wild berries and vanilla swirling in a peaceful harmony. His fingers brushed against his cherry printed lips as if that would stop what transpired between the two. Kaname's heart skipped a beat, his body reacting to the unique taste that could only belong to someone he knew from a life time ago. All of this came from drinking the blood of a lowly ex-human, one who's scent changed constantly along with his actions.

The pureblood couldn't help his minds ramblings as he pictured the life before Yuuki was able to walk. A world where Yuuki didn't exist in such a way where he needed her presence to live.

Scoffing aloud, the fraustration he felt build, he knew was misplaced anger. If things continued as they were, the elder vampire knew the consequences their instincts sought. That of a forbidden nature. Kaname knew that he was not the one to turn the silverette, and knew then that he was not to touch him in such a manner.

That didn't stop his head from hurting furiously at the conflict presented, or his stomach from catching butterflies that he wished to destroy. The feelings that were starting to gather there was that of flase transferrence. Somehow, maybe because of his past, he wished so bad for the wheat-haired blond to be returned that he projected that desire on Kiryuu. Maybe, because he wanted so badly, he could have easily mistook the taste that came from drinking the hunter's blood- along with the memory-as his mind trying to compensate from a loss he truly never got over.

Tunring over to stare at the clock, the slender digits still pressed against his mouth, tongue sweeping at the lingering taste provoked him. Kuran knew in that moment, his mind was in denial.

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That damned voice again whispered inside of his head, waking him from the breif moment of bitter darkness. Mauve orbs fluttering painfully, his hand went to his head pulling at silver strands. A massive headache giving way, and the true foreshadowing of a dream yet to be deciphered and known. 'I wish that bastards voice would stop resounding in my head.' Zero stared in to empty space, somehow feeling more at ease, the small flame of fatigue he felt dousing out any other train of thoughts.

Closing his eyes as if to return to sleep, the silverette didn't want to dwell on Kaname or his damn voice any longer. To be honest he just wanted to snuggle up to the warmth provided.

"Wait." Zero muttered eyes opening and blinking to clear his vision as the face of the blonde haired noble came into view. Hissing slightly, he cursed himself mentally at the look he was recieving. "It's not what you..." Inside, the ex-hunter was panicking, not knowing how to get his mouth to move accordingly with what he wanted to say. If he could, Zero'd strangle the smirking bastard in a heartbeat.

"How are you, sleepy head?" Bright green eyes stared on, concern mixed with humor, trying to hide the small glimmer of anxiety that shown through. But with a slight nod of the head from the once sleeping teen, it gave way to the sigh of relief. Dispelling all tension to be replaced by another wave of tension Zero couldn't name. A hand was placed out as the silver-haired teen took it gratefully, coming to a sitting postion, a silent understanding not to speak of what occured formly between the two.

The blonde not trusting himself around the silver-haired hunter. Not wanting to linger on any other thoughts that jumbled up his mind and unmistakenly clung to his heart either. Knowing the silverette had an undesired effect on him, and wanting to avoid; if all possible, said bad temper. As well as the attitude that came along wih the package from Kiryuu trying to uphold his wounded pride. Still, Takuma was unsure if the younger male could stand, or walk just yet on his own. Not dwelling on the situation any further, he helped the perfect up instead, not allowing his hand to linger in the younger males for too long.

"How long was I out for?" Illuminating almost impossibly muddled purple, the glowing color of a deep blue mixing with a crimson hue displayed in the darkened room. The sound of the rain could still be heard, the smell of water so sweet it reminded Takuma of a place he could hide. Calming his senses, collecting the lost pieces, and making him feel like his old-self again. Before everything went awry in the world he now had to surpress his desires in everyday, the blond finally answered back ignorning his frantic heartbeat. "Only a few seconds." It was said with such amusement and kindness, Zero caught that something was off with the older male.

Shaking off the feeling of dejavu, the ex-human finally got a good look at the damage done to the room. Almost as if in shock, he inspected where the blade should have been, but remembered that somewhere along the lines of his insanity, it shattered. Everything was wet or melting, mirrors were in a blur with ice that still grabbed hold of the outside frames. Cursing inwardly, Zero stood from his position, ready for all the nonsense to end. Placing his hand to his head, the dull ache started to come back again. The sting accompanied by the ever present pain in his chest, allowed to distract from the burning sensation of the mark that lit up with every outburst of power, promising it would start to bleed any moment, before healing over.

"I've had enough of this!" The ex-human exclaimed roughly, momentarily wondering just how much more damage would have been done, if the sword that was made to bear his powers were used. Picking up his things, he set his holster around his shoulder. Loving the feel of his gun by his side, almost as much as the feel of the wrapped blade in it's sheathe pressed against his back; the actual only thing that calmed the ached of said mark. Zero wanted to leave, to escape from the room, filled with the damage that matched his own heart.

"You can't controll that power, can you?" The voice that seemed to be smaller and insignifacant filled the room, stopping the teen from his descent to the outside world. Away from the pain, he felt only intisenifying with hunger. "It's becoming more radical, and out of control each time, Kiryuu."

Zero stayed glued to the spot, not knowing what posessed him to listen while staring out at the drowned world. Wanting to break the chains that seemed to encase him whenever he was around the older male. "You need to learn how to channel them." Takuma said, coming to the realization of the facts: This situation was beyond their control.

But maybe, he could help the other understand with just the right words. If he could do that, then he knew Zero could learn how to contol the powers that tended to whirl in the wave of an hurricane, attaching themselves to pierce a victim. At that moment he could still feel it, an icy grip, slithering like a snake around his throat. The silverette's eyes widened only a fraction as he felt it too, no matter how brief, the powers that were bestowed upom him escaped the chains and locks that held him in place. Knowing the reason now why he refused to leave when he did, something inside perceived the Ichijou heir as a threat, and perhaps considered ending him. Refraining from substantially entertaining such a thought, Zero turned to face the vampire. Forcing his heart to calm, the power retreated significantly, all the while agreeing with what the noble was saying. Even now, he could feel the faint traces of drying blood through his shirt, he bitterly gritted his teeth, letting out a scoff for show.

"Jeez, don't state the obvious too much, it gets annoying." The ex-human said half-heartedly, placing his left hand in his pocket, ignoring the light sheen of sweat dripping down his face. Zero already knew what it was that the blonde aristocrat asked of him, but it was something that was almost impossible. Knowing the extent to such power, his capabilities as well as his limitations, to control something so dangerous. At the moment, he wasn't strong enough, his right hand gripped the top of his jacket balling in to a fist.

"You have that mission in two days, right?" Takuma asked breaking the silver-haired hunter from the self conflict he was facing with his inner self. That was fine with him, he decided a long time ago that he was not backing down ever again, or letting fear get the best of him. He didn't need Zero to say anything, it was a confirmation in it's own. Even as he smelled the scent of intoxicating blood, drowning out all other senses, effectively overwhelming him.

"What's it to you?" Zero finally spoke, breaking the light haired male from what-ever predatory thoughts he may have been visualising. The distant clouds starting to fade gained his attention, bringing forth some of the sun mistifying the rain.

"At least come back the day after tomorrow. Let me help you, if only a little." Takuma said, putting what he felt sincerly into the words: worry and fear. "You can't do this on your own, Zero." They were at a stand still, not adherring any air that passed between their lungs, as the perfect thought it over. Inwardly sighing, he closed his eyes painfully once more staring at the golden rays.

"And what you're saying is that you can?" Zero didn't need to look to see the older vampire blanch.

"I'll see you later." The young hunter said taking a step forward and out into the world that should have perfectly suited him. The melocholic feeling crippling his chest, eyes watching the sunset at noon.

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The striking of lightning spreading across the sky made her flinch as she rolled up in her bed. Deciding for the first time to call it a day, the brunette rolled into a ball under her sheets. All thoughts drifting back to the male who barely kept his part of the deal, the exception: Continue with perfect duties.

"Idiot." Yuuki said aloud not caring if anyone heard, as she pulled the covers from over her head. A feeling of strange fear of the unknown coiled around her chest as she made her way to the window cracked slightly open to let in some of the fresh air. The smell of the rain which wringled her nose, and annoyed her was comforting as she looked at the clouds. Wondering no more when the storm would pass, as the clouds broke leaving a clearing. The storm apparently moving away to suit her needs. The antsy feeling never ceasing as she knew he'd show that day. Grabbing her bag, Yuuki quickly put on her clothes. Making her way to the headmaster's office, a strange tingling feeling encompassing her. She quickly sat at her favorite, yet hated table and pulled out homework.

"Yuuki, my dear darling daughter?" The voice of her all too loving father ringing in her ears provided a melody for her to tune out. Getting only the response of an arched brow, as the headmaster watched her rock in her chair, tapping her foot while taking out her pencil.

'Yes, something odd was going on indeed.' Kurosu turned on heels, going to find the only man he knew could help. 'Yagari.'

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Wiping the hair from in front of his face, slowly exhaling, Zero could feel all tension leave his body. The burning of the mark left traces of a scar healing on his back. Reviewing all that happened throughout the short period of time, from the moment he heard about the assignment of a mission; he finally realized it had taken it's toll on him. His body became burdened, pushing on forward for his mind to stay intact.

Silently enjoying the steam that clouded his vision, the simple vanilla and camamille extract scent made him melt. Feeling as muscles finally relaxed, something he could only imagine as water caressing close to that of hands massaging him. Sinking further into the warmth of the hot water that surrounded him in a liquid embrace, mauve orbs hid behind pale lids. Ignoring the sting of the heat he felt burning at his skin, the silverette completely submerged his body beneathe the surface.

Somewhere in the background, he could hear his heart's pace steadily beat faster in his ears, the voice from earlier came back to mind. For reasons unknown, he wanted to concentrate on the voice tuning all other sound out. Slowly letting go of all he entered a deep trance, forcing his mind to recall the events. There was the sound of a door being knocked on, an unknown presence tingled as Zero found the doorway to his mind.

"Go on, you can say goodbye."

The repetition of words from a dream he discovered recently was a memory, vibrated throughout his body. He could feel it snatch him up seemingly out of nowhere, and goading him forward. The sound of multiple heartbeats sounded loud in his ears as one pulse took control, coercing his eyes open. The dying of crimson orbs shone from beneath the water's surface. A rippling effect he had no control over, and heat that burned fiercly than anything he felt before.

The fire consumed his body, setting every nerve ablaze in its wake. Zero knew that he could drown in the hellish scene forever, the image of a woman ran into view. She screamed his name loud with tears in her eyes, regret and sorrow filled him at the look of pain she cast towards him at being a witness to what happened next.

"Reiyuu!" The unknown woman nearly tore her throat apart, watching helplessly before her eyes as his body fell to the floor. She could already smell the blood that leaked from the pale body, fear deepening the scent, as she held her hand to her mouth effectively muffling her agonizing cry of despair.

"What have you done, Kaname?" The woman whispered as the tears poured from her brown eyes at such cruelty. Collapsing to her knees, the woman that Zero could only compare to Yuuki listened in intently, ignoring the stare that crept over to her, the long brown tresses covering her terrified eyes.

""Reiyuu, please talk to me!" Those warm chestnut eyes pierced through him, beckoning for him to come close, and he felt like laughing. This is the final chapter of his life, one he could never predict or foresee, but knew it was inevitable.

"You don't have to explain," Zero stated, his tongue moving over to moisten his red-dyed lips, as blood trickled from them. "I understand." His hand motioned up to press againt the dark-haired teen's chest. Closing his eyes, he wanted to remember this scent always.

"You betrayed me," Zero could only whisper the words as the pain returned, "But it couldn't be helped. And I understand that, now." The ex-human could do nothing as a thumb pressed against his cheek, wiping at the tears that strayed, welling, and falling from eyes in crimson trails.

"Please, don't cry." The pale hand went down to cover his stomach, scornful at what could now never be, Zero could feel the heartbeat pulsate with his own. A breath slowly becoming shallow within him, he started to cry harder at the chance of never being able to tell the one he loved deeply of the gift they recieved. "Can you hear it?"

Reiyuu closed his eyes as he felt the last beat, his breath came out in a panic, the grief settling inside his soul, chilling his bones.. "I wanted to stay by your side, with you, forever." Kaname held the wheat-haired vampire closer to him as he could feel unexplainably life fading, leaving behind no remnants to be traced.

Pale blue eyes drowned with the pools of freshly shed tears, he felt like screaming. His soul dying at the sound of drowning in his own sorrow of a loss he now could feel heavily. "It faded away." A mournful voice shook uncontrollably, regretting even more than ever of not being able to tell Kaname in time. Stifling his wail with a blood stained hand, he mumbled from behind it a sincere apology. "I'm sorry."

Zero could feel a pulsation as his heartbeat stopped, the feeling of an unquechable fire starting through his veins, eating away at his body. Suddenly he was panting, breathing heavily for air, trying to catch his breath.

Since when did he last feel that sensation?

No control over the hand cupping over his mouth at the need to vomit, but refraining from doing so with deep breaths. The young hunter's other hand held close to his chest, now heaving breathes violently at the feel of emotional confusion sinking in. Something was lost, something that should never had been. The tears he felt pricking the side of his eyes, burning them at the rim. 'It can't be.' Zero thought, knowing exactly what part of his heart ache came from. "It's not possible." It was whispered low, denial coursing through his being, trying to comfort him futilebly.

Hesitantly, fingers began to rub soothing circles into his back. "I'm sorry." The female's voice became present in his ear, pulling his shaking and wet body close to her own. Afraid to face her, Zero couldn't allow her name to fall from his lips as she wiped the tears that fell down his cheeks unknowingly.

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A/N: Again I apologize for the long wait. I hope it was a good read, as always C+C is always welcomed...No flames! Love you all, and this is actually shy of 15 pages, so I cut off three for the continuation to the next chapter.