Chapter 4 – Turning Point

Zero and Yuki plan a weekend trip together to a location far away by train in a town no one would recognize them. Yuki tells Kaname that she's going away on a girl's trip with Yori. Zero, on the other hand, doesn't have to notify anyone and easily got work off as he's a workaholic on the regular. Zero and Yuki get a hotel together and their weekend is full of dates. They eat at different restaurants, go to the movies, and simply take a lot of late-night walks together. They hold hands like a couple and partake in some public displays of affection here and there. The pair are genuinely happy here in their version of La La Land. They are experiencing fun for the first time in a while. On the last day, they are saddened by the fact that they must return to reality. Before leaving, Yuki spends an exceeding amount of time cleaning her things. She showers three times in an attempt to remove Zero's scent off her completely. As he watches her frantically clean, he starts to feel sad. He understands that they must hide their relationship from others, but it still hurts seeing the woman he loves remove all traces of him from her life. It suddenly hits him how painful it is to have Yuki just out of reach. On the train ride back, he's silent for the most part. He only chimes in once in a while when Yuki notes the scenery or recaps on their recent trip. When Yuki gets off at her stop, she asks, concerned, "how do I look?"

Zero replies, "like I was never there," and the train door closes.

Yuki is taken back by what Zero said, and it doesn't sit right with her, especially because of the way he was acting on the train. But she shakes it off and hurries home. On the way home for Zero, he decides that he's tired of feeling like a side piece. I'm basically a mistress he thinks to himself. He thinks about how great the trip was and how they didn't have to hide there. He concludes that he wants to openly love someone, and that their relationship was not going to give him that opportunity. He and Yuki would always have to be a secret. After a long and conflicted battle in his head, he decides it's time to let Yuki go. For the second time in his life. And he had a feeling that this time would hurt a lot more.

The next day, Zero arrives at work with a heavy heart. He knows that he has to tell Yuki about his decision sooner than later. He finds her outside just before classes. When she sees him, she smiles brightly, and he suddenly wants to take back his entire decision. Her smile always softened him up. Seeing her smile gave him a reason to live. But he knew that those thoughts would not serve him well into the future. He grips his fists and takes a deep breath. Here we go… "Yuki, we shouldn't see each other anymore," he begins and automatically regrets it as Yuki looks surprised and extremely hurt. However, he gathers his courage and continues, "It's my fault. I took this too far, and I've shot myself in the foot because I've started to want more. I want a real relationship with you. And I know I can never have that. I'm not blaming you, I'm blaming the situation. I can't hurt myself anymore by being in it. I have to make a choice and let go… I'm so sorry, Yuki."

Yuki shakes her head, "No, Zero. Don't go. I – I need you in my life."

He can't even make eye contact with her. "I'm sorry, Yuki. I just can't," he apologizes.

She tries to grab his hand, but he's already walking away. Tears pool in Yuki's eyes. She tries to not let them fall, but they do anyways. She's shocked and it feels like there's a hole in her chest. The bell then rings for classes to commence. This jolts her back to the present, and she quickly wipes her tears away. She clears her throat and holds her head up high. She's a leader at this school and can't allow anyone to question that. She's not the same helpless, little girl of the past. She was Yuki Kuran, and she didn't have time to sit around and cry.

For his next couple shifts, Zero remains distant from Yuki and minimizes conversations with her. Although difficult, she complies. One day after work, Zero meets up with Kaito at the bar they always go to. Upon entering, Zero notices it's more packed than usual. He then recognizes a face – the same annoying brunette that stopped him at the ball. They make eye contact, and she smiles smugly. She's seated with a group of men, vampires in fact, as Zero can sense. She along with another female are the only women at their table. Zero notes the man beside her is also the same attendee from the ball. At that same second, he recognizes Zero and it's as if an aura of angry flames emits from him. "Hey! You're not welcomed here. Get out!" he snarls.

Elle jumps in, "Well hold on now. This is my bar! He can stay."

She gets out of her seat and walks towards Zero, but before she even gets there, Zero says, "You know what? I can't even be bothered. I don't want any trouble," and he leaves.

He's already had such a week filled with emotions, he couldn't handle any more drama. Elle follows him outside. Seeing this, Kaito shrugs and stays inside for a drink.

"Sorry about him. He's just a temporary thing, until I get bored," Elle says and tries to keep up with Zero's long strides.

"Don't worry about it," Zero utters, clearly annoyed.

"I'm Elle by the way," she introduces herself.

Zero stops and turns around, "What do you want with me, Elle?"

She smirks, "Some fun."

"Why do you have an interest in me?" asks Zero.

"The silver hair and purple eyes? And you seem so mysterious. How could a girl resist?" she flirts.

"Well, I can name you one who can," he's referring to Yuki, the center of his every thought. He walks away. Elle lets him go, this time.

The next couple weeks, Zero takes on a new regime after the never ending encouragement from Kaito. He takes his upcoming presidency more seriously and leads some new task forces. In the process, he becomes acquainted with other hunters and actually starts building new friendships. His life feels less cluttered and his shoulders a little lighter. But sometimes, in the midst of everything going great, he thinks back to Yuki. He misses her dearly and is now in need of a drink.

It's midday, so he figures the bar should be empty. Most vampires are asleep right now anyways. He sits on a stool at the front of the bar counter. The bartender brings him his drink and he expresses his appreciation and pays. He sits there and wonders what Yuki is doing right now. The door behind him chimes open, and his natural reflex causes him to turn around. It's Elle.

"This is the gentleman you were looking for ma'am?" the bartender motions his eyes to Zero.

"Why yes it is," Elle giddily sits beside Zero.

Zero looks at the bartender with fury, "You told her I was here?"

The bartender replies, "she's my boss," and looks at the ground while drying a glass.

"That's Hendrix, my MVP," Elle points out.

"So, you own this place," Zero begins, sensing Elle getting closer. "Rare for a female to own such an establishment."

She smiles and rests her head in her palm. "This is actually my subsidiary business. My main one is the strip club down the road. I used to dance there. Vampires from all over came to see me. I was bringing in so much business to the club, I demanded part ownership to increase my earnings. Eventually, I saved up enough to buy the other parties out. Now I own it, and I don't have to strip anymore."

Zero's eyebrows raise. He's clearly impressed by this gal. He finally looks at her. She is very beautiful, he can't deny. He can see why she's so popular among the men. "I owe you an apology. I clearly underestimated your character. I would love to know more about you and your entrepreneurial story," Zero genuinely says.

Elle smiles at this. They spend the next bit getting to know each other. Zero surprises himself with his newfound intrigue in another female. However, he's still wary, as Elle gave him vibes that she was unpredictable and a whole lot of trouble.

"How come you hang around those old, angry geezers?" Zero asks.

"They literally pay me unruly amounts just to hold their hand for a night," she explains. "But the circumstances would be different if it were you," she advances and places her hand over Zero's. He surprisingly doesn't flinch away. Elle whispers next to him, "Who's got you down? Coming alone here to clear your thoughts..." she chuckles, "I have a better idea."

He stares into her eyes. He doesn't know if it's the alcohol or if he's acting out due to his emotions, but next thing he knows he's holding her hand and going in for a kiss. Suddenly, he stops himself, apologizes, and rushes out the door.

Once Zero gets home, he sees a letter tucked in his door. Before opening it, he already knows who it's from – Yuki. Her scent still lingered on the paper. His heart starts beating rapidly, and he felt both nervous and excited to read the letter. He sits down as his desk, and opens the letter:

Zero, please meet me tomorrow at sundown in the Kuran Manor's botanic gardens. There's something I must tell you in person. We'll be safe there.

-Yuki

Zero deliberates whether he should go. He would be on their estate, and that was a little too close for comfort. He's hesitant but meets her as directed. After all, it was Yuki. She was like a drug he couldn't put down, bringing him both joy and sorrow. Even in sorrow, she gave him a high on life.

Once he arrives, it feels really strange. He starts to think that perhaps this was a trap set up by Kaname. He looks around and scans the area, ready for any danger that could come his way. But there is none. Instead, he's surrounded by butterflies, and in the distance holding a little lamp is Yuki. She motions him inside the greenhouse. He follows. They both take a moment to just look at each other. It's been a while but their 'break up' still feels like a fresh wound. Yuki breaks the silence, "Zero, I really miss you. I've gone to sleep every night thinking about you even though I'm in the same bed as him. I'm going crazy not having you by my side. I realized with all the sleepless nights that I love you, and I can't be without you. I know the future of our relationship is unclear, but I want to do everything possible to be together. I've decided. I won't marry Kaname."

Zero's eyes widen. Words aren't formulating. Everything he ever wanted to hear just escaped Yuki's lips. He almost wants to cry. All he can muster is, "Yuki…"

She leans in for a kiss, hoping he will meet her halfway. And he does. He kisses her passionately and runs his fingers through her hair. This feels like home. Yuki pulls him over and sits him down on a bench that she usually perches on to adore the flowers. She starts undressing in front of him, giving him all sorts of ideas of what he could do next. Their lips rejoin and Yuki is now on his lap. He feels the bare skin of her shoulders, her back and her thighs. It's been a while, and he's reminded of how much he loves every inch of her. She starts unbuttoning his clothing, revealing his erection. Soon enough, he is deep inside her, engulfed by all senses – warm, wet and tight. Everything is going great, but Zero is unable to give his all to Yuki as he is still on high alert, being that he is basically on enemy territory. She senses this and suddenly the room lights up. A bunch of butterflies, Yuki's familiar, flood the room like string lights. Zero looks up in awe. The butterflies band together to form a shield, blocking the greenhouse glass. Now, no one would be able to see nor disturb the two. It was both romantic for the scenery and practical for the protection. They continue making love. Yes, making love. The two are clearly madly in love. This doesn't feel the same as their previous interactions. It is much more passionate and caring. Knowing that they want to be together and are absolutely in love elevates the feeling to new heights. After, they cuddled in each other's arms, looking up at the beautiful patterns of each butterfly. They didn't want this night to end, but it must. They decided to be together on this quiet night, they were just unsure of what steps to take next.

Luckily and not luckily for them, they didn't have to choose what to do next. The next day, Kaname comes home and he's hostile to Yuki. "You're pregnant," he states, "I can sense it,"

"Oh my," Yuki tries to play it off like she's excited, but her voice is trembling.

"Who's child is it? His or mine?" Kaname asks with disgust.

Yuki's heart is beating wildly to the point her version blurs as she looks around for an escape. He knew all along. Kaname starts throwing objects and breaking furniture now. "Who's is it? HIS OR MINE?" he shouts.

As Zero walks home from work, he admires his surroundings. He's walked the same way home every day, but today he took some time to look around and take it all in. The trees are green, the streets are clean, and the weather is just right – not too hot, and he could get away with just wearing one layer. Being in love does this to you, I guess. He almost wants to start whistling because this day in the early summer couldn't get any nicer. He then turns the corner to his apartment and standing at his front step is Yuki. She looks like she's been crying. She takes a step forward and reveals some luggage behind her. Oh no.