[Tohru]

Step. Step. Step.

I was slowly approaching my younger victim's house.

"Natsuno?" I tried calling him for the fifth time in a row.

"… What?" He answered awakened from behind my ear ." Put me down."

"But… I took too much- sorry, let me do as much even if you hate me."

"I don't. " The boy let out a quiet sigh in agreement.

[Natsuno]

Ugh, this tiredness is worse than last time. I feel stupid.

"I don't." I am unable to hate you. I did try… in the end I let you do what you came for anyway. "Tohru-chan. I despise this village- *COUGH cough*…!" My dry throat wouldn't let me finish.

"I'm sorry." He looked at the ground.

"How many times more do I have?"

Tohru-chan stopped for a second startled by my whisper like question.

"One or two… depending on how quickly I'll regain control. " The one I loved announced my death sentence with remorse.

"I see." I took a deep breath and hugged him burying my face in his hair. "I'm grateful it will be you Tohru-chan..."

[Tohru]

Blushh.

Natsuno's breath and words against my head were driving me crazy. He isn't mad at me? Uwaah, what is he doing to my heart, who is playing dirty now?

"…"

"If you don't kill me they will surely send someone else. They have access to my house and I am too weak to leave the village." My best friend spoke the harsh reality. "Tohru-chan, next time we see eachother, let's spend the night together.

"What?" Did I hear right or did his voice get tangled in my curly hair and I imagined him say that?!

"Spend the night in my room. I want to.. like before, hang out-" He made a pause gathering strength to speak. "Please, before you… just for a little bit, I have things I want to say and do before I die."

Natsuno.

I bit my lips. " O, okay wakatta." He doesn't want to be alone. Natsuno still considers me his best friend despite all. Death is scary, I should know. I won't let him die alone like I did. I can do as much for him even if I'm the one who'll end his life. "I'll do anything you want me to until dawn is near. I promise."

I smiled reassuringly and turned head around. His nose brushed against my cold cheek before he moved away in surprise.

"You can't promise such a thing! …Idiot! " The now flushed 15-year-old bumped forehead against my head. We had just reached his window; still open as we left it.

"I can." I wonder what Natsuno wants. I will have to make sure I keep that promise.

My body jumped over the window pane with little effort and I let Natsuno slump down to his bed. He managed to pull the covers alone and fell asleep without any warning.

I should leave.

A hand caressed the soft skin on the pillow, after which I exited the room leaving no sign of my presence.

October 7, daytime

[Natsuno]

It was past noon when my heavy eyelids allowed me to open my eyes. Dad walked in my room.

"Natsuno, if you are feeling ill shouldn't we pay the doctor a visit?"

"I'm fine. I haven't had enough sleep, that's all."

"But…" I didn't have to look at him to know he was worried about all the deaths lately. I'm sorry, dad, but no one can save me. I've accepted that fact. I want to spend my final hours with Tohru-chan. I blushed at my ridiculous thoughts.

The irritating light that was attacking my pupils was blocked by my arm.

"I said I'm fine. So many things have happened, I'm just exhausted." I'm so fucking tired.

"If you say so." Dad finally let me be however he didn't leave until a few moments later.

Did he suspect something? He can't possibly know about the risen, he hates anything that implies the supernatural is real like religion. The only way I see him realizing what's happening in the village is if –

…

If I come back from the dead and appear before him. He would not deny it then…

This possibility was harsh on my mind, but I did not want to overlook it like I did before with Tohru-chan.

It's not out of the question, the probability of me becoming one of them remains as long as he is the one to kill me. The Ozaki doctor told my dad something about cremation… that's right he also figured it out if I am to trust what that shiki Tatsumi said to me. What should I do? Do I want to come back? I won't be human nor have much control over my actions according to Tohru-chan but if they burn my remains my existence comes to an end and it would feel like I gave up my life for nothing. The village and everyone will eventually be turned into nocturnal predators.

And I'll lose the slightest chance to see Tohru-chan again.

After analyzing the mess of thoughts in my head I got up in pain and grabbed paper and pen. Hands shivered but managed to write a note that read the following:

"" Dear Father,

Once you find this note on the floor I will be dead.

I suspect you might decide to burn my corpse as the doctor told you to. My corpse will be unable to object so I am writing this prior to the occasion. Do NOT cremate my remains. I might get the chance to explain everything if you trust me on this. Keep me in the room and block all sun rays entering.

I'm sure you will understand when the time comes.

Natsuno ""

Is this too demanding? He will have just lost his only child but I am not good at expressing myself that well, it's my personality…This will have to do. It's a gamble really. Become a shiki or never wake up again, whatever happens happens.

[Akira]

We couldn't just leave Niichan alone knowing he had been bitten. He was the one who gave us strength to stand up to the vampires. Kaori and I just couldn't stand the thought of them taking his life.

"Helloo! Excuse me!" We had been knocking on the front door for some time but no one was answering.

"May I help you?" An adult approached from behind, seemed like he lived there.

"Um- Is Niichan, no, Natsuno-san home?" I stuttered.

"Who are you kids?" He sounded annoyed.

"We are his friends." The man frowned. Ah! It's Natsuno's dad I see now. Did we catch him in a bad mood?…

"I've never heard of you." Knowing Niichan he probably doesn't talk much at home. He doesn't really talk much to anyone here with the exception of a senior named Tohru, according to my sister. We were lucky to get to know him a bit. So I don't see him not mentioning us as such a problem.

"Um! Natsuno-san seemed sick yesterday so we came to see him." Kaori intervened when she saw me struggling.

"He said he will skip school today so he isn't even out of bed yet." His dad entered the unlocked house and looked down on us. "So maybe some other day."

He was closing the door at our faces.

"Dad.." A shallow voice called from inside. "Let them in."

[Natsuno]

I thought I heard Kaori and Akira at the door while proof reading the note to my dad. I was right to hurry and wobble to the front door or he wouldn't have let them in.

"Thank you!" Akira cheerfully accepted my invitation and rushed towards me.

I sat on my bed when we reached my room.

"Why did you come?" I asked with an empty tone.

"How could we just leave you be!" Akira spoke first as usual.

"Look at this." Kaori handed me a bag full of religious protection charms. "Not sure if these work against the risen, but I think they might do the job. We will hang some around your room."

Go ahead. My dad will remove those as soon as you leave. I won't stop him. Tohru-chan will visit soon… I must be messed up to be excited about that.

They started decorating so I returned in bed to rest.

"I don't intend to die. I'll definitely leave this village. I've always felt like that. I studied so much for college exams.." I said to give the brats something reassuring, but those words weren't true. I probably won't leave the village alive...

"That's right, let's leave Natsuno-niichan!" I knew Akira would be inspired.

…

Later that evening

Dad opened my room and saw the new interior. He didn't like it one bit.

"Natsuno..You did it again?" He spoke quiet as I pretended to be asleep. Something very difficult to do with anemia. "No. It was those kids! What were they thinking?!"

Tohru-chan didn't come that night but my condition worsened.

…

Akira and Kaori visited again the next day and ended up standing up to my dad. To him they were just lousy brats but in my opinion they were smarter than any of the adults in this stupid place.

"Remember this! If you don't do anything Niichan will be killed!" Akira got too angry and ended up saying that so loud that I heard it through my sleep. "We will definitely save Niichan from the risen!"

Kaori dragged him out.

I do hope they don't get funny ideas like waiting outside my window in attempt to fight Tohru-chan. I wouldn't know who to side with then.

He should be coming tonight, right? If anything that hunger won't allow him to spare me much longer.

…

October 8th, nighttime

Dad came to give me a glass of water and went to close the window I had deliberately left open.

"Keep it slightly open." I managed to let out. "I'm having difficulty breathing so…"

"Natsuno, if you aren't feeling well, why don't I take you to a big hospital tomorrow?"

"Better don't.." If you go by what I've left you as a note on the cupboard you will not take me anywhere.

"Don't be stubborn. I'll come and check up on you from time to time."

"Okay." I hope you knock first.

The second he left I focused on the opened window. I could sense Tohru-chan outside. Only him and the wind.

He came closer and peaked from the window.

"You should hurry up…As dad might come check up on me." I warned the creepy dark figure standing outside with a whisper. "I'd open it wide for you to get in but can't get up."

Breathing didn't seem as hard now because I was happy to see him. I didn't have much strength in my limbs though.

He was wearing a remorseful expression while sliding it open. I saw him climb it and jump on the floor so smooth that no noise escaped the closed doors of my room.

Even at this point there is a part of me still hoping he would say we could run away together.

"I'm sorry." He spoke near my bed as if answering my thoughts undertaken by doubt.

"That's okay. But your promise … still stands."

Tohru-chan sat on my bed, I didn't need to make him feel at home he was used to visiting my room from when he was still alive. My heart is losing it from just seeing him. Sadness and love don't mix well. I thought I was content with my choice, what's with these doubts now.

My friend forced a smile. "You said you wanted to talk?"

"Right." Where do I even start? "I need more information about your kind."

It wasn't what I wanted to say but my other thoughts were too messy.

"That.." Tohru-chan wasn't expecting this either.

I frowned at him. Was your promise that easy to break?

[Tohru]

I didn't get the point of his question. Did it matter? I thought he wanted to spend time like before, why talk about them now of all times… Natsuno, I don't understand you.

"Not all who die rise. There are psychological conditions one must meet to become a shiki, someone mentioned about reactions in the brain that trigger something and people can wake up after death. Not quite sure what those conditions are. The price is of course never seeing the sun and being hungry for blood… When the sun comes up I fall unconscious, so I need to reach my hideout before that." I told him all I knew. It's not like it came with a manual.

"Where is your hideout?" My best friend acted like he wasn't about to die in several hours. Natsuno, what exactly do you need this information for?

"…"

"You said you'll do anything." His words hit me with guilt. I did, still …

"One of the abandoned houses not too far away." I finally gave him the answer. " The old Furuya couple used to live there before they died. I'm alone there. They wanted me to be close to you...and far from my family so they can murder them if I don't follow their order. Natsuno…why?"

His interrogation is harsh. This sounds as if I chose family over his life.

"I don't know." The boy sighed. "Maybe I wanted to make sure you would really do anything now."

"Sorry but will you get in the bed with me…" With a sudden invitation Natsuno who was sat on the bed until now retreated in the covers and then opened them up for me to jump in.

I followed his command with a blush of surprise.

It was probably hard for him to trust me after what I've done. I don't blame him.

[Natsuno]

Why am I like this? I didn't mean to test Tohru-chan… Of course they are blackmailing him, he doesn't have a choice. And yet Tohru-chan is still trying to be nice to me, even agreed to do what I want before he executes the orders he was given. Honestly this guy... And here I am, being selfish and taking advantage.

I wonder if he will mind if I ask for this.

My dead bestie followed my lead in bed and my heart pumped more blood than I had to spare to my cheeks, I forgot how tired I was and I turned around after our skins met under the blanket.

"Natsuno.. " He hugged me from behind as if to say he could clearly see me in the dark and there was no point hiding. Tohru-chan accidentally tickled my neck with his chin in the hug and I hurried to rustle back around to face him; still trapped in his arms.

"Wh.." My neck was a place I didn't want him to be near yet. My eyes expressed both fear and embarrassment when they met his red ones.

Tohru-chan looked at me lost and worried.

I have to say something or…

"Kkiss." I stammered and shut my eyes. To my surprise this demand was met rather quickly by the lips of a cold one. "!"

W-whatt? Is he seriously intending to do everything I say?

It was just a peck but he remained with closed eyes refusing to look at me.

[Tohru]

That was dangerous. I was so focused on his lips… when he said that I just went for it without thinking.

I've been tempted to kiss you so many times now. I did when you were unconscious… Even when I know I'm not the one you really want.

I restrained all of my sinful desires and only gave Natsuno's lips a short peck and push before breaking contact. I needed a moment before I was ready to look at him. Why did he ask for that?

"More…" This time it wasn't a whisper.

My heart met his words with a wild beat.

"Natsuno.." I betrayed my heart before I died by asking you, to help me hook up with Ritsu-chan, and I regret it to this day. Your feelings for that guy in the city … I don't want you to do the same. I refuse to take advantage of you and become that guy's replacement! " I can't."

I promised I'd do everything you want tonight but…

[Natsuno]

"Natsuno.. I can't."

His words were like a knife.

I'm a horrible person. What am I trying to force on to him…

"Why?" I gulped and asked in despair.

He could barely look at me and I was on the verge of crying. I'm sorry, Tohru-chan.

"Because I'm not the one you want." Tohru-chan's firm answer made me widen my eyes.

It's not because I'm a guy? You still believe that lie I said before?

I want to tell you there's never been anyone else…

How will you take that? You aren't into guys so it'll probably feel gross, right? Knowing I tricked you just to get a kiss. I'm still deceiving you because I'm afraid to be honest with you.

I don't mind if you hate me when I'm dead … but not until then I won't tell you.

I took his face in my weak hands' grasp and leaned in. Tohru-chan did not open his mouth so my attempt didn't achieve much.

Just as I thought.. Tohru-chan doesn't like this.

My lips were still in contact with his when he quietly said:

"Are you sure you are fine with me, Natsuno?"

"Yeah…" I nodded allowing some distance between our faces. Sorry, there isn't anyone else I want this with. Has to be you.

I then looked away agitated about forcing all this on my best friend.

[Tohru]

I can't resist anymore.

I pressed our bodies together and stroked his lips with mine.

I had previously given him a lesson on what to do and he didn't disappoint. Natsuno allowed me in opening his mouth slightly, arms lustfully wrapped around my neck as I got on top.

I didn't think I'd ever get the chance to do this with you again. I thought you would hate me, I am after all here to take your life. Why are you okay with it? Why do you let me touch you intimately? Is it really just your deathwish?

My thoughts became unpleasant and I realized I had been unconsciously rougher with him; I had pinned his shoulders down at the bed with my hands and my tongue was digging deeper than last time.

"Mnnh!" I heard an objection.

I gave Natsuno a chance to breathe, retreating tongue, now using lips and teeth to suck his red ones in a smooch. They were moist from both our saliva.

Knock knock.

Shit! Someone was at the door.

"Natsuno, I heard a mumble did you need something?"

I flinched and quickly moved away from his lips relying on him to say something to make his dad go away.

"I'm alright!" He forced his hoarse voice and suppressed a cough. My kiss had left him panting although he was trying to cover it up.

"Okay. Good night."

I licked and kissed his lower neck to tease.

"Ah! Good night!"

…

The footsteps faded. I tried to look at Natsuno just to find him with both hands on his face; blushing.

I pulled and rolled him over so his face was now hanging above mine and his hands searched support from the bed.

Don't dare hide such a beautiful expression from me. I thought at the sight.

I had given him the privilege of being on top so he went and bit my lower lip innocently pulling - my punishment for teasing him just now.

Hands spread under his shirt touching every piece of skin they could reach.

"Aa!" Hearing Natsuno moan so close to my face turned me on even more.

[Natsuno]

He was cold to the touch but places he fondled felt so hot.

I can't think clearly anymore. I'm burning up..

I sat up and took my bedtime shirt off. He followed me up and gazed at my upper body. It made me self-conscious.

"It's too hot…" I said my excuse.

"Yeah, take mine off too." I blushed. Your skin is always cold...

I begged my hands not to shake while going through the buttons. They did.

We locked eyes. Our lips sought eachother again like magnets. His hands found it best to attack my hard nipples, pulling them; rolling them; squeezing around.

"Mm-."

Tongues twirled together in their own game.

I don't know for how long we were at it but when we finally separated faces I was out of breath and panting and so was Tohru-chan.

[Tohru]

This is… more than just kissing already.

"Natsuno." Lust was about to overtake me. My desires were growing bigger.

I used my strength to lift him from my lap and throw him back on the bed not worrying much about the loud creak this resulted into.

"Waah?!" Purple locks of hair spread around as he landed.

"…"

I tore the button on his trousers and touched his front. He is also like this!

Feeling him made me realize what I was doing.

"! Sorry!" I hurried to say. "We should… stop here."

"No.." My body was pulled in a weak hug by the anemic 15-year old.

"Natsuno!" I insisted that he stops me.

…

"I don't want to die a virgin!" My best friend blurted out in a whisper. "Tohru-chan.."

You..!

I pulled down everything he was wearing and threw it on the ground; Natsuno now laid exposed and embarrassed of his words. I did the same with my own clothes and positioned on top of his seductive body.

"And condoms?" I asked but knew the answer.

"No need."

...

"Aaakh-hNn!"

The virgin's gasp failed to be suppressed when I did what he asked me to. He is so tight, this must hurt like hell.

"Shh, it's okay." I wrapped his shivering body in my own staying still inside of him. "It's okay." I repeated in his ear as Natsuno's tears fell down.

[Natsuno]

Somewhere along the way it stopped hurting so much. I needed to be quiet and careful not to wake my parents up but the pain and pleasure were forcing me to let out sounds I didn't know I could ever make.

"Natsuno.." He repeated my name; groaned in pleasure and spread my legs more forcefully inbetween his thrusts. This is really happening? I'm… with Tohru-chan…

My heart was overloaded.

...

Only our exhales of lust could be heard in the quiet night.

"!" H-huh? He pulled out all of a sudden.

Tohru-chan grabbed our members and rubbed them against eachother rapidly. It feels so good…!

"A-aa!" his moan echoed louder than mine and he fell on me exhausted soon after.

We stayed embraced for some time. I couldn't feel most of my body. Anemia was slowly returning as if to punish my body even more than what it had already been through.

No one dared to break the silence because what happened felt like a dream.

Tohru-chan regained his strength first and rose his head from the pillow. We exchanged a passionate glance and he caressed my cheek; held my face as he shivered from overwhelming emotions.

"It will be dawn soon." He spoke on the verge of crying when he noticed the skies changing color through the window.

Right… my time is up. You kept your promise.

I wish I could spend more time with you. I wish I had the strength to free you from them, to protect you so we can run away from this place together.

"Tohru-chan, I actually… didn't have a crush on someone outside the village." I spoke my feelings out. Those will be my last words to you. I want to be honest. "I've loved you all along."

I turned my head away. "You can kill me now..." There, I said it.

"No! How can I if you say that… I don't want to take your life, Natsuno! I Can't!" Tohru-chan spoke out a frustrated burst of words and cold tears stained his face above me. "Natsuno.. I l-" He cried.

I love you, Tohru-chan…

[Tohru]

I don't want this to be true now! If it's true...

All of the reasons I had convinced myself I should be the one to end his life because of faded once I heard the confession.

You are too cruel to ask me to kill you after this.

"No! How can I if you say that… I don't want to take your life, Natsuno! I Can't! " I was at a loss of words and cried. "Natsuno..I l-"

"I'll help you." He stated. You don't understand!

One last kiss forced itself on me.

Taste of blood filled my senses. Natsuno had bitten his lips.

NO! Fangs I could no longer control pierced his lower lip's surface to taste more liquid.

.

.

.

.

.

.

"Natsuno! Natsuno!" I shook the body in despair. Teardrops splashed the pale face.

"I love you.. Don't die! Natsuno.."

A quiet voice spoke alone. All life had already escaped the room. Only the dawn was present slowly threatening a sinful creature.

...

Please leave me a review u can hate on me if u want T.T lets just discuss the feels. This is the last chapter here but I have a rough idea for a continuation too. I will update this and refer you to the new story when I begin writing it (ill need time to rewatch the animu, i find it even more heartbreaking than my story tbh). I decided to keep it as a separate story because it wont follow the events in the anime as closely anymore. I hope my writing wasn't too cheesy, i tried me best to keep it emotional like it was in the anime ;0;. I love this pairing and I'm truly sorry things had to end this way for them. I put the rating of the story as M as in for teens and adults but do tell me if I should change it to the one for adults only. I personally don't see it as too sexual for a teenager to read as I tried to not mention unnecessary details. But let me know and I'll change it.