Zero raced up the steps to the moon dormitories not caring about the staring eyes next to him. A thousand thoughts and questions whirled in his head as he reached the door.
Banging on the surface the door opened to reveal a random night class student who yawned the groggily looked at him. It was still the morning after all which meant most of the vampires were sleeping.
The vampire turned his head in confusion and question. "What is it Disciplinary Committee?"
He took a step closer and peered into the room, realizing no one was there. "I need to speak to Rose."
The aristocrat narrowed his eyes in confusion not understanding what exactly he was saying. "We don't have anyone here by that name."
Zero balled his fists in frustration and pushed the door open with his palm. "Just let me through."
The vampire struggled against the door, trying to keep it closed from the hunter that was so desperate to tear it off it's hinges.
Suddenly he paused when a familiar voice filled the space. "It's alright, let him in Tanaka."
Tanaka turned to find Hanabusa coming down the stairs. He glanced at Zero once before releasing his pressure on the door and stepping back.
Zero entered the room as Hanabusa turned to Tanaka and smiled. "If you could leave us alone please?"
Not really caring about the conversation Tanaka gladly nodded his head and sidestepped away, yawning in the process.
Once they were alone Hanabusa turned to Zero angrily and stomped up to him. "What do you think you're doing?! You can't just barge up here and bang on the door. Then everything she has done would be in vain. Have some sense."
Zero looked around the room widely and ignored his words. "Where is she?"
Hanabusa sighed loudly at the fact he wasn't listening at all and dropped his voice to the hushed tone. "She hasn't been out of Lord Kaname's room all day. I can't even go in. So it's impossible to meet her right now."
Zero let those words sink in as his shoulders deflated. Why was she with Kaname? A small pang of doubt pooled in his head but he forced himself to push it down. "When will she be out?"
Sighing loudly Hanabusa shook his head and crossed arms in defeat. "I have no idea. I've only been with her for about a year but this is something new. She doesn't usually mope or pout. It's new territory. Plus she's been blocking out her thoughts and feelings so I can't feel them. Honestly, it worries me."
Saying that Hanabusa was worried was an understatement. It killed him not to know what exactly Rose was going through but because of last nights events he knew it couldn't be good.
Zero looked at him for a few minutes before realizing he couldn't do anything at this moment. Whether he liked it or not he had to wait. "Could you tell me when she does come out?"
Hanabusa nodded his head which was Zero's que to exit reluctantly through the moon dorms gates.
Kaname glanced at Rose from his spot of the sofa who was laying on his bed, curled up with her eyes closed.
Ever since he had brought her back from the incident with Zero three days ago she had refused to leave his room. To him this response was welcoming but he also knew deep down that something was very wrong.
During his time with Rose she had never acted so childlike and dependent like she had been now. Usually she would have shoved down her emotions and moved on but this, something about these past events had shook her in some way.
He carefully made his move and stood up, moving towards the bed carefully before sitting on the edge.
This gained a response from Rose as she opened her eyes and spoke for the first time in a couple hours. "Let's just go."
Kaname turned to her in confusion and carefully moved closer. "Go where?"
She didn't make any move to shy away, instead she turned to him. "Go back to the estate. Give up on this stupid game."
He blinked a few times in disbelief at the words she was suggesting. Never in her life had she been willing to back away from her goal. So why now? "What about Zero? Do you still want to protect him?"
Rose roughly pushed her arm over her face and sat up. "What's the point anymore?! He was safer before I decided to meddle in his life. If I hadn't gotten so close none of this would've happened. I'm done. Carson's won. It's better if I just go back and submit to him like he wants."
Kaname raced forward without a thought a grabbed her arm in fear. He didn't like the words she was using. "But then you wouldn't be happy."
Rose looked at him and bitterly laughed. "Happy? It's never been about me being happy. I was so naive to think that I could deserve someone like him. That just maybe, he would love me and I wouldn't be so alone in this god forsaken world. But now, it's time to grow up and realize my place."
Kaname didn't know how to respond to her words. On the one hand he was extremely happy that she was suggesting to leave the world of Zero to stay with him, but on the other hand he knew this wasn't by her free will.
Just like Rose had been reading his mind her next words stung him internally. "At least now you will be happy. I'll finally give up this stupid dream and face reality. That's what you want right?"
He looked at her for a few moments before bringing her into a tight embrace. She was completely right, he was happy. But he also felt dirty for feeling such an emotion when the girl he loved was unraveling before him. Maybe he really was like Rido in more ways than one.
Kaname leaned in and muttered into her hair. "Rose, I want nothing more than to be with you. But I also know that your heart still belongs to Zero. No matter what decision you make all I want you to do is finally smile."
He pulled away to look at her face which was a jumbled up mix of emotions. She quietly pulled away from him and stood. "I'll tell Carson to terminate my attendance at Cross Academy during the sware. Time to forget about what could be and focus on what will be."
Kaname looked at her sadly and knew he couldn't change her mind. In some ways this was the ending he wanted, but somehow he still felt empty deep down.
When Hanabusa saw Rose descending the stairs into the lobby he filled with a mix of fear and relief.
He was glad she was okay but silently feared for the conversation they now had to have. She was not going to be happy at what he'd done but he still believed this was necessary.
A group of students greeted her as she reached the bottom step and she politely responded a second later. Of course, the minute Hanabusa heard Rose's voice he knew something was wrong.
She sounded almost robotic, like she had been rehearsing what to say before hand.
When the students were satisfied Rose moved over to the sofa, taking her place across from Hanabusa before pouring herself a cup of tea.
Not knowing how to start the conversation, Hanabusa started off easy. "How are you feeling?"
She responded by glancing up for her cup and speaking in the same robotic tone as before."I'm as fine as I'll ever be."
That response was laced with so many hidden meanings that Hanabusa couldn't even begin to start to break down. "I need to tell you something."
Rose smiled slightly before placing the cup into the small plate and held it by her side. "And what would that be Hanabusa?"
A couple moments of silence followed which made both parties feel uneasy. Finally Rose was getting irritated and spoke first. "Spit it out."
Hanabusa gulped before choosing his words very carefully, making sure to watch her face the entire time. "Uhh Okay. Well, remember how you told me then when all of this was over you won't tell Zero everything because you would always do what's best?"
She nodded her head in response in slight confusion but let him continue, but not before picking up her tea cup and taking a long sip. "Well I can't accept that! And I know deep down you couldn't too. So ummmm….I showed him your journals."
Rose let the words process in her head before connecting the dots and almost choking on her tea.
This gained the attention of everyone in the room as Rose coughed widely, the liquid burning her throat.
Once she could breath she sharply glared at Hanabusa and shouted angrily, forgetting about the eyes watching her. "You did what?!"
Hanabusa put his hands out in defense and tried to explain himself. "I just thought that if he read them then he would understand."
Rose shot up out of her seat and nervously ran her fingers through her hair. This wasn't the plan! He wasn't supposed to know anything. Hanabusa that stupid fool.
She could feel her breath start to come in and out rapidly as she tried to suppress another panic attack, this time in public.
Trying to keep any sense of lucid thought she shook her head aggressively and hissed. "You idiot!"
He watched her hands shake aggressively as she tried to get away from the large amount of people.
Hanabusa knew he couldn't leave the conversation like that so instead he reached for her arm only to have her shrink away and shout. "Don't touch me!"
Suddenly a sharp wave of electricity coursed through him and he was forced to let go. Wondering what exactly just happened they looked at each until it clicked. It was the blood bond.
Rose seemed to have realized this also as her face fell in despair. She told herself she wouldn't order him to do anything but in her careless state she had done just that.
Quietly she whispered. "I'm sorry." Before darting away to find a quiet spot to think.
After a couple minutes whether Rose liked it or not it was time for the switch and didn't know how she was going to face Zero.
Hanabusa had done something reckless without consulting her which was why she was hesitant to create the blood bond in the first place. Maybe she was right after all in thinking that this was a mistake.
She shortly concluded that this wouldn't change anything. Rose had already decided her path in life and she wasn't going to delude herself anymore. Just pretending that those journals never existed was the far better option.
Rose carefully stepped out of her hiding place and moved back into the lobby where everyone was waiting for her. They didn't dare ask what had just occurred with Hanabusa, and Hanabusa himself watched her from afar without getting to close.
Slapping on her fake illusion of happiness she moved next to Kaname and waited for the door to open and shortly they did.
Shielding her eyes from the sun she moved forward, into the crowds of people with one goal in mind.
Rose ignored the screams and cheers and only focused on the destination in front of her. That was until she heard his voice.
It reached above the crowds in a loud shout and her blood ran cold. He was calling her name over and over, racing through the crowds to see her. "Rose!"
Taking a deep breath Rose continued on, not looking behind her and drowning out his voice. She didn't want the rest of the night class to think anything was a miss.
The voices ceased for a moment and she thankfully was relieved that he had given up.
Suddenly his voice came back but this time it pierced through her being and caused her body to freeze to a complete stop. Rose's eyes widened when she heard Zero call out in another way. "Isabelle!"
It took everything in her power to not turn around as she clutched her fists by her sides and closed her eyes in pain.
Everyone around her was confused by his words and the rest of Night Class were less than pleased at the way he was addressed Lady Adelaide so casually.
Rose knew that if she had turned around then all of her strength would have disappeared so instead she forced her feet to move forward and pushed his words from her mind until they were out of reach.
Once they reached the classrooms everyone was instructed to wait there until their parent or guardian greeted them to prepare for the sawrey.
Rose was not looking forward to this in the slightest. Any time she had to see Carson and Matthew always turned into an unpleasant one.
Because she had snapped at Hanabusa before he was now remaining quiet in fear of being yelled at again. Yes she was still pissed at him but the silence seemed to only make it worse.
When he decided to speak first she was internally glad. "Are you going to be okay?"
That was the question wasn't it. Was she going to be okay? She was about to spend a long evening with the man she hated more then anything and Zero had found out about her private journals. After all of these facts she wasn't so sure.
He waited a couple moments for a response and Rose realized she had to actually answer him. Her voice came out quiet and uncertain, laced with fear."I honestly don't know."
Hanabusa looked at her sadly when the door opened and bunch of vampires poured in, each greeting their children. When they caught eye of Rose they practically ran over to her, plowing everyone else down.
The meaningless conversations started and Rose shoved down all of the feelings that worried her, focusing to the moment at hand.
Always hitting the correct giggles and responses, the parents seemed thrilled at her answers. She quickly glanced at Kaname and Yuki who had their own hoard of aristocrats to deal with.
Once it got to be too much Hanabusa stepped in and dissipated the crowds. She breathed out a sigh of relief until he heard another man speak. "So lovely to see you again Rosabella."
Automatically straightening her posture she turned and smiled politely at the man who held her chains. "Good evening uncle. Did you have a safe journey?"
He nodded his head once and smiled at her compliance. "I see you've grown up in these months. Excellent. Shall we go prepare?"
Truthfully she didn't want to follow him but knew she had no choice in the matter and did so anyways.
On the way to her room he started to interrogate her about her life here. "How is that boy? Zero Kiryu. I would love to meet him again."
That bastard. He knew just the sound of Zero's name could set Rose off, but not this time. This time she knew exactly what she was doing. "There is no need. We have ceased communication completely."
Carson stopped at her words and gave her a smug chuckle."Really? I thought you would have tried something reckless by now."
Rose tried not to meet his piercing gaze as she spoke. "You were right uncle. All of this was just a child's game. It is time I grow up."
Not believing what he was hearing he looked deeper into her eyes but found nothing. She was actually telling the truth. "That's wonderful news. So when the semester is over you will finally marry Lord Kaname and be undefiant?"
She nodded her head quietly and continued to walk to there destination. "Yes. I already promised I would. You kept your end of the deal so now it's time I fulfill mine."
A couple hours later Rose was standing in front of the mirror in the dress that Carson had chosen for her.
His choices were obviously meant to mock and demean her but what he didn't know at the time was that Rose accepted it.
He touched the fabric and said the words she had been thinking. "Purple, the color of royalty. It suits you."
Rose remained quiet as Carson turned and brought her a new box, this one smaller than the last. "And now the finishing touch."
Undoing a bow he opened it and pulled out a silver tiara etched in diamonds. He knew she hated things like this, and that's exactly why he did them.
Carson moved and placed the crown upon her head before letting his hand cascade down and grab her shoulders roughly. He expected her to flinch but no response came. "Now you are perfect. My Rosabella. My pureblood."
The fact that he was talking about her as property only proved the fact that he had no love in this heart, only the need to control. "Now that you have become obedient I suppose I'll tell you what we are going to accomplish together."
Rose narrowed her eyes in confusion but let him continue. If she spoke now it would only anger him. "All of these purebloods and shared responsibility. It is aggravating. We are going to fix that. The world only needs a Queen."
All at once Rose began to connect the dots and her eyes grew and what exactly he was suggesting. "You are going to kill off all the purebloods?"
Carson gave a mighty laugh and shook his head in amusement before pointing to the mirror, his breath hissing into her ear. "No my pureblood. You are. With your power I can use you to wipe out the entire pureblood population except one, our family. And because I control you that means I'll control the world."
Rose stood frozen at his words and tried not to lash out. He knew she would do anything for Zero's life, even if it meant killing off an entire population, and with Rido's power she could.
Just then a knock came through the door and Matthew entered before bowing. "It is time my Lord."
Carson nodded his head at let his hand fall from Rose's shoulders as she stepped away from the mirror, trying not to freak out.
Rose took this as her cue to leave but as she moved closer to the door Carson grabbed her arms roughly and squeezed it so hard until he saw she wince. "I do have to say though, you were far easier to train then Shizuka was. She outright refused, that's why I had to hold her in that cage."
At those words Rose gave Carson the exact reaction he was looking for. She quickly ripped her arms away and glared at him with an intense hatred. The fact that Shizuka had to live with this man was unforgivable.
She stomped up at him and hissed her words that were low and dangerous. "Just because I have agreed to comply doesn't escape the fact that I hate you with every ounce of my being."
Then before she could see his reaction Rose turned and walked out of the door, into the lion's den that was the sawray.
The music pounded in her ears as she entered the ballroom and quickly found Kaname. Because this was a public event they were obligated to prove how "in love" they were with each other.
Rose strolled up to him and interlaced her hand with his before greeting the guests before them.
She paused when she saw a very familiar set of twins walk up to her with there father in tow. "Good evening Lady Adelaide. May I say you look absolutely beautiful.I hope my boys haven't given you too much trouble."
Smiling slightly she glanced at Kazuki before answering. "Thank you, and I would say that they haven't given me enough trouble. They are truly a delight."
Lord Amano nodded his head before changing the subject into something she was waiting for. "Please excuse my rudeness but if I may ask, why did you chose Kazuki as your second in command? That boy always has a way of messing things up."
Rose silently pitied Kazuki for having to live in this household. It clearly seemed that his father favored Jun instead. Disgraceful.
Before sharing a quick look with Kazuki who was slightly telling her 'Don't blow it' she answered straightforward. "I apologize that you feel that way but I for one think that Kazuki has been doing a respectable job. Maybe you should have a bit more faith in your son."
That last bit may have been a bit unnecessary but it certainly gave a reaction to Amano who was internally seething. That was her cue to leave. "Now if you would excuse me, I must greet the others. Have a wonderful night."
As she turned to leave she quickly saw Kazuki from the corner of her eye, smirking at what she had just done.
Walking a couple steps she suddenly felt her arm being pulled across the floor to the side of the ballroom.
Turning her head sharply and gasped when she realized it was Zero that had pulled her. "Why are you ignoring me?"
Not knowing what do she glanced at Carson who wasn't paying attention and then back to Zero. "I'm sorry, I don't know what you mean."
Zero noticed her change in speak and pointed it out. "Why are you talking like that?"
Being backed into a corner she checked a second time to make sure her uncle wasn't watching and smiled slightly. "Talk like what? I am only speaking in a manner that would be suitable for someone as myself. Now, if you would excuse me."
Now he knew that something was wrong at the way she kept checking behind her. "What are you afraid of?"
Rose gave a nervous giggle and tried to walk away from the situation as quickly as possible. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Knowing he wasn't going to get anywhere with her in this state he decided to do something reckless.
He quickly grabbed her arm before she could react and began to pull her through the hallway, away from the crowd.
Rose's polite protests could be heard but Zero just ignored them. They turned a corner and found Hanabusa leaning against the wall before stepping aside. "Go. I'll cover for you."
Not exactly knowing what he meant Rose waited until they were out of site. When they reached the woods outside she decided she had enough and ripped her arm away from him. "What the hell Zero?!"
He stopped when she let go and breathed out a sigh of relief when she spoke normally. "That's better.I need to talk to you."
She nervously looked back to the building and spoke. "Look, this isn't a good time. I have to go back in there."
Zero knew he had to do something to make her stay so he quickly fired back. "I read them. The journals."
Gaining the reaction he wanted she stopped with her back still turned and laughed sarcastically. "So? That doesn't mean anything."
Somehow deep down he knew she didn't mean those words. It was hard to believe that everything she had written about was fake. "What are you so afraid of?"
Silence followed afterwards so instead Zero asked the question he had repeated in this head for the past couple days. "Do you still love me?"
He watched as she tightened her fists and even though he couldn't see her face he knew it was distraught.
Her words came out in quick breaths as she shook her head. "Don't ask me that question."
Zero became more and more desperate as he lifted his arms out and shouted. "Why not?! All of those entries,why won't you tell me if they were truth or not?!"
That's when Rose spun around and shouted quickly just as loud. "NOT YET."
Looking into her face her could see her fear as she spoke, quietly this time. "Not yet, Just a bit more and then you will be free. So don't ask me that question."
He took a cautious step forward and searched for the answered on her face but found nothing. "Free? Free from what?"
Rose chuckled bitterly and responded. "Free from me and my stupid decisions. I have worked so hard for you to stay safe, please, just a bit more."
Not understanding her cryptic words he asked the same question again. "Do you still love me?"
She looked into his eyes as tears started to form. There was no going back now. "You idiot, I always have. When will you understand that everything I've done has been for you. It's always been for you. I've even sold my soul so that you could be safe."
Zero's eyes widened at her realization and took another forward, only to have her take one back. She did love him. "What do you mean?"
Rose shook her head and hugged herself to stop the tears from flowing. "A couple years back after I failed to stop Shizuka I promised that you wouldn't meet the same fate. I offered up my life to slavery just to have two years of freedom and to make sure to fulfill my promise. And now I must keep my half of the deal. That is why I can't be free to do what I want."
The pieces started to click into place as he realized that the man she kept looking for was the man that made that deal with her. He became furious that she would do something like that. "Why would you do something like that?"
She smiled sadly and whispered. "It's my punishment."
His heart broke before her as she stood in front of him. But there was one thing for sure, he couldn't let her go back in there with those wolves.
So instead he grabbed her hand and turned to the direction of the gates.
Once they were in town Rose wondered where Zero was taking her, not that it really matter anyways though.
She looked down and saw her hand being pulled by his, his warmth flowing into her.
Just then, a quick wind tore through them and she shivered at the chill when she felt a heavy weight rest upon her.
Looking up she found Zero placing her jacket onto her shoulders before continuing down the path.
Rose blushed slightly at the action and shuttered. "You don't have to do that, I'm fine."
He glanced at her and playfully laughed. "You idiot, just take it."
It seemed he wasn't giving up that easily so instead Rose gave in and pulled his jacket closer to her, inhaling his scent.
Once they reached a clearing he pointed to the bench in front of them and stated. "Sit."
She complied and watched him walk away from her and out of sight. What the heck was he up to? Maybe he finally decided to ditch her after she told him everything.
A couple minutes later she spotted him walking towards her with two mugs in his hands. When he reached her he lifted one out and gave it to her.
Rose looked into the mug and gasped at its contents. Inside the mug was a cup of warm hot chocolate.
She was confused at first until she heard one of her chapters in the journal echo through her head. You know what I wish? I wish that we wander through town, drinking hot chocolate and see the stars together. Does that sound cheesy? Oh it probably does.
Sharply turned to Zero she looked at the mini marshmallows and shook her head. "You don't have do this Zero. Those were just stupid little things I said."
He looked at her before taking a long sip himself and pointed up at the sky.
Rose turned her head in confusion at looked up only to find a thousand stars painted in the sky.
She couldn't help but ooh and awe at the sight and Zero watched as her mouth curved into an enchanting smile. It was like she was a little kid. "Incredible."
Zero looked at in that moment and thought about everything she had done for him. He thought we knew exactly but now he realized he had only seen the tip of the iceberg. He internally kicked himself for letting her suffer so much without having a clue. But one thing was for certain, he wouldn't let her run away anymore, no matter what.
He smiled at her childlike wonder and spoke. "I know I'm late but if we get started tomorrow we should be able to do everything in the journals."
Rose blinked a few times before putting her hands up in defense and shuttering. "W-what? I already said it's okay. You don't have to do all of that. This is enough."
Carefully lifting his hand he placed it on hers and whispered. "I want too."
All of this was being too much for Rose, almost like a dream. She wondered when all of it would actually end.
Suddenly, music started to play through the speakers which eased the silence a bit. That was until he grabbed her hand and pulled her out of her seat. "Come on."
She quickly scanned through her head and realized there was a entry about dancing or something cheesy like that. Was he really going to go through all the journals?
The fact that no one else in town was dancing didn't stop Zero as he held her waist close and swayed back and forth. Rose couldn't believe what was happening. "This feels like a dream."
Zero smiled to himself as he pulled her closer allowing Rose to wrap her arms around his neck. Whatever was going on, she didn't want it to end.
A couple hours later Zero opened the door to his room at the hunter's association and let Rose inside.
They sat on the bed and waited for who would speak first. It ended up being Rose. "Why are you doing all of this Zero? Is it because you pity me after reading those journals?"
He blinked a few times before shaking his head. That wasn't what he was thinking at all. "No, of course not! It's just, I finally understand."
She looked away for a moment before turning back. "If you understand then I shouldn't even be here. This wasn't part of the plan. If Carson finds out that I've been hanging out with you he will have my head, and I mean literally."
That name was one that Zero had never heard of before so he decided to call her out on it. "Carson? Is that the guy you made that stupid deal with?"
Rose gave him an eye roll at the word stupid and nodded her head. "Yeah. It's complicated."
He realized he may be taking this too far but against his better judgment he pushed on. "I don't want it to be complicated. I want to understand. Please, don't shut me out."
She thought for a moment before thinking that she had told him everything anyways, what was the point of keeping the rest in?
Carefully moving forward she pushed her hair aside and tilted her neck as permission. "You may hate me after."
Zero took this chance and leaned in closer. Rose could feel his hot breath on her throat. "I could never hate you."
Then in an instant, Zero bit into her, and into all of her memories. She didn't bother to close any doors this time. She showed him everything.
A few moments past until he forced himself to break away from her with fear that she may be devoured.
Trying to process everything that he had just saw he now understood everything. Why she had been so cold and what exactly she had sacrificed for him to be safe. It was more than he could bear.
Without knowing what to do he ran forward and wrapped himself in her embrace. It took a few moments but Rose carefully returned the hug as they sat there in silence.
Zero muttered into her shoulder but still allowing her to hear every word. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. What you've been through.."
She clutched his shirt with her hands and smiled sadly under his chest. "If I had the chance to start over after Shizuka, I would have made the same decisions. I don't regret dedicating my life to you. It's the least I can do."
At her last words he pulled away slightly and looked into her eyes that were coated with sadness. "You tried your best to stop her. Please don't hate yourself anymore for this. Because that happened she brought you to me. "
Rose's eyes filled up with tears as she shook her head rapidly. "How could you say that?! How can you even look at my face without disgust?! If I was able to stop her then your family would be alive, your brother would be alive, you would be happy…."
Suddenly her voice stopped when Zero quickly moved and pressed his lips to hers.
The kiss was so sudden that Rose didn't have a moment to process it before it was gone.
He looked at her stunned face and gasped when he saw tears cascading down her face. He had taken it too far.
Zero nervously waved his hands around in fear and tried to stop her tears that kept coming. "I'm sorry, please don't cry."
Finally regaining the muscles back in her face she shook her head aggressively which he responded by carefully touching her back in a calming motion. Was she really that repulsed by what he'd done?
Once Rose was able to speak through her tears she looked up into her eyes and whispered. "I just didn't think you would touch me like that again. I'm so happy."
At her words Zero's eyes widened as he carefully moved forward and cupped her cheek. "So it's okay?"
She nodded her head as Zero wiped some of her tears before moving back and kissing her once again.
It started out small and tender, almost like Rose was afraid that she would wake up at any minute, then it slowly turned into something more passionate.
She kissed him like she had always dreamed of kissing him. There were no walls or boundaries between them anymore. Everything in that moment was perfect.
Running her fingers through his hair he found his hand reaching her lower back and pulled her closer to him.
They pulled away for a moment and Rose could feel an attack coming on. All of this close contact wasn't good for her state.
Rose broke away from him before he watching her eyes turn red, holding her throat in pain. "Shit. Not now."
Zero's eyes grew in fear as he shook her shoulders, watching her cough widely. "What happened?"
She closed her eyes as another wave of pain hit and then she spoke. "It's withdrawal symptoms. My body craves your blood but I'm trying to beat it. The close contact isn't helping. It will pass."
His blood? He looked at her and realized just why she must have pushed him away in the woods. Was that because there was another attack coming on and she didn't want him to see it? How long had she been suffering alone?
He moved closers and titled her neck to the side as permission. "You don't have to wait. Just take it."
Rose looked at him before feeling another wave crash down and she grunted. "No it's okay. I have to beat this. If I take your blood then the next time we separate I'll be in trouble."
Zero shook his head and roughly grabbed her shoulders before answering seriously. "I'm not going anywhere. Not anymore. It's okay to depend on me."
She cautiously moved closer to him but stopped for just a moment and looked at him. "Why? Why are you doing all this?"
He thought about those words for a moment before raising his hand and cupping her cheek. "Because I love you."
Rose stood in shock at his words, feeling her tears start to pool again. That was the only thing she had wanted to hear throughout her entire existence. Zero liked her for her, and nothing else. It didn't matter that she was a pureblood or Rido's descendant, he just loved her.
Moving closer she found her way to his neck before licking the spot and sinking her fangs into his skin. A complete wave of bliss filled her as she drank his blood. A couple years ago she wouldn't have dared to bite him after everything but now, now she knew that this was a sign of love.
His blood cascaded done her throat in warm honey and she realized that she had never tasted anything so magnificent before. She had tasted Zero's blood but this time it felt completely different.
Back at the estate she had heard a lesson about how the blood of two lovers was the most pure and delectable type of blood there was, and that once you had it nothing else could satisfy.
In that moment Rose knew exactly what she had meant. Because they had both recognized there love for each other, now there blood was something entirely new.
Once she was done she broke away from him and wiped her mouth before Zero pulled her closer.
He dipped his head down and kissed her slowly, allowing her to deepen it.
Their movements became much more aggressive as they wrapped their arms around each other, slowly letting Rose fall onto the bed.
Zero appeared on top of her as he attacked her neck. Rose's breaths quickened at the intensity and longed for his lips again.
She moved her hands, pushing his face back onto her's as they kissed each other with an immense passion.
Suddenly they heard a whistle behind them and sharply turned to find Kaito staring at them shock.
Everyone remained frozen until Kaito blinked a few times and spoke. "I know I said you needed to get a girlfriend but I didn't think it would happen this fast, geez. You got some skills Zero."
Zero moved his hand, allowing Rose to sit up as he looked him in annoyance. "Why are you here?"
He pointed to the extra gun resting in the corner and shrugged. "I wanted to see if I could borrow your extra gun. All of the vampire weapons have been acting weird lately. But I can see you're busy so I'll just go. Put a sock on the door next time or something though."
Zero rolled his eyes before standing up and throwing the gun at his face. "Here."
Kaito caught the gun and twirled it around in his fingers. "Thanks. By the way, you two are quite the pair. A pureblood and a Level E. Never thought I'd see the day."
Rose and Zero gave him a sarcastic look before she spoke. "Kaito, please don't tell anyone about this."
He looked at her and winked in response. "Don't worry about it sweetie. I can see how things might get messy if your fiancee found out. You have my word."
At Kaname's mention Rose's eyes fell which caught the attention of Zero. She the looked up and probably said something she shouldn't have. "Don't call me sweetie. It's weird."
Suddenly Kaito's face dropped from a sarcastic one to a devastated one. Then just as soon as it had appeared it was gone. "Someone I knew used to tell me that also. Well, I'll let you go. Bye bye love birds."
He winked one more time and then he was out of sight. When they were alone again Rose scooted off the bed and pointed to the door. "I should be heading back. I don't know how long Hanabusa can cover up for me."
Zero watched her take a step towards the door and all of the memories of her being tourched and struck came back to him. Without thinking he raced forward and grabbed her arm. "Please don't go back there, not yet."
She turned to him and put her hands on her hips. "Then what do you think I should do?"
He looked down and her arm for a couple moments before looking back at her. "Sleep here."
Rose blinked a few times as a large blush graced her cheeks. Then she realized what exactly was waiting for her when she returned. Maybe it was okay to stay in this dream a little longer. "Okay."
Zero smiled a bit and reached into his drawer before pulling out an old sleep shirt and a pair of pajama bottoms. "These might be a bit big but it's better than sleeping in that dress."
He gave her the clothes and shortly after she was standing in them. He was right, they were a little big on her but she didn't mind one bit.
He looked at her in curiosity as she grinned like an idiot. "What?"
Rose flopped onto his bed and shaked herself under the covers before giggling. "These clothes smell like you."
Zero wasn't expecting that answer as a small blush appeared on his cheeks, carefully climbing under the sheets with her. "Are you always this childish?"
It was interesting to see this side of her, a side that he was sure no one else had seen before. She just smiled at this words and answered. "Sometimes. I haven't been like this in awhile through. I can't help it. I'm just so happy."
He smiled at her words as they moved closers to each other. Having to share a twin bed was a tight squeeze but both of them didn't seem to mind.
Rose snuggled up to his chest and slowly allowed her eyes to close.
This chapter was so flipping cute to write omg. Sorry for it being so long, I just started writing and everything just poured out in all its fluffy glory. Next chapter we have Kaname's reaction and more! We are getting towards the end. Kinda sad it's ending though.