Disclaimer: Blood Alone is the property of Infinity Studios and Masayuki Takano None of the characters are mine. I'm just having fun with them for a while.

Kuroe was beginning to panic. He had been out all night looking for Misaki after she didn't come home for a few hours. He stopped by Sainome's place, even though he knew that she was out of town, Misaki's favorite shopping places, the park, the college campus where they had watched the cherry blossoms, the pool, even going so far as to seek out Sly for information. There was only one place she could be at this hour so close to dawn.

Forcing himself to calm down, Kuroe practically sprinted to Higure's side of town. Good thing I remember the way to his house, he thought wryly. His feet carried him swiftly down the gravel driveway and up the front steps to the door. Regaining his breath after a moment, he raised his hand to knock on the solid door. No response. He tried again, harder this time. Still nothing. Before he attempted to break it down in his desperation, he tried the knob. Surprisingly, it turned easily in his grasp and allowed him entrance. How can he be comfortable knowing that the front door is unlocked at this time of night? he thought as he stepped inside the grand home. His Renfields must be around somewhere. Either that or he's confident enough in his own strength.

"Higure?" he called. He nearly walked past the living room entrance when a figure in the chair caught his eye. Crossing the threshold into the dark living space, he saw that the figure was not a singular object as he initially suspected. It was two figures, and not just any two, but Higure curled around Misaki. A pang shot through his body as he saw how tenderly the master vampire cradled the younger vampire against him as they slept. Higure's hand resting lightly on her tear-stained cheek, another sight that made him cringe, made him go cold. He knew them well enough to know that nothing unseemly had occurred between them during the night, but his eyes refused to listen to reason. All he could see was how much like lovers they looked, not a mentor comforting a student.

He nearly slipped beneath the waves of his sorrow before Higure stirred. Ageless eyes opened and locked onto his figure, keeping him rooted in his place. The vampire grinned sleepily before yawning widely. "Kuroe," he said quietly so as not to wake Misaki, "have a seat. There is something I need to discuss with you."

The author almost voiced his refusal but his legs were already carrying him to the sofa. Feeling somewhat numb by his discovery of the two vampires in such an intimate position, Kuroe dropped heavily onto the piece of furniture. Swallowing so as to rid himself of the sudden dryness that had invaded his throat, he asked, "How long has she been here?"

Higure, not budging an inch from his current position, responded softly, "Since last night." He closely examined the author's expression, looking for any hint of emotion that might betray him. "She came to me in tears. I hope you know that if you have damaged her beyond repair I'll make you pay for it, right?"

Kuroe's eyes snapped up to meet the vampire's at hearing the hardness in Higure's tone. The blonde vampire's gaze was cold and deadly; he was serious. Kuroe let out an exasperated sigh. "I told her what needed to be said. I can't be in a relationship with her. I know very well that she loves me, but I cannot risk hurting her even more if we..."

"So you're trying to protect her from something that may or may not happen in the future by causing her this kind of pain now?" Higure interrupted. His guest did not answer. He smirked to himself and closed his eyes in amazement; humans really were such interesting creatures. "You really are a fool, hunter." Kuroe's head shot up at the use of his former title, one that he had all but forsaken years ago. Higure met his gaze again, the previous hardness diminished significantly. "This girl obviously loves you more than she's loved anything in her life. She did not love even her parents the way she loves you. She wants to see you as a friend and a lover, regardless of how human society may dictate that such a bond is sinful."

"But it is, Higure!" Kuroe exclaimed, forgetting that Misaki was still asleep. The elder vampire quietly hushed him before he continued. "If we were both vampires it might have worked. It might just be my human mentality, but I can't help believing that a grown man should not have such a relation to so young a girl. It's wrong on so many levels."

Higure took a breath; he was getting tired of this man's stubborn personality. True, he found it to be one of his more attractive qualities, but in this situation at this time it was just irritating. He almost said this when Kuroe began again, his voice having grown softer. "However, even though I still think this, I can't deny that I do feel something for Misaki, something more than just friendship." He let his eyes drift down to the still-sleeping girl, his gaze becoming almost sad. "I want to always make her happy. I can't stand it when I see her cry. And whenever I think of her in danger or in a situation where I can't help her, my body goes cold. I can't think of anything else but how to protect her. And when I save her from whatever was threatening her and she embraces me, I feel warm. It just feels right to have her in my arms, to have her always with me."

Higure took note of the way he was looking at Misaki and grew slightly envious of the fact that it was she who was receiving such a loving stare from this man. He shook his head slightly to rid himself of such selfish thoughts; right now, Misaki's happiness was at stake, not his own. "So, do you love her?" he whispered, already knowing the answer.

Kuroe looked taken aback. His face turned an adorable shade of pink as he smiled gently. "I think I do, Higure. But what do I do? I've never been in this situation before."

Higure was about to respond when he felt Misaki shift slightly in his arms. Both men watched as the girl in question slowly awakened, her eyes still unfocused and hazy from sleep. "Kuroe," they heard her murmur. The man she had called for became suddenly self conscious and straightened his back. Her eyes steadily became clearer as she woke up completely. Looking around at the unfamiliar surroundings, she found Kuroe looking at her and smiling nervously. She suddenly remembered what had happened last night, how she had left their home in tears and run straight to Higure. She also recalled that she was still nestled tightly beside him in the chair and instantly sat up. Higure was a bit surprised at her sudden need for space, but let it slide as he saw that she was not looking at either of them.

Her cheeks were red and her mouth was set in a firm line of embarrassment. Had he heard what she said? How she sounded when she said his name? She desperately hoped not. She couldn't take the humiliation after what had transpired last night. She sat rigid, eyes fixed on the floor at her feet.

"Misaki," Higure called softly, "I know this is probably rude of me to ask, but it's for your own good: when was the last time you had blood?"

Both Kuroe and Misaki paled at the question, both for different reasons: Misaki for having always harbored distaste for the issue, and knowing that it had been far too long since she had last drank, Kuroe for not having realized sooner that she was starving herself. He shot his eyes around to stare at her, not understanding why she would torture herself in such a way. "Misaki?" he prompted when she did not answer. "How long have you gone without blood?"

She only lowered her head further in shame, not wanting to admit weakness. Higure looked up at Kuroe as he sensed his confusion. Hastily, he explained, "She has been distraught over her feelings for you for several days, if not weeks, Kuroe. She wasn't thinking clearly." Higure's eyes widened as he saw Kuroe roll up his sleeve and fish out a pocket knife from his slacks. He realized what the author was about to do. "And apparently, neither are you."

"My mind is as clear as it's ever been, Higure," he replied without malice. Misaki risked a glance up as she heard the exchange, and her eyes widened as well when she saw the blade descend onto Kuroe's wrist. He pulled the knife slowly, almost sensually across his skin, creating a slight wound that would allow his blood to surface but not cause him any lethal harm. Misaki's breath caught in her throat when she saw the ruby red liquid appear on his flesh, the contrast to his pale skin somehow alluring and enticing. She wondered briefly if all vampires felt this way when faced with blood, or if it was just the fact that it was Kuroe doing it that made her feel uncomfortable in her skin so suddenly. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't tear her eyes from the thin ribbon of blood that had begun to spill from Kuroe's arm and drip onto the floor. Was this bloodlust?

Higure, meanwhile, forced himself to look away from the author's wrist before he was tempted to sink his fangs into the delicate flesh and drink deeply from him. Well, he wanted to do that anyway, but in another situation and with emotions more intense than pure concern and willingness to help a dear friend. Pushing even that thought from his mind, Higure shook his head slightly to be sure such thoughts would not return of their own will. He put his hands on Misaki's shoulders, easing her forward towards the man she loved.

She accepted his aid in moving without even acknowledging his presence: she was still fixated on Kuroe's dripping wound. She found herself suddenly very close to the blood, a tightening in her lower gut causing her a bit of discomfort. She was hungry, so very hungry. And here was Kuroe, the man she loved so desperately, offering his life's blood to her. But if her teeth should break his skin, he would become a Renfield. That was the last thing she wanted, although this ache in her belly refused to die down at the thought. If anything it grew worse. She needed blood and fast of she was to retain her sanity.

Kuroe looked on with impassive eyes as Misaki sank to the floor at his feet, still staring at his wrist as it continued to bleed. His breath all but ceased as Misaki took his hand in one hand and his forearm in the other, her small fingers possessing a strength that was unnatural to someone of her young age, but perfectly normal for a vampire. He watched as she slowly moved closer to his wrist, her mouth opening hesitantly. As her quivering lips touched his skin, a shock went through his entire body. He hid it carefully from both vampires, though, and continued to act detached as she began to pull his blood from his veins. He should have been disgusted, should have felt even the slightest twinge of fear at the prospect of a vampire feeding from him, but he was strangely at ease with the exception of the slow fire that had begun to burn in his belly. He'd felt this once before, but when? It certainly was never around Misaki. Then when...he gasped slightly when Misaki's mouth was especially greedy, at the same time remembering what had caused this feeling in him before.

Misaki, meanwhile, remained oblivious to Kuroe's reaction, finding herself unable to focus on anything other than getting as much of his blood as possible without biting him. This must be what heaven felt like! Kuroe's blood was so rich and thick, the taste alone feeding the flames that had spread throughout her small body. And the fact that her lips were finally touching his sweet flesh did nothing to quell them. A sudden onslaught of possessiveness overtook her. This man would never leave her side, not if she had anything to say about it. He was hers and hers alone. She respected and loved him far too much to turn him into her servant, but she would make damn sure that he was always by her side.

Higure, sensing the sudden tensing of the air, quietly excused himself from the room. He retreated to his bedroom, but left the door slightly ajar so that he could observe their interaction after Misaki had drank her fill. He saw the small vampire slowly pull away from Kuroe's wrist, presumably when she could take no more from the minor wound. She sat back up, satisfaction and shyness apparent on her face. She daintily wiped a drop of blood from her lip, keeping her eyes away from the man that sat beside her.

Kuroe was fixated on Misaki's face. She wore an expression of pleasure that was so out of place on one so young, but anxiousness was also evident. She was so adorable to him at that moment. He allowed a smile to turn his lips up, forcing his unease away. He took Misaki's face in his hands, obliging her to look at him whether she wanted to or not. "Misaki," he whispered, his voice heavy with some unnamed emotion, "I thought about what you told me last night. I think I've made a decision regarding your feelings for me." He saw her tense up, her eyes widening in fear of his next words. His smile grew involuntarily bigger at her innocence. "I've decided that, right or wrong, I do have feelings for you that I can't deny. And I don't ever want to leave your side."

Misaki gasped at his proclamation. He couldn't possibly be saying... "Kuroe, does this mean..." She couldn't finish the thought as newly formed tears made her throat close up.

"Maybe," Kuroe continued, "we could start things out slow and see where we go from there. Does that sound good to you?"

Misaki stared at his dark, beautiful eyes, amazement coloring her expression. This gorgeous man whom she had grown to love with all her soul had just admitted that he had feelings similar to hers for him, and he was willing to let a relationship more than friendship blossom between them. She felt the tears sting her eyes as they escaped their confines and trailed down her cheeks.

Kuroe's smile faltered as he saw her tears. "Misaki? What's wrong?"

Misaki laughed a little at his worry. He would never change. "Nothing's wrong, you dork. Everything's perfect." She suddenly smiled and leapt into his arms, wrapping her own around his neck. She exhaled in relief as she felt his arms go around her body, his embrace warm and loving. "Thanks, Kuroe," she whispered against his neck. She felt him shiver at the sensation of her breath on his skin and made a mental note of his reaction for later reference.

Kuroe pulled back just slightly out of her hold, enough to look into her eyes as he stroked her head with one hand. He pressed a chaste kiss to her forehead, both out of gratitude for her accepting his offer of going slow in their newfound relationship and out of his own desire to feel her skin beneath his lips.

Higure smiled to himself as he watched the scene unfold before him through the thin crack of the door. It was about time those two finally figured out how the other felt. While he would have preferred to keep Misaki as a friend and have Kuroe all to himself, he was genuinely happy for the vampire and the author. He watched them until Misaki fell asleep, her internal clock urging her to sleep while the sun was out. Kuroe simply watched the small vampire in his arms, his hand stroking her hair soothingly, before he finally succumbed to the allure of sleep as well. Higure silently closed the door, a smile on his lips, and fell back into his bed for the rest he loved so dearly. His last conscious thought was that Kuroe and Misaki were certainly in for some remarkable times ahead...especially when Misaki matured as a vampire and experienced her first heat cycle. That would be an interesting couple of weeks for the two of them. The master vampire soon drifted back into the arms of sleep, a smirk on his face as he thought of the coming times.