Disclaimer: Hino Matsuri's characters do not belong to me. I'm only borrowing it for the creation of my fanfiction.

Pairing: ZeroXYuki

I thank all for giving me the comments so far. Keep it up!!

Back at the corner of the cell, Zero was still holding Yuki in his arms, making sure this time he would not loose her. Breaking down in front of her was a sin of weakness which he could not afford of doing when he was in the presence of others especially sadist like Albert de Gaulle. He couldn't help himself but trembled under the Yuki's soft caress, trying to savor the feeling without expecting some kind of pain in return. Zero could feel those slender fingers of hers trailing on his scars, coupled with heavy sobs as she went through them.

With her were a box of first aid kit and a bottle of antiseptic. She gently applied the liquid on Zero's wounds, expecting a few flinches from the sting. Once in a while, she would ask whether he was comfortable with the treatment. She finished her treatment with a firm bandage on his torso.

"Oh Zero… I'm so sorry you have to go through all this… If I had found you sooner…"

"Yuki, it's ok. I'm here now, right?"

"I guess…"

.

.

.

Both teenagers lay in each others arms for what seem to be hours. The only thing which was audible to them was the sound of crickets chirping and the night wind blowing. Yuki's sudden gesture broke the stillness of the situation. Zero loosen his hold on her, allowing her to nestle herself at the crook of Zero's shoulder.

"I really thought I have lost you, Yuki. When those guards returned with your torn scarf…"

"I didn't expect to survive too. All I could remember was falling into a pit and ended up in Kaname-sama's place."

"Are you saying that you know the pureblood?" Zero exclaimed.

"Of course, he was the reason I was still living today, Zero-kun. I rescued me like he did with you."

The ex-hunter was utterly confused. He could not figure out any logically explanation behind the vampire's actions. Humans' existences are mostly hated by vampires. They were seen as signs of weakness, creatures of a low society, which according to Darwin's theory, should be exterminated. Though peace has been concluded through thousand years of war, many vampires still frowned upon the coexistence between vampires and humans. Some even warned the relaxation between both sides would buy humans time, before they can come out with better weapons or sorcery to dominate the later.

Zero had heard stories about the Kurans. A family of pureblood pacifist who believed the human-vampire coexistence was possible. They were rumored to be the one who was responsible for the creation of the peace treaty. And by the nature of the vampire society, their actions were followed by other vampires as an act of honor and loyalty.

To meet a pureblood member was rare, to speak to one was even more difficult. Zero has experienced both, plus the fact that he was rescued by one. A normal vampire would describe his encounter a miracle. An irony twist of fate which has lead him to meet Kuran Kaname and reunited with his best friend, Yuki. And now, he would have to choose his fate, by either being an ally or a foe to the man.

"Here, take this."

Yuki placed a tiny packet of red in Zero's palms. Out of curiosity, the boy unwrapped the packet and pulled out an item. It was a chocker with the a few color beads dangling at the edge.

"It's a lucky charm. Here, let me help you."

Carefully, Yuki fastened the chocker around Zero's neck. She smiled when she saw it fit him perfectly.

"…"

What Yuki did next was totally unexpected. A soft kiss landed on Zero's left cheek, leaving him totally stunned. The ex-hunter found himself blushing furiously, feeling hot at the place where Yuki kissed him.

"What was that for?!"

Yuki laughed. This was the first time she has seen his friend's reaction. Zero's emotions were usually predictable; either overdose of seriousness or grumpiness. It was so dull that she almost thought that he was not capable of any other feelings. Seeing Zero now has sowed hope in Yuki.

It's not too late. I still can save him…

The girl gingerly held his hand and smiled.

"No matter which path you have decided, Zero, I will always support you. You're not alone."

The boy clung on Yuki's shoulder and gave a soft squeeze. His eyes shown the signs of gratitude, and for the first time, Zero Kiryuu smiled from the bottom of his heart.

"Thank you…"

Mood: Creative

That's all so far. I would have updated this fanfic sooner, if weren't for the annoying storm yesterday. Will be continuing tonight. So, please be patient, ya?