Chapter 5

Zero's POV

I left Kaname and Rido as they were and followed the path out of the woods. I went to the dungeon where Yaguri had put me and open the door to find him picking up Ichiru's passed out body up.

"I came here thinking he's dead," Yaguri began, the smoke from his cigarette drifting into the air. "Then I realized his hearts still beating. Looks like you decided not to go through with it."

My eyes fell away.

"But I can obviously see that your love for your brother is stronger than the desire to be a vampire hunter. We need more people in the association like you. People who keep their careers and personal life separate."

I was a little shocked at his remark. I thought he was going to humiliate or insult me. I guess years of unemployment and teaching teenagers made him tolerant.

He swung one of Ichiru's arms around his shoulder and half carried half dragged him pass me. He stopped and said "You might wanna donate some of your blood to him if you really want him to live." I walked over and twisted his other arm around my neck. I had no reason to respond to something I already knew.

We carried him to Head Master's house and took him into a room that resembled a doctor's office. It was where Head Master treated Yuuki for her "neck wounds." I laid him on the bed while Yaguri looked through the drawers and cabinets. Not only was he a Vampire Hunter and teacher, but he was a certified medical assistant.

I rolled up my sleeves and alcohol-swabbed my arm while Yaguri washed his hand and readied the materials. The needle went in easily and my blood flowed into clear bags. After pints of blood were taken from me he hooked up Ichiru. Within minutes he was looking less lifeless.

Yuuki's POV

The walk to the dorm seemed long. I was full of fatigue and I could see a faint orange stretch across the horizon. We when about 15 yards away from our destination when I saw Yori coming out of the school building with Head Master. I didn't think twice to run over to her.

"Saiyori!" I called.

A smile formed on her face as she pulled me into a hug. "Yuuki." I felt one hand tug at my hair. I knew I had some explaining to do.

"Yori," I began. "I have something to tell you."

"What is it?" she stood back to look at me.

I hesitated for a minute thinking about how to word it. "Remember those creatures of the night you said you didn't believe in." She nodded. "I'm…one of them."

"Are you trying to say you're a…vampire?"

"Yes," my voice was shaky with fear. Fear of her being afraid of me. Fear of losing her. "I understand if you don't want to be around me anymore."

"Even if you're not human anymore," she said taking my hand. "You're still the same Yuuki I've known for years."

That put a smile on my face. "So we're still friends?"

"Best friends." Yori bent down and fixed the Artemis Rod then hugged me again.

"Yuuki," he interrupted us in a worried tone. "We must go."

I pulled away and bowed to Head Master. He looks different in a way. His relaxed appearance had disappeared and was replaced by a sturdy fighter; typical for a Vampire Hunter.

"Don't you bow at me Yuuki," he cried out. "Come over here and hug me. I am your father and I should be treated as such_" In the midst of his frantic ramble I collapsed into his embrace and he grew silent. "I love you…daddy," I say softly.

The sentimental moment was over within seconds and Hanabusa takes me away (once again) from the people I love. I entered the dorm house which was empty and trudged up to my room. This room somehow became a personal common room for me. No matter the event I always find myself here.

Even though I was overwhelmed with exhaustion I couldn't seem to settle down. My mind just wouldn't shut up to put it in simple terms.

"You need your sleep," Hanabusa said.

"But I'm not tired."

"Please try."

"I'm just not in the mood for sleeping."

A cycle similar to this went on for about ten minutes before Ruka came storming in. "Ugh, why can't you get her to sleep Aidou?"

"I'm trying my best here!"

"You fool," she yelled, pointing at Hanabusa. "There's an easier way to do this." Her finger turns to me. "An obstinate little girl like you needs to sleep." And with an echoing snap of her fingers I feel instantly dizzy. I swayed back and forth for a while until everything went black.

It's funny how even in my dreams I still can't escape reality. Memories of Kaname filled my head then Zero later on. I loved them both and I didn't want to hurt either of them. I knew I had to make a choice. Stay and protect Zero or leave with Kaname and tend to my royal duties. These thoughts were the cause of uneasy slumber. I tossed and turned at the images that burn a whole in my heart. The only things keeping me asleep were the spell Ruka put on me and the thought of me waking up and having to decide. Those extra long hours were time enough for me to make my decision.

My eyes fluttered open to blinding orange light. I looked away from the window and sat up. The sun was low in the sky so it was probably around late afternoon or early evening.

There was a knock at the door followed by the cheerful voice of Head Master. "Yuuki, are you awake?"

I cleared my dry throat. "Yes."

"My little Yuuki has awoken. Are you feeling okay?"

I nodded.

"That's great because someone wants to see you."

In almost timed precision Kaname came through the door holding a tray of food. It was happening to fast. I wasn't ready. What do I do? What do I say? Panic rushed over with me and it was impossible to ignore.

"Yuuki I'm glad to see you're awake." He said handing me a glass of juice and I took a sip. It tasted different than I remember it being. Was it because of my new vampire sense of taste?

"I love you," Kaname said casually.

"I love you too."

"Do you love me enough to be my official lover?"

I was quiet for a minute then finally managed to find my voice again. "Kaname I..." Last night I made it obvious that my lover and my brother shouldn't be the same person. Today was just a continuation of our discussion.

"No, you don't have to explain why you don't love me as much as you love him." He said him as if the name was cursed, as if wanting him was taboo. "As you know, Zero doesn't need protecting anymore. I thought your affection for him would fade away, but I was utterly incorrect. Your love is stronger than I thought it was. So my plans have been dismissed and you are free to do whatever you want and love whoever you want."

As he turned towards the door to leave tears pooled in my eyes. I wouldn't allow it to end that soon. I jumped out of bed and flew into his arms. They felt the same as when I was a little girl. "I love you Kaname Kuran and I won't forget you."

"Don't cry," he whispered, "my beloved Yuuki. I'll be back some day in the future." He paused to pull me in closer. "And in between those days I won't forget you either. Or the one who stole you away from me."

He let go of me, whipped my tears, and left the room taking the love I once felt with him.

They weren't good parting words: Or the guy who stole you away from me, but pretty modest for someone who shattered his heart in to a billion pieces. It was so like him to restrain his emotions. I wish I could do that. I'm always emotional about something. That's why the last memory he has of me is me crying. I'm sure it didn't hit a nerve and make him want to bow before me. No matter how hard I sobbed he knew all my love didn't belong to him. I felt so dirty for playing Kaname like that.

I figured it was time to pull myself together. Kaname is gone and it is time to focus on Zero. I took out my spare uniform and slipped it on. Walking out into the hallway I saw nothing. Not a one soul in the building. I'm assuming every day class student was sent home until the situation is solved. It's a hazard to have mortals around especially when there could be some Level E's still alive and hiding. But I'm sure Head Master's out there slaying them.

Even though the sun was in the process of setting, it still burned my eyes. It was as if the light it gave off was suddenly multiplied by a hundred. I smoothed out my blazer and took a brave step out. Then I noticed there was something in my pocket; sun glasses. I put them on immediately which gave my eyes instant relief. As I walked down the path I felt guilty for wearing them. Did Kaname put these in my pocket? I shook the thought away quickly and concentrated on the important thing. Finding Zero.

I stopped to think for a while. There was only one place he could be. I rushed to the Head Master's building to find the door open then I went straight to the roof. My body froze as a saw Zero's back side facing me. He looked like he was watching the sunset. I took slow and silent steps towards the silver haired boy then took a stance a few feet behind him.

"It's beautiful, isn't it? I said staring at the shadowy pinkish-orange sky before me.

His body stiffened as he heard my voice but he didn't turn around. "In a way it's refreshing because I know that this night will be different from the last." I walked over and stood next to him. "The worst has already happened and this night will be peaceful."

There was stillness in the air as Kaname appeared into our view from below. You could see everything from here so clearly. His walk to the front gate, his assembly of followers encircling him, and the invisible tension bubble around them. I could smell every one of them and I'm positive they could smell us.

When my eyes slowly made their way to Zero he was looking at me. I flinched in surprise but don't look away.

"If you love him so much why didn't you go with him?" he asked turning his gaze back to the horizon.

"Because," I explained. "I love someone else more."

I didn't give him any time to respond before I jumped into his arms. It felt so warm nuzzled in his chest. His body felt different than it did when I lasted hugged him. He seemed stronger and bulkier probably because he's more powerful now.

"Zero, what I mean is that…I love you."

He finally returned the hug wrapping one long, pale arm around me, the other rested on the side of my face. "And I love you Yuuki," he says, his lavender eyes staring into my brown ones. They were almost hypnotizing, full of affection and desire. By the time I had snapped myself out of the trance Zero's lips were on mine, kissing me. I found myself under his spell again. His soft lips, the way he held me; it was all so perfect.

And in a flash the kiss was over and my heart ached for more. I look up at him, his head to the sky. What is he thinking about? Even after all these years I still have a hard time seeing through his stone features.

The sun was low and the moon came into view. I felt like the sunglasses were unnecessary so I took them off. When my eyes adjusted to the light I took a step back and brought my head to the sky along with him.

"You know," Zero said. "I still can't believe you're actually a vampire."

So that's what he was thinking, about me being inhuman. Did this thought scare him out of kissing me longer?

"To be honest I can't believe it either," I replied. "But it is what it is and I have to accept that."

I am a vampire. That's what I am. I sleep during the day and hunt during the night. I drink the blood of humans and live in the world of the immortals. I need to accept that.

A gush of wind passed over us and I got a whiff of Zero's natural scent. It was the first time I smelled him with my vampire senses. It had an enticing aroma beyond words that made my mouth water. I inhaled it a few times and my heart started to burn.

Zero turned to me and after a second of studying me his eyes grew wide. I was about to question why he wore such a surprised expression when it all occurred to me. I was thirsty.

My eyes were a deep red and my fangs pushed out of my mouth. It was too late to hind my desire for his blood and I unconsciously drew myself closer to him. Is this what Zero felt like when he drank my blood, so uninhibited and out of control?

"Zero," I whispered then wait for any sign of rejection. He reached up and undid a few buttons on his shirt. I took this as a green light and wrapped my arms around his neck. After pushing back his collar the smooth white skin was revealed to me. I knew exactly what I wanted and he knew too.

Without hesitation I sank my razor sharp fangs into Zero's neck. I heard a painful groan escape his lips. Being bitten wasn't the best feeling in the world and it took a while to get use to the feeling. If anyone would know this it know it would be me.

I sucked in a mouthful and swallowed the first drink. My insides melted at the fresh and addictive taste. It was more addictive than Kaname's beyond compare. I drank the crimson-colored liquid for about 5 minutes pulling myself closer to him with every swallow. It probably sounds weird but it was almost like I could taste his emotions in his blood. I could feel the love he has for me. I could feel the lust he has for my blood. I could feel the happiness I brought him even if he rarely smiled. What is this? Some kind of supernatural ability or blood reading? How come I didn't feel this way with Kaname? Is it because Zero and I were destined to be together?

His grip tightened around me and another groan fled his lips. I reluctantly removed my fangs and licked up the extra blood that trickled out of the wounds. He lifted my face up and brushed his tongue over my lips and chin. I shivered at the wetness cleaning everything away. It didn't seem weird or awkward at all like when Kaname did it.

I leaned my head against his warm chest and lost myself in his smell and the after taste his blood brought on. It was so calming, the way he held me in his arms. I could get use to this—being so close to him.

"So you pick me then," Zero whispered.

"Isn't it obvious," I replied shifting to look at him. His eyes were amused as if he wanted to smile, but decided not to.

"Only in my dreams was I able to hold you and now those dreams have become reality."

Somewhere in the back of my mind I wondered about how long Zero actually loved me. Was it 6 months or 4 years? I don't exactly know when I realized I loved him. Kaname was way too distracting to completely focus on something else. But the older I got the less I fell into his traps.

"I didn't become his lover because I loved him with all my heart and soul if that's what you're thinking."

He didn't say anything for a while and I was starting to think he meant something entirely different. What's the real reason then?" he asked.

"To get my memories back," I answered too quickly. "I thought he had something to do with it."

"And you were right."

I smiled at the actuality of it; the actuality of finally getting my memories back. "It feels nice to finally know where I came from." My hands wrapped around Zero's neck and my fingers tangled in his silver hair. "Because when I know where I came from I know where I'm headed."

I brought my lips to his and kissed him. It didn't take long for him to return the passion and to be honest it was more than I thought he would give me. I closed my eyes and let my instincts take over. When he pulled me in closer I kissed him harder. When his tongue poked at my bottom lip I opened my mouth with no hesitation. My heart felt like it was about to burst out of my chest but I tried my best not to let that get to me.

But just like any other kiss, it had to end eventually. Even for vampires who could hold their breath all day.

We locked eyes for a long while then turned our heads to the sky. I didn't realize how long we were out here until I saw the full moon shine brightly above us.

Even with all the drama that happened I wouldn't change a thing. Not yesterday or today. Everything is perfect. I got my memories back, confessed my love to Zero, and tasted the blood I now desire. I starred danger right in the face last night but it's truly been a long journey of memories, love, and the pursuit of blood.

THE END