Part II

Yuuki stood in front of a new grave with a tall arched headstone. Night class students hung back in the distance. As she bid farewell to her first love.

She was somber. She'd cried so much since Kaname's death she didn't know if she could cry anymore. Yuuki numbly stared at his headstone, her brown eyes full of sadness.

Under a nearby tree Zero looked on. It had been three days since Kaname threw his heart into the furnace. The bloody rose and Artemis had both disintegrated and the Hunters association was working on making new weapons. The enemy vampires had disappeared for the time being. Isaya had also disappeared.

Kaname's funeral had been held earlier that day. Yuuki had scarcely said a word since the night he died.

At least I got my memories back. He thought. How terrible would it have been to live the rest of his life in that state. How terrible would it have been if he'd not been himself, if he'd never remembered the woman he wanted to protect. The woman he loved.

Not that, that affection had ever really been returned. Aside from a few occasions. She had chosen Kaname before the end.

As he watched Yuuki morn, he wondered briefly if they could ever be more than "whatever they were" now.

Doubtful. Zero dismissed the possibility. After all in the past, he'd gone so far as to threaten her life after he found out she was a pureblood. And they had just made up before she stole his memories.

But we did kiss that night. He thought back to the masquerade.

Zero sighed and shook his head. Surely he had more important things to worry about at the moment.

That night

Yuuki sat on a bed, staring at the floor. Alone. In her old room back at the academy. She'd been staying there since the night Kaname died.

"Let me go Yuuki..." She remembered what he told her before he died. I'll try Kaname. I'll try to be happy

With a sigh Yuuki stood up and went to look for the only person she wanted to talk to, the only person she felt, could make her smile now.

One of the last times she'd been with Kaname, they'd been alone at their house. It had been soon after she'd taken Zero's memories.

... Kaname had hugged her and said "If your not sure where your heart belongs let me show you..."

As much as it tempted her, she pulled away from him. "Kaname." She looked him in the eyes. " I love you, but..." she paused. " I don't know where my heart belongs, I took Zero's memories of me because they caused him pain and bloodlust. But..."She trailed off. Eye's tearing up. "I don't know if I can let him go.." Yuuki whispered.

Kaname stayed silent.

"I..I don't deserve you Kaname." She said. "I didn't deserve Zero either. I'm sorry."

"Yuuki." Kaname placed a hand on her cheek. Then leaned in and kissed her. "What make's you think I deserve you?'...

Yuuki walked down a hallway. Lost in thoughts. After that Kaname told her good night and he left. Then she had retired to her bed. And the next morning Zero and Kato showed up. Yuuki smiled at the memory.

Something in me never let me fully give my heart to Kaname, something in me never let my thirst for blood be quenched. Is it because....

Yuuki stared in surprise as she came to the edge of a set of stairs. These were the stairs where Zero had first bit her. Even more surprising was that Zero was here now.

"Yuuki." He said her name, stopping mid way up the stairs when he saw her. "I was just coming to talk to you."

"Zero."

"Are you alright?" He ask. Staring up at her from the lower steps.

Without a word Yuuki slowly walked down the stairs until she was a step above Zero. She stared into his beautiful Violet eyes. "I'm sorry I took your memories." She started. "I'm glad you took them back."She gave a half smile.

"Yuuki." He said her name again. "I need them if I'm going to protect you."

This time she smiled. She reached out and grabbed his right hand and held it with hers. "Zero."

"What?" He ask quietly.
"I..." Yuuki started. "I only want your blood Zero."

Zero's eyes widened. He searched for a reply. " Yuuki, I've only ever wanted your blood." He moved up so he was standing on the same step as her. They gazed into each others eyes. "Yuuki. I would have waited years for you to tell me that." Zero placed his free hand over hers and stared at them. "Does that mean, you'll be with me?" He ask. Still staring at their entwined hands.

Yuuki waited a moment. Zero lifted his head to meet her gaze. "I love you, Zero" She whispered her eyes locked onto his lips, they leaned in. Zero wrapped his arms around her and she clasped her hands around his face. She closed her eyes and their lips touched. Zero held her tightly as the kiss got more passionate.

When they finally stopped both were blushing and breathing heavy. They parted just far enough to look into each others eyes.

Remembering it had been several days, she tilted her head to the side and moved her hair back. Exposing her neck. Zero nodded. Gently grabbed the back of her head, leaned into her neck and kissed her soft skin. Before opening his jaws and puncturing
her flesh. Sucking out the delicious liquid.

Yuuki let out deep breath and closed her eyes.

To Be Continued