Chapter 12 ~~ the beginning of spring break

Zero woke up to the insufferable sunlight piercing his eyes. He groaned and pulled his duvet over his head. "It can't be morning yet. It's just another day I waste air. Damn. Damn Kaien for taking my guns. Damn Yuuki for not using hers on me. And damn them both for keeping me alive. It's not like there's any reason to. I mean, I'll eventually be a level E, even with Yuuki's blood then they'd have to kill me. So why not just do it now to get it over with? I don't want to live anymore; not when it hurts this much."

He wiped at his eyes. He didn't realize he'd been crying again, that happened a lot lately. Somehow he'd been able to go to class and do his work as part of the disciplinary committee, but it was just an attempt to find meaning in life again. Same for when he rode White Lily, just a failed attempt at living. Thankfully, he hadn't seen Kaname or he probably wouldn't be able to get out of bed anymore. He peeked out at his alarm clock. 7:14 and 57 seconds. "And in 3… 2… 1…"

*knock knock*

"Right on time." He sat up and threw his legs over the edge of the bed. "Come on in Yuuki."

"You still refusing to drink from me directly," she asked when she was standing next to him.

"Are you still refusing to let me die," he countered.

She pressed a water bottle full of her blood into his hand. "Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that. Let's make a deal."

"And just what exactly would this deal entail?"

She handed him a piece of paper from her pocket. "Just stay in this place for spring break. Then, if you still want me to, when break ends I'll kill you. It's as simple as that. And before you cause an uproar about the vampires being there: there's a separate place that you're staying away from them."

"Really? Basically you lug my depressed carcass out there so I can wallow in my self-hate in new surroundings for a week and you'll let me die? It can't be that simple. What are you planning?"

"No plan, no gimmicks. I'm not hiding any motives. We have a deal?"

He eyed her outstretched hand and face before shaking hands with his free one. "Deal."

"Good! Now drink up. Breakfast is cooking too if you want some people food when you're done with that. If there's anything you need cleaned before you pack let me know. You may as well have your favorite clothes if it's gonna be your last days."

"Y—yea, I guess. I'll let you know." She left smiling and he chugged the blood bottle. He didn't get why she agreed to let him die if he stayed in some house for a week, but figured he should just go along with it. "'S not like I'm living long enough to find out anyway." He got up and put on his uniform. "Three more days till spring break. Then a few more days and the pain will stop." He went downstairs for the start of yet another day in Hell.

~ three days later ~

He watched the countryside fly past him. His music was pounding through his headphones. They'd been in the car for a few hours now and Zero was beginning to get restless. "The hell do I have to do this for? Damn Yuuki and her deal. *sigh* at least I don't have to see the vampires too much. It all still makes no sense though."

He was so tired of listening to Cross and Yuuki's hyper conversations and even more tired of their pathetic attempts to get him to join in. he just tried to remember that he only had to deal with it for a week, then he could finally be put out of this misery.

About half an hour later Yuuki turned around from the passenger seat with her ridiculous smile. "Hey Zero! Only a few more minutes. Try and enjoy yourself while we're here okay?"

"Whatever."

They arrived at their destination not too long after that. Zero simply got out of the car, grabbed his bags, and waited to be told where he was going; all without greeting Ichijo-who had been waiting for them.

They were all greeted warmly by said waiting vampire. Was it just his imagination or was Yuuki blushing when the vampire shook her hand? "Good," he thought, "she has someone to make her happy. Well, one less thing I have to worry about."

"Sorry to break up the love-fest here," he interrupted their small talk, "but where am I staying? It's already dark so I want to get into bed." In all reality he just didn't want to watch the happy scene anymore.

"Of course, the villa is just down that path." Ichijo pointed to a stone path just beyond where they were standing. "You'll forgive me for not taking you there myself, but I must show our other guests to their rooms inside. I'm sure you can manage alone, just follow the path right up to the front door. Also should you want to come, breakfast for the humans is 8 a.m. and for the vampires it will be 8 p.m. your lodging has food of its own if you'd prefer that."

"Whatever. I'll probably eat something simple at the place I'm staying."

"As you wish. Come Headmaster, Yuuki. Your rooms are…"

Zero started walking down the path and the rest went up to the main house. It was nice out, so he kind of enjoyed being by himself. The sounds of crickets and running water coupled with the smell of wildflowers created a sense of security he'd recently been craving. "Is this why she wanted me to stay here, so that my last few days would be peaceful? She's such a romantic."

The further on he went to the heavier the forestation around him grew. Soon the light from the main house was completely hidden from sight and he could barely see what was around him. A sharp turn revealed a clearing full of fireflies and roses. In the center was a Japanese-style country house. The huge covered porches would be perfect for an afternoon reading and watching the scenery.

He got up to the front door and slid it aside so that he could walk in. he took off his shoes, and smelled something like a pie baking. "Guess they sent a maid or something to cook. Why though? They know I can cook on my own." He didn't smell a human. Only the roses from outside.

After he deposited his bags in an empty bedroom he followed his nose to the kitchen, curious. He opened the door and nearly fell over from a mix of surprise and crippling pain. Kaname was standing by the oven. Barefoot, we were wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and a messy apron. His hair was tied back and he looked completely calm.

He gained his balance by lurching inside and gripping the island counter tightly; getting Kaname's attention. His head was hung; he was staring at the countertop so as not to have to see Kaname. Kaname was cleaning off the normal counters so he could hide his pain.

"What….. What is this? What are you here? What's going on? Explain now you bloodsucker."