"All that is left to bring you pain, are the memories. If you face those, you'll be free.

You can't spend the rest of your life hiding from yourself;

always afraid that your memories will incapacitate you,

and they will if you continue to bury them."

-J.D Stroube

-I'm afraid. I'm afraid of losing another friend.

I've lost one and it changed me. If I lose another

I'd be long gone due to despair. -

"Amaya, come here." Whoa! What?

"Chairman dude say what?" I asked, eyes wide. He repeated what he said and handed me the bracelet that was supposed to be Yuuki's. He put a drop of Zero's blood on it and it glowed.

"It's an ancient spell." He began to explain. "It's a method that Vampire Hunters have used a long time to tame an unruly Vampire. The bracelet I gave to Amaya works in conjunction with this crest." He pulled down Zero's collar so you could see his tattoo. The chairman raised my hand towards it and Bam! There was a bright red light and some electric noises. Next thing I knew, Zero was stuck on teh ground with knives pinning him to the ground. Yuuki gasped and made a face.

"Zero!"

"He's perfectly fine!" Chairman exclaimed. "Amaya simply immobilized him. Now, Amaya, If Zero tries to bite anyone ever again, please use that bracelet." I looked at him and nodded slightly. "Kaname Kuran has agreed to let Zero stay in the Night Class, but only on that one condition."

"Kaname said that!?" Yuuki exclaimed, not bothering to use honorifics. Whoa! What!? What am I doing to this place!?

"Since his "Dearest Yuuki" made the request, Kuran-Sempai just couldn't say no." He then knelled down next to Zero and apologized. "I'm sorry, I never wanted to use this method on you at all. Just try to make do with this." He held out blood tablets. "And if you still crave the taste of blood..." I nearly busted a gut at Zero's face. he Chairman -forgot what is name was- pulled down in shirt collar, revealing his neck. He was smiling. "Feel free to help yourself." I laughed as Zero beat the Chairman up- who rolled and crashed into a wall. I laughed and crossed my arms behind my head, shrugging.

"If you need too, you can just drink from me again." I gained shocked looks at that. Zero stared at me, wide-eyed. "I don't mind- so long as you don't drink me dry that is. So the bracelet is kinda useless."

Zero narrowed his eyes and said, "I'm fine as long as I have blood tablets!" And stalked out of the room, slamming the door. I blinked confused. What pissed him off? Oh wait...I'm supposed to meet Aidou now. Der! Oh yeah, and to answer your unasked questions!

1) Why was I letting Aidou drink my blood?

I have no idea. But hey, I don't mind- so long as he doesn't drink me dry.

2) Why was I so carefree about Vampires drinking my blood?

I honestly don't care. So long as they don't drink me dry and It's not a Pureblood. I'd rather not end up as a Level-E thank you. Or a Vampire.

3) Why I got the bracelet instead?

I have no fucking clue.

ANd I think that's it...

Oh look, nearly time for Patrol. Joy.

X.X

"Names and classes people! Before I beat yo up and send ya to the Chairman's Office!" The girls panicked.

"But-But it's only a few pictures! It- it's- We're not doing anything wrong!" I raised a brow at that.

"Isn't staying out past curfew against the rules?"

"Um...RUN!" SHe screamed and the girls took off, all in different directions. I sighed and ran a hand through my extremely short red hair. It's official...I hate this job.

The next moment, there was a scream. I charged towards the direction it came, taking out Luna- It looks like Yuuki's Artemis, but it was clear white. Gift from the CHairman- and continued running. When I arrived, the girl was pinned against the tree, a Night class student with green hair, licking her neck. When he opened his mouth to bite her, I jumped in the air- ignoring the panicking, scared feeling that rose in my stomach from being off the ground- and swung down with Luna. I find the names Luna and Artemis work well together. Luna being Moon, Artemis being the Moon Goddess... Yeah. The Vampire hissed the second Luna hit him and electricity sparked on the weapon. The Vampire backed away and let go of the girl, she dropped to teh ground and stared in shock and terror. I made to swing at the Vampire again but stopped when his feet where frozen to teh ground by ice and said ice traveled up his legs. I made the stupid move of not moving when the Vampire slashed- I was still stunned- and cried out a little when my cheek and arm where slashed. Blood leaked out of the wounds and stained my uniform. I flinched and my eyes widened when a familiar blonde with Ice-blue eyes stepped out.

"Honestly, Tageki, I thought you would know better than to do this." His eyes flashed over to me for a second his glare intensified towards "Tageki".

"You did the same thing Aidou-Sempai! Surely you understand! I can't take the blood tablets any longer! I need blood!" He then seemed to notice my blood on his hands and brought his bloody hand up to his mouth, licking it off. He smiled. "So delicious..." His eyes glowed red and smiled creepily at me. "May I have some more?"

"Hell no!" Aidou growled, stepping in front of me. Ice continued to creep up the Vampire's legs, so Tageki could only movie his arms. "Keep your hands of Amaya!"

"What the hell is wrong with you Aidou!?" Tageki demanded. "She's a human! They're both human! Don't tell me you're attached to it!"

"You came to this school because you wanted to coincide with humans, right!?" Aidou demanded. "So why are you so against them!?" Tageki scoffed and a cold breeze blew by. I shivered.

"I never wanted to come here. It's my parents who liked humans, not me! They're just fodder to feast on when hungry." Tageki replied, sneering. "I thought you knew that!"

"Back off Tageki!"

"Could...Do you actually have feelings for this human!?" Tageki sounded mortified. I raised a hand, deciding to break up this fight.

"Um...quick question, Aidou." Aidou looked at me and raised a brow. Almost as if asking why I was interrupting them. "What are we going to do about her?" I pointed to the girl who fainted.

"I will handle that. Seirin."

"Yes Kaname-Sama." The ice pinning down Tageki vanished and Tageki stood still with fear. As Seirin worked on the girl's memory, Kaname walked over and grabbed Tageki by the back of his shirt, making Tageki freeze.

"Aidou, take Amaya back to her dorm. I'll deal with Tageki-san." Tageki froze with fear. Aidou bowed.

"Yes Kaname-Sama." He then stood up and grabbed my wrist and I couldn't help the fact that my face burned at the contact. He began to drag me away- eyes flashing red at the scent of blood.

IN MY DORM ROOM IN THE BATHROOM

Aidou patiently stood by the sink as I attempted to work on my wounds. I was trying to clean the slash on my arm, but I kept flinching every time the cold water touched it. I took notice of his red eyes and thought for a moment before holding my arm out towards him. His body tensed up and he turned his head to look at me. "A-Amaya?" He hesitated, eyes flashing even a darker red.

"Go ahead. I can tell you're hungry. Just not too much, kay?" Aidou's eyes widened, but he nodded and walked over, kneeling down in front of me, grabbing my arm and bring his mouth to it. He licked the blood and bit down, drinking. The dark red faded from his eyes a bit, so it was now just a light red. It was actually quite entrancing. When Aidou was done he removed his lips and licked my wound. He then lifted his head up and he observed my face. I blinked confused.

Aidou quickly lifted up one hand and placed it on the back of my head, pulling me closer to him. My face went crimson and my heart beat fast as I saw him lean in close. I flinched. What was he-? When something wet and warm went across my injured cheek I shivered and I could almost feel Aidou smirk.

X.X

"Being sent on an errand for the Headmaster has it's perks, doesn't it?" Yuuki asked. She was decked out in a pink and red striped jacket, with a black shirt.

"Not really." Zero said and turned his head. He was carrying everything. He was wearing a white and blue shirt with a dark blue jacket. I however, was wearing a black longsleeve turtleneck and blue jeans.

"It's quite boring." I said monotone. And I'm back to dull and boring again. Joy. Oh yeah! Yagari is now our teacher in class. Just thought you'd all like to know that.

"Hey! Look! Over here!" Yuuki took off and both Zero and I sighed. "Amaya! Come check this shirt out!" I blinked and walked over.

"It's cool." It was black with red stripes. I then saw a jacket that I think would look good with it. You know those jackets that said Aeropostal on it? Well, instead of that, it said Vampires Rock in red and the jacket itself was black, with some chains coming out from the pockets. I grabbed the jacket off the rack and held it up- tacking the shirt from Yuuki. I debated whether or not I should get it. It's the Chairman's money after all. "Sweet."

"Excuse me. But, how much for the shirt and jacket?" Yuuki asked the cashier. The woman replied and my eyes widened. Damn! That's cheap! "Here you go. Thank you." She took the bag and handed it to me, smiling. I stared at her surprised.

"You didn't have to do that."

"But you looked like you wanted it! Besides, it would look good on you!" I gave her a small smile. Yuuki's just too nice.

"Thank you."

At an icecream shop.

I dug down in my chocolate chip cookie dough icecream.

"I'm diggin' in!" Yuuki cheered, ready to devour her icecream.

"I wanted Noodle Soup." Zero grumbled, reminding us of his problem. He took a sip of his hot Chocolate as Yuuki froze. I sent Zero a look and grinned goofily.

"Well then! After we're done here, We can go to The Noodle shop or whatever and get you some soup! Deal?" Zero looked at me surprised. What? mE AND MY dad were negotiators. That and we like to make people happy. We were also both cooks, but I was a total goofball like my Mother.

"We can do that." Yuuki agreed. "Bu the sundae's here are good! Yori and I came here the other day and-Hey Zero...by the way-" Zero looked up and set down his choco. "That new teacher...Do you know him?" Zero turned his head slightly, his bangs covering his eyes. "Um, never mind. You do have to-have to answer that." I shrugged. "He's just...He just comes off kinda scary."

"At least if you don't want too." Zero opened his purple eyes and stared at me for a moment before replying,

"He's not. Once you get to know him he's actually kinda-"

"Excuse me. But are you two from the Cross Academy Night Class?" I looked up at the Waitress in surprise. She had dirty blonde hair in pigtails and was carrying a carton of lemonade. She smiled. "I knew it immediately! You two don't look like how everyone else does!"

"Yeah,um, You see-" The girl cut Yuuki off, making me frown.

"The students from the Elite Class aren't like everyone else." She continued.

"Hold on-" Yuuki was cut off again.

"There's a student in the Night Class named Aidou right? He likes sweets and he comes into here sometimes-"

"I'm leaving." Zero stated and stood up, walking away.

"UH-" The waitress didn't know what to do.

"Okay." Yuuki said. I glared at the damn waitress.

"What's your problem!?" She looked at me shocked and surprised. "Don't just go making assumptions like that! We aren't Night Class! We're Day Class! And what the hell are you even doing at our table!? We didn't order lemonade!" My glare intensified and the Waitress ran off. Yuuki stared at me wide eyed.

A few minutes later we left the shop to find Zero missing. I face-palmed, realizing how stupid I was.

"Zero?" Yuuki asked confused.

"Yuuki, head back to the Academy. I'll go find him." I told her, not wanting her to be the one to get attacked by the level E. She hesitated before doing as told and taking off. I then ran around the entire- just kidding. But it felt like it. When I had slipped on a banana peel that oh-so-conveniently lying on the ground and fell, scraping my hands. I flinched and stood up, only to cut my arm on metal. I let out a yelp of pain. "God damn it! Why am I the only one who manages to get hurt!?" I growled. Seriously, ever since I got here, I've just been getting hurt and bleeding left and right! Next thing I knew I was pinned down to the ground by a Level E. "What the hell!?" I screamed and quickly kneed him in the nuts. He let out a shout and let go of me. I quickly rolled out of the way and ran for my dear life- only to remember I had Luna. Oh yeah!

I quickly took out Luna and watched as it transformed before turning around quickly blocked a pissed off Vampire's attack. His eyes glowed red and he flew back, landing on his feet.

"You know...Your blood, smells delicious!" Why is everyone saying that? My eyes widened with shock and I was barely able to process what happened next. "Let me drink, every drop of it!" He lunged forward and I stumbled, taking a step back only to fall on my ass. Luna dropped and was quickly grabbed by Zero- who randomly appeared- and slammed it into the Vampires face. making him cry out.

"Don't just sit there, Amaya." My eyes widened and I stared at him.

"Zero!" Luna had electricity sparking on it from being held by Zero.

"It seems that when I hold Luna instead of you, it doesn't like it." I quickly stood up, stumbling- regained my balance- and took Luna from Zero.

"First clue?"

"I think that was the electricity." The Vampire glared at us once it was done screaming. Zero quickly pulled out Bloody Rose and stepped in front of me as the Vampire lunged. I immediately screamed,

"Dude! Where'd you get that sword!?" Zero sent me a confused look and quickly covered his eyes as the Vampire turned to dust. And there stood Takuma and Shiki. Takuma looked at us as he put his sword away.

"There we go." He smiled.

"Why am I here?" Shiki asked boredly. "You didn't need me."

"Shiki! Takuma!" I exclaimed, surprised slightly. I mean, I knew they'd show up, but I was a bit too shocked from earlier. "Why're you guys here?"

"If you want to know. Stop by the Moon Dormitory tonight."

"Zero! Amaya!" Yuuki shouted, running up. SHe sent a glare towards Takuma and Shiki- woah, rewind! What?

"Jeez, next time you take off, warn me!" Takuma smiled apologetically and turned back to me and Zero.

"Then we'll discuss, the reason why we came for that level E."

X.X Later that Night.

I quietly snuck up to the Moon Dorm gate and froze at a "I knew it." From Zero.

"Shut up. Let's go! Cake is calling my name!" We walked towards the Dorm and was soon greeted by AIdou and Kain, a gun pointed a Kain and Artemis at Aidou. My reaction. "Aidou!" And tackled him in a hug. "What's up?"

"You two are awfully rough. At least Butterfly has manners!" He wrapped his arms around my waist, holding me in place. I thought nothing of it.

"Why are you here Hanabusa?" Yuuki asked. "Akatsuki?"

"Too answer both of your questions, The Vice-President of our Dorm told us to escort you." Kain answered. "Now will you put those away? They're dangerous." I released AIdou- him doing the same. Aidou bowed and said,

"Welcome to the Moon Dormitory. The two of us will be your escorts." They stepped aside. 'Please, after you. By the way, like the Jacket Amaya." I felt my face heat up slightly. I was wearing the Vampire's Rock Jacket and the striped shirt Yuuki bought me earlier.

We arrived and Yuuki sweatdropped, shocked.

"Yuuki, zero, and Amaya! Please, make yourselves at home!" Takuma greeted, sparkling. "I'm throwing a little party tonight for my birthday! Please, enjoy yourselves!"

"Will do Takuma-Sempai!" I saluted, smiling goofily.

"We came here on business." Yuuki said. "I want to know more on what happened today!" Takuma gained a face.

"Oh."

"I came here for your birthday!" I said, raising and waving a hand. He smiled brightly.

"I want to know why you wanted to destroy that level E. I mean, he's a Vampire just like you are!" Yuuki said. I ignored the conversation, already knowing it.

"Yuuki, Zero, Amaya." My head shot up when I heard Kaname say my name. We slowly walked over and up the steps. "Yuuki, sit with me." Yuuki gasped and looked at him surprised. Kaname sighed. "It's alright."

"I-I'm fine here!" Yuuki stuttered. Kaname didn't even blink.

"Yuuki." He repeated. Yuuki quickly ran up and sat by him.

"Okay." I snickered at that and blinked slightly in surprise when Kaname grabbed her shoulder and pulled her to him. She gasped. Incest moment! Yuuki looked at her broth-I mean Kaname, surprised.

"Beside me is the safest place for you to be." I jumped up and sat on the rail, keeping a firm grip so I wouldn't fall and plunge to my doom. I felt nervous having my feet off the ground, but ignored it. Zero on the other hand, leaned next to me on the rail.

"You know-" Yuuki began after a few moments of silence. "I've been meaning to thank you for the-"

"To be honest, Vampire's who were formally human, shouldn't even exist at all." Kaname said, cutting her off. I glared angrily at Kaname-who continued. Kaname said something to Zero and in a flash Zero had Bloody Rose pointed at him and Seirin had her hand at Zero's throat.

"It's okay Seirin." Kaname told the purple haired. "It's my fault. I said something I shouldn't have."

"How dare you point a gun at Kaname-Sama!" Aidou growled at Zero and it looked as though he was restraining himself from lunging. "Tearing you to shred right here wouldn't be enough! However, I will restrain myself while attending this Academy." He crossed his arms. "I don't want to hinder the Headmaster's ideology. But never forget-" He hardened his ice-blue gaze. "-it's our respect to one person which keeps us at this school. And he's Kaname-Sama. A Pureblood."

"A Pureblood?" Yuuki repeated and stared at Kaname, slightly frightened. "Is that true, Kaname?"

"You look as though this is the first time you heard of this. Yuuki..." Kaname said. "Are you afraid?" Yuuki blinked in surprise.

"To tell the truth..." She looked down, not meeting his gaze. "I've always been a little bit...afraid of you."

I jumped off the rail and waved my ahnds in the air. "Hey! Hey! Are we forgetting something important!? This is Takuma's day! Remember!? That's what we all came here for! That and the cake!"

'Yes." Takuma agreed, sending me a grateful look. "You should all be celebrating! Yuuki, Amaya, and Zero are my precious guests too!" ALl the Vampires seems to relax.

It's been at least thirty minutes and they have yet to cut the cake. But everyone was dancing. I pouted. I was bored.

"Hey, Butterfly." My head shot up to Aidou, who was sanding in front of me. He was wearing a blue jacket with a white shirt and a red tie.

"Hey Aidou." He grinned and bowed, holding out a hand. I blinked confused. "What?"

"Care to dance?" My eyes widened in surprise.

"What?" His grin never faded.

"May I have this dance?"

"I can't dance." I told him. Which was true. His grin grew.

"It's fairly easy. All you have to do is follow my lead." I hesitated, only to agree.

"F-Fine! But don't blame me if you end up with broken toes!" I stood up and walked over to him. He then grabbed my hand- My face heated up and my heart raced- and pulled me down where everyone else was. When we stopped he slid a hand around my waist, making me gasp as he pulled me close to him. "Whoa! A-Aidou, what-!?" He held up my hand and placed it on his shoulder, my other on his arm.

"It's a slow song, Amay." Okay, no. No, no, no, no, no! I will not be paired up with anyone! The plot's screwed enough as it is! I will not be paired, nor will with I fall for anyone! Especially a Vampire! Completely different race! Even if he is cute, funny, loyal-no! Bad thoughts! "It's rude to not look at your partner during a dance, Amay." My head shot up- face red. I then realized that we've been dancing for about 5 whole minutes.

"R-Right! Sorry!" I tried to look him in the eyes, but it was hard. It was embarrassing!

"Ah, Amaya, you're hurt, aren't you?" My eyes widened and I looked him in the eyes.

"What?" We stopped dancing and it was then I noticed the stares we were getting from the Vampires'. He grabbed my arm and rolled up the sleeve, revealing the bandage I had wrapped on my arm. "Oh, that." I shrugged. "No biggie. Got it tryin' to find Zero earlier." I laughed nervously. "I always seem to get hurt one way or another!"

"Honestly, you need to be more careful. Your blood is so..." He pulled of the bandage, revealing the wound. "Tempting." He bit down, drawing some blood and licked it. My face burned and I flinched. It was then I noticed Zero take off. I panicked.

"Aidou!" I pulled my arm away, making him gain a confused face. "I'll-I'll be right back!" I took off towards the direction Zero left. Yuuki never chased after either of us. I soon found Zero by a pool, leaning against the rail surrounding it. "Zero!" I ran over and knelled down next to him. I placed one of my hands on his shoulders- unfortunately, my bleeding one. "Dude, you okay!?"

Stupid question. Of course he's okay. I mean, panting and looking as though you're in pain after coughing and hacking up Blood tablets doesn't mean anything, at all, right!? Not my sarcasm. He turned around and grabbed me my the shoulders, panting.

"I've tried to take them...so many times!" He continued to pant and I saw him staring at my neck. I tensed and thought quickly as his eyes grew red.

"Do it." I told him, making my decision. He needed blood, and he needed it bad. "Make it quick and don't take too much." Zero sent me a look and screamed, letting go of me slightly before falling back down and crushing me in an embrace. Ow...Dude...that hurts! I felt my face heat up slightly as I felt Zero lick my neck. "Not too much Zero..." I forgot all about Yagari. All I cared about was Zero not being in pain. This time...I didn't flinch as I felt him bite down on my neck. The same exact spot as last time.

Gulp, gulp, gulp...the sound if him drinking my blood reached my ears and I trembled, slightly afraid. I wasn't afraid of Aidou biting me, but I knew he could control himself. Zero on the other hand...might drink too much or drink me dry. He continued to drink and drink and drink... I was beginning to feel dizzy.

"Zero...that's enough." I was beginning to see spots now. "Zero!" I tried to push him away but he wouldn't budge. I panicked, feeling slightly faint. It was then that I saw a blur of brown tackle us and knock us into the pool, soaking us to the bone and making Zero's red eyes go wide and turn into their regular purple. We all lifted our heads up- well, Yuuki and Zero did- I couldn't. My eyesight started to fade and I closed them, tired.I felt someone grab my arm and lift me out of the water, my head resting against their shoulder.

"Zero! Amaya!" I heard Yuuki's voice exclaim. "Oh my god, Amaya! Amaya, open your eyes!" I didn't want too. "Damn it Amaya, open them!" Holy shit! Did Yuuki just cuss! Poor innocent Yuuki!? My eyes snapped open and I stared at her, shocked above anything else.

"Yuuki!" Zero exclaimed, shocked at her cursing as well. Then there was a gun shot.

"I never thought, I'd be killing my dear student with this gun." Yagari said as Zero's shoulder bled, the pool water turning crimson. "Curse me with your last breath and die, Vampire!" Zero turned his head slightly and with wide purple eyes said,

"Sensei?"

"Zero!" Yuuki exclaimed, as Zero grunted in pain, holding his shoulder. I was so tired... Zero's grip tightened around me as he held his shoulder from pain. The pool continued to be stained red.

"Even though it's just a graze, it probably hurts like hell." Yagari said, gun still pointed at Zero. "A spell was put on this gun to kill Vampires." He took out his cigarette. "Zero, even with a thirst for blood, do you even still have a reason to brace yourself?" I tuned out the conversation, not caring at the moment. And I soon found myself wishing that a stupid blonde was here.

'Aidou...where is Aidou?' I wondered sleepy. He could ease the pain...he always did. Aidou... 'Where are you and your idiotic self?'

"YOU'RE TAKING THINGS TOO FAR!" A familiar voice shouted. Kaien Cross- I remembered his name- came running and took the gun away from Yagari. "I thought there would be a problem and look! This is the perfect example of why I hate Vampires Hunters!" Yagari huffed and ripped his gun back. "And much longer are you going to keep girls in cold water? One of them is pale enough as is!" Kaien knelt down in fron of the pool saying, "You must be freezing. Here, grab my hand." Only to have Zero shove me in his arms as he and Yuuki crawled out. "Oh my...We need to get Amaya to the infirmary quickly." I ignored everyone and fainted. It was safe to say I didn't go on patrol or to class the next day.

X.X My DOrm

"Amaya...you damn idiot." I heard a voice softly mutter. "Fainting from blood loss. Why'd you let that bastard drink from you?"

I shifted sightly and grabbed the object that warmth was coming from...which felt strangely like a hand. I felt something wrap around my hand and lift it up, something soft pressing against.

"Why are you such an idiot? Yet I can't help but feel..." I groaned, eyes fluttering open to meet a pair of ice-blue eyes. The eyes widened in surprise and Aidou dropped my hand. "Amaya! You're awake!"

"Yeah but...my head hurts." He chuckled.

"That's all you have to say after fainting?"

"Pretty much...and if you get caught, you'll get in trouble."

"I don't care. I just wanted to check that you're okay."

"I'm fine." Aidou nodded and stood up, only to have my hand reach out and grab his sleeve. He stopped and looked at me surprised. I was surprised at my actions myself.

"Amaya?"

"S-Stay...please?" Damn it Amaya! What the hell are you doing!? I was more than surprised when he smiled warmly at me.

"Of course." He walked back over and sat down by my bed, grabbing my hand and entwining our fingers. I felt my face heat and I closed my eyes embarrassed.

"Night...Aidou."

"Goodnight Butterfly."

X.X Next day and feeling much more refreshed.

I yawned and stretched, walking down the hallway. I decided to pay Zero a visit after Yuuki telling me she didn't know where he was. But I did. So, I decided to screw with the plot even more by being a good friend - not that I actually knew how to be one- and heal his wound. In the most embarrassing way possible...In the bathroom. Blame the anime and manga. Not my idea.

When I made it to The CHairman's Guest room, I hesitated before knocking on the door. Zero opened hte door and stared at me silently before saying,

"Amaya..." After a few moments he asked, "How did you-?"

"I'm psychic." I told him bluntly. "Now open the damn door before I break it open." He stepped back and opened the door. I walked in. "Thank you. Now come on you idiot." I grabbed his hand- even though I aimed for his wrist- and dragged him to the bathroom. I tossed my uniform jacket off, revealing my white shirt.

"Amaya, What're you-?" His eyes widened when I slammed him into the wall, tilting my head slightly. "No. I would...never forgive myself..."

"I know that." I grumbled, annoyed. I felt him grip the back of my shirt. He leaned down, panting a bit from the urge to drink blood. "So hurry up and forgive yourself. If not, then just hate me. Hate me with all you got."

"I could...never...hate you." I looked at him surprised. What!? I tensed up when I felt him lick my neck and hesitate before biting down. I froze as he drank. He grabbed a fistful of my hair as I clenched his shirt, so I wouldn't fall backwards. I shivered slightly as the warm crimson liquid made it's way down my neck. He buried his fangs deeper and I lifted my head up slightly, so it would be easier for him to drink my blood. I placed my hand on the back of his head. I was beginning to get dizzy when Zero removed his fangs.

"Are you alright?" I asked as he leaned back against the bathroom wall.

"This being I've become...is despicable." He looked at me. "Even if I hate Vampires. Even if I don't want to hurt anyone...I can't stop myself from lusting for blood." He wiped my blood form his mouth with his hand. He looked at me sadly. "Amaya...Just give up on me. You know it too!" He buried his face with his hand. "This is just like the blood tablets! This doesn't solve anything; Simply a temporary measure! Please...before I acquire a taste for your blood." I glared at him.

"No. No and no. I'm not gonna give up on you and neither is Yuuki! I don't care how many times you have to drink from me- or even if you acquire a taste for my blood, we're friends and I ain't just gonna leave you! SO stop being pathetic! Stop-stop acting like this! I hate seeing that look on your face! I'd rather have grumpy emo Zero than this! So go back to being a cruel, Emo, bastard who hates everyone!" Not nice, but hey, it's my way of encouragement. "Besides...I made I promise. I said that I wouldn't let you hurt anyone else. And I always keep my promises." Except for one...and that cost her, her life.

"No matter what, Jasmine! I'll always protect you!" I told my best friend in the whole-wide worlds. "We're friends till the end! And even after that! No matter what...I'l always protect you!"

"Promise!?" Jasmine asked, smiling and holding out her pinky. I grinned goofily and intertwined our pinkies.

"Promise! And I always keep my promises!"

"If you're telling a lie then you have to get your blood drained by Zero~!" She sang as she shook our pinkies up and down.

I smiled lightly and sadly... She always loved Zero. And I guess what she said came true. My blood was drained by him.

"I won't ever let you give up on yourself. And neither will Yuuki. We'll always be by your side...and even if you hate us...we'll still be there. You can never get rid of us, Zero. We're un-stoppable. But we will never let you give up on yourself." Zero was silent for a few moments before looking at me.

"Are you alright?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah. I'm fine. But dizzy, but nothing I can't handle."

"That's good."

"And you better come to school tomorrow. Because if you don't, I will personally kick your ass."

And then I encountered Kaname walking back to the girl's Dorm.

"Hello, Chouko-san. What have you been doing this evening?" What? Was he trying to be civil or something?

"I was paying a friend a visit and took a shower. Why isn't Night class in session?" I replied smoothly.

"They're finished. I sent them back to the Dorm. I have business with the Head Master now."

"Cool." I replied boredly. Only to blink in surprise when he walked forward and grabbed the ends of my hair, rubbing his finger across them.

"The ends of your hair are wet." Kaname noted. "What where you washing away?" My eyes widened slightly bur I forced myself to remain calm.

"I told you, I took a shower. My hair was stained from last night and I, quite frankly, hate it when my hair sticks together, Kuran-Sempai."

"Is that so?" He asked and stepped back, hand pausing over the bandage I had on my neck. "Hm... Don't make Aidou mad, Chouko-San. He is quite protective over you." He walked away, leaving me to stand there dumbfounded.

What...

Da...

Fauq...

JUST HAPPENED!?

I went to bed differently then how I woke up that day.

The next day in class I snapped when Zero didn't arrive. I shot out of my chair and took off toward's Zero's room. When I made it I slammed the door open screaming,

"NO! ZERO!"

And a bullet shot rang out. The reason I wanted him to come to class today...was because I was afraid I wouldn't make it on time.

My heart just about stopped that moment. It began to beat again when I saw that Zero lifted the gun up, so he wouldn't get shot. I let out a breath I didn't even realize I was holding and just about toppled to the ground on my knees from relief.

"So you finally decided to stop waiting for me to kill you." Yagari said as he released the gun, Zero holding it. "Don't you even remember that day? You swore to me that you would never make me regret losing my eye to save my life. That was a solemn oath you made to me that day and you promised to always uphold. Watching you right now made me want to kill you for real. I have no intention of saving a kid who only wants to take the easy way out." Yagari removed his hand from his eye. "Struggle until you can struggle no more. It's your life. Even if it would be covered in blood. Don't run away, Zero."

I didn't realize it until Yagari pointed it out after he turned around. "Stop crying, little girl. And listen, if he goes berserk again I want you to stop him." My eyes widened and I lifted a hand to my cheek only to feel a wet substance. "The only way to get him to stop is if you put a bullet in him. You'll only get hurt if you treat him gently. A bullet is probably the best thing for him. After that...is up to you. And Zero, that woman, seems she's still alive." Zero's eyes widened. Yagari walked off. "And girl, stop giving up your blood so easily." My eyes widened even further and I could no longer stand. My legs turned to jelly and I toppled to my knees. I cried silently, shaking.

"You damn...idiot. I thought-I thought you were going to die!" I screamed, pounding my fists on the floor. Zero's eyes widened and softened as he stood up. He quietly walked over and knelt down in front of me. "I can't...I would of had to of watched you get shot...I'd have to watch another friend die...I can't." I sobbed. "I can't do that! I can't let another one die!"

"Amaya..." He hesitated before placing a hand on my head. "Stop crying...okay? I promise, I won't run away anymore. And that...as long as you're alive, I won't die. You won't have to watch."

"I...I can't watch...Jasmine...I failed her..." I whimpered.

"Behind every flinch is a fear or an anxiety -

sometimes rational, sometimes not.

Without the fear, there is no flinch.

But wiping out the fear isn't what's important - facing it is."

-Julien SMith