Zero's eyes glinted at me in the dark. "Matari, leave." His voice betrayed his condition, as it was shaky and sick sounding.

"I can help you." I insisted, pulling my shirt down over my collar bone on one side. My eyes were starting to adjust to the darkness, and I could make out that Zero was sitting on his bed with his arms folding on his knees, leaving him in a bent over position. "Just a bit, until you can get some blood tablets. If you don't get it under control you might hurt someone or reveal your secret."

The glowing red eyes narrowed. "Aido told you about me falling to Level E?"

I nodded, and then realized that maybe he couldn't see me. "Yes. I'm sorry to hear about it."

Zero stood. "You're dating Aido. He wouldn't be okay with this."

"He won't know, and besides he doesn't have a choice." I said firmly. "I want to help you." And protect the rest of the Day Class students.

"This doesn't mean I won't let you die if that's decided."

I recoiled like I'd been slapped, but quickly shook it off. "Noted." The blackness in my heart felt a little more heavy. The list of people who wanted me dead was growing. It was starting to feel like it wouldn't be polite to argue.

"Where does he normally..." Zero was hesitant, for the first time I'd ever seen. His eyes were roaming over my body, like he was worried that the spot wouldn't be on my neck.

I pointed to a spot on my neck. "Right here. Please don't leave a mark."

Zero nodded. "Noted."

His fangs pierced me roughly, and I fought to stay still. Zero's hands were around my upper arms, and it was over almost as quickly as it began. I felt a tongue swipe over the wound he'd made. He drew away after drinking just enough blood for me to see the red fade away as he drew back.

I fixed my clothes and Zero regarded me carefully. "Thank you."

I nodded. "You're welcome. Get some more blood tablets." I left the room and hurried to class.

The next day I woke up slowly, sitting up and stretching my arms above my head.

Suddenly, something cold slid down my back and I jumped.

"Look what I found on the windowsill this morning!" Akane crowed, causing me to blush. "I wonder where Aido gets ice roses?"

I giggled, pulling the slightly melted rose out of the back of my shirt. "No idea. It seems a shame to always waste them."

After school Akane and I were walking with Rei toward the Sun Dorm. The Sun was setting and the usual conglomerate of Day Class girls were stationed outside the Moon Dorm gate, shrieking at various degrees of audibility.

"I think one of them is screaming at the pitch of a dog whistle; all I can feel is a headache." Rei rubbed his temples, gripping Akane's hand. "I'm so glad that was never a pastime of yours." He added, jerking his head toward the throng of girls.

Akane hummed. "Yeah, I know the Night Class is extremely beautiful and alluring to most, but for some reason I always felt safer the further away from them I was."

Because you sense danger. I thought. You know something isn't right.

As I was trying to think of something to say to Akane's comment I felt arms wrap around me and a face press into the juncture between my neck and my shoulder.

"Kisa-chan!" Aido hummed, sounding truly content.

I blushed and shrugged my shoulder so he would move his face. "How are you, Aido-kun?" I tried to sound as sweet as I could.

"Oh, I've missed you terribly~" He cooed, turning me around to face him. "Give me some of your time, alone!"

"Alright, Alright." I was aware of his intentions so I followed him around the back of the school building. I unbuttoned the top of my shirt but was unable to finish before I was thrust roughly against the wall. "Ouch!" I exclaimed. "What the-"

"Kiryu drank from you." Aido was in my personal space but talking very quietly. His golden hair was a bit out of place from the speed with which he'd approached me. His eyes were slowly changing to red. "I can smell him on your neck." He began playing with the collar on my shirt. "When did that happen?"

"Yesterday." I breathed out. "I just gave him a tiny amount so he wouldn't attack anybody."

"Aido, what are you doing? You'll be late for class." Zero stood about 25 feet away from us, and had his arms folded. I noted happily that he looked much better than when I'd last seen him yesterday.

Aido's eyes flashed and he turned my face to his and pressed his lips to mine harshly. It heated quickly, Aido invading my mouth mercilessly, his hips pressing me against the wall of the school. He changed angle so his face was in front of mine, blocking my view of Zero who I assumed would be watching us with a irritated or nauseous expression. Aido kissed a line down my jaw and neck and I winced when he bit in. I looked over to see Zero rolling his eyes.

"Just hurry up." He walked away, his posture tight.

I stroked the back of Aido's neck with my hand, hoping he would calm. I felt him take a few stuttering breaths and when he pulled away from me his eyes were apologetic, but serious. "Don't let Kiryu drink blood from you anymore. Don't let anyone except me. I can't let anything happen where I drink too much because someone else already has drank from you."

"Makes sense." I nodded. "Alright, I won't."

"Thank you." Aido breathed a sigh of relief and stepped away from me. "I want you to live, Kisa Matari."

I was unsure of how to respond, so I didn't as he walked away.