The Cure Ch. 7
He was declining to Level E. Zero cried out in desperation, grasping his head and fighting to keep control of himself. His mind refused to think about anything… except blood. This was it; he couldn’t take it anymore. He closed his red eyes, ready to surrender to the beast inside of him… it was an unwinnable battle.
“Zero,” Yuki’s gentle voice interrupted.
He turned to see Yuki standing merely feet from him. ‘No, Yuki! Stay back!’ what remained of his sanity shouted at her, but the words didn’t leave his lips. ‘I don’t want her to see me like this.’ He could vaguely hear himself emitting a low, animalistic growl. His red eyes stared at the pulse in her neck. He couldn’t stop himself… He would surely kill her. ‘No, I don’t want to hurt her…’ he thought, ‘Or maybe I do,’ the monster in him countered.
“Zero, it’s me,” She murmured timidly, realizing that something was wrong. Yuki approached him slowly, taking a small step towards him. She continued to verbally reach out to him, attempting to revive his sanity, but it was no use. Zero was no more.
Blood splattered the ground. The delicious smell of her blood entered his nose… the thrilling sound of her screams filled his ears. She begged him to stop, pleaded his name and for his senses to return... And he watched himself devour her. He was powerless to stop… a prisoner in his own body... and she was dying so beautifully. Her body fell limp in his arms and the screaming suddenly stopped... There was only silence. And a growing puddle of blood seeping from beneath her tiny body.
Yuki sat at the edge of the bed and watched Zero as he slept, his expression distressed as he tossed and turned. ‘What is he dreaming about?’ she wondered, her brows furrowed. He had always been a light sleeper growing up. Come to think of it, she couldn’t recall ever really seeing Zero sleep peacefully; he was always having nightmares and waking up multiple times during the night. When they were young, he would sometimes sneak into her room at night when he couldn't sleep or had a nightmare and vice versa.
“Shhh,” Yuki tried to console him as she brushed her hand through his silver hair in a soothing manner like she had when they were children, “It’s going to be okay.” Almost as though he could hear her in his sleep, he gradually settled down.
~*~
Letting his eyes drift open, Zero flinched at the harsh intensity of light shining through the window, making his already throbbing skull hurt even more. His head felt heavy and airy at the same time. Where was he? What happened? He couldn’t remember…
Groaning in extreme discomfort, he managed to sit up and take in his surroundings. He was at the Headmaster’s residence. It was coming back to him… slowly.
As he ran his slender fingers through his silver locks, he let out a breath he had been holding, wincing at the painful pinch in his chest in doing so. He peered down, his otherwise bare upper torso covered in recently-changed bandages that were still blood-stained, stripped of all of his clothing aside from a pair of loose-fitting pajama pants.
Zero struggled to remember, his mind still a bit fuzzy. He had been wounded, he recalled, and sought out Kaien, only to discover he was nowhere to be found and… Yuki had been there instead.
Zero’s stomach churned in realization.
"Damn…why now?" He muttered under his breath. He had seen Yuki for the first time since she'd left the academy. Out of all the times to be confronted by her, it had to be now when he was a wanted fugitive, wounded and weak… He already had enough to worry about.
Zero hastily pushed back his covers, clearly unabashed by the sudden change in his equilibrium, swinging his feet over the side of the bed to meet the floor. Legs barely able to carry his weight, he began staggering to the door. He clutched at the unbearable pain in his chest distracting himself by focusing on his movement toward his destination instead.
Zero heard a sleepy, feminine groan. He froze and his shoulders became rigid. His foot was stopped midway to brushing against the plush carpet. The young, silver haired man dared not to turn around. He had lost a dangerous amount of blood and his eyes, he knew, were tainted red with evidence of bloodlust. If he risked a peek over his shoulder and came in contact with Yuki's dark chocolate irises, he doubted he would be able to restrain himself.
Yuki rubbed the sleep from her brown eyes, stretching to relieve the tension in her neck and shoulders from sleeping in the recliner in the corner of Zero’s room. She was a little sore, but she couldn’t bring herself to leave him alone when he was in such a critical state. Bringing her groggy thoughts back to Zero, she looked over to see him making his way to the door. Utter relief washed over her. She had sincerely feared him dying…
“Zero, you’re awake,” he heard her alarmed, concerned, bitterly familiar voice grace the air.
At that moment, his legs gave out and he fell against the doorframe. He turned over onto his back to lean against the wall, he allowed himself to slide down to the floor, leaving a crimson streak of blood down the length of the flat, cream-colored surface.
Yuki rushed to help him, reaching down and intending to wrap her arm under his to help him back to his feet, but he bitterly shoved her hand away. “Don’t touch me; I’m fine.”
She recoiled and dejectedly observed him for a moment, which passed in silence, aside from his labored breathing before she worked up the nerve to break it. “Zero? Do you…” her tiny voice broke and she hesitated to continue, afraid of what his answer may be. Gathering her courage once more, she began again, “Do you really hate me, Zero?”
He looked up at her, breathing still strained. Her voice sounded melodious like the tinkling of bells but it only sickened him. A small moment passed as he stared into her tearful eyes before he answered. “Yes,” was his firm, bitter reply. Yuki found herself fighting back tears at his icy words, a lump forming in her throat. He paused before adding, “I hate what you are… That’s something that will never change.”
His words echoed painfully in her ears, and she could see the disgust in his features. She had known that he would react that way, yet she still asked, willingly putting herself through the trauma of hearing his response. And even though she foresaw his answer, it hurt so much worse to hear him voice it aloud. For some reason, until now, she couldn’t fully believe he could really hate her so much; she couldn‘t convince herself to believe that he could just forget about everything they had been through together and hate her for being something that she couldn‘t change. After all, it wasn’t as if she had chosen to become a vampire; it was how she was born, despite neither of them knowing for a long time. She clutched her chest in attempt to dull the pain it held. When his answer sank in, the reality of it… ate at her heart like acid.
Zero bit back the urge to cry out in agony as he forced himself back to his feet.
Yuki startled. “Zero, you shouldn’t push yourself; you’ve already reopened your wounds… You can’t afford to lose any more blood,” she warned, deep concern shining in her caring orbs and her tears momentarily forgotten. She restrained her urge to help, seeing as he didn’t seem to want it.
“I’m fine,” he grounded out, moving to the nightstand where all the bloody supplies had been removed and a set of clean clothes had been laid out for him, seeing as the clothes he came there with were surely covered in blood and had rips and holes where his wounds had been inflicted. He struggled to put on the clean shirt, his expression unable to hide the pain in his movement.
Yuki stared at him with sadness, taking note of his every move. “Zero,” Yuki finally broke the short silence, “you… look so frail.” Zero went stiff at her words and as she cautiously approached him. “I never should have left you alone.” She touched his face and gently forced him to look at her. She noticed how pale he was, letting her eyes wander from his and look over the rest of his features. Even in such a pitiful state, he was still quite handsome as he always had been. He looked much more weak and sickly than before. Her auburn, crimson-tinted eyes took in his emaciated form with sincere worry. “I’m so sorry Zero,” she breathed softly. She had done this to him; it was all her fault.
He swallowed hard and turned away from her once more, forcing her hands off of him. He should’ve known she would notice how unhealthy he looked. Yuki had always been caring and perceptive as a human. He wondered why even now, when she knew he was obviously pushing her away and openly expressed how much he despised her… she could still look at him with so much concern. Almost as if… she hadn’t changed at all.
Yuki lightly placed a hand on his shoulder, but he removed it immediately, his hold tight on her wrist. Why did she insist on trying to touch him? He couldn’t bear to feel her touch… the hands of a vampire, the hands that have touched Kuran.
Yuki tugged against his iron grip to retrieve her hand, signaling him to let go. Zero reluctantly released his hold on her delicate wrist as she had silently asked but he instantly regretted it when he saw her pull her long hair to the side and bare her neck to him, inviting him to take her blood.
Zero quickly stepped away from her, shaking his head in desperation and panic. His heart pounded against his chest. His body ached for it… the sweet taste of her blood. He breathed heavily, trying desperately to keep his urges in check.
Yuki looked at him with confusion, “Take as much as you want, Zero. You need it.”
Zero could not bring himself to say anything in response, less his voice betray him and show her how much he was thirsting. The dryness in his throat was unbearable, and the pain made his breaths ragged and uneven.
“Please Zero,” she encouraged again when he didn’t move.
He was at war with himself, and Zero seemed to have lost the battle. His eyes suddenly darkened, an edge of something she couldn't quite place appearing in them. Without warning, his body flew at her on its own accord and shoved her back against the wall. He bared his fangs and hastily sunk them into the sensitive flesh of her neck without hesitation.
She gasped as his fangs pierced her, sending shivers down her spine and her small hands fisted his shirt. Her heart pounded against her chest, the heat of his body invading her own. She tried to ignore the moisture building between her legs, a small blush tinting her pale cheeks. She felt weak, but not because of loss of blood. She found herself pulling him closer, biting back the sounds threatening to escape her.
He wasn’t trying to be gentle in the least. After so much drought, drinking her sweet essence was too much for his body to handle. He gulped hungrily.
Kaien Cross walked in and Zero instantly released her, her blood staining his lips and running down his chin and his downcast expression full of shame. The Headmaster stood stunned with fresh bandages and supplies in hand, staring at them with wide eyes. Yuki’s blush deepened, avoiding her adoptive father’s gaze while Zero wiped the blood from his mouth.
“Zero,” Cross started, unsure of how to react. He had never witnessed the two of them committing such acts, though he was aware or at least suspected in the past. He didn’t want to over-react though. He put the supplies for re-dressing Zero’s wound on the nightstand. “You’re awake; I’m relieved to see that you’re better.”
Yuki decided to speak up. “Headmaster, I told him to do it; It’s my-”
The headmaster held up his hand to silence her. “It’s alright, Yuki. You don’t need to explain yourselves.” He said seriously, before a mischievous smirk appeared at the corner of Cross’s lips. “Besides, if you hadn’t done it, then I would have offered my own blood.” He tugged at the collar of his shirt and gestured to his neck, effectively weirding out both the other occupants of the room and earning him a glare from Zero. Acting as if he were a bit put out, Cross frowned before his stern expression returned. “In all reality, Zero had lost a lot of blood. It would have had to be done anyway, so there’s no reason to get worked up over it.”
A bit relieved, Yuki visibly relaxed. She was still a little embarrassed but… at least the Headmaster was understanding. She risked a glance at Zero, but he remained silent.
There was an incredibly awkward silence, and Kaien couldn’t take it any longer. “I’ll go make some breakfast!” he exclaimed happily, pausing just before he exited the room, “Oh and Zero, your bandages are due to be changed. Yuki, would you mind?” without waiting for her to answer, he went to the kitchen to get started on cooking and left them alone to work it out.
Yuki glanced over at Zero and he could feel her eyes on him, but he ignored her. Damn Kaien Cross for putting him in this situation. The last thing he wanted was for Yuki to be left in charge of taking care of him. There really wasn’t much he could do about it; he was too exhausted to protest. ‘Might as well get this over with,’ he thought dryly. Zero reluctantly sat back down on the bed, struggling to remove the shirt he had just put on and trying not to wince in pain as he did so.
“Here, let me help.” Yuki grabbed the hem of the shirt and helped him pull it off over his head. Once removed, she discarded the garment and proceeded to clear all unnecessary items off of the nightstand. She then set to work changing his bandages, gently unwrapping the old, bloodied bandages from his body. Zero stared at the wall and avoided eye contact.
Her body was close to his as she sat with him on the bed; it felt strange after not seeing each other in so long. As she worked to change his bandages, Zero risked looking at her. Yuki was much too focused on her task to notice his eyes on her. He studied her solemn expression and the way she had a more mature aura about her as her gentle hands worked. He tried not to stare at the bite marks he’d left on her neck, though they were nearly gone already. As a vampire, she healed much faster. She wouldn’t have to hide the wound with bandages or gauze like she did when she was human… There would be no evidence for her precious Kaname to find.
Yuki cautiously risked a glance up at Zero, surprised that he was looking back at her. Realizing he was caught, Zero quickly went back to staring at the wall. Yuki felt her heart speed up, knowing he’d been watching her. She could feel her cheeks heating up, but she mentally scolded herself. She was reading too much into it, she knew.
As Yuki slowly peeled off the last of the bandage that was matted with blood to his upper torso, Zero bit back a cry of agony. Trying to cause him as little pain as possible, Yuki almost gasped, slowly revealing the unsightly wound running clear through his chest. After recovering from the initial shock, she poured some medicine onto a pad and began to dab the liquid onto his chest, causing Zero it inhale sharply at the searing pain. Yuki hesitated before continuing. “I’m sorry, I don’t like hurting you.”
He spared her a brief glare before turning his gaze away again. “Could’ve fooled me,” he said dryly.
Yuki glanced up at him, wondering briefly what he meant by that, but decided not to push it. There were more important things to worry about… “How did this happen, Zero?”
Zero remained silent for a moment and she almost thought he wasn’t going to answer. “The Hunter’s Association turned on me. I guess I was a liability; they decided to get rid of me before I fell to Level E.”
Yuki listened as she continued cleaning his wound. It stung and Zero flinched a bit as she did so.
“In the end, I was able to get away, but… unfortunately not unscathed.”
“So they are still looking for you then?” Yuki questioned, staying focused on her task.
“Yes.”
Yuki froze and looked up at him with wide eyes. The Association was bound to find him if he stayed there much longer. He wasn’t safe…
“Why do you look so surprised?”
“I-I’m not.” Yuki reluctantly turned to focus back to dressing his wounds, wrapping the fresh bandages around him. “I mean, not really…” a sad, distant look developed in Yuki’s eye.
Zero tried to ignore how her tiny arms enclosed around his body as she applied the clean bandages around his chest. Why did she look so distressed? Why would she care what happened to him?
“Breakfast is ready,” the headmaster chimed in, poking his head briefly through the doorway, beaming cheerfully.
After Zero was taken care of, Yuki decided to give him privacy and left him to get dressed by himself. Her mind wondered as she quietly set the table, a small smile gracing her lips. Setting the table like this was something she hadn’t done in a while, but it brought back fond memories; she remembered when she used to set the table occasionally back when Cross Academy still existed… just Kaien, Zero and herself… and occasionally Kaname too, of course. She missed those days…
With the table ready to go, Yuki assumed her chair.
Finally Zero slowly emerged from the bedroom, walking almost normally now. He looked considerably better already. Yuki felt relieved. She guessed that drinking the blood of a pureblood must be extremely helpful for his healing.
“Don’t be shy, let me know what you think.” Kaien said anxiously as he brought out a casserole, a recipe no doubt from one of his cook books. He then began to serve each plate.
Zero sat down in his usual chair, across from Yuki and beside Kaien.
Soon, all of them were seated in front of steaming fresh-out-of-the-oven food. Yuki breathed in the pleasant smell deeply and let it out with an ‘mmm’ sound. “It smells delicious, head… er, father.”
“Well, eat up, my children,” Cross exclaimed eagerly. “I got this recipe from this new cook book that I-“Kaien continued to ramble on.
Yuki and Zero zoned out after a while. The aura between the two of them was strained, but Kaien seemed oblivious as he talked carelessly about anything and everything. They let the headmaster do all of the talking.
Yuki chewed her food thoughtfully. It wouldn’t be long before Zero would be back to normal again… And he would probably leave again as soon as he was well enough. For some reason she felt like she didn’t want him to go. Despite how he felt towards her, the thought of going back to a life without ever seeing Zero… created a dull ache in her chest. She hadn’t realized how much she missed seeing him all the time. When someone is a significant part of your life for so long… and then that person is just abruptly removed one day… it is difficult not to miss them, or not to feel like something is missing.
“So Zero,” Kaien started, bringing Zero out of his reverie, “What have you been doing since you left? I haven’t heard much from you, though I have heard a few things here and there…”
Zero picked at his food for a moment, pushing around a piece of sausage across his plate with his fork. “I’ve been working for The Association... not much to tell.”
Yuki chose to speak up. “The Association is after him. They think he’s dangerous and they’re the reason Zero was wounded,” she informed.
Kaien’s expression became serious. “If this is true, you mustn’t stay here long. They will come looking for you here.” He warned.
“As soon as I’m healed, I’ll be out of your hair, I promise,” Zero responded. “You don’t mind if I take Lily with me, do you headmaster?” He needed to travel fast if he was going to avoid being caught by the Association.
“Lily the horse?” Initially a bit shocked at his request, he then eagerly agreed. “Of course, take whatever you need.”
Zero nodded, standing and returning to his bedroom, emerging again with his bag on his shoulder.
He was about to walk out the door, but Yuki caught his arm lightly. “Zero, wait.”
He violently shrugged her off and turned to her, his eyes piercing daggers at her. “Leave me alone, Yuki.” He demanded. “I want nothing to do with you.”
Her expression was visibly hurt at his reaction. “Where do you plan to go?” she murmured softly, a lump in her throat from holding back tears.
He turned away from her sad eyes. “I’m heading south for the forests.”
Yuki’s eyes widened and Kaien abruptly stood up from his seat. “You can’t travel through those forests. It’s extremely dangerous, Zero.” Kaien warned. “No one ever comes back. Why would you want to go there of all the places?”
“I have my reasons.” Zero replied, about to make a move toward the door again.
Zero had barely opened the door before Yuki slammed it shut again and prevented him from leaving. “You’re not going anywhere until you explain why!” Yuki demanded. “Going there might as well be suicide!”
Zero looked thoroughly annoyed. “Doomed if I do, doomed if I don’t.” he stated. “What’s it to you what I do?” He challenged.
Yuki didn’t answer, her eyes tearing up in frustration. Kaien approached the two bickering vampires, placing a comforting hand on Yuki’s shoulder. He stared at Zero expectantly.
Zero sighed heavily. “Have you heard anything about purebloods with the ability to revert level D vampires back into humans?” He didn’t wait for a response, “If I find them, then… I could get my humanity back.” Zero explained, but felt rather embarrassed as he did so. His eyes were downcast, afraid of their patronizing gazes. The chances of actually becoming human again… He was probably an idiot for believing in it. Even he thought the idea sounded stupid. But what choice did he really have? Being human again… would solve everything… Well, almost.
“Satisfied now?” Without waiting for the answer, Zero stormed out and slammed the door behind him.
He reached the stables where Lily was kept, deep in thought. He slowly entered and approached his long-lost friend.
Lily didn’t notice him right away. She laid in her pin, her head resting but she stood instantly upon hearing someone enter the stables. Her eyes were ready to face whomever dared to intrude her stables, but when she recognized Zero approaching, she greeted him eagerly, neighing and stomping with excitement.
When he was within reach, she aggressively caressed and nudged him with her nose, almost shoving him over. He grunted, half in pain at his still healing wounds and half due to the air being knocked out of him.
He recovered, rubbing his sore chest. Lily suddenly seemed to realize his mood and distressed state. She put her head briefly on Zero’s shoulder as if to offer him comfort before she inched up to nibble a strand on his silver hair as she always used to do, but he anticipated her actions and dodged her just in time to escape her display of affection. A small fond smile appeared on Zero’s face, his previous troublesome thoughts temporarily forgotten.
“I missed you too, girl,” Zero murmured softly to his companion as he patted her head and stroked her snout. She huffed in response, as if scolding him for not visiting.
“Don’t worry,” he told her, “You’re coming with me.”
He readied her for travel, putting on a saddle, loading up his single bag with his brother’s sword and Bloody Rose armed at his side. He put his brother’s mask back on to conceal his identity. It wasn’t quite nightfall when he headed for the academy’s gates.
Back in the dinning room of the headmaster’s residence, Yuki picked at her food. Kaien had been watching her for some time with concern. “Yuki, are you alright?” he finally asked her.
“Yeah,” she answered quietly.
“Will you be heading back to Kaname today?”
Yuki didn’t respond right away. She knew that she should be getting back. She had already stayed longer than she had planned. Kaname was probably beginning to worry about her.
“Yuki?”
“Yeah.” She finally responded. She wasn’t overly happy to return to the mansion, but she knew Kaname would worry if she didn’t return soon.
Kaien nodded. “I see.”
There was a brief silence between them before Yuki broke it, “Do you…” She stopped, second guessing her question for a moment, “Do you think there really is a way for Zero to be human again?”
Kaien exhaled heavily at her question and pinched the bridge of his nose tiredly before answering, “Yes, I do.”
Yuki’s head darted up to look at him with wide eyes. “You do?” she questioned in disbelief.
“Yes,” He confirmed. “Only female purebloods are cursed with such an ability. In fact, I once met a pureblood with such abilities. She used her power to spare the life of the man she loved. He too was in a very similar situation as Zero and was rapidly declining into a level E. She was able to save him… but at a cost.”
Yuki listened eagerly. She couldn’t help but notice that he referred to the power as a curse. And… she was able to save him… at a cost? He told this story as if he had a personal connection of some sort.
“Yuki, it is possible.” He assured her, “However, it won’t be easy for Zero to convince a pureblood with such abilities to use it.”
Yuki wanted to question him more, but she could tell it was a sensitive subject. Speaking of sensitive subjects… she wanted to tell Kaien about her engagement to Kaname.
“Father,” she began to change the subject. “I um, I actually came here to tell you something.”
“Yes, Yuki? What is it?”
“Well, Kaname… proposed to me,” she said with hesitation, unsure how her adoptive father might react.
Kaien’s expression instantly lit up. He sprung from his seat and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. “Oh, that’s wonderful news!” he exclaimed, tears of joy seeping from the corners of his eyes, “My little girl is all grown up!”
~*~
Leading Lily beside him, Zero froze upon exiting the headmaster’s residence. A black car that he instantly recognized from the Association was quickly approaching, the occupants of the window-tinted vehicle most likely looking for him. He pulled Lily over to the nearest tree and sloppily tied up her reigns before ducking in the shadows behind the other side of the tree as they passed.
He held his breath momentarily. He was worried for Yuki and Kaien who were about to be confronted by hunters of the Association. It was his fault… He quickly shoved the guilt away. He knew they could handle themselves. Especially Kaien Cross. And he didn’t care about Yuki, he reminded himself.
When the vehicle was out of sight, he freed Lily’s reigns and managed to pull himself up onto her saddle with hardly any pain. He signaled Lily and they took off into the sunset.
~*~
Kaien had his face buried in Yuki’s shoulder, wailing.
She had tried to explain that she hadn’t accepted Kaname’s proposal yet, but he was beyond listening at this point. After the realization that Yuki was no longer a child had hit him, waterfalls of tears had suddenly burst from Kaien’s sad orbs and Yuki spent a good five minutes trying to console her blubbering father when a hard knock erupted at the door.
They both stiffened.
“Who could that be?” Kaien sniffled his runny nose, composing himself as he approached the door to answer. He pulled the door open to reveal three hunters, all dressed in black clothing. He instantly sobered up and stood straight with an uncharacteristically intimidating scowl appearing across his normally bright features. “Can I help you?” he asked, tightly, sizing the hunters up. The one in the middle appeared to be the leader, average height and build with black hair slicked back and a cigar hanging out the corner of his mouth. There was a brown-eyed woman with long, straight blonde hair and a vertical scar across her discolored right eye. The last hunter was rather large and burly and bald, a sneer revealing silver teeth.
“Yes,” the man in the middle answered before the more burly man to his right barged through the door. The other two hunters followed and they all three began to inspect and look around.
Glaring at them in an unwelcome manner, Kaien reluctantly closed the door without taking his eyes off them.
The leader moseyed around before he went to the table and examined the dishes sitting on the surface while the other two hunters wondered into the hallway and the back rooms.
Turning to address Kaien and Yuki, their leader began to speak, “We’re looking for a former hunter named Zero Kiryuu, also known as your adoptive son, as I understand.” The main hunter informed, peering up to judge Kaien’s reaction, “You wouldn’t happen to have seen him, would you?”
“I haven’t seen my son Zero in months.” Kaien retorted. Yuki remained still and silent.
The lead hunter scoffed. “Interesting,” he mocked, “How do you explain three sets of dishes on your table? There is only two of you.”
“M-my fiancé was here,” Yuki provided quickly before she could stop herself, “We were visiting my father here to announce our engagement,” she elaborated, gesturing to Kaien, “but he couldn’t stay long, unfortunately… He’s awfully busy.” She laughed nervously, mentally kicking herself. She had always been a terrible liar… Why couldn’t she just keep her mouth shut?! She hoped that they bought her story.
About that time that the other two hunters emerged from investigating the back rooms and their leader didn’t comment on her explanation. The three hunters exchanged looks before addressing Kaien again, the leader approaching him and invading his personal space.
Yuki shifted nervously in the background, anticipating an attack. Her hand rested on Artemis compressed into its rod form on her thigh.
“If you see him again, I’d strongly suggest you contact the association,” he said in a threatening tone, the woman hunter stepping forward to offer him a contact card which he begrudgingly accepted. “Next time we visit may not be as pleasant as this one.” The hunter and Kaien Cross exchanged angry glares a moment longer before they turned and finally left.
Kaien visibly relaxed before ripping up the business card. “This is why I hate hunters.”
“Zero,” Yuki’s gentle voice interrupted.
He turned to see Yuki standing merely feet from him. ‘No, Yuki! Stay back!’ what remained of his sanity shouted at her, but the words didn’t leave his lips. ‘I don’t want her to see me like this.’ He could vaguely hear himself emitting a low, animalistic growl. His red eyes stared at the pulse in her neck. He couldn’t stop himself… He would surely kill her. ‘No, I don’t want to hurt her…’ he thought, ‘Or maybe I do,’ the monster in him countered.
“Zero, it’s me,” She murmured timidly, realizing that something was wrong. Yuki approached him slowly, taking a small step towards him. She continued to verbally reach out to him, attempting to revive his sanity, but it was no use. Zero was no more.
Blood splattered the ground. The delicious smell of her blood entered his nose… the thrilling sound of her screams filled his ears. She begged him to stop, pleaded his name and for his senses to return... And he watched himself devour her. He was powerless to stop… a prisoner in his own body... and she was dying so beautifully. Her body fell limp in his arms and the screaming suddenly stopped... There was only silence. And a growing puddle of blood seeping from beneath her tiny body.
Yuki sat at the edge of the bed and watched Zero as he slept, his expression distressed as he tossed and turned. ‘What is he dreaming about?’ she wondered, her brows furrowed. He had always been a light sleeper growing up. Come to think of it, she couldn’t recall ever really seeing Zero sleep peacefully; he was always having nightmares and waking up multiple times during the night. When they were young, he would sometimes sneak into her room at night when he couldn't sleep or had a nightmare and vice versa.
“Shhh,” Yuki tried to console him as she brushed her hand through his silver hair in a soothing manner like she had when they were children, “It’s going to be okay.” Almost as though he could hear her in his sleep, he gradually settled down.
~*~
Letting his eyes drift open, Zero flinched at the harsh intensity of light shining through the window, making his already throbbing skull hurt even more. His head felt heavy and airy at the same time. Where was he? What happened? He couldn’t remember…
Groaning in extreme discomfort, he managed to sit up and take in his surroundings. He was at the Headmaster’s residence. It was coming back to him… slowly.
As he ran his slender fingers through his silver locks, he let out a breath he had been holding, wincing at the painful pinch in his chest in doing so. He peered down, his otherwise bare upper torso covered in recently-changed bandages that were still blood-stained, stripped of all of his clothing aside from a pair of loose-fitting pajama pants.
Zero struggled to remember, his mind still a bit fuzzy. He had been wounded, he recalled, and sought out Kaien, only to discover he was nowhere to be found and… Yuki had been there instead.
Zero’s stomach churned in realization.
"Damn…why now?" He muttered under his breath. He had seen Yuki for the first time since she'd left the academy. Out of all the times to be confronted by her, it had to be now when he was a wanted fugitive, wounded and weak… He already had enough to worry about.
Zero hastily pushed back his covers, clearly unabashed by the sudden change in his equilibrium, swinging his feet over the side of the bed to meet the floor. Legs barely able to carry his weight, he began staggering to the door. He clutched at the unbearable pain in his chest distracting himself by focusing on his movement toward his destination instead.
Zero heard a sleepy, feminine groan. He froze and his shoulders became rigid. His foot was stopped midway to brushing against the plush carpet. The young, silver haired man dared not to turn around. He had lost a dangerous amount of blood and his eyes, he knew, were tainted red with evidence of bloodlust. If he risked a peek over his shoulder and came in contact with Yuki's dark chocolate irises, he doubted he would be able to restrain himself.
Yuki rubbed the sleep from her brown eyes, stretching to relieve the tension in her neck and shoulders from sleeping in the recliner in the corner of Zero’s room. She was a little sore, but she couldn’t bring herself to leave him alone when he was in such a critical state. Bringing her groggy thoughts back to Zero, she looked over to see him making his way to the door. Utter relief washed over her. She had sincerely feared him dying…
“Zero, you’re awake,” he heard her alarmed, concerned, bitterly familiar voice grace the air.
At that moment, his legs gave out and he fell against the doorframe. He turned over onto his back to lean against the wall, he allowed himself to slide down to the floor, leaving a crimson streak of blood down the length of the flat, cream-colored surface.
Yuki rushed to help him, reaching down and intending to wrap her arm under his to help him back to his feet, but he bitterly shoved her hand away. “Don’t touch me; I’m fine.”
She recoiled and dejectedly observed him for a moment, which passed in silence, aside from his labored breathing before she worked up the nerve to break it. “Zero? Do you…” her tiny voice broke and she hesitated to continue, afraid of what his answer may be. Gathering her courage once more, she began again, “Do you really hate me, Zero?”
He looked up at her, breathing still strained. Her voice sounded melodious like the tinkling of bells but it only sickened him. A small moment passed as he stared into her tearful eyes before he answered. “Yes,” was his firm, bitter reply. Yuki found herself fighting back tears at his icy words, a lump forming in her throat. He paused before adding, “I hate what you are… That’s something that will never change.”
His words echoed painfully in her ears, and she could see the disgust in his features. She had known that he would react that way, yet she still asked, willingly putting herself through the trauma of hearing his response. And even though she foresaw his answer, it hurt so much worse to hear him voice it aloud. For some reason, until now, she couldn’t fully believe he could really hate her so much; she couldn‘t convince herself to believe that he could just forget about everything they had been through together and hate her for being something that she couldn‘t change. After all, it wasn’t as if she had chosen to become a vampire; it was how she was born, despite neither of them knowing for a long time. She clutched her chest in attempt to dull the pain it held. When his answer sank in, the reality of it… ate at her heart like acid.
Zero bit back the urge to cry out in agony as he forced himself back to his feet.
Yuki startled. “Zero, you shouldn’t push yourself; you’ve already reopened your wounds… You can’t afford to lose any more blood,” she warned, deep concern shining in her caring orbs and her tears momentarily forgotten. She restrained her urge to help, seeing as he didn’t seem to want it.
“I’m fine,” he grounded out, moving to the nightstand where all the bloody supplies had been removed and a set of clean clothes had been laid out for him, seeing as the clothes he came there with were surely covered in blood and had rips and holes where his wounds had been inflicted. He struggled to put on the clean shirt, his expression unable to hide the pain in his movement.
Yuki stared at him with sadness, taking note of his every move. “Zero,” Yuki finally broke the short silence, “you… look so frail.” Zero went stiff at her words and as she cautiously approached him. “I never should have left you alone.” She touched his face and gently forced him to look at her. She noticed how pale he was, letting her eyes wander from his and look over the rest of his features. Even in such a pitiful state, he was still quite handsome as he always had been. He looked much more weak and sickly than before. Her auburn, crimson-tinted eyes took in his emaciated form with sincere worry. “I’m so sorry Zero,” she breathed softly. She had done this to him; it was all her fault.
He swallowed hard and turned away from her once more, forcing her hands off of him. He should’ve known she would notice how unhealthy he looked. Yuki had always been caring and perceptive as a human. He wondered why even now, when she knew he was obviously pushing her away and openly expressed how much he despised her… she could still look at him with so much concern. Almost as if… she hadn’t changed at all.
Yuki lightly placed a hand on his shoulder, but he removed it immediately, his hold tight on her wrist. Why did she insist on trying to touch him? He couldn’t bear to feel her touch… the hands of a vampire, the hands that have touched Kuran.
Yuki tugged against his iron grip to retrieve her hand, signaling him to let go. Zero reluctantly released his hold on her delicate wrist as she had silently asked but he instantly regretted it when he saw her pull her long hair to the side and bare her neck to him, inviting him to take her blood.
Zero quickly stepped away from her, shaking his head in desperation and panic. His heart pounded against his chest. His body ached for it… the sweet taste of her blood. He breathed heavily, trying desperately to keep his urges in check.
Yuki looked at him with confusion, “Take as much as you want, Zero. You need it.”
Zero could not bring himself to say anything in response, less his voice betray him and show her how much he was thirsting. The dryness in his throat was unbearable, and the pain made his breaths ragged and uneven.
“Please Zero,” she encouraged again when he didn’t move.
He was at war with himself, and Zero seemed to have lost the battle. His eyes suddenly darkened, an edge of something she couldn't quite place appearing in them. Without warning, his body flew at her on its own accord and shoved her back against the wall. He bared his fangs and hastily sunk them into the sensitive flesh of her neck without hesitation.
She gasped as his fangs pierced her, sending shivers down her spine and her small hands fisted his shirt. Her heart pounded against her chest, the heat of his body invading her own. She tried to ignore the moisture building between her legs, a small blush tinting her pale cheeks. She felt weak, but not because of loss of blood. She found herself pulling him closer, biting back the sounds threatening to escape her.
He wasn’t trying to be gentle in the least. After so much drought, drinking her sweet essence was too much for his body to handle. He gulped hungrily.
Kaien Cross walked in and Zero instantly released her, her blood staining his lips and running down his chin and his downcast expression full of shame. The Headmaster stood stunned with fresh bandages and supplies in hand, staring at them with wide eyes. Yuki’s blush deepened, avoiding her adoptive father’s gaze while Zero wiped the blood from his mouth.
“Zero,” Cross started, unsure of how to react. He had never witnessed the two of them committing such acts, though he was aware or at least suspected in the past. He didn’t want to over-react though. He put the supplies for re-dressing Zero’s wound on the nightstand. “You’re awake; I’m relieved to see that you’re better.”
Yuki decided to speak up. “Headmaster, I told him to do it; It’s my-”
The headmaster held up his hand to silence her. “It’s alright, Yuki. You don’t need to explain yourselves.” He said seriously, before a mischievous smirk appeared at the corner of Cross’s lips. “Besides, if you hadn’t done it, then I would have offered my own blood.” He tugged at the collar of his shirt and gestured to his neck, effectively weirding out both the other occupants of the room and earning him a glare from Zero. Acting as if he were a bit put out, Cross frowned before his stern expression returned. “In all reality, Zero had lost a lot of blood. It would have had to be done anyway, so there’s no reason to get worked up over it.”
A bit relieved, Yuki visibly relaxed. She was still a little embarrassed but… at least the Headmaster was understanding. She risked a glance at Zero, but he remained silent.
There was an incredibly awkward silence, and Kaien couldn’t take it any longer. “I’ll go make some breakfast!” he exclaimed happily, pausing just before he exited the room, “Oh and Zero, your bandages are due to be changed. Yuki, would you mind?” without waiting for her to answer, he went to the kitchen to get started on cooking and left them alone to work it out.
Yuki glanced over at Zero and he could feel her eyes on him, but he ignored her. Damn Kaien Cross for putting him in this situation. The last thing he wanted was for Yuki to be left in charge of taking care of him. There really wasn’t much he could do about it; he was too exhausted to protest. ‘Might as well get this over with,’ he thought dryly. Zero reluctantly sat back down on the bed, struggling to remove the shirt he had just put on and trying not to wince in pain as he did so.
“Here, let me help.” Yuki grabbed the hem of the shirt and helped him pull it off over his head. Once removed, she discarded the garment and proceeded to clear all unnecessary items off of the nightstand. She then set to work changing his bandages, gently unwrapping the old, bloodied bandages from his body. Zero stared at the wall and avoided eye contact.
Her body was close to his as she sat with him on the bed; it felt strange after not seeing each other in so long. As she worked to change his bandages, Zero risked looking at her. Yuki was much too focused on her task to notice his eyes on her. He studied her solemn expression and the way she had a more mature aura about her as her gentle hands worked. He tried not to stare at the bite marks he’d left on her neck, though they were nearly gone already. As a vampire, she healed much faster. She wouldn’t have to hide the wound with bandages or gauze like she did when she was human… There would be no evidence for her precious Kaname to find.
Yuki cautiously risked a glance up at Zero, surprised that he was looking back at her. Realizing he was caught, Zero quickly went back to staring at the wall. Yuki felt her heart speed up, knowing he’d been watching her. She could feel her cheeks heating up, but she mentally scolded herself. She was reading too much into it, she knew.
As Yuki slowly peeled off the last of the bandage that was matted with blood to his upper torso, Zero bit back a cry of agony. Trying to cause him as little pain as possible, Yuki almost gasped, slowly revealing the unsightly wound running clear through his chest. After recovering from the initial shock, she poured some medicine onto a pad and began to dab the liquid onto his chest, causing Zero it inhale sharply at the searing pain. Yuki hesitated before continuing. “I’m sorry, I don’t like hurting you.”
He spared her a brief glare before turning his gaze away again. “Could’ve fooled me,” he said dryly.
Yuki glanced up at him, wondering briefly what he meant by that, but decided not to push it. There were more important things to worry about… “How did this happen, Zero?”
Zero remained silent for a moment and she almost thought he wasn’t going to answer. “The Hunter’s Association turned on me. I guess I was a liability; they decided to get rid of me before I fell to Level E.”
Yuki listened as she continued cleaning his wound. It stung and Zero flinched a bit as she did so.
“In the end, I was able to get away, but… unfortunately not unscathed.”
“So they are still looking for you then?” Yuki questioned, staying focused on her task.
“Yes.”
Yuki froze and looked up at him with wide eyes. The Association was bound to find him if he stayed there much longer. He wasn’t safe…
“Why do you look so surprised?”
“I-I’m not.” Yuki reluctantly turned to focus back to dressing his wounds, wrapping the fresh bandages around him. “I mean, not really…” a sad, distant look developed in Yuki’s eye.
Zero tried to ignore how her tiny arms enclosed around his body as she applied the clean bandages around his chest. Why did she look so distressed? Why would she care what happened to him?
“Breakfast is ready,” the headmaster chimed in, poking his head briefly through the doorway, beaming cheerfully.
After Zero was taken care of, Yuki decided to give him privacy and left him to get dressed by himself. Her mind wondered as she quietly set the table, a small smile gracing her lips. Setting the table like this was something she hadn’t done in a while, but it brought back fond memories; she remembered when she used to set the table occasionally back when Cross Academy still existed… just Kaien, Zero and herself… and occasionally Kaname too, of course. She missed those days…
With the table ready to go, Yuki assumed her chair.
Finally Zero slowly emerged from the bedroom, walking almost normally now. He looked considerably better already. Yuki felt relieved. She guessed that drinking the blood of a pureblood must be extremely helpful for his healing.
“Don’t be shy, let me know what you think.” Kaien said anxiously as he brought out a casserole, a recipe no doubt from one of his cook books. He then began to serve each plate.
Zero sat down in his usual chair, across from Yuki and beside Kaien.
Soon, all of them were seated in front of steaming fresh-out-of-the-oven food. Yuki breathed in the pleasant smell deeply and let it out with an ‘mmm’ sound. “It smells delicious, head… er, father.”
“Well, eat up, my children,” Cross exclaimed eagerly. “I got this recipe from this new cook book that I-“Kaien continued to ramble on.
Yuki and Zero zoned out after a while. The aura between the two of them was strained, but Kaien seemed oblivious as he talked carelessly about anything and everything. They let the headmaster do all of the talking.
Yuki chewed her food thoughtfully. It wouldn’t be long before Zero would be back to normal again… And he would probably leave again as soon as he was well enough. For some reason she felt like she didn’t want him to go. Despite how he felt towards her, the thought of going back to a life without ever seeing Zero… created a dull ache in her chest. She hadn’t realized how much she missed seeing him all the time. When someone is a significant part of your life for so long… and then that person is just abruptly removed one day… it is difficult not to miss them, or not to feel like something is missing.
“So Zero,” Kaien started, bringing Zero out of his reverie, “What have you been doing since you left? I haven’t heard much from you, though I have heard a few things here and there…”
Zero picked at his food for a moment, pushing around a piece of sausage across his plate with his fork. “I’ve been working for The Association... not much to tell.”
Yuki chose to speak up. “The Association is after him. They think he’s dangerous and they’re the reason Zero was wounded,” she informed.
Kaien’s expression became serious. “If this is true, you mustn’t stay here long. They will come looking for you here.” He warned.
“As soon as I’m healed, I’ll be out of your hair, I promise,” Zero responded. “You don’t mind if I take Lily with me, do you headmaster?” He needed to travel fast if he was going to avoid being caught by the Association.
“Lily the horse?” Initially a bit shocked at his request, he then eagerly agreed. “Of course, take whatever you need.”
Zero nodded, standing and returning to his bedroom, emerging again with his bag on his shoulder.
He was about to walk out the door, but Yuki caught his arm lightly. “Zero, wait.”
He violently shrugged her off and turned to her, his eyes piercing daggers at her. “Leave me alone, Yuki.” He demanded. “I want nothing to do with you.”
Her expression was visibly hurt at his reaction. “Where do you plan to go?” she murmured softly, a lump in her throat from holding back tears.
He turned away from her sad eyes. “I’m heading south for the forests.”
Yuki’s eyes widened and Kaien abruptly stood up from his seat. “You can’t travel through those forests. It’s extremely dangerous, Zero.” Kaien warned. “No one ever comes back. Why would you want to go there of all the places?”
“I have my reasons.” Zero replied, about to make a move toward the door again.
Zero had barely opened the door before Yuki slammed it shut again and prevented him from leaving. “You’re not going anywhere until you explain why!” Yuki demanded. “Going there might as well be suicide!”
Zero looked thoroughly annoyed. “Doomed if I do, doomed if I don’t.” he stated. “What’s it to you what I do?” He challenged.
Yuki didn’t answer, her eyes tearing up in frustration. Kaien approached the two bickering vampires, placing a comforting hand on Yuki’s shoulder. He stared at Zero expectantly.
Zero sighed heavily. “Have you heard anything about purebloods with the ability to revert level D vampires back into humans?” He didn’t wait for a response, “If I find them, then… I could get my humanity back.” Zero explained, but felt rather embarrassed as he did so. His eyes were downcast, afraid of their patronizing gazes. The chances of actually becoming human again… He was probably an idiot for believing in it. Even he thought the idea sounded stupid. But what choice did he really have? Being human again… would solve everything… Well, almost.
“Satisfied now?” Without waiting for the answer, Zero stormed out and slammed the door behind him.
He reached the stables where Lily was kept, deep in thought. He slowly entered and approached his long-lost friend.
Lily didn’t notice him right away. She laid in her pin, her head resting but she stood instantly upon hearing someone enter the stables. Her eyes were ready to face whomever dared to intrude her stables, but when she recognized Zero approaching, she greeted him eagerly, neighing and stomping with excitement.
When he was within reach, she aggressively caressed and nudged him with her nose, almost shoving him over. He grunted, half in pain at his still healing wounds and half due to the air being knocked out of him.
He recovered, rubbing his sore chest. Lily suddenly seemed to realize his mood and distressed state. She put her head briefly on Zero’s shoulder as if to offer him comfort before she inched up to nibble a strand on his silver hair as she always used to do, but he anticipated her actions and dodged her just in time to escape her display of affection. A small fond smile appeared on Zero’s face, his previous troublesome thoughts temporarily forgotten.
“I missed you too, girl,” Zero murmured softly to his companion as he patted her head and stroked her snout. She huffed in response, as if scolding him for not visiting.
“Don’t worry,” he told her, “You’re coming with me.”
He readied her for travel, putting on a saddle, loading up his single bag with his brother’s sword and Bloody Rose armed at his side. He put his brother’s mask back on to conceal his identity. It wasn’t quite nightfall when he headed for the academy’s gates.
Back in the dinning room of the headmaster’s residence, Yuki picked at her food. Kaien had been watching her for some time with concern. “Yuki, are you alright?” he finally asked her.
“Yeah,” she answered quietly.
“Will you be heading back to Kaname today?”
Yuki didn’t respond right away. She knew that she should be getting back. She had already stayed longer than she had planned. Kaname was probably beginning to worry about her.
“Yuki?”
“Yeah.” She finally responded. She wasn’t overly happy to return to the mansion, but she knew Kaname would worry if she didn’t return soon.
Kaien nodded. “I see.”
There was a brief silence between them before Yuki broke it, “Do you…” She stopped, second guessing her question for a moment, “Do you think there really is a way for Zero to be human again?”
Kaien exhaled heavily at her question and pinched the bridge of his nose tiredly before answering, “Yes, I do.”
Yuki’s head darted up to look at him with wide eyes. “You do?” she questioned in disbelief.
“Yes,” He confirmed. “Only female purebloods are cursed with such an ability. In fact, I once met a pureblood with such abilities. She used her power to spare the life of the man she loved. He too was in a very similar situation as Zero and was rapidly declining into a level E. She was able to save him… but at a cost.”
Yuki listened eagerly. She couldn’t help but notice that he referred to the power as a curse. And… she was able to save him… at a cost? He told this story as if he had a personal connection of some sort.
“Yuki, it is possible.” He assured her, “However, it won’t be easy for Zero to convince a pureblood with such abilities to use it.”
Yuki wanted to question him more, but she could tell it was a sensitive subject. Speaking of sensitive subjects… she wanted to tell Kaien about her engagement to Kaname.
“Father,” she began to change the subject. “I um, I actually came here to tell you something.”
“Yes, Yuki? What is it?”
“Well, Kaname… proposed to me,” she said with hesitation, unsure how her adoptive father might react.
Kaien’s expression instantly lit up. He sprung from his seat and pulled her into a bone-crushing hug. “Oh, that’s wonderful news!” he exclaimed, tears of joy seeping from the corners of his eyes, “My little girl is all grown up!”
~*~
Leading Lily beside him, Zero froze upon exiting the headmaster’s residence. A black car that he instantly recognized from the Association was quickly approaching, the occupants of the window-tinted vehicle most likely looking for him. He pulled Lily over to the nearest tree and sloppily tied up her reigns before ducking in the shadows behind the other side of the tree as they passed.
He held his breath momentarily. He was worried for Yuki and Kaien who were about to be confronted by hunters of the Association. It was his fault… He quickly shoved the guilt away. He knew they could handle themselves. Especially Kaien Cross. And he didn’t care about Yuki, he reminded himself.
When the vehicle was out of sight, he freed Lily’s reigns and managed to pull himself up onto her saddle with hardly any pain. He signaled Lily and they took off into the sunset.
~*~
Kaien had his face buried in Yuki’s shoulder, wailing.
She had tried to explain that she hadn’t accepted Kaname’s proposal yet, but he was beyond listening at this point. After the realization that Yuki was no longer a child had hit him, waterfalls of tears had suddenly burst from Kaien’s sad orbs and Yuki spent a good five minutes trying to console her blubbering father when a hard knock erupted at the door.
They both stiffened.
“Who could that be?” Kaien sniffled his runny nose, composing himself as he approached the door to answer. He pulled the door open to reveal three hunters, all dressed in black clothing. He instantly sobered up and stood straight with an uncharacteristically intimidating scowl appearing across his normally bright features. “Can I help you?” he asked, tightly, sizing the hunters up. The one in the middle appeared to be the leader, average height and build with black hair slicked back and a cigar hanging out the corner of his mouth. There was a brown-eyed woman with long, straight blonde hair and a vertical scar across her discolored right eye. The last hunter was rather large and burly and bald, a sneer revealing silver teeth.
“Yes,” the man in the middle answered before the more burly man to his right barged through the door. The other two hunters followed and they all three began to inspect and look around.
Glaring at them in an unwelcome manner, Kaien reluctantly closed the door without taking his eyes off them.
The leader moseyed around before he went to the table and examined the dishes sitting on the surface while the other two hunters wondered into the hallway and the back rooms.
Turning to address Kaien and Yuki, their leader began to speak, “We’re looking for a former hunter named Zero Kiryuu, also known as your adoptive son, as I understand.” The main hunter informed, peering up to judge Kaien’s reaction, “You wouldn’t happen to have seen him, would you?”
“I haven’t seen my son Zero in months.” Kaien retorted. Yuki remained still and silent.
The lead hunter scoffed. “Interesting,” he mocked, “How do you explain three sets of dishes on your table? There is only two of you.”
“M-my fiancé was here,” Yuki provided quickly before she could stop herself, “We were visiting my father here to announce our engagement,” she elaborated, gesturing to Kaien, “but he couldn’t stay long, unfortunately… He’s awfully busy.” She laughed nervously, mentally kicking herself. She had always been a terrible liar… Why couldn’t she just keep her mouth shut?! She hoped that they bought her story.
About that time that the other two hunters emerged from investigating the back rooms and their leader didn’t comment on her explanation. The three hunters exchanged looks before addressing Kaien again, the leader approaching him and invading his personal space.
Yuki shifted nervously in the background, anticipating an attack. Her hand rested on Artemis compressed into its rod form on her thigh.
“If you see him again, I’d strongly suggest you contact the association,” he said in a threatening tone, the woman hunter stepping forward to offer him a contact card which he begrudgingly accepted. “Next time we visit may not be as pleasant as this one.” The hunter and Kaien Cross exchanged angry glares a moment longer before they turned and finally left.
Kaien visibly relaxed before ripping up the business card. “This is why I hate hunters.”
|
A/N: Very sorry for such a long wait for an update. I've been having trouble finding time to work on fanfiction these days, yet alone the inspiration to produce quality writing... Ugh, and I'm always tired, but I will try to do better and hope you enjoyed the update. As always, please review... I cherish them with all my heart!
Also, I hope my site is easier to navigate now. I added links to chapters and stuff. If you discover any issues with the site or navigating, please let me know so I can try to fix it! Please and Thank you! Until Next Time... xoxo <3, Lemon Lime Maid |