Yuki Cross gazed out over Cross Academy, wondering what Kaname was doing at that moment. He would most likely be in class right now, she reasoned. Mr. Toga should be with them, though they wouldn't act out in the classroom. just whenever they saw Zero. Silver moonlight illuminated the large stone water fountain near the Moon Dorm. Zero may have been standing there this moment if I had let Kaname transfer him to the Night Class. He had the tendency to wander in thought during the night and mostly during the day when he was supposed to be in class. she often wondered where he went and what he was thinking. He must be so lonely, she thought sadly. Vampires killed his family and now that he's a vampire, he must avoid everyone to keep them safe. As if on cue, Zero Kiryu himself walked into view, strolling toward the fountain with his hands buried in his pockets. He looked forward with lilac eyes, his flawless face serene. The crease in his forehead was absent, as were the tenseness of his posture and the fierce hatred he wore about him like and aura. An aura he held intact for all but her and Mr. Toga. She only saw his face so serene when he was beside the fountain or out riding his mare.

He lifted his face slightly as the breeze lightly ruffled his chin-length silver hair. Heinhaled deeply through his nose, seeming to draw comfort from something. He still didn't appear to notice Yuki watching him. Maybe he knew she was watching but didn't mind.

Suddenly, Zero turned his head to the right and looked directly at Yuki. She jumped in surprise and retreated into the shadows, pressing herself against the balcony wall. She held her breath as he began walking forward, eyes sweeping the surrounding area alertly. His tense posture had returned, ready for for any threat to make itself know so he could destroy it. She silently marveled at his strength and stealth as he slipped toward her, silent as a shadow, deadly as an assassin. She exhaled softly back cautiously, and stepped back cautiously, attempting to quietly retreat into her bedroom.

She quickly climbed through her neighbors window, sneaking into her room and changed into her nightgown, wishing to appear as if she had been in her room the entire time. She was pulling back her blankets when she heard a quite but sharp tap on her balcony door. She ceased her movements and turned to her balcony, pretending to gasp in surprise when she saw a familiar figure standing outside her balcony door.

Zero waited somewhat impatiently for Yuki to open the door. She stood back to let him inside, shivering at the suddenly cool air swirling around her body. She swiftly closed the door and turned to him. "Why are you here, Zero? I thought you would be in your room by now." She paused, taking in his posture and expression. "Is something wrong?"

"I don't believe so. I only wish to know why you were spying on me." He said firmly, lilac eyes unreadable.

"I don't know what you mean. I was in this room changing for bed."

"You're lying, Yuki. I can smell the fresh night air on you. It clings to your hair, your clothes, your skin."

"Alright, fine. I was looking around the grounds and I noticed you strolling beside the fountain. Satisfied?"

"Why?"

"What?"

"Why did you watch me? I know you stayed out there longer than the time it takes to glance at someone. I could smell you and I saw you jump into the shadows to hide from me."

"I watched you because you looked so at peace. I don't get to see that very often."

Zero sighed softly, closing his suddenly aging eyes. Yuki didn't want him to look so worn and run down. He looked much older than he really was, all the stress of being a vampire and work of a Guardian took its toll on him. She lifted her hand to his face, gently touching his cheek. "Please don't be sad, Zero."

He leaned into her hand, taking comfort in the touch. She let him inhale her wrist, knowing only the scent of her blood calmed him. She wasn't surprised when his teeth elongated into fangs and his eyes were glowing red. She tilted her head to the side so he had a place to feed from her. He did not hesitate this time, he did not protest her actions. He pulled her body forward, using his left hand to tilt her head a little more and the other to hold her against him. He quickly sank his fangs into her soft neck, immediately beginning to suck when her blood began to flow freely. He took several long draughts, his eyes had closed and life surged through his body like an electric current. Yuki waited patiently for Zero to discontinue drinking, knowing he hadn't taken her blood in a few days. She did not like to see him suffer the pain his thirst caused him. After another moment, he withdrew his fangs from her and ripped a piece of uniform to hold to the wound. He avoided her eyes as he stanched the bleeding.

"What were you hinking about before you walked to he fountain, Zero?" She asked gently.

He tensed visibly, jaw tightening and eyes widening. "I was thinking," he began slowly as if it pained him, "about what a monster I have become. A beast in human form, giving in to my twisted desire for blood. Your blood. I'm not gentle when I feed from you, I know that. I feed mercilessly, like a savage beast."

She caught his chin in her hand, forcing him to lift his head and look at her. "You do not force me to give my blood, Zero. I willingly give my blood to you. You are not a beast! Do you hear me?" She told him fiercely, staring him directly in the eye."You are not a monster and none of this is your fault!"

Zero slumped in defeat, his head lowering and his arms hanging at his side. Yuki hugged him tightly, wishing with all her heart she could take away his pain. She was relieved when he slowly hugged her back. She tried her hardest to let her emotions of comfort and trust radiate into him through the hug. They reluctantly parted and she bade her dearest, oldest friend goodnight. He smiled slightly and waved before disappearing into the night. They slept soundly that night, neither of them knowing the worst thing either could imagine was coming . . . .