Zero remained quiet as Yuuki fed. It was just as it had been before: how thirsty she truly was, how much she needed to calm down. He almost couldn't stand to watch, as it made a part of him ache.

Even so, there were things that she needed to see. Unlike the first time, Zero felt a little more open about the memories he would allow Yuuki to experience. What she would see and experience wasn't necessarily in the depths of his heart, but the very real circumstances of their present day lives. It was the insight from Kuran that only deepened Zero's animosity for the pureblood.

Zero wouldn't question the way Yuuki reacted.

No, it was perhaps expected, even. Especially when considering the fact that Yuuki would bear witness through Zero's point of view, which could only amplify the flurry of emotion.

While the embrace didn't surprise him, Zero didn't respond immediately. When he finally did move to wrap an arm about her, the cut on his wrist was already beginning to heal. His other hand tentatively went to rest atop Yuuki's head. Brows drawn, a dip of his head down toward her, and then, quietly. Softly.

"Don't cry for me." Still, it's consoling. Even gentle as he reassured her of the one true thing in all of this. "You did nothing wrong, Yuuki. . ."