My Adorable Pet Werewolf!

Part I

"Zero! You have to show more excitement in events like this!" Frowning at her disagreeable companion she stared at him in frustration. It was just like him to be unenthusiastic. Holidays were meant to be celebrated. He should be more cheerful about the event. It only came around once a year! "Geez…" she sighed, exhaling deeply. Face falling she looked at him hopelessly. "You could at least pretend to be excited. Anyone else our age celebrating Halloween would be really happy. We're going to get lots of candy."

"I'm not as gluttonous as you are."

Punching him hard in the side, Yuuki completely ignored the grunt of pain he emitted before his gray eyes turned down to her in annoyance. "That hurt!"

"I don't eat a lot!" Glaring furiously, she snatched her hand back when he prevented her from delivering a second blow. So un-cute! Zero was the farthest thing from cute. Just because I like sweet things every once in a while. This was why he didn't have any friends! "It's just exciting to dress up!"

"I don't understand what all the excitement is about…why people find this fun." Usual frown in place he looked unhappy as he stared beyond her. It had been only about a year since they had begun to live together, but since that time he had already grown beyond her small height. She had to look up now in order to catch his eyes. "Halloween is an foreign holiday, and is based upon a night in which dark creatures are supposed to be allowed to freely roam the earth. I don't know why anyone would want to celebrate something like that."

The annoyance disappeared from her face, replaced by a sympathetic furrowing of her brows. She couldn't ever stay mad when he made a face like that. Yuuki knew what it was he was thinking about when he mentioned dark creatures. The reality was, there were beings within the night that could terrify people. Some of those frightening childhood stories were real, and incredibly dangerous.

"Honestly...you're such a kill joy." Reaching out to the table standing next to them, she snatched a band off its hard surface. "You should learn to let go a little, Zero, and have fun. You always look so serious." Stepping forward, she reached up, carefully adjusting the accessory to sit atop his head neatly. The final touch made Yuuki cover her mouth in a small giggle as she stepped back to admire her work. Satisfaction lit her eyes. "There! Perfect. You look just wonderful."

Large brown ears drooped playfully forward above his silver hair, and a furry tail hung from the back of his pants. He hadn't let her paint his face, so this had been the most she had been able to get him to wear. "One bonafide werewolf!" Though taking a second glance at it, especially with his uncooperative expression, he definitely looked more the part of an injured puppy. "Come on Zero! Where's your spirit? I didn't realize you hadn't bought yourself a costume, so you can't blame me if it doesn't look authentic! Just put on your normal scary attitude, and I'll bet it'll make up for the rest. Here, look." Turning him around to face the small circular mirror on the wall, she had him face his reflection. "It's really cu–"

"Zero, no-!" She had to fight with him when his hand immediately moved to snatch the ears off of the top of his head. Clutching his arm she latched on without any intention of letting go. "You can't take it off, it looks good!" She could hear him growl in annoyance as she attempted to restrain his hand.

"Why do I have to go to the party anyway? If you want to go, then just go!"

"Because..." She said imploringly, holding onto the sleeve of his shirt. "Headmaster has to make a stop off at a separate party on business, before dropping us off at the academy. I don't want to go alone, I don't know if anyone else I know is going to be there." Her eyes were pleading. "Please, Zero." Once at the school, if he didn't go with her, she would most likely be stuck on her own. Headmaster had already said he had a busy night and lots of work to attend to. The academy was different, but she didn't really like being out without someone there with her. She just felt more comfortable.

For what felt like a long moment, Zero stared down at her in silence as she looked up at him, a small frown marring her features. Her eyes were wide, and uncertain, an unconscious pout to her lips. Please Zero, I really don't want to go alone. Finally he sighed, his gaze casting away from her off to the left, when he mumbled, "I guess it can't be helped."

The response was all she needed.

"Hurray!" Happiness immediately swept across her face as Yuuki smiled, beaming up at him joyfully at his agreement. "We're going to have lots of fun! Don't worry, Zero, you'll love Halloween!" She didn't really understand what he meant when he said it 'couldn't be helped', but she was just glad that he would be by her side tonight. Cheerful, she grabbed his hand, dragging him forward just slightly to get his attention, before dancing out in front of him once she was standing beneath the brighter light.

"What do you think of my costume? Does it look okay?"

A warm, moonlit phosphorescent glow shone from Yuuki's costume, glistening each time it caught the light just right in the hallway. Even her pale skin shimmered, delicately powdered with a rouge sparkling glimmer. Large, pale wings adorned her back, the final touch to her intricate dress. Her first year of dressing up for the holiday, she wanted to wear something as pretty as possible. "Do you like it?"

Blinking, Yuuki watched as Zero's expression changed, suddenly casting his eyes away from her in the opposite direction. "It's...fine." He said. Perplexed by the strange face he made, she wondered if he didn't like it. It doesn't look weird, does it? She suddenly wondered embarrassed and worried. Maybe it really did look ridiculous.

"Just fine?" Self-conscious, her cheeks flushed warmly as she thought about the night ahead. "Do you think...other people will like it?" She didn't want to look like an idiot...not when she might run into him. She wanted to look pretty. It was in that moment that Zero's face changed from the strange look he'd given her costume a moment before, into suspicion.

"Why?" He asked distrustfully, sudden muted anger entering his voice. "Your 'savior' Kaname Kuran, isn't going to be there, is he?"

Blushing deeper, Yuuki felt flustered, an embarrassed glare rising to cover her face. "That's-! That's not why...I want to look good." Irritation and guilt rose within her at Zero's accusatory reaction, and she looked away from him. It wasn't like she had tried to look extra perfect on the off chance that she would get to see him. She...she was a girl after all. Sometimes it was nice just to dress up. "I'm not like you, Zero; I just like to get into the holiday!" The color that wouldn't disappear from her face though, was a clear betrayal of her words. She had never done very well at hiding her emotions.

Casting a sideways glance at him, she looked back over to find a set frown on his face, his own eyes fixed on some far off point that Yuuki couldn't see. Why…does he always have to look so miserable? After such a traumatic past, Yuuki knew she couldn't blame Zero for his distrust of vampires. It was natural. Probably...it was because of vampires that she didn't have her parents today. I understand, but…

"Kaname-sama… is a gentle vampire." Zero might mock her, calling him 'savior' in a sarcastic tone, but it was thanks to Kaname that she existed. She was alive, because of him. How could someone so tender ever be considered something sinister? "I know that not all vampires…are as kind, and that you laugh at me, but Zero, it's thanks to Kaname-sama that I'm standing here with you, right this minute. I'm grateful. That's why, to me, Kaname-sama, is a very important person."

It was obvious that no matter what she said, it wouldn't convince Zero of what she knew. He was a frustratingly stubborn person. The last thing she wanted was for him to be in a miserable mood when they were going out to a party together though, and he looked gloomy. At the very least, he deserved to have fun as well. "Headmaster just wants to run a quick errand before the party. I don't know if we'll even see Kaname-sama…" This time, Yuuki had to disguise the low-spirited intonation of her own. "It's just supposed to be 'business'."

"Are you bringing Artemis with you?"

Looking up at Zero's serious expression, Yuuki blinked in slight confusion, before nodding. A cringe crossed her features, and she took an uncomfortable step forward. It was still awkward to walk. "Yes, but I'm still getting used to it." She blushed, her face turning bright red. "I feel like everyone must be able to see it in the back."

"No one can see it."

"It just feels strange." Hiding the extendable weapon given to her by her adoptive father was easier on her school uniform, than on a costume. Even when it wasn't stretched to its limit, it was still large enough to be difficult to hide. It had her constantly adjusting her clothes in the back. "I like having it with me though..." Knowing that she wasn't helpless to whatever lay within the rest of the world, gave Yuuki a sense of security. Maybe it was just having something tangible in her hands, but since the suggestion that she have a way to protect herself in case of emergency, she felt much more comfortable with the off chance that she should find herself alone. At least now, she would have a means to defend herself.

"You've been training a lot with Headmaster, right?" For some reason, Yuuki thought Zero looked pleased with the fact. His inquiry had been more a statement of fact, than a question. "That's a good thing for you. It's not a bad weapon, if you know how to use it properly."

Yuuki rolled her eyes at Zero's knowledgeable response. Unlike her, he had a lot more talent with weapons, and seemed perfectly at ease with whatever he had. It was hard to imagine her surly silver-haired house mate battling anyone, but she knew he was a capable fighter, while knowing relatively little about his past. She couldn't help but sigh.

"It's not as easy for me as it is for you." The times Yuuki had watched Zero practice fighting, she'd been amazed. Practicing with her father, he proved he was more than capable, though generally he practiced on his own. There had been one or two occasions in which headmaster had asked Zero to step in and practice with her for a few minutes, while he stepped out a moment. It was a little embarrassing for some reason, but surprisingly for someone so disagreeable, Zero was a good teacher.

"You just need more practice. It takes time to learn."

"I still don't know how headmaster always has so many weapons and things at his disposal." She laughed at the image of her father, battle ready, in costume, intending to fight someone. It was too weird, but she knew from first hand experience, and watching him practice with Zero that he was amazingly skilled. "It's just so strange, huh?" His connection to Kaname and knowledge of vampires had always been skimmed over. She glanced at Zero for confirmation, to find him staring at her with creased eyes, as though contemplative. Her own eyes creased back on him, as her cheeks lightly flushed.

"What?" She asked defensively. It had felt like he was studying her a moment ago. Sometimes he got that expression on his face and she never understood. Though they all lived together, Yuuki felt there were several things that were a mystery to her. It all felt rather unfair.

"Nothing."

Making a face at his response she looked at him suspiciously. Liar… She could tell he'd been thinking about something, but getting an answer out of him could be like pulling teeth. Exhaling, her frown disappeared into a smile. But right now, it's not a big deal… Gently reaching out, she snatched his hand, sending him a happy expression. She'd worry about unanswered questions another day. "Anyway…lets go, Zero!" Headmaster was probably already waiting. If they lingered any longer, they'd undoubtedly miss out on some good loot! "It'll be lots of fun. We'll make a contest. Who gets the most candy!" She declared, tugging him excitedly.

"I don't like candy."

"Then you can get lots for me."

Stopping at the door, she was met by her adoptive father, already bundled up in a long, flamboyant coat and bright scarf waiting for them. His clothing was always eccentric. It didn't even have to be Halloween for him to look over the top. Today he had a large pumpkin hat that just looked ridiculous with the rest of his attire. Yuuki outwardly cringed. Please quickly realize this is why I don't like calling you 'father', she thought exhausted. He looked like an idiot, and probably didn't even realize. Cheerful as ever, he simply beamed upon seeing them, grinning brightly as his arms swept out in a large welcoming gesture.

"My children!"

"How many times have I asked you not to call me that" Zero growled irritably in a low voice, grabbing his jacket from the standing rack nearby on the wall. Headmaster was completely unfazed by the open hostility, grabbing Yuuki's own jacket and handing it to her as he continued cheerfully on pushing buttons.

"Your Halloween costumes are adorable. It's just like my own to get so wrapped up into the holidays!"

"I said knock it off!"

Smirking, the chairman turned to Zero, before blinking down at the ears as though surprised to see them there. "Maaaaaa, Kiryuu-kun! You're too serious for a puppy!" He exclaimed, reaching down to pat his head, before raising a self-proclaimed hand up into a bumptious pose. "Just forget about the trivial details. For now on, don't hesitate! Call me Inu-chichi!"

The moment she heard a cry of pain, Yuuki wasn't surprised to see Headmaster cradling the evident bump on his head. Zero's back was already to them, wrapping a scarf around his neck as he waited impatiently at the door. Yuuki didn't show any sympathy toward her adoptive father, knowing he had brought on the pain himself. Half the time, she wondered if he liked instigating arguments. His tears weren't fooling anyone. "Headmaster…if you're going to cry after, then you shouldn't start causing trouble to begin with."

"Not you too, Yuuki!" Ignoring the pleading eyes on her, Yuuki removed her wings, slipping the jacket on over her shoulders. The feigned hurt laced within his voice was loud, and over the top. "I might have raised Zero wrong-"

"You didn't raise me!"

"-But my cute daughter has always been a good girl! Otousan doesn't like it when you call him 'headmaster' all the time. Let's hear a 'Daddy'!"

Face falling, her lips twisted into a grimace as she stared up at him, reluctant unwillingness written across her expression. The expectant anticipation painted across his face as he stared down at her fell off him in waves. " D.A.D.D.Y!"

"When we get to the party, lets play some of the games first, Zero." Already halfway out the door with her companion, Yuuki didn't look back at the chairman's cries. He was so ridiculous. Anyone would have been afraid of a parental face like that. Besides…I don't need to call him 'father' for him to know that I've always felt for him that way. Headmaster already knew that she loved him as only a daughter could. He's such a weirdo.

When it came to Zero though, Yuuki wasn't sure how she regarded him. Zero was always just Zero. Glancing up at him as she walked beside him to the car, she contemplated their relationship. They sometimes bickered, and she thought he could be incredibly frustrating. She supposed…that was how siblings sometimes acted around each other. For some reason though, she didn't really think of Zero as a brother. He didn't have to be a 'brother' either. Even when he was annoying, Yuuki still cared about him. He didn't have to be family for her to love him as such. It was all kind of strange to think about any how.

Crawling into the open door of a black car, Yuuki set her belongings down, buckling up as she settled down next to Zero on the other side. He was already seated and ready to go. From the front seat, on the passenger's side, they heard a long sigh as Headmaster took his seat. This time the tone of his voice lacked the teasing jest it had carried indoors just moments before. As the car ignition started and kicked into gear, he turned around to converse with the two of them behind him.

"Now, Kiryuu-kun, Yuuki, we're going to make a quick stop along the way, before heading over to the school." Voice gently explanatory, but firm, Headmaster made eye contact with each of them, as though to make sure he had their full attention. Yuuki nodded in acknowledgment. For her this was already old news; having been told he had an errand ahead of time. Now though, the headmaster's voice carried an uncharacteristic seriousness, and she blinked up at him in surprise. It wasn't like him to ever be too somber on any occasion.

"During the stop, I need to drop off some documents and briefly talk with a couple of individuals. Normally I would ask you to simply wait in the car, but..." His words slowed as he glanced at their driver, before his eyes moved back onto herself and Zero. She could tell he was being careful with what he said as he spoke. "Sorata-san will be accompanying me inside as well. The place we will be visiting, most likely will be filled with some very unique individuals."

A tangible feeling of tension suddenly filled the air, and Yuuki glanced to her left in time to see Zero's shoulders stiffen. His eyes were wide as he faced Headmaster, a mixed expression of disgust and disbelief evident in his features. Surprise filled Yuuki's own eyes too, as she turned back to the chairman, it having been the first time she'd heard about any other guests, beside Kaname, being at their destination as well. Somehow Headmaster always seemed to leave important facts out until the very last minute.

"Do you mean that...the building we'll be going to, will have lots more people like Kaname-sama?" Yuuki asked, making sure that Headmaster clarified his words. It was best that they make sure he spoke plainly, otherwise he had a tendency to talk in riddles, or else not tell the entire truth of a situation. That was the last thing they would need, when Zero was obviously on edge because of the announcement. The heavy atmosphere emitting from her friend was almost enough to be suffocating.

"It could," he said without a complete answer, before hurrying on with a quick, "Now, now, Kiryuu-kun, there's no need to glare so fiercely! There's absolutely nothing to worry about. I wouldn't have brought you both if I had thought there would be some sort of a problem. Your lack of faith in me truly hurts!" Though he looked stricken one moment, it was the opposite in the next as he light-heartedly winked in Yuuki's direction. "After all, there's going to be someone there to greet you, and while there I'll leave you in his capable hands!"

Joy widened Yuuki's eyes at the chairman's words, and poorly disguised happiness lit her face at the announcement. She couldn't contain her excitement; it washed off her in leaps and bounds, fighting the darker aura beside her. "So he'll be there for sure?" She asked, not even needing to say his name for the question to be clear. There was only one person who could elicit that sort of reaction from Yuuki. It had always been Kaname Kuran.

"Yes. He's looking forward to seeing you, so be sure to be nice to him."

"Yes!"

It wasn't Yuuki who needed reminding however. Glancing back at Zero out of the corner of her eye, she felt some of that excitement ebb away. Though she adored her short visits with Kaname, Zero had always hated them. His frustration was obvious as he sulked angrily next to her. His voice was a low growl that she couldn't clearly make out. She thought she heard him say 'dangerous', but even that she was unsure of. It made her feel slightly guilty for excitement moments before.

There could be other vampires, beside Kaname-sama? Gaze falling inward, she thought back to her previous interaction with vampires. The only person beyond Kaname that she could remember having met, was the vampire who had asked to eat her when she was five. But if these vampires are with Kaname-sama, then they have to be good vampires. Vampires like Kaname, were completely different from the one who had tried to kill her. There were good vampires too.

Head tilting to the side, she was deep in thought. Headmaster had told her within the past that Vampires lived and walked about just like regular humans. There had been a couple times she had been out in public, and felt a chill, but her imagination always got the better of her. If she saw another vampire tonight would she be able to tell that it was, without seeing the fangs? She couldn't use Kaname as a basis.

"Zero, how can you tell a vampire, from a regular human being?" The moment he had laid eyes on Kaname, he'd known that he was an entirely different being from themselves. It hadn't taken any time, or thought. He'd just been able to tell. Yuuki knew the vampire too well in order to be able to say she could tell he was 'different' from other people. She already regarded him as some one amazing, so she didn't feel she could accurately judge. Zero though hadn't met him before that in his life. If the difference between vampires and humans was that noticeable straight off the bat, then it seemed like everyone should know of their existence.

"I can just tell..." Zero said after a moment of silence, his voice was low as he conversed with her quietly within the back seat. Strangely, he seemed reluctant about the topic. Yuuki thought he looked uncomfortable by her question. "They smell filthy..." he growled in a lowered voice that she thought she wasn't supposed to hear. She couldn't help but ponder over his comment. Smell? She wondered, before being interrupted from her thought. Louder, he finished "It's more like intuition." From his tight mouthed expression, Yuuki thought he was finished talking on the matter.

"Oh." She said. Falling back in her seat, Yuuki sighed as she moved to face forward again, trying to decipher an answer from his words. Does that mean I wouldn't be able to tell something like that, myself? Maybe it was because the attack on himself and his family was so much more recent, that he was more readily able to tell things like that, compared to Yuuki. Somehow he always knew so much.

"You're really strong, Zero." Picking up the pumpkin bucket she had sitting next to her, she fiddled with it in her lap, playing with the black strap handle. "It feels like whatever I can't do, you can. You know a lot of different things, and learn moves in practice a lot quicker than me." That was an understatement. How did a kid only a year older than her know so much already, and pick it up as though it were a piece of cake? It wasn't that Yuuki was horrible. She just struggled with it a lot more. For Zero it almost seemed second nature. "You make it seem like I'm a really difficult student in comparison." With a sigh, she moved to close her eyes, but a sudden tightening on her upper arm snapped them back open again.

"O-ow! Zero, what-"

"D-don't...say things like that." Taken aback, Yuuki found herself nearly face to face with Zero, his gray-violet eyes boring into hers as he stared at her intently. The intensity of the emotions crossing his face was reflected in both his expression, and the palm holding her arm in an iron like vice. He didn't look away, as though trying to impress his words upon her. "It's not just me. Yuuki...is good at lots of things too."

Confused by his ardent reaction, Yuuki felt her head tilt, blinking up at him in bewildered concern. What is he so scared of, all of a sudden... Zero rarely lost his composure, at least anymore. Through his eyes, she could feel him as though he were trying to push those last words on her with all of his will. The powerful reaction had her head whirling. Though she couldn't understand the urgent importance in what he said, it was obvious to Yuuki that right now, Zero needed an appropriate acknowledgement of them. Staring back up into his eyes a moment, she smiled.

"Well of course!" Pointing a scolding finger up at him with her free arm, she shot him a challenging look, waving her hand threateningly under his nose. "Don't go thinking you're better in everything than me, Zero. I didn't say that at all! Something like that would be really arrogant!" Twisting around to face the front again, she forced his choke hold on her arm to go, her voice changing into a lecturing tone. "You can't just be good at throwing a stick around, and having good aim. You need life smarts too! I'm always having to lead you around, and make your choices for you. You'd be hopeless without me. You're bad tempered, anti-social, and always steal the bathroom when it's not your turn. Next time, I'll cut the hot water off, Zero." He was such a bathroom hog.

Exhaling, she sunk into her seat, closing her eyes. After a short moment of silence though, a strange sound to her side interrupted the quiet, and had her peeking to the left out of the fringe of her lashes. The sight surprised her.

"Huh?" The sound escaped her mouth. It wasn't normal behavior. Not in the least. Body twisted away from her, a hand covering her companion's mouth, Yuuki noticed an unusual tilt to his lips. Upon noticing her gaze, he turned his head away from her as though to avoid eye contact. His voice fell into a low mumble.

"Nothing."

But Yuuki wasn't going to let him brush it aside.

"I saw a smile."

"What?"

Leaning forward cheerfully, Yuuki poked Zero on the side of his cheek. A bright smile lit her face and she leaned in close, continuing to point to the corner of his mouth, even as he turned back to face her. He looked indignant, with a grumpy frown adorning his features now, but that was only because he'd been caught. It wasn't that she hadn't seen him smile before. Simply that any upward movement of those muscles on his face was rare and done very seldom. He'd let a smile escape without meaning to.

"Hee hee. You were smiling, Zero! I caught you."

"You...you're just imagining things, acting weird. So what if I was?"

"You can't fool me!" Giving him a mischievous grin, she laughed evilly before diving in to tickle his sides. His hands automatically moved to fend her off, both of them wrestling against the other "You wouldn't look half bad, if you just smiled more often. You'd look handsome!" He gave no indication to the compliment.

"Stop it. Let go."

"No."

He sighed loudly, both his hands moving to continue to try and block hers. In contrast to his own sound of annoyance, Yuuki giggled; glad to have lightened the mood. He wasn't really annoyed, and she knew that, unfortunately, he wasn't all that ticklish either. It was good to have seen a smile though. There were times, when they were together, that Yuuki felt worried over her friend. It was only a year after the death of his parents, and it had to have been both frightening and traumatic. She just wanted to be there for him. Sometimes, she felt that if she didn't interact carefully, he might still be brought back to the state he was in when they had first met. If that happened, she feared he might break.

"I was only thinking about the stupidity of your last comment. If I spent as much time primping in the bathroom as you do, I would have developed a complex by now."

But it had been a while now since he'd taken on that sarcastic attitude.

"What!?"

Growling, Yuuki moved in for her second attack, only to have her wrist caught before she could deliver the final blow. Both of them grunted against the other's efforts. Grrr! Zero, I...won't...lose! She didn't have a complex! It wasn't until they were both grappling with the other's hands that Headmaster finally interrupted the two of them in their struggles.

"Ahh, getting along so well! I hate to interrupt the two of you in your playtime, but we're here."

Pausing, Yuuki stopped her advances, taking back her captured hand. Head popping up, she straightened as she looked out the window in surprise. Parked in front of a large building, the car had slowed to a stop. While wrestling with Zero, and wrapped up within their conversation, she'd lost track of time.

"Already?" Quickly unbuckling her seat belt once it was safe to get out of the vehicle, Yuuki jumped outside the car, leaving her bucket behind. After a moment of hesitation, she reluctantly decided to leave the wings as well. Kaname-sama...probably isn't interested in things like Halloween. But, for some reason, she wanted him to be able to see her whole costume.

Shivering as the cold air hit her outside the walls of the vehicle, she noticed Zero watching her as she hesitated over the accessory. Shooting him a glare, she shut her door, moving over to him. "What?" She said, a little defensively. He didn't always have to look at her that way; just because she wanted to look nice. It was normal.

"You look fine."

Caught off guard by the unexpected reassurance, Yuuki felt warmth powder her cheeks. Huh…? It wasn't like him to be overly kind when they were presented with the chance to meet with Kaname Kuran. The sprinkle on her cheeks immediately darkened into a blush.

"I...I wasn't worried about anything like that!" Yuuki protested, as Zero looked away from her, waiting for the chairman to exit the car. He seemed unperturbed by the flustered reaction he had elicited from her, his attention on their surroundings instead. "Hey-"

"Anyway, stay close to me."

Closing her mouth, Yuuki abandoned what she'd been about to say. It wasn't any use when he'd already moved on from the conversation anyway.

"Yeah..."

Looking up at the building, she was surprised with the immensity of it, and the old western style atmosphere it emanated. Outside of the car, it felt even more overwhelming, once standing before it. The outer walls though looked worn and slightly run down. There was no sign outside the building to indicate that their destination was any place special. She wondered what it was used for. Though nothing marked it differently, Yuuki didn't think it was a house.

Kaname-sama…is supposed to be in there. In a place like this, Yuuki wondered what kinds of things it was that Kaname would need to do. Headmaster had said that he needed to conduct some 'business' here. Did that mean that Kaname was involved with that same matter as well? It made her a bit sad to realize just how little she knew about the vampire. Outside of the short and rare visits that they were allowed on special occasions through out the year, Yuuki didn't know anything about Kaname's life once away from her.

"Are you coming?"

"Huh?" Blinking, Yuuki realized she'd allowed her mind to wander when she looked up in surprise, the frown that had appeared, disappearing from her face. Several feet ahead of her, both Zero and the chairman stared back patiently, a couple steps from the entrance to the building as they waited for her. Eyes widening when she realized she was keeping everyone behind, Yuuki shook her head.

"Ah, yes! Sorry." Running quickly to catch up, her pace slowed once she had fallen in line next to Zero, a couple of steps behind Headmaster. Somehow she had become lost in her thoughts. Now that she was so close to her special someone though, it wasn't the time to let her mind wander. Putting her previous feelings aside, she focused instead on the intricate designs and patterns laced across the Victorian walls. Grande portraits filled the halls on either side of them, and the roof extended up much higher than what Yuuki would have expected. Just a couple of feet behind, the driver of the car kept pace with the three of them.

"Now, Yuuki, Kiryuu-kun," the chairman's voice rang from head of them, directing them toward their destination. "I shouldn't be too long. If matters go according to plan, then I should have things wrapped up fairly quickly. In the meantime however, I'll be leaving you to visit with Kaname."

Chancing a glance to her side, Yuuki tried to judge Zero's expression, but found nothing in it that spoke of a reaction to the chairman's words. His face was emotionless and flat as ever. She wondered if he really felt alright, temporarily being left within Kaname's care.

"Both of you listen carefully. While I'm gone, I don't want you to wander around. This isn't a place for children, so try to behave your selves."

Though Yuuki disliked the constant emphasis on 'child', as though they often broke the rules, she understood his intent. "Yes." She wouldn't have a reason to wander around anyway, with Kaname to visit with. The thought of spending, even the tiniest amount of time together, made her heart soar.

Nearing a wide, opened, orientation room, Yuuki noticed the low rumble of chatter, before stepping out into a room of long elegant dresses, and old fashioned suits adorning almost each of the men. It looked like a scene taken out of a medieval based movie. It was beautiful, with towers of hair, and several individuals carrying ordinate masks. Taken in by the scene, Yuuki stared openly, dazzled by the beautiful scene. It wasn't until a moment later, that she realized several heads had turned to her, and she felt the victim of several contemplative stares.

Startled to feel as though their group had become the center of attention, Yuuki felt slightly uncomfortable, as though she'd been caught staring, or had done something wrong. Moving her gaze ahead, she noticed a small group of children about her own age, maybe a year or two older. After the chairman's comments, she was a little surprised to see a younger crowd in attendance. They were all beautiful, two boys and a girl. The trio was staring in their direction as well.

The tallest in the group, a boy with bright sapphire blue eyes, and light blonde hair noticed Yuuki's attention. His gaze locked on hers, a wide inviting smile crossing the smoothly pale complexion of his face. Embarrassed, Yuuki looked away, a blush rising to cover her face at having been caught again, as well as a faint tingling of unease. Before she could react though, she felt an abrupt warmth envelope her hand, fingers gently squeezing her own before a sudden jerk tugged her forward. Stumbling a moment before she caught her footing again, she looked up in surprise at the silver-haired head of the boy tugging her behind him.

"Don't go getting distracted here."

Eyes widening before they furrowed, she glared at him guiltily. "I wasn't…" For some reason he seemed overly tense. She could feel it in the way he was holding her hand. Chancing one last peek at the young teens as they exited the room, she noticed that their eyes were still on them. Her head snapped back forward instantly. It was embarrassing, being caught staring so many different times in a row. Vaguely though, she wondered uncertainly…if the children could have possibly been some of the vampires in the building that Headmaster had said could be there.

Any hesitant questions or thoughts she might have had vanished the moment they stopped before a large, ornately carved door. Yuuki felt her heart skip a beat, when she realized that they had reached their destination, and that behind the decorative barrier separating them from the other side of the room, her hero would be waiting for her on the other side.

Their chaperone paused, giving the group a patient smile, before silently turning back around to gently knock on the thick, wooden door. The movement of his hand on the hard material made a 'tap' tap' sound, before his hand lowered, and the group fell into silence as they waited for permission to enter. It wasn't but a moment later, that Yuuki finally heard the smooth, even tones she had come to adore so much, beckon the group inside.

"Please, come in."

OoOoOoOoOoO

Authors Note

You would not believe how long I've had this sitting in word somewhere. I think it was a little bit before last Halloween. It's about time I put part of it up though. This was originally supposed to be just a one-shot, but then it just kept going and going. I knew that if anyone wanted to read this, it was probably best that I break it up. So expect more! I have most, if not all of the next chapter written up too. I guess it depends in how many parts I want to break it into...and if I write a whole lot more.

I hope you all enjoyed!

Disclaimer

I do not own Vampire Knight. As much as I would love to be responsible for such a delicious story, those rights belong completely to Matsuri Hino, the one and only Vampire Knight God.