A/N: This is my first story published; I hope you'll like it. Please read and review.

Warnings: Yaoi - M/M relationships, AU (no vampires in this story).

Pairings: main Kaname/Zero, some other minor pairings.

Beta Reader: Brookie cookie17 (Thank you very much). English is not my first language (my English is average I guess).

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight and its characters.

Summary: Zero desperately needs money; Kaname longs for something he thinks can't have. Two worlds collide.

Lavender tale

Part 1.

Zero always liked autumn. It was something nostalgic in the way the world seemed to change when summer was gone. The trees looked at that time majestically beautiful with red-gold-brownish leaves and Zero usually enjoyed the view. Unfortunately today it only made him feel more depressed than he's already been and the leaves falling from the trees in painful way reminded him about... mortality.

"How's Ichiru?" Yuuki seemed to read in his thoughts.

"Not so good," he mumbled looking purposely at his meal. He couldn't stand pity in Yuki's eyes and however she was his best friend, talking about his seriously ill brother was a difficult topic for him. He hated feeling that helpless.

They were sitting in a small cafe near their college. The new semester started a couple of weeks ago but Zero couldn't bring himself to put much effort into his study. Last year being at the same time his first year in college was different. Ichiru's condition wasn't so bad then and Zero was able to focus properly on his lectures. However now... things changed.

Zero lived with his twin brother Ichiru in a small apartment not far away from college. Boys' apartment was located above the restaurant run by Toga Yagari, their late parents' friend. Zero also worked there as a part-time waiter, among other things. He also cooked, cleaned and did all what needed to be done in the restaurant. Ichiru did the same... when he was feeling good enough. The restaurant was small and mostly visited by regulars. No big money was made but they managed somehow. Till recently.

Going to college right now was a waste of time. He should work full time so he could afford to take care of Ichiru.

"Oh Zero! I'm so sorry. Are you sure there is no other way?" Yuki sounded genuinely concerned. Zero blinked in confusion realizing that he actually said his thoughts out loud.

"Yes, there is. I could look around to find some old, disgustingly rich and predictable ugly looking... "friend"! Or even easier and faster, I could start doing business... on some street corner," he snapped angrily and immediately regretted it. Yuuki meant well despite being naive sometimes.

"Sorry Yuuki," he muttered.

She frowned slightly but truth to be told she couldn't be really angry with him. Financially, her situation was practically the same as his so she couldn't help him much. She lived with her adopted father, Kaien Cross who although was a good man has absolutely no talent in making money. He worked as a librarian and usually his head was in the clouds.

Yuuki sighed. She couldn't stand how miserable her friend was so she decided to change the subject.

"How's Kaito then?"

"You mean my on and off boyfriend?" despite himself Zero chuckled. "I'm afraid this time we are really over. I guess we are better as friends," Zero sounded more amused than upset.

"So it wasn't anything serious?" Yuuki continued eating her half-forgotten Tiramisu. Just moments ago, when the atmosphere around them was melancholy her appetite almost vanished but now it would be a waste not to finish her favourite cake.

"Well...," Zero looked thoughtful this time. "We are really good friends, we work together and I care about him but Kaito and me as a couple... it just doesn't work. How about you?"

Yuuki again lost her appetite.

"My love life is non existent and you are well aware of it!" she glared at him.

"You never know Yuuki. You can meet your soul mate when you least expect it. Life is full of surprises," he winked at her.

"Yeah, with my luck... not in this lifetime," she sighed and looked at her wristwatch. "I need to get going Zero. Take care and don't worry too much. Someone told me life is full of surprises so don't lose your hope," Yuuki said softly and got up from her seat.

"Thanks," he said quietly. "Today is my turn to pay," he reminded her gently when she had reached for her purse. She simply nodded and left hurriedly, no doubt another lecture was about to start. Zero was done with classes for today and still had some free time before work. He took care of the bill and slowly left the cafe. The nearby park looked welcoming enough to take a walk there.

As Zero made his way to the park he suddenly felt someone's presence behind him. Zero frowned remembering now that he had an eerie feeling of being watched earlier in the cafe. He ignored it because he was too preoccupied talking with Yuuki. However now, when he was by himself the feeling returned intensified. His instinct was telling him that someone was following him. Intentionally he slowed down his pace and slightly reassured that there were other people around, he abruptly turned around.