PLEASE DON'T KILL ME! I'm so sorry! I know it's been more than half a year and I'm so sorry! I got writer's block and a stupid super busy high school life. And I have more of a social life than I did last year, and so I have to keep up with that because I love my friends (even though they haven't been my friends for a whole year yet).

I apologize so much! Please forgive me? And to make it even worse? This chapter is fail sauce. Like, it's super lame. I'm really sorry! I couldn't think of what to do! I'm so sorry!

Anyway…time for the list of people who I owe so much it's ridiculous.

sy

asianpandaxxx - I know the hair thing didn't work out, but if you have any more ideas, tell me!

Sesshomarubaby18

orochimaru's cherry blossom

mailee

Alligatorface24 – I think I owe you a lifetime of servitude now. I'm too lame of a writer and too lazy an updater to deserve someone like you. BTW, I did edit it.

IceIris – Zero and Seiren? Not a bad idea…but Seiren I think will be for Ichijo

Lily Noir – I kept my promise! I didn't abandon the fic! But I did stay away from it for a VERY long time.

KuranPrincess – LOL. Your review kind of made you sound like a stalker. But it's OK. I'm flattered, actually.

MidnightVampire18 –You deserve an award. The first reviewer twice in a row.

I apologize again. I am so dang sorry. Please forgive me.

Disclaimer: I own nothing. Except my own fail sauce which I take complete responsibility for.

xxx

"Master," Zero addressed the new teacher, "what are you doing here?"

"What are you talking about, idiot student? I'm already told you. I'm here to teach," replied Yagari.

"You know what I mean! You're supposed to be in retirement after being injured in the war! You're not supposed to be a lame-ass teacher," snarled Zero.

"What I do is none of your business, Zero. Leave. I have other things I must attend to."

Suddenly Ichiru walked in, hands in his pocket, "Hey, Master. It's nice to see you. How are you?" Ichiru asked nonchalantly.

The twins addressed Yagari as master because he had taught them all he knew about guns and fighting. Yagari was a friend of the two's parents and was also their godfather.

"Ichiru," Yagari turned his attention to Zero's twin, "do you feel the need to intrude on my alone time too?"

"I'm sorry, Master," apologized Ichiru, looking down.

"No, you're not. Quit pretending," admonished Yagari. "Since you two are so intent on finding out what I'm doing here. I'll tell you. But after I tell you, you must leave. Understand?" Yagari glared down at the twins. They both nodded their assent.

Yagari sighed mentally. The two were so strong, yet so young. Their parents were gone, and while Cross could fill the role of a parent, he couldn't fill the role of a biological one. It was impossible. Perhaps, that was why Zero and Ichiru were so close. With no parents, they only depended on each other. As they grew up, they included Yuuki in their circle, and Cross was begrudgingly thought of as a parent. Yagari looked down as the twins, waiting for him to continue. The two had grown up, learning quickly how unfriendly the world could be…

"Okay, brats. Here's the story."

"Finally, muttered Zero. Yagari glared at him, and Zero sent him a sullen look.

Yagari cleared his throat and continued. "I'm working here as a favor to Cross. I owe him a favor or two. And before you two ask, no, I won't tell you anymore about that."

Ichiru pouted slightly, and opened his mouth to protest, but Yagari ignored him.

"Now leave me alone," Yagari stated in a gruff voice.

The two silver-haired boys looked at each other, communicating silently with their eyes. Quietly, they left. Zero and Ichiru would hold their questions until later. They owed their master some peace and quiet at the very least.

Walking outside, the two brothers headed to a favorite tree of theirs. Settling themselves underneath it, they tried to settle their thoughts. After a while, Ichiru couldn't contain himself any longer and turned toward Zero, whose eyes were closed.

"Hey, Zero? Why do you think Master is here?"

Zero groaned, slowly opening his eyes and turning to face his twin, "You heard him, Ichiru. He's here as a favor to Cross."

"Really, Zero? Do you really think so?" Ichiru asked timidly.

"Actually, I think the old man is down here just to torture us. He doesn't think we can take care of ourselves, you know. Cross probably told him I was taking drugs or something, and he's just down here to make sure I haven't gone crazy."

"I don't know, but I don't really care anymore. " Ichiru flopped down onto the grass. A big oak tree loomed over the two boys, providing shade from the bright sun.

The two brothers sat there under the tree in silence for a while, just enjoying each other's company in silence. However, a bright and cheery voice interrupted their thoughts.

"Hey, you guys! It's time to go in!" Yuuki exclaimed.

Zero lifted his hand that had been covering his eyes and glared at his adopted sister. Yuuki returned his glare with a big smile. Ichiru got up and stretched, smiling at his siblings. There was nothing that could break them apart. That picturesque moment, in that sun, was something to be treasured, something that he wanted to hold and never let go. Ichiru wanted to freeze this moment, this moment with the sun shining on them, this moment with live wrapping around them, this moment full of the love between his family. This was what he wanted to save; this moment is what he would treasure. But it wasn't the moment he really wanted to save; it was this feeling of contentment he wanted to keep. Ichiru couldn't fully explain this moment, but he knew he wanted this moment to last forever. However, a voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Ichiru! Let's go! Chairman said he was going to talk about the ball after lunch. We have to be there because we're guardians. So, come on! We're going to be late if you don't hurry up!" Yuuki exclaimed.

"Yeah, come on, Ichiru. Get your lazy ass off the ground," commanded Zero, with something that Ichiru couldn't identify shining in his eyes.

"I'm coming," relpied Ichiru, brushing off imaginary dirt off his pants, "Don't you guys know that patience is a virtue? Jeez."

The three headed to the classroom, where all the students where whispering excitedly about the coming dance.

Every year, the Cross Academy hosted a dance. There was a different theme every year. The dance was to welcome the new school year and help new and old students get to know each other. The guardian committee was in charge of this dance. They decided the theme and delegated jobs to each class.

Zero hated the dance, but Yuuki loved it. She loved seeing her two adopted brothers get all dressed up. She particularly liked seeing the odd girl or two ask Zero to dance. Zero's bad boy demeanor attracted many girls, but it also scared many girls away. Zero was one of the few unpopular kids who girls still had a crush on, which made him somewhat popular. However, Zero's antisocial attitude kept him grouped up with the other unpopular kids.

When the three guardians entered the classroom, all the students suddenly fell silent. As the trio walked to the front of the class, whispers followed them.

"I wonder what the theme is going to be this year."

"I hope that there won't be too many chaperones. Last year, this old lady kept on trying to dance with me."

"I wonder if Zero will ask anyone to the ball this year since Ichiru's taking Yuuki to the dance this year."

Every year, either Zero or Ichiru would take Yuuki to the dance. When Ichiru would take Yuuki to the dance, Zero usually wouldn't ask anyone to the dance. But when Zero took Yuuki to the dance, Ichiru would usually ask somebody to go with him.

Since there were more girls than boys in the class, a boy would often take more than one girl to the dance. Girl would sometimes ask the boy that was taking to the dance if he minded taking her friends to the dance with him also. This would be a bit problematic for the boy because he would have to pay the bill for more than just two people. However, this sometimes would make his reputation seem more impressive.

Zero did not take a girl to the dance unless it was Yuuki, but he was sometimes asked by a few girls if he would go with them. Many girls wanted just to go with one boy. It was more romantic that way, and there would be no chance of any other girl stealing the boy's attention.

When the headmaster finally arrived, the students in the classroom had to stifle their laughs. The headmaster was dressed in an oversized coat and still had his fluffy bedroom slippers on.

Yuki and Ichiru sighed at the sight of their adopted father. Zero crossed his arms and turned his face away, as if he did not want to even acknowledge the chairman was there.

"Hello, you wonderful, beautiful class, you," Cross gushed, his face beaming with joy.

"Good afternoon, Headmaster," the classroom replied lacklusterly.

"Well, I'm sure you're all dying to know what the theme is, but first, I've got to lay down the rules again. I know that you all will do a wonderful job of following them, won't you?

The class grumbled a yes, and the Chairman grinned.

"Well, I'll let Zero do it, since he's so scary and everything," said the Headmaster, unconcerned with the death glare Zero was giving him.

Zero growled and stomped to the front and pushed the Headmaster to the side.

"Right. So these are the rules. No fighting. No showing too much skin. If anyone up here thinks that your dress shows too much skin, we'll kick you out. If you girls want to act like sluts, then do it somewhere else. I'd rather not have to barf at the sight of you half-naked."

The Chairman winced at Zero's language, but he did not do anything to stop him. Girls and some overprotective boyfriends were now throwing death glares at Zero, but he didn't seem to notice them, or just did not care.

"Guys, same goes for you. If any of you gays wear something funny, I'll be the first to kick your ass right out the door."

All the boys in the class looked as if they were ready to kill Zero for calling them gay.

"Also, no outside guests. I swear, every year, you guys try to sneak someone in and we always find out. When are you idiots going to learn? We'll friggin' catch you, so stop trying to sneak in your little friends. Food and drinks from outside also aren't allowed. If we find any outside food or drinks, we'll be sure to find out where the hell it came from. Um, what else is there to say? Oh, yeah. If you guys are gonna make-out or whatever. Do it somewhere I or any of the guardians can find you. First, it makes me wanna barf, seeing two friggin' ugly people trying to lock tongue, but also, I'll kick your ass out of there like there's no tomorrow. And if you're really unlucky, you'll get caught by that freak over there," said Zero, pointing to Cross, who waved wildly with a big smile on his face.

"I love to see my students express their love for each other though, Zero! But since it's in the rule book, I'd be forced to give them a detention and separate them from each other for at least two weeks," said Cross.

The students paled at the thought of being caught by the headmaster. It seemed a much nicer fate to be caught by Zero than the childlike headmaster.

"Right. So, the bottom line it don't act stupid, or your ass will be out the door before you know it," with one last glare, Zero stalked to where Ichiru and Yuuki were standing. Ichiru sighed before walking up to the front.

"Okay. So I'm here to tell you what your job is. This class's job is decorations. Everyone here is going to have to clean and get the place all decorated. If there is even a speck of dust, I'm sure Zero here will have something to say about it," stated Ichiru with a smile.

The headmaster again stepped to the front now, "Well, my darlings, it's time for the announcement of this year's theme is a ball! Fancy dresses for the girls! Suits for the guys! It's the time of romance! We're going to be the nobles of old! It's the time of chivalry! The time when the language of love was spoken in gestures and not words! And you, my darlings, will dance in this romantic and beautiful world!" passionately cried the Headmaster.

Already the girls were whispering. They would need dresses, but when and where to get them? The boys were groaning about having to wear suits. They would probably have to get tailor made suits to fit this year's theme.

Yuuki stepped up into the front of the classroom to stop the commotion, "Right. So I'm sure you all have some questions about the clothes, right? So for the guys, you can just wear your uniform. For the girls, your dresses should probably be similar to prom dresses. They've got to be fancy, okay? And the headmaster is allowing us all to go to leave campus the whole week before the ball so we can go and buy the clothes. You can also order online. During this time we're allowed to leave campus, everyone needs to have their cell phone on them and give their number to us guardians. Also, we are to return to the campus at six o'clock every day that week. If you're late in returning, you will not be allowed to leave campus again. That's all, you guys. Make sure you follow the rules of you'll pay for it," said Yuuki.

The class grumbled their assent. The ball would take place in a month, and everybody was eager for the month to end.

The day continued as usual. The teacher that afternoon, seeing that she was losing the class's attention, gave the rest of the class period to the students.

"I hope you guys will do better tomorrow, okay? I know that you all just heard about the ball today and you're all excited and everything; but remember, if I deem that your grades are not high enough, then I am allowed to keep you from going to the ball. So, make sure you all don't forget about school, oaky?" reprimanded the teacher.

The class eagerly nodded their heads and shouted that they would work harder. This particular teacher was a favorite because while she was a bit stern, she understood that high school students sometimes had other things besides school on their mind.

Yuuki quickly turned to talk to Yori, "Hey, Yori, what do you think Shiki would do if somebody asked Rima to the ball?" Yuuki had a devious smile on her face, and Yori sighed.

"I don't think anyone will, Yuuki. Everybody knows that Shiki and Rima are going out. So, for someone to ask Rima to the dance is just stupid," sensibly replied Yori.

"That's right," a new voice interrupted. The two girls looked up to see Ruka, Rima, and Shiki standing in front of them.

The three were greeted warmly and offered a seat. Shiki made sure Rima had a seat before he sat down. Looking at them, Ruka couldn't help but feel wistful. Why couldn't she have someone like that? She thought she had been in love with Kaname, but that all just turned out to be a fickle crush. She just wanted someone who would be there for her just like Shiki was there for Rima. Ruka knew where was just in high school, but she longed for what Shiki and Rima had.

Shiki and Rima seemed to belong in their own world. Rima had only to just look at Shiki and it would seem that he would understand what she was saying. The two of them seemed to have a complete understanding of each other. Ruka coveted that. She wanted to know somebody so well that she didn't have to talk with them to communicate her feelings. She wanted that feeling of security, that feeling that there was somebody else in the world that was looking out for you.

Yuuki's voice broke through Ruka's thoughts.

"Hey, Ruka, you better watch out. The class prez is heading this way. He's got this determined look on his face," said Yuuki, a teasing lilt in her voice.

Ruka looked up and saw that Yuuki was right and cringed.

The class president, Kasumi Kageyama, was about a head shorter than Ruka herself. He had a mop of brown hair that went in all directions. Thick glasses framed his eyes. His uniform was worn exactly according to the rule book in contrast to Zero's disheveled state.

Ruka sighed and resigned herself to her fate. Yuuki quietly giggled in the background as she watched the president walk towards Ruka. It was no secret that Kasumi had a crush on Ruka. Last year, he almost had asked Ruka to the dance, but chickened out at last minute. However, it seemed he was more determined this year.

"Um, Ruka," Kasumi hesitantly approached Ruka, "Would you like to go to the dance with me?"

Ruka looked down at the class president and sighed internally. She felt so bad for doing this, but she just really did not like Kasumi. Hopefully, he would get the message one day.

"No, Kasumi. I don't want to go to the dance with you," Ruka replied.

She took another look at the boy. He was so lame-looking. She felt bad for him, she really did, but she just didn't want to go to the dance with him.

"I'm sorry, Kasumi," said Ruka.

"It's okay, Ruka. I know you're out of my league," Kasumi forlornly replied.

"It's not that, Kasumi, it's just that…" Ruka's voice trailed away as Kasumi sadly walked back to his seat on the other side of the room.

Yuuki brightly patted Ruuka on her shoulder, "It's okay, Ruka. I know that it was hard, telling him no because you just probably destroyed his self-confidence and he's most-likely going to grow mushrooms in a dark corner for the next five years, but it's all okay."

Ruka snorted, "You're just overflowing with kindness today, aren't you, Yuuki?" she sarcastically remarked.

Yuuki grinned at Ruka's comment, "You bet I am!"

Ruka looked across the room and sighed internally. However, a unruly orange mop of hair caught her eye.

xxx

I did try to have some plot development in here, but as you can see, there's nothing. I welcome all ideas and reviews. So…HELP! And NEVER be afraid to PM me telling to hurry my butt up and write. I do apologize in advance though. It's competition season. I've got competitions stacked right after another for the next month or so. I'm not kidding. I will try to work on this, but no promises, okay?

Again, I'm so sorry! Read and review, please! Even though I don't deserve it!

Kimmy's Note: Okay. It was totally my fault that this chapter was delayed. I edited some parts, and then got swamped by tests. Which isn't a really good excuse, but I'm aiming to be a good student! Sorta. I just don't want to fail school. Meh. Sorry!