Elfy: mmhmm cough, cough hello! we're back.
Foxy: We aren't dead! smiles
Elfy: sorry for the wait, shit happens. and we didn't though mostly me, again sorry
Foxy: Yeah, we both are in school and it has been keeping us busy.
Foxy: So we couldn't really work on this fic. But fist pump WE ARE BACK IN BUSINESS! THANK GOD FOR SPRING BREAK!
Elfy: so enjoy the story and let things fly cause we're going by the seat of our pants, but we do know where this is going odd enough
Foxy: Yep! So as usual the disclaimer: We don't own Vampire Knight or its Characters! But we do own this idea and Fin and Simone'!
Elfy: and the computers we wrote this on
Foxy: Haha! Tis true! So with further ado! bows enjoy!
Elfy: all good foxy?
Foxy: Hai!
Chapter 3: Zero's Choice
When Kaname and Zero left the infirmary the children open their eyes. They heard their whole conversation and were pondering what to do.
"What should we do?" Simone' whispered to Fin.
"Wait for them to return."
She nodded her head turning over to stare at the ceiling. "I like Zero," Fin hummed in agreement. "But Kana-san is very stupid..." A grunt in agreement.
"Fin," Simone' turned on her side to stare at her brother. "We should do something to help Zero-chan, he brought us here after all."
His green hair shifted on the pillow to let the boy look into molten gold. "I think so too..." He nodded, shifting back into bed. Simone curled back up, lids covering her golden eyes. The two fell back into the land of dreams.
The Sun was just getting up when Zero finally forgoes sleep, throwing the sheets from his bed. Standing up he stretched and found another one of his jackets, replacing the one torn and blooded from yesterday. No matter how fast he healed, his clothes would always be a reminder that it was real.
Dressed, he brushed his teeth, and flew down the stairs. He had spent the night at Cross's home, as the Chairman opened it to all prefects, but especially Zero and Ichiru, even though the younger twin was a part-time prefect-as in when he felt like it, shaking his head from the troublesome thoughts, he entered the kitchen. Thank God Cross was still asleep, he didn't think he could stomach any of his cooking. Fixing himself a piece of toast, he sat down thinking over what had happened last night. He couldn't handle going back to the Moon Dorms where Kaname was, instead he sneaked off to his room here late in the night. The kids were still in the now locked infirmary, they could get out but no one could get in. He made sure the first thing he did when he got to the house was get the key for it.
Taking the last bite of his toast, he stood and left, hoping he'd get there before they woke up.
Outside of the infirmary on the door handle was a cardboard shopping bag, lines of red and white zigzagging across it. Kaname had kept his word, inside were clothes about the sizes the two would need.
Zero entered the dark room, only a few light snoring sounds braking up the unbearable silence. The door shut with a click. He turn the light switch up, illuminating the room in fluorescent light.
He walked over to the beds. "Hey," he shook the two gently. "Wake up sleepy heads."
"Hmmm..." They rubbed the sleep from their eyes, watching their designated Guardian.
"I got something for you two." He pulled out a folded long sleeve,it was a deep,lush purple and was soft to the touch. Royal blue jeans laid underneath, both crisp and new.
Next came a thick wool jacket, darker than the girl's hair. A warm looking burgundy fleece with a hare zip up collar, and a pair of faded blue jeans. Simone' was already cuddling the purple shirt close as her brother picked at the fleece in obvious distaste, when zero reached his arm in deeper pulling out an array of colorful t-shirts. A crimson, and sunny red couple along with blues and a purple one. A crimson red one caught Fin's eye as he picked it up filling the material beneath his touch between his fingers. After pulling some underwear out, he reached to the bottom of the bag where their new shoes was along with a thinner black jacket just a bit bigger than the kids would need. At the site of the jacket Fin reached out and caught the cuff in his hand, it crinkled in his clutch. The site was too adorable as the crimson eyes seem to grow impossibly large in a beseeching look.
"It's yours." Zero laughed throwing the thing over the child's face, covering half his face like an unbandage mummy, one puppy dogged eye looking out. It was the most emotion the prefect had seen on his face.
"Remember these especially." Zero held out the sneakers by the laces, strings tied together, "How your feet survived the walk here is a miracle!" Simone' giggled a little at his exaggeration. When neither child made a move to get dress, he asked why.
"You're in the room, silly!" Simone' giggled in reply.
"Right," Pushing off the bed, he walked past the curtains towards the door blushing slightly. "I'll be just outside the door, when you're ready come out."
After he had left Simone' slipped of her old tattered shirt and donned the purple long sleeved shirt, the pants soon followed.
R-RIP!
Fin wore the crimson Tee and faded blue jeans, sliding the now sleeveless black jacket over top.
"So are you planning to show Zero-Nii your sneakers?" She slipped her own dark converses on, tying the laces. Her brother gave her a pointed look, which she giggled at. "Well you know he'll probably be looking when we first come out."
He grumbled as he put the offending objects on his feet. They opened the door quietly, going unseen by Zero as he stood by the door starring off.
"We're finished!" Zero looked over to Simone', while not wearing a jacket at least she wore something that had long sleeves, and possibly layered, as she seemed comfortable in the, chilly morning weather and drafty hall, he let her go with a nod of approval. Then he looked to Fin, the boy was actually wearing a jacket, with the sleeves ripped off, only a short sleeve shirt on, but thankfully as he looked carefully, shoes on.
'Children.' He shook his head but let it go, better to let him be, and if he got cold Zero could always
give him his jacket.
"Well, come on. We have to beat Cross to the kitchen or all you'll be having is food poisoning." He quickened his pace with longer strides but was careful not to leave the two behind. They kept up with ease, and Zero focused forward, never noticing as a pair of sneakers flying over into a nearby hedge.
They made it to the kitchen in record time, Zero smiled. His 'father' was nowhere in sight but that relief was short lived when he saw it. Cross slouched down by the oven pulling a cast iron skillet from the drawer. He ran at great speeds, leaping over the kitchen table gracefully, not even pulling the
table cloth askew, as he dunked Cross's head, stealing the skillet and landing safely on the ground "What the hell do you think you're doing!"
The long haired blonde smiled. "Well my oh so gracious son I'm making you and my beautiful daughter a healthy breakfast!"
"No way!" He voice was dead panned leaving no room for arguments. Sighing, Zero grabbed eggs from the fridge and cracked them into a bowl quickly whisking them, with a folk, adding in the flour and milk, till it was a nice consistency.
"Oh, who are you precious little ones?" Zero looked over his shoulder to see the kids still standing at the door, now with Cross poking at a blank faced Fin.
"Leave them alone Ojii-san! And kids come have a seat at the table while I finish your pancakes."
Cross pouted "Why can't you call me daddy? Or even father?!" He wept a small river by the door as
one bored faced child and an anxious worried one bypassed him towards their seats. Zero smiled kindly to himself as he busied himself by spooning off a gracious amount of butter into the hot skillet. It crackled and splashed upwards as he poured the batter in, he grabbed a spatula and flipped the pancake once with a flick of his wrist.
"Oh!" Simone said clapping, Fin joined in shortly, his own claps more muted but his eyes held a certain awed shine to them.
"Yes! Isn't my little boy so amazing, he can make pancakes just like a pro!"
The silverette still manning the stove-top blushed, hid his face with his fringe hair as he added another pancake to the growing pile in the plate next to him.
Once the stack was nearly a foot high and his mix ran out, he turned to his audience. "Breakfasts is ready."
"Oh it looks amazing my sweet little Zero-chan," Said Cross as he glomped the boy, nearly knocking the stack out of his hands.
"Hey watch it!" He groaned sitting the pancakes down carefully and prying the bubbly blonde off
of him. "Why don't you help and get the plates and silverware and I'll get the juice."
"Right-O Zero-chi!" With him busied Zero checked on the kids, they were still in high spirits watching on with amusement, mending his growing frustrated mind. He smiled humming a random chorus as he grabbed both the juice and the maple syrup. Simone' and Fin both noticed Zero's happy mood and smiled, the strange blonde they now knew to be Oji-san, or stranger danger. Nobody had to know what Fin was calling the towering blonde with mental problems, who was busy sitting out plates and silverware. Zero followed close behind piling on the sweet takes of fluffy cakes that made their mouths water.
"You forgot to get cups Zero-chan." Cross looked scandalized,
Zero's forehead grew a tic mark as he gritted his teeth. "I thought that was obvious for you, when I said I was getting juice."
"Oh, that's right!" He pounded his fist to an open palm, eyes wide as he bustled over to the cupboard dragging out four glasses. Zero filled his and the children's glasses, leaving Cross to fill his own.
"Would you two like some syrup?"
"What is it?"
Zero blinked at Fin's question; he had to wonder how long they'd been living out there in the woods all by their selves, letting the thought slip away for later he smiled. "It's good ,try some." he poured just a bit over one of Fin's pancakes, making sure none dribbled over, just in case the boy didn't like it.
Carefully Fin stabbed the top pancake with his fork and took a bit. His eyes widened just a bit and
quickly finished the pancake off grabbing the bottle of sweet syrup and pouring it heavily over his stacks and digging in with gusto.
"Is it good?" Simone' asked, her brother simply nodded as he stuffed more in. She poured a more manageable amount of the syrup on her own and tried it out. Smiling brightly as she took her first bite.
"Thank-you Zero-Nii, this is delicious!" Fin looked up and nodded, it was good.
As the kids ate happily Zero started on his own rations looking over them with a contented smile on his face. Never noticing the appraising look he received from his adoptive 'father' seated next to him. After little mouths were wiped and sticky fingers washed, Zero started on the dishes the kids watching from the table after he repeatedly thanked but denied help from them. Cross appeared next to him with
cloth in hand, stealing a plate from the drainer as he spoke.
"You never answered my question Zero, that's not like you. Though your mood is a much welcomed thing!" That was Cross always ending it on a happier note.
"I found them yesterday, and if you really want to know who they are, why not ask them yourself?"
Cross blinked. "I will, but I thought you would already had information about them."
Zero sighed. "The boy is Fin and the girl is Simone', both are orphans. I found them in the woods outside of town." He said softly.
Cross noticed the soft tone present in the teen's voice. "There must be more than that." he said grabbing another plate.
Zero frowned. "What do you mean?"
"I mean how you found them." he replied seriously surprising Zero. Unknowingly Zero took the bait Cross laid out.
Zero glanced back to the children, Simone' was talking to Fin about something that seemed interesting, then turned his attention back to Cross. A sad frown came to his face. "They were alone in rags," explained. "I found Simone' in the bushes," He voice cracked a bit. "I think she was looking for food."
Cross face was that of concern. "And I guess when you found her she led you to her brother."
Zero nodded. "Yeah, well, more like I chased her, but anyway before I could ask them anything," His face darkened. "Level E's showed up. I got rid of all of them and then brought the children back here."
"I see," Cross spoke. "So what will you do now?"
Zero's eyes widen at his question. "I wanted to talk to you about that actually..." Crossed hummed and Zero continued. "I don't know what to do with them, and since they know about vampires I was wondering if it would be alright if they could stay here?"
Cross gave a contemplative stare to Zero before he sighed. "Zero, I know you mean well and this would be the best place for them but I think it would be best if they were put in an orphanage- OW! Owowowoowow!" Zero had yanked the Chairman out of the kitchen and into one of the other rooms.
Closing the door he glared at Cross. "Why?" He was pissed that the man would suggest such a thing.
Cross gave a nervous smile. Though there was a glint in his eyes that went unnoticed by the silverette. "Now Zero-kun it would be for the best. We can have Kaname-kun erase their memories of seeing-"
"But think about how long they've been on their own! Who knows how many times they've seen those things!" He made a waving motion with his arm before folding them across his chest. "I refuse to send them away."
Cross face then became serious again. "Zero, what do you know of raising children? Caring for them from day to night? It isn't something to be taken lightly." His tone wasn't discouraging but full of genuine concern of a parent. He didn't want to push Zero away from the thought of raising the children or make him think it was hard.
Zero bowed his head. "I may not know the first thing about caring for children or any of that stuff...but," He raised his head showing nothing but fierce determination and resolve. "That won't stop me. I'll put what I know from my own child hood how to care for them." He didn't know what it was but he grew attached to the imps. Seeing the two on their own made, him want to protect and nurture them.
Cross shook his head and gave Zero a sad smile. "I'm sorry Zero..."
~Eleswhere~
Far out past the mountains a figure was seen in the forest. He walked around as if looking for something. He came to stop in front of cave.
Smirking he put his hand on the wall near it and undid the cloaking seal that was put on it. It showed that the cave was deeper than what it appeared to be. The man undid the barrier blocking him and proceeded down the cave. As he walked, candles from an unknown force lite his way, bathing the stone walls in a dim orange.
Reaching the end of the cave he came to an altar of sorts. It wasn't made of regular rock but of Lonsdaleite, the hardest stone and diamond in the world. This part of the cave was decorated in it but he could feel his skin tingling. These stones was to ward of intruders but to keep whatever was kept inside sealed.
"This won't be enough..." He purred and walked up the steps of the altar, now standing in the middle. He notice how the diamond in the middle was older and cracked. His eyes landed on the wall in front of him, well, more on the person that was in it. The being trapped inside was old and wrinkled a look of anger across his face.
Humming to himself. He connected with the beings mind. 'Are you still alive?' A few minutes passed and he received no answer. He disconnected their minds. "What a waste of time-"
'Who are you? Why have you come?'
The other grinned manically. "Me? I am your savior! I will be the one to release you from your prison."
'You?' The imprisoned scoffed. 'As if you could undo these seals.'
He turned getting ready to leave. "Well if you like being sealed then I'll be le-"
'Why do you want to unseal me?'
Chuckling he turned back to the imprisoned. "I need help with something and you are just the one I need for that..."
'So you want me to become your minion."
"If you want your freedom, then yes."
'Hmm...' The imprisoned was thinking for a few minutes before answering. 'Fine but in returned you will give your energy to me and gather more.'
The figure smirked and clapped his hands. "Deal." The sound of rumbling was heard as the other set to breaking the seal. Smearing his blood on the diamond watching as the imprisoned absorbed it gaining back some of his powers. The stone began to crack and soon enough a explosion sounded clouding the cave in dust and smoke.
A dark laugh sounded as the not so Imprisoned emerged from the wall, but he didn't look old and wrinkly anymore, he was younger. A sign he got a little of his power back.
The imprisoned smirked down at his 'savoir' with a look of smugness and as if he were looking at a bug while he examined him. "Well? Don't gawk, like you I have things to attend to. Hm?" He looked closer at the others face and he chuckled. "What odd eyes you have." And soon they were gone in swirl of wind, the dark laugh echoing from the imprisoned.
Back at Cross academy
Zero's whole being filled with dread at the chairman's words and he quickly started to protest. "Cross-" He stopped talking when he heard the man's next words.
"I'm sorry that I couldn't see what a wonderful parent you'll make!" Cross squealed hugging him.
Zero, though relieved, growled. "What?"
Cross laughed. "I would have never sent them away! They're too adorable!"
"Then if you weren't going to send them away then why trick me into thinking you were?!"
Cross smiled. "A test." He held up a finger. "Plus, I wanted to see your reaction. You smile more around those two and you're very protective. I can already tell these children will do you some good." He then skipped out the room leaving a stunned Zero behind.
Zero stood there in the room and slowly it dawned on him, that the children would be able to stay. He smiled and went back to the kitchen to see Cross hugging, as he was saying, grandchildren. He saw Fin trying to escape the man's grasp and Simone' only laughed hugging him back.
Zero smiled softly. 'Maybe they will do me some good.' He walked over and saved Fin, the boy hiding behind Zero and glaring at Cross, who sobbed crocodile tears and only hugged Simone'.
"What's with all the commotion?" A voice said from the doorway, and Zero felt his bad mood from yesterday return. The children seemed to pick up on Zero's change in attitude because they hid behind him and focused on the other house guest.
"Ah! Good Morning Yuuki-chan!" The chairman greeted her. "Sleep well!"
"Good morning and," A light blush covered her cheeks as she gave a dreamy smile. "Yes, I did."
Fin saw Zero clench his hand into a fist. In concern he grabbed it, unknowingly calming the silverette down.
"That's wonderful! Oh and Yuuki," He pointed to the two children behind Zero. "These are our new family members!"
"New?" She asked and peeked behind at the children. "Hello! What are your names?" She asked sweetly.
Her voice made the two cringe slightly. "I'm Simone' and this is Fin." Simone' introduced them both and slid back behind her brother. Fin moved them both back behind the silverette. Something about the older girl made them feel uneasy.
Smiling, Yuuki giggled. "Aw! How cute!"
Cross nodded. "Aren't they both adorable!"
"Who's adorable?" Another voice popped in. A teen, who looked just like Zero, except his hair was in a small pony tail that was wrapped in a bell, walked in with two other people, both girls. A girl with short light brown hair and hazel eyes. The other girl looked identical to Zero, but a second look would say otherwise. She has grayish-purple hair and eyes. Her hair was long and straight, with a full dolly fringe at eyebrow length and a small bun adorning at the side of her head.
"Zero-nii!" The grayish-purple haired girl ran up to Zero embracing him. "Where were you?! You didn't come back last night!" She stated with worry as she stepped back.
Zero gave small smile and patted her head. "Maria I'm fine. I just got caught up in some stuff. I'll tell you the rest later."
She gave a pout but nodded. "Fine." Her gaze then landed on the children. "Children!" She moved Zero out the way and knelt down to their level, examining the boy and girl. "You two," She said seriously. "Are cute!" She grinned before turning to the Zero look alike. "Right Ichiru-nii?"
Zero's twin walked over and smiled softly at the little ones. "So this is why Ojii-san is gushing so early." He then chuckled. "Well at least it is for a good reason."
"I'm Yori, what are your names, little ones?" She asked softly with a serene smile. Simone' smiled shyly and Fin blushed lightly before they introduced themselves. Zero then told the group how he came across the boy and girl, though he left out what he saw happen between Kaname and Yuuki.
"They are staying right?" Yuuki asked she sounded happy but the children didn't miss the twitch in her brow as she gave a fake happy smile when Cross nodded.
Zero patted both children on the head. "Ojii-san I'm gonna go now-"
Simone' and Fin grabbed Zero by his legs looking up at him. "You're leaving?"
Zero smiled down at them. "Yes, this is my time of the day to sleep." He saw how their eyes widen, and he realized he never told the two he was a vampire. Though, now that they knew, both kids didn't seem afraid or bothered by him being a vampire.
Cross decided to change the subject. "Zero you can nap here until classes are over! That goes for you too Ichiru. Maria."
Zero nodded. "Fine but what about-"
Ichiru popped in patting Zero on the shoulder. "Maria and I can show'em around. Would you two like that?" He asked them smiling.
"But you guys need to sleep to." Zero protested.
"Actually," Yori piped in. "Yuuki and I can show them around and they can stay with us. Since you guys have to sleep."
"Ya, we don't mind." Yuuki agreed smiling.
"Would you both like that?" Yori asked smiling.
Fin and Simone' looked at each other then back to Sayori and nodded.
"Then it's settled!"
"Make sure to keep an eye on them." Zero told them. "And make sure not to take them to the night dorms."
"Zero-nii, calm down," Maria said. "They're in good hands. And later when our class is over you need to introduce them to the night class. So they won't be seen as..." she shifted her eyes. "you know..."
"I know, I already planned on it."
Nodding Maria and Ichiru began to leave but before they left Ichiru pulled out a pair of converse. "But you'll need these." Zero sent a scolding glare to the boy and Simone' put her hands on her mouth to stop the giggles.
"..." Fin looked at the shoes as if they were the worst things in the world before slipping them on. Giving a 'are you happy now?' look to Zero, who nodded in approval.
"We'll see you guys later." Maria giggled.
"See you later Zero-nii!" Simone' hugged his legs before running over to Yori. Fin looked up at him then averted his red eyes to the side. He grabbed the silverette's hand giving a squeeze before walking over to Simone'. Zero smiled as the four left.
"We'll be going too. Later Ze." Ichiru said leaving and Maria followed after him.
So now it was only Zero and the chairman left alone in the kitchen. Cross decided to question the teen about his hostile nature towards Yuuki. He saw the small glares Zero gave her, and Cross wanted to know why that was.
"Zero-kun is anything bothering you?" He asked with concern.
Sighing, Zero ran a hand through silver locks. "A lot of things are but," he gave a small smile. "Nothing to worry about." He said and left to kitchen going to his room.
Cross was surprised he received an answer at all, he was expecting Zero to snap at him. The chairman had a feeling there was more to what Zero said, yet he decided he wouldn't pry. When Zero was ready to talk he would be there to listen and give him advice.
Sitting down at the table Cross let a small sigh slip from his lips. "Oh children...what am I going to do with them?"
Fin and Simone' were enjoying the tour of the school. Yori and Yuuki showed them around starting at the school, then dorms, and the last place they were at now was the stables.
"And this is the stables." Yori said smiling as the children looked around in fascination at the horses.
"All of them belong here?" He walked over to a white horse, raising a to pet the creature.
"Careful!" Yuuki shrieked startling the animals. "That one doesn't take to kindly to others." Yuuki explaines frowning at the creature. The animal just glared right back at the brunette before it's attention went on the children. "That's white lily, she's a bully."
Fin ignored her warning and moved his hand closer to the animal, who regarded the young one with narrowed eyes of suspisicion. Fin sensing this moved closer slowly, showing both hands to Lily while keeping eye contact. The perfects watched in shock as the green haired child charmed the horse and was given permission to pet. Simone' then walked over and was allowed to pet the horse as well.
Yori smiled while Yuuki was still gaping wondering why the demon horse was allowing two children pet it.
Shaking her head she brought up classes saying they would be late. The four left the stables and began heading back to the academic buildings.
When the four entered the class room, they were immediately surrounded by students, mostly girls, questioning who the children were. Not use to being around so many people the children hide behind Yori, refusing to speak to any of them. Yuuki was trying to break up the crowd that gathered around them.
"Ugh! H-Hey! All of you are too close-" Yuuki got pushed out of the way.
"Those two kids are adorable!"
"Who are they?"
Yori tried put a hand behind her keeping the children behind. "Please step back! Your scaring them!"
"Oh! What are your names?!
"Are they even allowed to be here?"
"SOOO CUUUTTEE!"
"What's all the commotion!" The yell came from the door to show the teacher. Who was glaring at the students. "Why aren't you all in your seats?" The students gulped and the teacher raised an eyebrow. "Well since it seems to be nothing please be seated."
As the students moved to their seats Yori sneaked the girls to her desk telling them to hide under her desk until class is over. She passed pencils and paper down to them to keep them occupied until class was over.
It was going to be a long day.
During class changes Yori and Yuuki took the kids out. She took them to the cafeteria getting them lunch. Before walking to a secluded part of the court yard sitting by a tree.
"So how are you guys enjoying the academy so far?"
Simone' smiled shyly. "Its nice here. I like it." A grunt in agreement from her counterpart. "Fin likes it too!"
Both nodded and Yuuki leaned toward them. "SO where are you from-" A commotion, much like a fight, on the other side of them near fountain caught the perfects attention. Yuuki ran over blowing her whistle with Yori following behind her. Telling the two children to stay put.
The children left alone turned to eachother with shining eyes.
"Zero-nii said to stay out of trouble." Simone' stated standing with Fin.
"Hn."
"And does exploring count as trouble?"
"Nope."
And with that said the two were gone leaving behind a panicking Yori. How was she going to explain this to Zero?!
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