A/N: Wow, but did that last chapter leave a lot of questions! What happened with Yuuki? Why was Zero happy about Kaname? And why was he so easily accepting of his feelings? Someone mentioned they wanted to see what Zero's 'plans' were, and I couldn't agree more XD Not to mention, I've done plenty on Ichiru's thoughts, but Zero, even as the center of most things, hasn't really been focused on *scratches head* Hope this chapter won't confuse people... Zero is still very much like the eleven year old from the first chapter, he's not plotting anything devious.

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Zero

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The first memory Zero ever had of anything was pure warmth, all encompassing, secure, and protective – his older brother's hands. They hadn't, weren't, and wouldn't ever be any larger than his own, but no one's hands could be filled with more love. Zero couldn't remember a single instance in which he'd felt any hostility from his brother. As he grew older, he became more and more aware Ichiru had always protected him, from nearly everything.

Ichiru's hands had been his cradle, warm, safe, and comfortable. Whatever harsh realities came their way, he'd been kept well behind their defenses, Ichiru having born much of the brunt of the damage. Ichiru's love had literally been his protection.

He wasn't new to people labeling his brother as 'overprotective', someone with a major 'brother complex'. His acquaintances joked about it and others whispered it behind he and his brother's backs.

'Don't you ever get tired of him sticking to you like that?'

Zero remembered someone asking him the exact question, and only because he'd gotten into trouble for how he'd reacted to it. Namely, he'd gotten suspended for a week from school for 'bullying' another student. The boy had gone home with numerous bruises and a broken nose. Zero would have gladly gone on to do more had he not been stopped.

That question, having been said the way it had, had been like a switch. The teachers had been astonished and the other students afraid. Zero, the silent one, had snapped, they all whispered.

No, he hadn't. He'd merely expressed his (extreme) dislike of someone else belittling his brother's love for him.

Ichiru was the only person to give him unconditional care and attention. It didn't matter the situation; if Zero needed him, Ichiru was there. Even when their parents had still been alive, all he'd longed for was Ichiru's presence. He couldn't deny the desire he'd held in wanting to gain their professional approval of him as a proper hunter, but that paled in comparison to being someone deserving of Ichiru's love.

Maybe others would find that appalling, who knew, but for Zero, if given the choice between his parents and Ichiru, it wouldn't have been a choice at all. What pained him most about his parents passing, aside from his naturally missing them, was having forced Ichiru into going so far because of his own incompetence. If Zero had pushed himself harder to become the ideal hunter his parents wished him to be, his mother wouldn't have considered sending him off, and thus, inciting Ichiru's anger.

Death brought change, and while Zero took comfort in feeling his love for Ichiru grow impossibly wider after their parents' deaths, he also worried for the hardened depths that seemed to have grown deeper inside his brother. Ichiru's love for him had never wavered, but Zero could see it was affecting him in other ways.

For Ichiru, it really was as though no one but them existed. He could see none besides Zero and himself.

And as much as he loved his brother's attentions, Zero knew the way Ichiru viewed and ordered his priorities was only going to bring them pain should it continue, and the last thing he wanted was to be separated from his brother.

The cradle Ichiru kept him in, the love he surrounded him with, was starting to hold Ichiru back from growing. His hands were starting to show wear and tear, trying to protect him from everything. It was Zero's turn to hold his brother and tell him things were going to be okay.

And just as he needed a catalyst to bring Ichiru out of his hardened preconceptions, Kuran Kaname had appeared, as though an answer to his thoughts. It hadn't been until recent days that Zero had noticed at all, the potential Kaname had in helping Ichiru advance.

The chairman had once said people matured as they met and interacted with many different people, affecting and getting affected in turn, adding to new experiences. Zero hadn't really thought too much into his words until he started to see how the presence of a single pureblood was affecting the emotions of the person most important to him.

Ichiru hardly paid his attention on anyone else unless it involved either Zero or himself, and it showed in the way he'd cleverly developed a comfortable routine that included the chairman and Yuuki, as to not make their time with the Cross family any more difficult than it had to be. Having to be at odds with their appointed guardian and his daughter would have caused them unnecessary emotional strain that was completely impractical.

The chairman and Yuuki were people they needed to get along with if they wanted to keep their stay pleasant for everyone.

That was not to say he or his brother didn't feel anything for them. Anyone would come to grow on another if after living with them for three years and getting to know them day-by-day.

Ichiru would have loved to deny it, but Zero didn't doubt he'd come to feel some sort of affection for the girl, and was just extremely reluctant in showing it, determined to keep up with his never ending teasing remarks. But Zero was also sure Ichiru didn't feel enough for her to let her affect him, not in the same way Kaname did.

…Which brought his thoughts back to how he wanted Ichiru to learn how to regard other people as actual 'people', and not simply categorize them in terms of 'threat', 'non-threat', and 'usable'.

He wanted to show Ichiru having other emotional connections didn't mean lessening the strength of their own in exchange, rather, it could even help them learn more about each other, if Zero were to be so hopeful. He'd like to think he knew everything there was to Ichiru, but there was always something new to see and appreciate about the people you loved, wasn't there?

Kaname was his one possible answer to what Zero knew were his own selfish desires, an answer that'd been right near him, so close, that when he realized it, it brought a rather relieved, incredible, but happy smile he couldn't quite keep in. He wanted Ichiru to lose the emotional rigidity he'd developed against others, and he needed someone that knew how to pull out something more than the defensive sarcasm Ichiru used to ward people off.

Of course, he'd rather it be someone Ichiru had positive feelings for, but in some ways, negative ones weren't all that different. As someone capable of disrupting their balance and throwing Ichiru off, Kuran Kaname was perfect for what Zero wanted.

The pureblood would be their first of many doors to the outside world.


"Ichiru?" Zero blinked. "What are you doing up so late?"

"I can say the same for you, Zero." Ichiru smiled, leaning against the windowsill, their shoulders touching. "Shouldn't you be in bed?"

Zero took a moment to admire the way the soft wind ruffled his twin's darker locks, fluttering about his eyes, a few strands glowing under the light of the moon, before smiling back and shrugging. "Just thinking."

Ichiru's lips lifted in a smirk. "Just thinking? It's never just thinking for you, Zero. Are you planning something?"

Zero's smile widened and softened as he leaned in, resting his forehead against his brother's as he softly replied, "and what if I am?"

Ichiru huffed a laugh, the warmth of his breath gentle against Zero's face. "The world should be pissing its pants in fear."

Zero leaned back and lowered his head to rest his cheek against his brother's shoulder as he laughed quietly. "It's nothing so bad," he whispered. He wanted to believe he and his brother would come out of everything for the better. He couldn't have Ichiru continuing to face the world with only Zero at his back. It didn't have to be them against everyone else.

"Zero, really, why can't you sleep?" Ichiru asked quietly.

Zero paused before shaking his head. "I'm fine. Just thinking, remember?" He leaned his head up to press his lips against his brother's cheek. "If you don't get enough rest, Yuuki really will win tomorrow morning. I think she wanted…strawberry waffles?"

Ichiru let out a tired groan. "Must you bring her up now? And damn her for picking everything I don't like." Sore loser.

"Ichiru…about Yuuki…"

"Mm?"

"Did something happen between her and Sayori that night? Or was it something else? I don't think they had a fight, they both seem friendly enough during school."

Ichiru lifted the shoulder Zero's head wasn't resting on. "If I knew, I'd tell you. But I never got Yuuki, much less Sayori. Anything could have happened."

"But you know she's been avoiding us." Or rather, she'd been more quiet and thoughtful? She never talked to them as much as she used to, a more serious, solemn expression lingering in her eyes.

"She could finally be growing out of that ten-year-old mentality," Ichiru snickered.

"Yes, but I doubt that's it," Zero said dryly. "She's been off since the night Kaname was here, wasn't she?"

Ichiru blinked. She had, hadn't she? He'd never thought of it before (he could care less), but… "Zero, remember when I told you about that vampire and I going at it that night?" He started out, his voice low and steady, "We could have been kind of…kind of loud about it…"

Zero frowned. "Are you saying she could have heard the two of you?"

Ichiru shrugged again. "Don't know, but it'd make sense if she did, wouldn't it?" He'd certainly mentioned her a few times while he was screaming out god knows what. "I practically told the world that vampire loved her. She could be in one of those touchy phases girls all go through when it involves guys."

"Mm, but if it looks like she's not doing well, we'll make her talk."

"Trying to take on her problems again? You're too nice, Zero." Ichiru shook his head. The girl was thirteen. She could take care of herself…somewhat.

Zero smiled ruefully. He wasn't nice at all, very selfish, in fact. Especially when it came to things regarding Ichiru. "You think we should invite Kaname over tomorrow night?" It'd be a Friday. They could all indulge in a late dinner and watch a movie or something.

Ichiru twitched at the mention of the pureblood. "What? Why?" He hissed. "We don't need him here. Besides, don't you think he'll just make things worse? Shoving the possible reason for Yuuki going weirdo right in her face might not end happy, Zero."

"But maybe she'll be able to talk with him and end up solving her problems." Zero countered.

Ichiru lowered his brows and let out a growl. Zero always took the time to worry about needless people and their needless things… "Fine," he muttered out. "But only," he emphasized, "only, if he sits at the farthest seat and doesn't touch you. At all."

Zero snorted. "You can clarify that to him when we get there." He doubted Kaname would refuse the offer, even with Ichiru's routinely threats.

Sighing heavily, Ichiru turned and nuzzled his cheek against Zero's moonlit hair, shades lighter than his own. He knew Yuuki wasn't the only reason why Zero wanted the vampire over, but nor was he naïve enough to think it was because Zero had somehow awakened to romantic feelings overnight and wished to spend personal time with the pureblood either.

Zero was soft, and caring, and sweet, and kind, and…well, a million other wonderful things, but falling in love overnight wasn't one of them. He'd made Ichiru apologize and kissed the vampire's cheek even after he hadn't a reason to (at least that was what Ichiru had thought, since he managed the 'kiss and make up' on his own), but there was something behind Zero's willingness to approach Kuran Kaname, and Ichiru hadn't a clue as to why.

Zero could be so mysterious sometimes, he thought to himself impishly.


"Zero…?" Yuuki asked in a way that was more along the lines of, 'Are you serious?'

Unfortunately for her, he very much was. "Yeah, he's coming over. Tonight. Make sure you don't have anything planned."

"Um, I didn't, but…" Was she ready to face him so soon? She felt like she'd gone crying to Sayori just last night when in actuality, it'd been nearly a week.

"The morning rules won't apply for the dinner tonight. Name what you want," Zero smiled.

Seeing the offer for the obvious bribe that it was, Yuuki smiled wryly. "I will. I get to have more than one dish right?"

"If it doesn't take too much time, yeah," Zero agreed.

She cheered. "Good!"


"Ugly vampire at six o'clock," Ichiru called, not taking his eyes off the plates he was carrying. If he dropped any of them for any reason he'd have Zero after his ass for who knew how long.

"Ichiru, don't call Kaname-sempai that!" Yuuki called back as she went to answer the door. She made sure nothing was out of place, then berated herself for even caring, and carefully opened the door, a smile in place. "Hi Kaname-sempai, I know it sounds a bit chaotic in there, and it is, but we'll have everything ready in a few moments."

"Yuuki, how are you? I know I came a bit early."

"I'm fine, and—"

"Yuuki!" Ichiru interrupted.

"What?" She called back annoyed.

"Zero wants you to taste the strawberries!" He answered.

"Tell him to wait!"

"What?" Ichiru asked, not catching her response. 'Ell em to – what?' Either she'd suddenly learned gibberish or he misheard her.

"Tell him to—"

"Yuuki," Kaname said gently, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Why don't we head inside, and neither of you won't have to yell." His sensitive ears…

"Oh, sorry," she tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "Let's go."


"I'm glad we're all together for dinner," the chairman smiled. He was honestly surprised to find it'd been then the twins who'd invited the pureblood over and not his daughter. But, he reasoned, Yuuki had been rather pensive in recent days, her mind still occupied from whatever it was since that night.

Zero and Ichiru seemed fine, their problems resolved, but Yuuki seemed hesitant and still a bit unsure. She kept glancing at the boys and Kaname while she ate before looking down at her food and repeating the process.

"Kaname, pass the gravy? Thank you."

And the most surprising, apart from the twins inviting Kaname over themselves, was how open they seemed to the pureblood compared to past previous instances in which they just let Yuuki handle him while they busied themselves with their own plans. It wasn't as though they were suddenly the best of friends, but they both seemed more accepting to the vampire's presence, their interaction with him softer.

He couldn't have ever guessed why, but he was glad for it.

"How was school?"

Zero and Ichiru exchanged glances before smiling. "Someone in second year gave his love confession in a banner." Zero started.

"It was huge too, hanging from the roof of our building to the window of the first floor. He must have spent ages on that thing." Ichiru snorted. The banner had simply rolled down the front of their building, revealing the words, 'Rika, I love you!'

The chairman laughed softly. Ah, young love. "And? What was the outcome for this brave second year?"

Many had actually seen it as a joke or a prank, but there was a third year named Rika, and although shocked, she gladly accepted the feelings of her childhood friend.

"She accepted and they lived happily ever after," Ichiru smirked. "Even though the guy got detention for putting up the banner." Every school had a tight prissy teacher that needed to follow the rules to the T or their world fell apart.

"I heard he got out of it though," Zero tilted his head. "The principle of the junior high division is a romantic."

The chairman smiled. He and Kusaka did get along splendidly, their tastes running in similar directions.

"Oh, and the cultural festival is coming up. Can you guess what the perverted morons in my class wanted?" Ichiru sighed pityingly. "A maid café," which wasn't anything out of the ordinary, but they'd added another request, "with me and a few of the other guys as one of the maids."

Zero nearly choked on his water. Once he got his bearings, he shook with laughter, "I hope you at least spared the girls." Ichiru wouldn't have let anyone get away with suggesting such an idea, and it'd most likely been a guy who did.

"They thought it was funny actually. Only a few people got sent to the nurse," Ichiru shrugged. Needless to say, they would think twice before requesting something like that again.

"I wouldn't mind seeing you as a maid, Ichiru," Yuuki spoke up, her head tilted. "I'm serious. You'd make a pretty girl. Violent, homicidal, and a hazard to mankind, but a pretty girl." She nodded to herself.

Zero snorted. "I think she got you down to a T with that description, Ichiru."

"Which I'm extremely proud of, thank you," Ichiru sniffed, exaggeratedly turning his head up arrogantly as he took a sip of his tea. He could make a damn fine kick ass girl if he wanted; he just wasn't inclined.

"Kaname, is the Night class going to be hosting a cultural festival too?" Zero asked curiously. He wondered how a festival with vampires would be like.

The chairman gasped in delight. "Zero, you just gave me the most wonderful way to introduce the Night class to the academy!"

The four teens at the table all exchanged looks, Zero looking apologetic as he winced. "Sorry," he playfully mouthed.

"Let's hope he only gets the high school division involved," Ichiru muttered.

"I wasn't so sure as to anything regarding the festival, but it seems we are going to be included regardless," Kaname smiled. Takuma would certainly enjoy it, as would Aidou.

Zero sent him a sympathetic glance. "Just one piece of advice: Beware the girls." He paused. "No wait, never mind. Beware the boys too."

Yuuki laughed softly. "Something from personal experience, Zero?"

"Sadly, yes." She only laughed harder, "Not surprised."


When Zero got up to leave the table, naturally, Ichiru followed after him, as did the chairman, carrying their empty plates. On the way, the chairman offered to take the twin's share and wash it along with his own, to which Zero and Ichiru accepted, handing their plates over.

Yuuki, still at the table, stubbornly picked at her food while Kaname watched her, concerned. He hadn't been indifferent to her slight change since the night he and Ichiru fought. She always seemed to push herself to be cheerful in front of him, but since that night, her greetings turned softer and more unsure, further giving the implication that yes, she'd most likely heard he and Ichiru's one-sided argument.

He hadn't been able to get a chance to have a private conversation with her, and when the twins had invited him over for dinner, he'd hoped this would be an opportune time and place for what he wanted to confirm.

When he was sure it was only he and her in the room, the others out of earshot, he gently placed his fork down and lightly cleared his throat. "Yuuki, about—"

"Kaname-sempai," Yuuki started, finally looking up. She could tell what he wanted to talk about. The change in her behavior only pointed to the obvious. It was only expected for him to have picked up on it. The chairman had and so did Zero and Ichiru.

"I…cried my eyes out that night. Even with Yori-chan there, they wouldn't stop for a long time, and I didn't know why. I didn't want to know why, I guess."

"Yuuki…" So she'd… And she'd cried… "I hadn't ever wanted you to know in such a way." He hadn't ever wanted to hurt her.

"I know," she laughed lightly. "Ichiru can be so loud." Really loud… "I thought my heart stopped. I thought I was dreaming. I knew you liked them, but…" I didn't think your feelings for one of them went so far…

"And I was just surprised." She'd wanted to be the most important person to him. She could admit that. Sayori had helped her see that and a lot more that night. Kaname took up a major part of her, and she wanted for him to feel the same. He was her admiration, the first person she'd ever met that'd started her life. He only gave her reassurance and happiness; she'd nothing to worry for when he was there. Just by being near him, she could feel her insecurities fading, receding, with soft, warm comfort to replace them.

But she couldn't say that night had caught her completely off guard. It was more that the things she'd overheard only confirmed what she'd been suspecting, what she hadn't wanted to be true. She thought herself terrible for thinking that way, but really, who wouldn't? She wasn't so saintly good she could let someone she'd loved approach someone else without any feelings of jealousy or envy. It only proved how much she loved him, in her opinion.

She might come to let her feelings go, but until such a time, she felt she was at least free to feel for him however she wanted. Having talked everything over with Sayori had helped her more than she could imagine. She hadn't known how dishonest she'd been with herself until then.

"You gift everyone else with your kind honesty, Yuuki, it's about time you used it for yourself."

Sayori's voice had been gentle but firm, soft and direct. She talked with such a tranquil air Yuuki could feel her own emotional turmoil slowly letting loose, coming to relax from the tight stormy ball it'd wound itself into.

"I can't say I'm fine with it yet, but I can see why, so…" If she herself had met someone like Zero in different circumstances, she might have come to feel something more than friendship and familial love for him too. She had major reservations for Ichiru, but Zero, she could see. At least Kaname had enough sense and taste to pick the better twin, she thought to herself amusedly.

"Yuuki…" Kaname hadn't expected for things to go this way. He hadn't expected Yuuki to be so emotionally mature. She'd been nothing but honest with him, her gaze straight and unyielding. The shy, flustered little girl he knew was nowhere to be seen. The young teenager before him now held herself with a confidence that could only come from someone who'd reached a certain amount of emotional clarity.

She may still be light and cheerful, prone to childish verbal banter with Ichiru, but she knew whom she was, as an individual, coming to understand her deeper thoughts and emotions, learning to accept them and face them properly.

She'd grown…and so much, in the time he hadn't seen her. Kaname had always thought she'd be much like her mother, but he could now see she had the potential to go farther than either of her parents.

"I'm humbled by your words, Yuuki. And thank you," he whispered, "Thank you."


Kaname was still at the table when Zero and Ichiru came in to grab a snack from the kitchen. The table was cleared, and Yuuki had returned to her room, but Kaname couldn't bring himself to leave the table, her words, or rather, the acceptance he could see in her eyes, still in lingering in his mind.

"Still here?" Ichiru frowned, following his brother from the kitchen, a small cup of pudding in one hand, and a spoon in the other. When Zero sat down, across from the vampire, he hesitated, but roughly sat down next to him.

"Zero, I wanted to eat this in my room with you," he murmured, tapping the rim of the cup with his spoon.

"We can still eat together down here," Zero shrugged. Turning back to Kaname, he narrowed his eyes. "Did…did you say something to Yuuki?" He wasn't being accusatory. Yuuki hadn't seemed hurt or angry when she came up, merely…refreshed. She'd sent him the first genuine smile he'd seen in days, practically a week.

"Ichiru told me she might know about…the night that you and Ichiru had a one-sided shouting match."

Kaname smiled softly. "…She did."

Feeling he wouldn't be getting more out of him than those words, Zero nodded. The matter had been between Yuuki and Kaname. It wasn't his business what they'd discussed. "I'm glad she's fine," he said softly.

"I am as well."

"You're ruining my pudding moment," Ichiru complained. Did they have to talk about something so depressing when he was eating his beloved pudding?

Zero smiled wryly, but leaned toward his brother, "May I have some?" He playfully parted his lips.

Laughing quietly, Ichiru scooped a bit of the pudding onto his spoon and slipped it into Zero's mouth, watching as his brother's lips went around the silver metal and slid down, ridding it of the pudding. "How is it?"

Zero tilted his head. "Not bad for your first time. Do you feel like adding a bit of caramel next time?"

"Only if you're making the caramel."

"You know how to make caramel?" Kaname asked, perking up. He couldn't stop himself from asking. Caramel had been one of the few foods he'd been particularly attached to since he was a child.

"You like caramel?" Zero smiled, intrigued. He hadn't thought the pureblood was into sweets. He'd served a number of desserts, but Kaname didn't seem to give a particular liking to any of them especially.

"Crap. You like caramel?" Ichiru groused.

Seeing Kaname's curiosity with his brother's reaction, Zero laughed as he explained, "Ichiru really likes caramel. It's why I learned how to make it. This is the first thing I've seen the two of you agree on."

"Do you have to look so happy about it, Zero? He just ruined my favorite candy," Ichiru sighed dramatically.

"Have I really?" Kaname asked softly. Ichiru paused at the look in the vampire's eyes and stubbornly narrowed his eyes, his lips pursing. Zero shook his head and kissed his brother's cheek. "You promised to be nice, remember?"

"I'd rather he not force himself," Kaname smiled wryly. Zero laughed quietly. "It's not that, Kaname. He's always been a jerk because he couldn't be anything else. If he's been forcing anything on his part, it was only in forcing himself to try to keep you away."

"Zero!" Ichiru flushed.

Kaname blinked, a small flutter of hope making its way through his heart at Zero's words. "Is that so?" He murmured.

"It isn't!" Ichiru vainly protested. It was too late. Zero had already planted the seed. Now that vampire was going to think Ichiru actually liked him or something!

"If you want any caramel, I can always make some for you." Zero smiled, ignoring his disgruntled brother beside him. "Ichiru likes it with just about anything edible."

"Thank you."

Scooping another spoonful of pudding into his mouth, Ichiru narrowed his eyes. Zero had just given Kaname permission to come over to see them whenever he pleased. So tonight really hadn't been just for Yuuki.

His brother had wanted to establish something, and it seemed he had. The vampire now had a common ground with them and was free to see them whenever he wanted. Yuuki too, had some type of closure, and things seemed more stable.

But what was Zero after, really?


Zero laughed softly at his brother's question. "Still hung up on that? I told you, it's nothing terrible." He just wanted Ichiru to have more freedom. But he was only so comfortable with letting his brother create more emotional ties because he was sure of Ichiru's love for him; that no matter who he became close to, Zero would be the person he'd always come back to.

"You say that, but you won't tell me?" Ichiru frowned petulantly. Zero smiled. Ichiru's frown deepened.

"Mm, well, what can I do to make you stop asking?"

"You can't. I'll forever want to know."

"You'll forget by morning."

"I won't Zero, tell me!"

Zero rolled over and wrapped his arms around his brother's waist, his face against his neck. "Just know that it's something for you, for us," he whispered. "I think we might be missing things, and I want to see if we really need them, or if we're fine without them."

"Oh. That's it?"

"Yes. See? Nothing terrible."

"Mm," Ichiru nodded, properly mollified. Feeling lips press a chaste kiss to his chin, he smiled. "Night Zero."

"Night Ichiru."


Disclaimer: No own Vampire Knight.

Thank you for reading! :D I don't think I've used the word caramel so many times... They really like it, don't they? :D