A/N: It has been months since I last updated. It's been quite difficult for me to write but I've been forcing myself and as you can see it worked. I don't know what I can say other than you have to forgive me for being so busy and lazy these past few months. I know I'm unreliable when it comes to updates but I'm glad that many of you have decided to stick around. Thanks for your support you guys. Every one of your reviews are cherished and don't go unnoticed. I'm not sure when I'll update again, check my profile for messages on what is going on if curious.

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

Chapter 04: Troublemakers

Don't run away, dear sweet, don't run. It's too dark to see or to hear. Hold my hand as our sin runs through our veins. Don't hide, dear sweet, or the monster may eat you…

"Take care of her Kaname. Don't let her go and keep her close. Father and I, love you both," She said as a rivulet of blood ran down from the corner of her lips.

Kaname jolted awake, breathing deeply, his hand reaching up to touch his head as he sighed and closed his eyes. The same dream had been haunting him since he had dropped Yuuki off with Ichijou. He slid his hand over the thin loose white shirt he had on and clenched the fabric over his heart, gritting his teeth with a pained expression. He knew he'd be notified if something was to happen, but he wanted her by his side again. He felt uneasy and weary from the council's wishes and arguments, but all of that didn't matter, what mattered to him was Yuuki, the one existence in his life he couldn't bear to lose.

He grabbed the small container of blood tablets near his bed and plopped them into the glass of water on the bedside table. He watched the tablets dissolve and turn the once clear liquid into a dark shade of merciless red. Picking the glass up carefully with his hand, he stared at it deeply. I'm to condemn her life to one of unhappiness, sin, and eternal life. How he wished deeply for the times when Yuuki had known what they were. The burning secret within his chest was so close to breaking through, but he would wait. The caterpillar wasn't ready to come out of its cocoon yet, no it was much too early. Kaname took a sip of the blood that merely staved off the hunger that resided within him, the liquid that was so tasteless and depressing.

Putting the glass on the table again, he went back to bed, laying on his right side. He fingered the cold empty space beside him and sighed, closing his eyes, forcing himself to fall into the deep abyss of sleep that evaded him.

Yuuki slowly blinked a few times, trying to clear her tired blurry eyes, she stretched her tiny lithe body like a cat waking up from a nice nap in the sun. Getting a hold of her bearings, she noticed the bright blonde head of her Ouji-sama carefully sleeping on the edge of the bed. She decided to lay down back in bed and study the person who showed her the utmost affection since Kaname's departure. Ichijou's breathing was even and his expression was very blissful, Yuuki giggled softly to herself and continued to look into Ichijou's face.

"Ouji-sama, thank you," Yuuki whispered to Ichijou's sleeping face.

She gave Ichijou a light childish peck on Ichijou's cheek, which made him stir from his sleep; he opened his eyes, which were glazed over with sheer tiredness.

"Yuuki-chan?" Ichijou murmured half asleep.

"It's me, you sleeping beauty." Yuuki replied, giggling again.

"How are you feeling, Yuuki-chan? Your hand?" Ichijou inquired, glancing at the bandaged hand that was at Yuuki's side.

"Oh, my hand. I almost forgot. I don't feel any pain." Yuuki said.

"That's good, Yuuki-chan." Ichijou said stretching out his back and arms, the position he slept in not being one of the most comfortable sort.

"Why are you here? It doesn't look too comfortable sleeping like that." Yuuki said, frowning at the chair that was by her bed and the young man sitting on the said chair.

"Oh I was so worried for you Yuuki-chan, so I couldn't bear to sleep in my own room if something were to happen in the middle of the night." Ichijou said, his warm green eyes reflecting his kindness.

Yuuki flushed and soon found the loose thread in her nightgown to be very interesting as she looked away from Ichijou's face. She heard a noticeable chuckle and she looked up to face him.

"You should have just slept on the bed. It would have been more comfortable for you. I…I wouldn't have minded at all." Yuuki said very shyly, unable to meet Ichijou's green eyes with her own chocolate brown eyes. She felt heat rising to her cheeks again and looked back at the interesting piece of loose thread that her fingers were tugging at.

Ichijou's heart was being squeezed by the cute creature before his eyes, he just wanted to hold her tight and spin her around in circles. She was just too cute for him to stay still so he scooped her unsuspecting self and did exactly what he was thinking. Ichijou hugged Yuuki as if her were the baby koala that was clinging onto the mother and spun the poor girl in circles.

By the time Ichijou was done with his own fantasy turned reality, Yuuki's eyes were unfocused and she wasn't sure how many heads Ichijou had or where she was for that matter.

"Ouji-sama? Wahhh I'm not a toy, I'm not a toy! Let me down!" Yuuki wheezed out as Ichijou hugged the last remaining gulps of air she was able to breathe in.

"Oh Yuuki, you're so adorable I don't know how to describe it. You're like a little kitten or a cute puppy or a baby bun-"Ichijou exclaimed before Aidou suddenly came into the picture of Ichijou's happy fantasy.

"Ichijou-san, you can cut it out now! The girl's face is turning blue!" Aidou said trying to pry Ichijou's arms open with vigor and oddly a crow bar also came into mind as Ichijou's grip seemed to be of steel.

Aidou had been rubbing the sleep out of his eyes as he had just woken up himself when he saw an overly sugarcoated aura around Ichijou while passing by Yuuki's room and realized that the smothered thing in his arms wasn't one of his many stuffed animals but Yuuki. He almost growled from exasperation as he wanted a peaceful day but the first thing he had to see was an otaku depriving a child of air. Aidou raked his hair untidily with his fingers and with his slippered feet ran forward deciding that he'd like see what it would be like to save the day once again.

"Aidou! Help me!" Yuuki exclaimed out of desperation. Her hair was completely frazzled and Ichijou looked as if he had lost all his senses. Aidou let go of Ichijou and stepped back rubbing his eyes, sighing before clearing his throat.

"ICHIJOU, LOOK OVER THERE, THE NEW EDITION OF (1) LALA MAGAZINE HAS COME IN THE MAIL…OH WHAT IS THAT I SEE? LOOKS LIKE KAIN IS USING IT AS A COASTER FOR HIS DRINK!" Aidou yelled dramatically, pointing outside the door.

Ichijou stopped shaking the rag doll form of Yuuki and slowly turned to stare at Aidou, his face darkening. He dropped Yuuki and ran out the door before Aidou could even so much as blink. Aidou smirked and stepped towards Yuuki who slowly sat up, holding her head.

"I guess I can understand that LaLa magazine is more important than me." Yuuki replied, her vision slowly returning from the dizzy blur she was seeing a few seconds ago. Her eyes met Aidou's turquoise blue and she couldn't help but blush, the events of yesterday night rushing back into her mind. She looked away first, picking away at a stray thread on her pink night dress.

Aidou laughed lightly but raised an eyebrow at her peculiar behavior and shrugged it off. He remembered how much their relationship had changed since the incident had occurred, it had left him thinking deeply all night. He wasn't sure of what to do, if everything would go back to the way things were or not. Then again, he also didn't care, why should I concern myself with such trivial matters? She's just a silly child…that's all.

"How's your hand?" Aidou asked, taking Yuuki's hand to inspect the swelling.

His touch was feather light, and Yuuki almost felt her breath hitch as it tickled her hand. She was ashamed of her reactions; he was just a foolish monkey after all. But now she knew he was kind as well and the memories of his gentle and concerned expression kept invading her thoughts.

"Yuuki? Are you okay?" Aidou asked again, that concerned expression gracing his face again.

"You know you're going to get wrinkles if you keep making such a face." Yuuki deadpanned bluntly, before laughing.

"This is what I get for actually being nice." Aidou pouted.

"My hand is fine. Thanks." Yuuki said looking brightly up to Aidou. She smiled and stood up, her hand slipping away from Aidou's light grasp. She stretched her arms above her head and spun around quickly on her heels to face Aidou who was still crouching on the floor.

"AIDOU! WHY DO YOU KEEP TEASING ME?" Ichijou whined from downstairs, sobbing all the while from the lie.

"Let's go eat breakfast; I think everyone's up and about already." Aidou said, trying to hold his laughter in. He stepped outside and looked back to wait for Yuuki. She ran forward right past him and he quickly joined her, he was pretty sure he smelled blueberry pancakes.

Ruka wondered when things began to fall in place. She realized that up to this moment in her life she had constantly tried to fit the pieces of her life into its wrong respective places. As if she could force a square block into an opening made for a circle, Ruka sighed contentedly for the first time in many years. For years she had pined for the attention of Kaname, her desires only nurturing a self-destructive nature of despair but loyalty nevertheless. But now, she had finally opened her eyes to the one person who deeply cared for her at all. He was able to fall into the place that only Kaname had rested but only he was able to make her feel as if he belonged there. It was her cold heart, but as she placed her fingertips lightly above it, she couldn't help but feel inexplicably warmer.

Ruka gazed at Kain who was still asleep beside her. She sat up and drew her knees close to her body, staring at her toes that were painted a coral pink. The color only helped to make her feel even girlier. Her hair was tousled and loose from sleep, the wavy curls swaying airily with every turn of her head. She was wearing a large t-shirt that Kain had shyly given her while blushing as his eyes averted from her own. But he was so peacefully asleep, his lips slightly parted. Should I…kiss…? Ruka shook her head to get rid of the foolish thought; she wouldn't be able to live with herself knowing she did such a sneaky thing.

Kain was truly no exception to the beauty that most vampires held with high esteem. Even as he carelessly slept in such a vulnerable state, the short wavy tresses of his light orange hair looked feather soft. Ruka knew very well from the years she was a child to the young lady she was now that the amber eyes Kain had looked at her with such childish glee were now the eyes of a young man who looked at her only with the utmost love. Ruka leaned back into the fluffy white pillows, perfectly satisfied with being by Kain's side as he rested. She looked at Kain's hair again and made a quick check of her surroundings before she hesitantly touched the soft locks of his hair. Smiling she let her hand linger as she comfortingly stroked his hair. Good bye Kaname-sama, I'm letting you go. I was an ignorant fool, to think the person who is the most important to me, is no other than Akatsuki. I was blinded by an obsession…

Lost in her own little musings, Ruka was unaware of how Kain's eyes blearily opened to the soft touch of her hand. He was a bit surprised to wake up to such a pleasant thing in the morning and so he stayed still, taking care not to alert Ruka. He scolded himself for doing such a selfish thing but he figured he deserved at least this much for chasing Ruka without rest. She was finally his and he was going to enjoy every single second of this.

As the couple got lost in their own little happy worlds the door opened up with a bang. Kain sat up quickly while Ruka yelped, her hand quickly returning to her lap. Her eyes widened as Aidou stared back with his mouth open. Kain looked away with a sheepish grin, scratching his head.

"WHAT THE HECK? JUST WHAT….RUKA? KAIN? IN BED…WHA-WHAT?" Aidou exclaimed, his tongue fumbling over his own words rushing into his head. He pointed an accusing finger at the two.

Ruka managed to gather her bearings and merely glared at the intrusive insect that Hanabusa was. Both Kain and Ruka failed to notice the short little girl that was proud of her own handiwork.

"You guys had a slumber party and didn't even invite me?" Yuuki asked softly.

Ruka's mask slipped a little as she heard the young voice and she looked at the girl that was slowly approaching the bed toward Kain's side.

"I assure you Yuuki, that you are quite lucky you weren't invited to this 'slumber party'" Aidou said, smirking.

Ruka caught Aidou's insinuating comment from the start and grabbed the nearest pillow, flinging it in the direction of Aidou's face. Her aim was dead on and Aidou coughed as the pillow hit him squarely in the face.

"Aidou, you better shut up before something other than a pillow gets thrown at your face." Ruka said.

"Well maybe you want to consider putting a Do Not Disturb sign right outside your door. I'm just glad that I sleep all the way down the hall from this room." Aidou said undeterred by the pillow, it seemed he was already getting used to the random objects that were regularly thrown at him.

Yuuki unsuccessfully tried to climb up from the side of the bed but unfortunately the bed was rather high. Kain peered down and gave Yuuki a hand by giving her a lift up. Taking advantage of the situation, Yuuki whispered into Kain's ear.

"I guess everything worked out well, Kain-san. Ruka looks so happy and so do you!" Yuuki said, cupping her hand around his ear.

Kain bit his lip slightly and nodded to Yuuki. She flashed him a bright smile and climbed onto his lap, watching Aidou and Ruka exchange verbal blows.

"Aidou, you better watch yourself at night. I'm not sure, maybe when Kaname-sama comes visiting next time, a giant blown up picture of you hugging his missing left night slipper will appear." Ruka said a bit threateningly.

Aidou visibly paled, wondering how Ruka knew about such a thing. If Kaname-sama were to find out, he'd be punished for sure, he gulped noticeably unable to think of a come back.

"Fine. You win this time. Breakfast is being served now. You two should probably come join us now before Ichijou starts making up his own speculations as to why you're both late. If you want to make it less obvious try coming down at different times." Aidou said helpfully but with a glare.

Ruka glared at him with more menace and Aidou clenching his fists, looked away first to Ruka's own delight. She heard a soft growl coming from Aidou as he motioned towards Yuuki to follow him out the door. Yuuki merely responded with a shake of her head, quite comfortable in the position she was in with Kain.

Aidou scowled at Kain for making him look even more like a fool. As if Ruka didn't hurt his pride enough already, now he was trying to be all cool in front of Yuuki as well. So much for being a hero, I do something nice for her and she's already moving onto Kain. Geez, I can't stand this.

Kain looked back at his cousin with his arms raised as if he couldn't control the situation with the little girl sitting on his lap as if it were her thrown. Aidou huffed and closed the door behind him as he left. Yuuki just loved to torment Aidou; it was just too much fun.

"Hurry and get ready! There are blueberry pancakes! Aidou might eat all of it." Yuuki said clapping. Ruka and Kain both laughed.

Aidou petulantly walked down the stairs towards the patio set up with the morning's breakfast. The blueberry pancakes he was so excited about no longer appealed to him. Rima, Shiki, and Ichijou all stared at Aidou's sullen expression as he poked around at the pancakes.

"Did Ruka do something again?" Ichijou said pointedly as he put down his manga. It was obvious to Ichijou that something like this happened on a daily basis.

"Or maybe it was Yuuki?" Ichijou suggested teasingly. Unfortunately for Aidou, it wasn't just Ruka who found him to be an easy victim anymore. If life could get any worse for Aidou, it did, well it did initially but Ichijou had a feeling that Aidou was having just as much fun as Yuuki. Although with Ruka, Ichijou was pretty sure that the feelings between them were still the same.

Aidou refused to acknowledge either of the questions that Ichijou had asked him; he already knew that the answer was already obvious to them both. Shiki and Rima merely shrugged their shoulders and continued to eat without interruption. Aidou was always acting moody; today wasn't any other exception to them.

"Ahh, I love the smell of blueberry pancakes in the morning!" Ruka said, stretching her arms over her head and walking to an empty seat beside Aidou.

"Ruka-san you're feeling oddly chipper today. Something good happen this morning?" Ichijou inquired as his eyebrow quirked.

"Oh, you know, just a bit of verbal bashing exchanged between me and Aidou. Of course it's obvious that I succeeded in knocking down a peg of Aidou's excessive ego." Ruka said in a nonchalant manner as she smiled slightly.

She forked a piece of the pancake and chewed tastefully making sounds of approval over the taste, nodding her head in pleasure. Ichijou just shook his head but he could never grow tired between Aidou and Ruka's antics. Life would be very boring if they were actually nice to each other.

"Where's my delightful Hime-chan?" Ichijou asked, pouting sadly over his cup of tea.

"I'm here Ouji-sama!" Yuuki squealed as she appeared before the doorway in Kain's arms. Kain lazily grinned and let the child run towards Ichijou who eagerly opened his arms wide for her to come crashing into him.

"Hime-chan, why did you come in with Kain-san? Do you not like me anymore? I am much better than Kain-san. Yuukiiiiii!" Ichijou whined slightly.

"Ouji-sama, you must not be so selfish. Sharing is good for you and I like Kain-san. He is very kind even though he's quiet." Yuuki said.

"Kain!" Ichijou suddenly said, gasping in shock. "What did you do to my poor little Yuuki? Her love for me is straying! It's all your doing. I guess this is what we call a love triangle as I have read in many shoujo mangas. No worries, I have studied up on this matter to such a degree that I am a complete expert in this. Be very aware Kain, I shall win this battle!" Ichijou acclaimed dramatically.

When did this become a battle? I believe you need 3 people to make a triangle and all I see is one person making a fuss and confession of love here. Oh well…Kain nodded in response to Ichijou's chatter and looked up quickly to see Ruka concentrating on her breakfast right before him across the table. He gingerly grazed her bare ankles with his own and continued to pretend as if nothing happened but he knew he had gotten her attention when she suddenly shifted in her seat. Ruka looked up to catch Kain's mischievous gaze and she sent a challenge right back at him through her determined eyes.

"Cross-sama. Good morning. Are you feeling better today?" A soft voice asked, right behind Yuuki.

Yuuki turned around to see Seiren standing completely straight with her hands at her sides. Yuuki detached herself from Ichijou and grabbed Seiren's hand, pulling her along towards two empty seats so they can sit together.

"I thought I said to just call me Yuuki. I'm feeling much better. Thank you for asking. You shouldn't be so serious around me. Kaname-sama probably told you to look after me but I'm big enough to look after myself. I just need a friend to play with, Onee-chan, okay? It's alright if I call you Onee-chan, right?" Yuuki asked.

"Yes, Cr- I mean Yuuki-san" Seiren responded.

"Kaname-sama, what is this that you speak of?" An elderly council member asked with a pinched expression.

"It is as I have said already. A night class for vampires will be established at Cross Academy. Although the idea is still in formation and in its beginning stages, I will see this plan come to light." Kaname said with finality, his eyes surveying the faces of incredulity.

"But Kaname-sama, why this sudden plan? It's quite a leap from what we have been…used to for these past centuries." Ichijou Asato said.

"It's not as sudden as you may all think. This has been an idea that stems from my mother, Juri. Of course, the headmaster, the widely known ex-hunter Cross Kaien will assist us in making these changes. It will take a few years but I'm hoping all of you will be supportive of this new venture." Kaname announced.

"Ah, yes Kaname-sama" Was the shaky response of all the members. As if any one of them would openly defy the pureblood, but stirrings of disagreement were only going to begin.

It was only from there that Kaname's annoyance was beginning to escalate behind his carefully cultivated façade. Three hours later after the discussion, he knew that once he wasn't in the presence of those selfish nobles, arguments would ensure. He didn't want to be in earshot when those occurred. It's only expected… Kaname sighed tiredly, as he pushed open the dark mahogany wood of his door. The sensation of the ancient wood grain of the door brought him back to reality and he entered the darkened room. He approached his already well-used couch which he often found himself lying upon. Near a round glass topped table was a wine glass with water and blood tablets. Even though he had gotten hungry quite early from the start of the meeting, he ignored the nagging feeling and sat down on a chair instead. Taking out a piece of parchment and a fountain pen he began to write a letter to his dearest Yuuki.

Despite Kaname's horrible mood after being stuck in a room where every single noble was only thinking of the royal blood running through him, he smiled slightly. Even if you're not here, you of all people deserve a smile in return. After he signed his name off in Yuuki's letter, he continued to write a respective letter for each of the other members of the house that Yuuki was staying in. Yet when it came to the last letter, Kaname's face visibly turned more serious.

"Yuuki, you can't have anymore ice cream or else you'll become fat like Ruka." Aidou said pointedly.

Yuuki stopped jumping up and down and instead looked back at Ruka who was sitting comfortably on the couch reading a magazine. She scurried over to her and stuck her head on out on her lap.

"Nee-chan, Monkey face said I can't have ice cream because I'll be fat like you. But I don't think you're fat and if I could become like you when I grow much bigger, I'll be so happy!" Yuuki said innocently as she tattled on the poor soul.

Ruka put her magazine away and stood up to face her enemy. Aidou defiantly stared back and before Yuuki could even blink, Ruka launched herself at Aidou her hands around his neck.

"You idiot, just who do you think you're calling fat. Yuuki will be blessed if she ever gets a figure as amazing as mine, don't you know? Maybe I'll punch your face in and instead of a monkey you'll look like a pug instead! Do you want your face punched in?" Ruka growled.

Aidou coughed in response, Ruka's hands still wringing his neck. She pulled back her right fist in preparation to punch the arrogant vampire.

"Now, now children. Stop wrestling on the ground." Ichijou said, standing off to the side, as if her were playing referee.

"Who are you calling a child? As you can see the only child here is the one I'm about to kill right now, so if you'll excuse me." Ruka said impatiently as she tried to get a better grip on the flailing figure.

"Letters from Kaname-sama have all arrived in the mail. If you continue to create a ruckus in this house, I will withhold these letters until I see fit." Ichijou announced.

"WHAT?" Aidou screamed. He shoved Ruka aside as if she weighed nothing and stood with utmost poise. It was an immediate contrast to the state he was in just a moment ago.

Ruka scowled in Aidou's direction but deemed it more important to reign in her improper behavior. The rest of the vampires trailed down the stairs. Yuuki bounced up and down in place, excited to read what Kaname had to say to her.

"Okay everyone is here. Kaname-sama has kindly addressed us all individually in a letter. I hope all of you read it with great care." Ichijou said as he passed each of the letters.

It seemed Aidou and Yuuki were the most excited to read the note as they both ripped open the envelopes with vigor. Everyone else opened their envelopes with greater care using a letter opener. Ruka shook her head in Aidou's direction and bit her lip. She was a bit nervous as to what she might read.

Dear Aidou,

It has come to my attention that you are in possession of my left slipper. It would be wise if you return it to me at once when we next meet. This kind of behavior as you know will not pass without punishment. But to continue on a lighter note, I hope you are not creating havoc for the other members of the house as well as with Yuuki. The meetings that I am attending are just beginning. Hanabusa-san, your father has inquired of your activities. Write to your father in response as it will reach him through my messenger who will come a week from when you receive these letters.

Kuran Kaname

Aidou visibly paled when he read that he was going to be punished. It wasn't what he was expecting to read but it was still a letter from Kaname-sama and he couldn't ask for more. But he wondered how Kaname found out, he could only think of one person and he glared in her direction despite the fact she was oblivious to such notions.

Ichijou opened his letter carefully with the letter opener and was slightly surprised to see it was quite short and mysterious.

Dear Takuma,

It is with utmost seriousness that I write to you. I feel it is time that you understand the reasons behind the circumstances you were presented with recently. A week from when you receive this letter, a private messenger of mine will come again to fetch the return letters. Please come with a prepared excuse to the rest so you may meet with me to discuss this private matter. I find that writing to you of this matter will be risky and request that you arrive to see me. Take care of the rest and Yuuki till we meet.

Kuran Kaname

Ichijou wasn't sure how to react to the letter, other than the fact that Kaname clearly wanted to keep this information between the two of them. He carefully folded the letter and slid it into his pocket. Things were only getting more interesting.

"RUKA! Did you tell Kaname about the slipper? I thought you wouldn't dare tell him. How could you do this to me?" Aidou yelled.

"What are you talking about?" Ruka responded.

"Playing dumb now? That won't work; I've seen the same tactics being used all the time. Just come clean." Aidou said.

"I'm still reading my letter. Apparently your letter was quite short as I can see you're done already, waiting for everyone else to finish. Is this stunt an attempt to gain more attention since you're no longer in the spotlight?" Ruka said mockingly.

Aidou gasped at Ruka and he lurched forward in an attempt to grab the letter in her hands but only felt air. She held the letter out of Aidou's reach and passed it to Kain. Ichijou watched Kain and Ruka play keep away with Aidou. He shook his head at the two of them and was a bit surprised to see Kain joining in. Sighing, Ichijou couldn't help but wonder what Kaname's message to him would entail.

-End of chapter-

(1) LaLa magazine is a monthly shoujo magazine in Japan. Vampire Knight is published in this magazine.

A/N: Sorry for any errors in this chapter. I may have gotten very excited and made a few errors here and there. When I get a chance I will look over the mistakes if any of you happen to point them out! Hope you enjoyed the long chapter after the long wait!