Alrighty this chapter is nothing but a fluff bucket :) I feel the story is going to start moving along with more action from now on...i hope lol, but i wanted to give Zero and Kyra some fluff time before the hurt part of hurt/comfort set in lol. Thank you MikiMoke, Jade STtrlight, Demonic Angel 7, Animebunny123, shewhoeatspocky, RAPHELA, Simplicity Shitsuboku, AtheGDiamond, and my lovely sister from another mister...and lady lol Kanada :) Chapter 10 got the best reviews ever...so i really hope yall enjoy!

The days leading up to the dance were absolute hell. The day class girls upgraded to a new level of fangirl insanity, and with that came the increased violence that tends to go along with rabid devotion. Every morning and afternoon Yori and I were met with kicking, screaming, yelling, pulling, and shoving as we desperately tried to keep the girls from storming the night class boys. The mindless insanity of the girls was so bad that even Zero decided to perform his duties as a guardian, that is after Yori and I had gotten our fair share of bruises, scratches, and hair pullings. Things went a bit smoother since Zero started helping, since the girls didn't dare cross his icy glare, but I noticed he never faced the night class as they walked by. I still couldn't really decipher what it was I felt in my heart every time my eyes fell on Yuki since that night in library, but it was anything but compassion. I couldn't even begin to try to think of how Zero felt, but I did know that I would be there for him no matter what.

It was finally Friday afternoon, the last night before the dance, which meant it was the last chance the girls would get to make an impression on their beloveds before dance night. Neither I, nor Zero, nor Yori were prepared for the onslaught of girls. They came with love letters, drawings, candy, balloons, giant stuffed animals, anything they could use to get the attention of their favorite night class boy, and they came in hordes.

"Oh…my…God," I breathed as we watched the oncoming mob heading our way, racing to get to the front first.

"This is even worse than Valentine's day," Yori said wide eyed as the mass of balloons and gifts in the girls' arms became clearer.

"Like a pack of mindless animals," Zero muttered, an edge of irritation already starting to form in his voice. We three stood there. Us three against a herd of savage bloodthirsty fangirls. The sea of girls crashed against us like waves against a rock.

"I got here first!"

"No, I did!"

"Takuma's mine!"

"You know I'm far hotter than you are, Idol's definitely mine!"

The girls didn't waste any time fighting for a front row seat. It was only a matter of time before they started to get ugly.

"Hey, you two stop that," I said as I pulled two girls apart who were fighting over a box of chocolates to give to Aidou. "You will both be able to see him tomorrow," I huffed as I shoved them apart.

"I want to give these to him NOW!" the one holding the war torn box yelled, more at the other girl than at me.

I could hear Yori yelling as she pushed a group of girls out of the walkway, her small body straining against the mass of girls. "Stay in the boundaries!" she said sternly. The majority of the girls shot her dirty looks but moved on, but a little red head tried to sneak past her, only to be caught by Yori anyway. "I just said…OW!" I heard Yori hiss as she dropped the girl's arm. "She just bit me!" Yori yelled shocked as she held her arm. I couldn't do too much since I was in the middle of a grappling for a love letter.

"That's mine!"

"No, I wrote it!"

"It's mine now," I growled through gritted teeth as I snatched the wretched paper, or what was left of it. Before I knew it the girl in front of me snatched it from my hand, but before I could reach out, the girl's hand from behind me shot out to snatch it back, only to catch me squarely in the face. I reeled backward with my hand to my nose, a throbbing pain traveling up my face. "Are you crazy?!" I snapped as I removed my hand, a few drops of blood staining it. Crap…this is just what I need right now…I thought as I saw Zero look my way as he was dragging a screaming blond off of another screaming brunette. Instantly Zero shoved the girl aside.

"Would all of you idiots shut up!" his harsh and angry voice yelled throughout the crowd. Everyone stopped what they were doing, every head snapping at the fuming Zero. For a second I thought Zero's angry outburst had dampened the spirits of the girls. Zero could usually run off a crowd of girls in a matter of seconds, but that was not the case today. The girls immediately went back to fighting and shoving. Zero stood there looking shocked as a girl bumped into him, he didn't even turn to yell at her. I guess he wasn't used to his threats being ignored.

Well that's it…we are going to die…I sighed mentally as I tried in vain to pull girls off of each other. I could visualize our obituaries…three teens murdered by mob of rabid fangirls…what a way to go. Just when I thought we were going to get mauled, a gunshot rang out in the air. Instantly the girls dropped everything and covered their ears as they began to run back to the sun dorms, screaming and crying in fear as they ran.

"Well darn, it seems I misfired," a cocky and masculine voice said. All three of us raggedly turned to find Yagari standing there laughing at us as he slung his gun over his shoulder. "Can't handle a bunch of little girls?" he smirked as he walked up to us, our eyes staring at him blankly. Zero scowled as he ran his hand through his hair in irritation as Yagari scanned our haggard appearance. Our uniforms were twisted and torn in some areas, makeup smears everywhere from grappling with so many hormonally unstable teen girls. Zero actually sported some scratches here and there and his hair was a bit on the wild side, but for the most part he was unscathed. For Yori and me however, we looked like we just came out of a cage fight. Yori's arm was red, teeth marks plainly visible. My nose was throbbing and I had the stark feeling my eye was going turn black. The next thing we know is that Yagari is laughing hysterically at our plight. "Zero, even you couldn't control a bunch of girls," he said eyeing the silver haired boy as he laughed.

"Shut up," Zero growled just as we heard someone else's voice cut.

"Oh dear, oh dear…what happened?!" Chairman's dramatic and nasally voice panicked as he ran up to us, nearly tripping in the process. "There were gunshots!" he yelped as he looked around, expected somebody to be dying.

Yagari sighed, knowing his time of humiliating us was over. "I gave your little girl squad here a hand in controlling the beasts," Yagari gruffly said, his irritation at Chairman clearly apparent.

"You know you can't go around shooting guns at my school!" Chairman fussed as he shook his finger in Yagari's face. "This is a place of safety and high learning," he continued as he crossed his arms, the hideous pink shawl he was wearing swishing at the motion.

"These kids beg to differ," Yagari smirked as he pointed in our direction. "Well, I'm getting out of here before these three hand you your butt. As much as I'd like to see it, I have things to do," Yagari said as he lit a cigarette and turned to go. "Don't go easy on him," he called to us as he flicked a quick wave.

"Hey, no smoking on my campus!" Chairman blurted, but of course Yagari was past the point of caring. Chairman Cross sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Now come on you three, it couldn't have been that bad," he said cheerily as he turned to face us, but his face fell as our icy glares met with his smiling face. "Oh my…" he muttered in shock as he stared at us dumbfounded. The next thing we know is that the massive doors to the moon dorm have swung open, the night class already heading out to class.

"Wha…where's my ladies?" Aidou asked pitifully as his sad eyes scanned for his loyal fans. "I can't go on without my loving fans," he sniveled as Kain sighed and rolled his eyes by his side.

"Just shut up and get moving," Zero snapped at the whining vampire, his voice cold. The two night class boys glared at him coldly before beginning to continue with the rest of the class, Aidou turning around and sticking his tongue out childishly at Zero, that is before Kain elbowed him harshly.

We watched as the night class disappeared into the school below, the silence killer. Zero huffed angrily before he began to stalk back to the sun dorms, Yori and I following behind him silently. "Oh now come on, don't be angry," Chairman tried to plead, but Zero just shot him a dirty look as he passed by, Yori and I continuing silently. "Please don't give me the cold shoulder," he whined as we left. "I…I'll make cookies!" he yelled desperately as we continued to leave him behind.

We made it back to the dorms in one piece, but just barely.

"I'm going to take a shower and go to bed," Yori said wearily as she looked at her arm, which looked a little better.

"I won't be far behind you," I tiredly smiled at her. She nodded and then smiled quickly at Zero. "Thanks for your help Zero," she said as she turned to go inside the girls dorms.

"No problem," he said stoically. When Yori was inside I felt Zero's cool hand turn my face to the side. I heard him sigh as his thumb passed under my nose, his pale skin smeared with red. "You sure know how to get an ugly face before a dance," he said as he was about to wipe my blood on the edge of his jacket.

"No, no, you can wipe it on mine," I said as I caught his arm, his face knitting in surprise. "I uh…I don't want it to bother you," I sheepishly said as I let him go.

"It's not like I'm going to freak out or anything," he said annoyed as he glared at me. I felt my face turn red in shame as I cast my eyes on the dirt.

"I know…I'm sorry Zero. I just…," my voice squeaked, my face burning. Way to make him feel good about himself Lockhart…I mentally kicked myself. I felt Zero's cool hand once again cup my burning face.

"It's ok, I know you were just looking out for me," he said softly as his thumb brushed under my bruised eye, causing me to wince a little. "Are you sure you are ok," he asked seriously. "Those girls were insane."

"Oh, I'm ok, but my face probably won't look too hot tomorrow," I sighed as I felt the pulsating in my nose and eye.

Zero smirked as he said, "I'm ok with standing next to girls with ugly faces." I felt his warm hand pat the top of my head playfully, then sweetly as he ran his fingers through my tousled hair.

"Hey!" I snapped as I turned to flash him a dirty look, but before I could deliver it, I felt his delicate lips against mine as his hand cradled the back of my head. I was just leaning into his kiss when he pulled back.

"Now what was it that you were going say?" he said with a cocky glow in his violet eyes. I stood there with a faint blush dumbly, still in shock from his little surprise. "That's what I thought," he sighed as he pulled me into his arms.

"Not fair," I mumbled as I nestled my face against his shoulder, his hair tickling my face. I could never get enough of his rich and crisp scent.

"Go clean yourself up and get some rest," Zero said as we pulled away, sleepiness starting to form in his own eyes after such a long week. "We are going to need it tomorrow."

"No joke," I sighed tiredly. "You go get some rest yourself," I said as I quickly hugged him again and kissed him on the cheek. "Oh and thank you so much for your help," I said with a smile.

"It's no problem," he said tiredly. "Well you need to go put some ice on that thing and I'm going to bed," Zero said as he nodded at my eye. "Please take care of yourself," he sighed as he slipped his hand through my hair and gently kissed me. "Don't even worry about researching tonight…it'll be ok. Just…get some rest ok," he said softly, yet a bit sadly at the same time.

"I will," I sighed as I hugged him. "Goodnight Zero," I said softly as he pulled away.

"Goodnight Kyra," he replied as his cool fingers traced my face as he pulled his hand away. I watched him turn to leave, and then I myself headed inside.

Zero actually seemed…somewhat happy just then…I pondered as I climbed the stairs. He was actually joking with me and… it was like I was seeing a glimpse of the real Zero. I want to know that Zero…I just hope…I just hope I don't run out of time or if I…I once again had to shut off my thoughts before they took over. The reality of everything was almost too much bear. He seemed so vibrant…and strong…I mused as I entered our room, the sound of the shower running greeting me. I wonder…how long will he stay that way…how many times can he rebound before he…before he can't anymore. I flung myself on my bed and gripped my pillow in an iron grasp. If it wasn't for purebloods…he wouldn't have to be suffering so much… I squeezed the soft and spongy fabric in anger. I hate purebloods…they only ruin lives… I finally curled up with my beaten up pillow and closed my eyes, my eyes closing heavily as I waiting for Yori to finish in the bathroom.

Finally the day of the dance came. The morning was spent finishing the ballroom, and of course nearly everyone asked about my eye, which was a lovely blue black color I might add. Afternoon came sooner than I thought it would as Yori and I were finally able to get ready ourselves, since we had to keep the dorm of screaming girls in check.

"So Yori…have you decided what you are going to be," I asked with a smile as I opened the box containing my costume.'

"Already done," she said with a sigh as she threw a simple black cape over her shoulders. I looked at her quizzically until she placed a witch's hat on her soft hair. "Ta da," she said sarcastically as she held her arms out to the side. I couldn't help but giggle at her simple attire and none too thrilled face.

"It's perfect for you," I giggled as I pulled out my own costume, which I found to be very lavish. It was a perfect rendition of Holo's purple dress, vest, sash, and boots along with a handcrafted set of ears and a tail.

"Wow," Yori said wide eyed.

"Geeze…my aunt goes way to far sometimes," I sighed, not wanting to know how much this thing cost.

"Well…I'll let you change oh wise wolf," Yori laughed as she opened the door. "We don't have much longer until the dance starts." With that the door clicked shut. I slipped out of my clothes and into the beautiful dress. As I tied the red sash around my waist, I realized that I really had gotten a lot skinnier since I lost my family. I brushed it off as I pulled on my vest and headed to the bathroom to do my makeup. I tried my hardest to cover up my bruised eye, but there was no hiding it. I sighed as I brushed my hair out, when I got an idea. I grabbed a pair of scissors and carefully cut myself bangs to match Holo's, I wasn't a stickler about my hair anyway. I placed the headband with ears on my head and took a step back. I actually looked like Holo…with a bit more brownish hair. I smiled as I heard a knock at the door.

"I'm decent Yori," I called as I brushed my new bangs down. I heard the door open, but when I turned I found Zero standing in the middle of the room. His eyes seemed to widen when he saw me, a gleam flashing through his violet eyes. "Uh…Zero?" I said surprised as I walked over to him. He was dressed in a simple yet very sharp black suit with a red tie, which was somewhat loose. I know my cheeks flushed when my heart began to bounce in my chest at the sight of him so handsome.

"You look amazing," he said quietly as he looked at me with wide eyes. He looked away as he ran his fingers through his hair. I laughed to myself at his awkwardness, which was a rarity. It seemed we both were babbling idiots today.

"Thank you Zero," I said with a smile as my cheeks finally quit flushing.

"So…who are you supposed to be?" he asked softly as he toyed with one of my wolf ears. "A fox thing?"

"No," I sighed as I hugged him. "I'm the wolf goddess Holo," I said as I pulled back to look him in the eyes.

" So you're a nerd," he said with a smirk as he rubbed my head.

"At least I'm something," I said as I smoothed my hair back down. "Can't say the same for you."

"I don't do costumes," he said stonily as he crossed his arms.

"I would have never thought that Zero," I said sarcastically. We stood there in silence for a few seconds before Zero spoke again.

"I uh…came to walk you to the dance," he said softly. "I didn't want you to have to fight those girls with that eye of yours," he sighed as he brushed his finger under the bruised skin.

"That noticeable huh?" I sighed in despair.

"Most definitely," he smirked as he held out his arm for me to take. "But like I said, I can handle being seen with a beaten up nerd," he said as he took my hand and placed it on his arm as I shot him a look. I had to smile, I loved the fact that he was actually happy enough to joke with me.

"Well, just be glad I can handle being seen with the boring guy who didn't wear a costume and who's going to get an earful from Chairman," I said playfully.

"I can handle him," he said as he rolled his eyes at the thought of Chairman's nasally voice. I smiled at Zero, but then I cast my eyes to the floor as I remembered something. "What's wrong?" Zero asked surprised.

"Well I uh…you know she's going to…" I tried to spit out but Zero put his cool finger to my lips gently as he pulled me close.

"I have you right?" he whispered as he stroked my hair.

"Of course Zero, no matter what," I said as I nestled against him.

"Then there's nothing to worry about," he said with the faintest smile as we pulled away. His smile was so rare that when it was directed at me, I couldn't help but turn red. "You ready to go?" he asked quietly.

"Uh…yeah," I blabbered dumbly as I looped my arm through his.

"You cut your hair," Zero said with a smirk as he flipped my bangs playfully as we made our way out.

"Had to look the part," I said brushing them down again.

"You're really weird," Zero sighed as I pretended to smack him as we made our way to the dance.

Of course we had to go right to work as soon as we stepped into the ballroom, although I was impressed with how our work turned out. The room was genuinely creepy as the old chandeliers burned from above, casting a faint shadow on everything. Everyone was dressed in extravagant costumes, and I had to laugh when I saw a bunch of girls dressed up as sexy vampires. The night class girls glared at the short skirts and high heeled boots as the day class girls joked about drinking the blood of the night class boys. I sighed to myself. If only they knew…. Zero scowled at them as well, with which they responded with dirty looks. Finally we found Yori, who was arranging a line of girls who were waiting for a turn to dance with one of the night class boys.

Zero and I wasted no time helping her out, and as I went to create a line for Takuma, I caught of glimpse of Yuki and Kaname dancing together in the center of the dance floor. Both were dressed in Victorian styled clothing. The prince and his princess…how cute…I thought sarcastically as I motioned for Takuma to retrieve his next dance partner. I watched as Yuki's face was filled with delight as she looked into Kaname's deep brown eyes. I thought I was going to gag…

"I said he's not dancing with you," I heard Rima's sharp voice say. I turned to see her dragging an apathetic Shiki out of a group of day class girls, who were of course yelling angrily at her. She stomped up to me with Shiki in tow, both of them in Gothic Lolita outfits. Tonight, she really did look like a doll. "Those girls are idiots," she hissed as she glared at them over her shoulder.

"I think someone doesn't want to share," Shiki sighed. I had to giggle at Rima's face as she snapped at her partner.

"Shut up Senri!" she snapped. "See you later Kyra," she grumbled as she dragged Shiki behind her, him flicking me a quick wave while he could. My eyes then fell on a lonely looking Ruka who was watching Kaname and Yuki from a distance.

"What are you staring at?" she hissed at me as she caught sight of me watching her.

"Nothing Ruka," I sighed as she snapped her head in the opposite direction, her long and flowing hair which had been curled flowing. She was dressed in an elegant aqua dress with a French masquerade mask covering half of her porcelain face, blue peacock feathers intricately entwined in her hair. Soon I felt a hand on my shoulder yanking me back. "Hey…" I started, but I turned to find Yori dragging me.

"I need you," she said quickly. "See that?" she said as she turned me around and pointed to a wall of lonely and dejected day class boys. "That's not good," she said crisply as she proceeded to drag me again. She plowed her way through a group of chattering girls. "Kiryu!" she called to Zero, who turned around with a confused expression as he saw her coming with me stumbling behind. She marched up to the dazed boy and flung me at him, me smacking into his chest with a thud. "You two," she said as she placed my hands on his shoulders and his on my waist, both us too confused to resist her. "Get out there and dance so these crazy girls and depressed guys can see that females can dance with guys from the day class. You're their hero anyway Zero," she said as she started to push us out on the floor. "Make me proud," she said with a grin as she left us.

I know my face was beat red as we stood there. My heart was flip flopping in my chest as I felt Zero's strong hands on my waist. Zero equally looked shocked as he stared at me wide eyed. By now we had gotten the attention of the day class girls, who never in their lives thought Zero Kiryu would be on a dance floor with any girl. I was beginning to tremble in embarrassment and nervousness when Zero relaxed.

"You can't dance if you're shaking like a leaf," he said softly as he looked at me with warm eyes.

"I uh…you don't have to if you don't want…" I stammered as my face burned, but Zero tightened his grip around my waist, causing my heart to hammer.

"Dancing with a wolf goddess is a rare privilege," he smirked, which caused me to relax a bit. "How can I pass that up?" he said as we slowly began to join the dancers. "Now please tell me that a girl as smart as you knows how to dance," he sighed.

"I uh…well it's been a while," I said as I remembered my father dancing with me as a little girl.

"Maybe I can help you remember," Zero said with a mischievous glint in his eye. Before I could say anything he pulled me closer as we began to move faster. "Follow my lead and you will be fine," he said quietly. I looked into his violet eyes and began to move with his rhythm, my feet and body beginning to remember. Soon we were moving in sync with each other, our steps became one as the music played.

"Way to go Kiryu!" we heard a boy call. We both looked over to see the day class boys beginning to approach the girls. Soon, they actually succeeded in winning some of them over. Yori shot us a thumbs up from across the room. I smiled as I turned back to look at Zero, who was actually beginning to form a small smile himself. This is what I want…thought as we danced. I want Zero to be happy, and for once, I think he is beginning to remember what it feels like to be happy…

"What are you thinking about Lockhart?" he asked softly.

"You," I shyly said as I blushed.

"What about?" he asked, his eyes curious.

"How you actually seem like you are finding happiness again…and…that's what I want," I said quietly to him. "I want you to be happy Zero…and I'll do anything to make sure you find it. I'm happiest when I'm by your side," I nearly whispered. It was like the words jumped straight from heart to my mouth, because I had no idea that was going to come out. Zero immediately stopped abruptly, his eyes wide. "Uh…Zero?" I asked nervously, but before I knew it Zero had me in his arms, his lips passionately kissing mine. I heard someone whistle as a group of guys cheered.

"You go Kiryu!" one of them yelled as Zero pulled back and looked at me, his hands trembling around me. There was the slightest blush across his pale cheeks as he looked at me with wide and emotion filled eyes. We stared into each other's eyes, my heart pounding in my chest. Soon though, we both turned to see the whole party, day and night class, staring at us. I saw Zero run his fingers through his silver hair quickly as I felt my face burn. Yori mouthed an "I knew it" at me as we scanned the many pairs of eyes that were on us. The day class boys were grinning like crazy as the day class girls stood shocked. The majority of the night class could have cared less, but I saw a small smile on Rima's lips and a rather massive grin plastered on Takuma's face. Aidou's jaw was on the floor in disbelief. Then I saw Zero's eyes fall on Yuki and Kaname. Kaname had his usual smooth grin, which made my skin crawl. He knows for sure now…I thought as a cold sweat prickled my back. He knows that Zero is attached to me… Yuki's expression was one I could not decipher, and as her and Zero exchanged glances, I was afraid of what was going to happen. I cast my eyes to floor, waiting for something to happen but Zero gently brushed my hair from my eyes as he gathered me in his arms as we began to dance again.

" I told you that as long I have you there's nothing to worry about," he said, his voice still a bit shaky. "I'm sorry if I…embarrassed you," he said as he looked at me guiltily. "I just…"

"You don't have to explain Zero," I said quietly as I leaned my head on his shoulder as a slow song began. "I know," I whispered as I felt his silky hair tickle my face. Finally finding relief after so much suffering…finding warmth and safety after living in the bitter and dark cold. You spring for it…grab it and hold it tightly, afraid you might lose it in the blink of an eye. The leap of faith…I mused as I kissed Zero's warm neck, the marks of the hunter's tattoo small ridges under my lips. I will save you Zero…no matter what. I have to…I don't know what I would do without you…

The night went on like a dream. When we finally stopped dancing and went back to Yori, Zero was greeted by the day class boys, who he immediately sent death glares to. Yori couldn't hide the smirk she wore.

"Geeze Kyra all I asked you to do was dance with the guy, not make out with him and make me feel forever alone," she sighed.

Finally it was over as the night and day class students returned to their dorms, that is after we picked the night class boys clean of any day class girls that still clung to them.

"Whew I'm tired," Yori yawned as us three were the last to leave.

"Yeah, me too," I said stifling a yawn.

"Oh I don't want to hear any complaining from you," Yori pretended to snap at me. I felt my cheeks flush as she smirked at me.

"You started it," Zero said coolly to Yori.

"Then you should be thanking me," she said just as cool. I couldn't help but laughing at the two of them as we finally made it to the dorms. "Don't start making out until I go inside," she sighed as we came to the girls' dorm. My face blushed as Zero's eyes shot to the ground. "I'm just kidding," she giggled as she went inside. I shook my head at my friend and then turned to Zero. At first there was an awkward silence as we shifted our eyes to the ground and then back up at each other, but then Zero took my hand and led me to the stone steps. I sat down with him on the cool marble, wondering what he was doing. He pulled me into his arms, but he cradled my head against his chest. The sound of his strong beating heart filled my ears, it's rhythm growing faster as he stroked my hair.

"I know you like the sound of it," he said quietly as his cool fingers ran through my hair. I closed my eyes and listened to the familiar and calming sound, one of the dearest sounds I had ever heard. "Kyra?" he said in a quiet voice after a little while.

"Hmm," I answered softly as he held me.

"Would you…would you find a way to keep…to keep my heart beating so…" he said quietly as he pulled away and to my surprise rested his head against my own chest, his body leaning into my arms. "So I can keep listening to yours," he whispered as he closed his eyes and wrapped his arms around my waist. I began to stroke his silky hair with a trembling hand as I felt a tear slide down my face as he rested in my arms.

"I will Zero," I said in a shaky voice, tears threatening to flood. "I will find a way," I whispered as I kissed the top of his head. "I promise you I will," I said as I held the boy that I loved more than anything tightly in my arms under the light of a full moon.

Is it bad if you almost start crying at your own writing? Cause I did...maybe its hormones...anyways i hope you enjoyed chapter 11! Please please please review!