Guess who baaaaacccckkkkk~ Hee hee I missed you guys and writing! Man College life kept me busy but got through this quarter and made it to the dean's list! Whoop! Now I am on winter break and don't have to go back to school until January 5th! I want to try and have this story done before then! I thank you guys for all your patience and apologize for the wait.

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire knight or its character! If I did Yuuki would not exist!

Claimer: I own the idea of this fic and the OC characters

Warnings: Stalking…The last of happiness…

Enjoy and please Review after you are done reading.

Chapter 8: Last of the Glory Days

Two days came too quickly in Zero's opinion. Kaname left to visit the vampire council and Takuma went with him to keep him company and to put in a good word for Zero. The silverette didn't deny his help but felt bad because he had to deal with some old timers and keep on good graces.

Zero wanted to go so badly, just to give those old farts a piece of his mind except that wouldn't help his case. Sighing he stretched sitting up carefully as not to disturb his brother. He was sharing his room. Cross had an extra room but Zero wanted to talk more with his brother. So since he got here Ichiru has been rooming with him. Ichiru and he would lay in bed together and talk until they both fell asleep.

He smiled down at his brother and gently ruffled his hair. Even though Kaname wasn't here Zero wouldn't be bored.

"Maybe when Kaname gets back we all can go somewhere…" He said to his sleeping sibling. "Maybe go see the ocean." He glanced out his window. "I've always wonder what the sea looks like in winter."

Ichiru began to mumble in his sleep and wrapped his arms around Zero's waist and snuggled into his side.

"Ichiru…" Zero chuckled. "I wonder what he's dreaming about."

"Mm…so good…" Ichiru rubbed his face against Zero's side, and the older twin tried to untangle himself from him.

"Gah! I-Ichiru wake up." He laughed out, instead of letting go Ichiru mumbled more and bit Zero lightly and began nibbling. Zero cried out in surprise flailing and fell out of the bed pulling his brother with him to the floor.

Ichiru finally woke up his eyes still drowsy and his mouth still attached to Zero's side. "Guod Mumring Zewo." He greeted.

"Hey…" was all Zero said. "Think you can let me go now?...Teeth and all."

Ichiru blinked in confusion then surveyed their position. His face turned bright red and he sat up quickly. "You weren't…" He cut himself off. "Uh- I mean- sorry aniki."

Zero narrowed his eyes in suspicion his lips pulling into a smirk. "What were you dreaming about Ichi?"

"Nothing…" he mentally sighed in relief when his brother shrugged but his relief was short lived when he was pounced on. "Zero! Come on! Get off!"

Zero had him pinned to the floor his smirk growing mischievous. "What were you dreaming about?" Zero asked again.

Ichiru turned his head to the side a blush on his face. He desperately wished he was the type to forget his dreams when he wakes up.

"Were you dreaming about Simone' again?"

Ichiru snapped his head and blurted out. "No! It was something else!"

"Oh and that was…" Zero trailed off.

Realizing what he said Ichiru groaned and just gave up he mumbled what his dream was about, he had to repeat multiple times until his brother finally heard him.

"Food." Laughter was present in his voice. "You were dreaming about food?"

"Yep." He answered with a straight face his blush rising at Zero's laughter. "It was the best dream! I had all my favorite foods and Simone' was feeding me." He said with a dreamy smile. "It was the best dream ever! And it was great until I was rudely awaken by you." He pouted when his brother only continued to laugh at him. "There! Can you let me up now? I'm sorry for biting you!"

Zero told him he wasn't mad and assured him he didn't bite hard or leave a mark. Though Zero didn't let him up, instead he grinned down at him. "Ne, Ichiru wanna know what my favorite fruit is?"

Ichiru tilted his head at the subject change but he looked at his brother suspiciously. "What is it?"

Zero answered his question by giving him a raspberry to the neck, his brother laughing in surprise and begging for him to stop.

Zero stopped snickering as he moved off him and stood. "Come on, I'll fix breakfast." He helped his brother up. "Maybe Simone' can feed you." He teased.

"Shut up!" Ichiru blushed

A shadowed figure concealed his presence as he spied on the desired targets. The follower of Yuuki, kept watch from a distance, as she commanded, and would report to her occasionally. He already sent word of Kaname and Takuma being absent from the grounds and who remained. His master was pleased with the outcome, and soon returned to her, another follower replacing his watch. Before he left he saw Zero leaving the grounds with a hooded figure; he returned to Yuuki to report the matter while telling his stand in to keep watch and follow Zero.

Ichiru and Zero walked through town, their destination being HQ. The reason was not to register Ichiru into HQ's system but to visit two certain hunters who have not seen him yet. Ichiru was nervous to see his teacher, remembering the last words he said to him weren't so kind. Thinking about it made him clench his hands and bow his head in shame. He wasn't in his right mind then but that was no excuse; he knew well of actions even when he was out of it.

And he wondered, would his teacher forgive him?

Did he deserve forgiveness?

"Here we are." Zero said looking up at the building. He gave a side glance to Ichiru who seemed like he was ready to run away. "Keep your hood up and keep your scarf covering your face. Your identity will be concealed until we are alone with Cross and sensei." He smiled. "You ready?"

Ichiru stared at the building with dread and closed his eyes with a sigh nodding. 'It's now or never.' And with one step followed by another he entered the Hunter's Headquarters with his brother in the front. "Lead the way Ze."

Once inside the building the twins kept to themselves as they walked past the many hunters that litter the halls. The younger twin noticed the stares Zero received some pleased to see him and others the exact opposite. Also his older brother was greeted with either a simple nod or wave to which Zero returned. Ichiru kept his face tucked in his scarf and stayed silent, he was grateful they did not stop to talk.

Almost close to their sensei an obstacle blocked their way, a very familiar obstacle. Ichiru's eyes widen and Zero quietly cursed under his breathe but kept his cool.

"Yo," came the cool greeting from a calm Kaito.

Ichiru sucked in air and averted his eyes to the floor, he could not believe Kaito was here! It had to be him of all people to bump into! It's been years since he saw the man, the last time he saw him was when they were kids. Seeing him now all grown up shocked Ichiru, though he wondered if the older male was still a bully.

"Hey Kaito," Zero returned the greeting.

"So what brings you to HQ? It's weird seeing you here. Are you here for a mission or something?"

"No, I'm looking for Sensei." He didn't say why. "Have you seen him?"

"Last time I saw him he was in his office looking at some reports…Cross was with him too." His eyes glanced at the silent stranger. "Who's your friend?" Ichiru nodded in greeting

Zero kept a calm face as he lied. "Just someone who helped me on my last mission. I plan to introduce him to Sensei."

Kaito raised a brow. "Hm, you usually work solo."

Zero shrugged. "Wasn't my call. It was either have a partner or someone else take the mission."

Kaito bought the lie and walked past them. "Well I won't keep you. I have to look over some reports." He gave a lazy wave to them as he disappeared around the corner.

Both twins let out a sighs of relief and continued on their way. Ichiru quietly commented Kaito's calm demeanor to which Zero replied about how he may be mellow but was still a firecracker when provoked.

It wasn't long before they reached Yagari's office.

Ichiru felt his nervousness return and he had the strong urge to run away and hide. 'That sounds like a good idea.' He thought swallowing. He jumped when he felt a pat on his shoulder he turned and saw Zero gazing at him with encouragement and motioned to the door. Ichiru sighed and gave two knocks to the door and waited for a response.

No answer. He could run right-

"Come in." Came the grunt reply.

Ichiru opened the door and they both stepped inside closing the door. Yagari's office was medium size, and had no windows, offering up Zero remained behind Ichiru as he greeted their teacher who was currently reading over some papers, a scowl on his face.

"Hey brat." He still didn't look up. "What's up?"

"Nothing much." He motioned to Ichiru to remove his hood and scarf. "We passed Kaito in the hall." He held back laughter as his Sensei still didn't look up; Ichiru gave him worrying a look.

"Ah." He said automatically.

"Also I paid a visit to Kaa-san and Tou-san. And ran into someone." His teacher finally glanced in his student's direction only to gape.

Ichiru gave a nervous smile. "Hey Sensei."

The reunion between teacher and student was an emotional one but pleasing none the less. Yagari was given the full story of why Ichiru was in hiding and the reason he made his presence known. Though Ichiru made it clear he was not here to join hunter, only to let his teacher know he was alive. Said teacher did not press him on becoming a hunter, respecting his decision.

Yagari abandoned his work and caught up with his students, enjoying their company. It reminded him of when they were younger and in training. Soon enough they were joined by Cross who was over-joyed and asked questions a mile minute while hugging Ichiru to death. The chairman was told the same information that was given to Yagari. Majority of the day was spent talking and learning about the experiences Ichiru went through.

~Kuran Mansion~

Yuuki sat in the library looking at a record of her family tree. The reason so she could find something on Kaname, already learning the demise of her blood brother by Rido's, and the ancestor, hand. She needed to up one on Kaname without him knowing, needing to be ten steps ahead of him to control him.

"Kuran-sama." One of her followers appeared kneeling before her.

"Mirotsu-san," She gazed down at him. "What do you have to report?"

"A new person is now staying at Cross academy."

Yuuki tilted her head. "Who?"

"We do not know, his face is covered and scent unfamiliar to us. He was seen with the target leaving the academy."

"Well not knowing who he is poses a problem…" Yuuki hummed. "Stick to the plan. Anyone close to Zero will be an advantage for me." She smiled. "It just adds to the list of ways I can hurt him, the more the bloodier and sweeter."

"Yes Kuran –sama." He nodded. "And the new individual?"

"Monitor him like you have with the others." She ordered. "Also when will Kaname and Takuma return?"

"Yes ma'am, both will return by the end of the week with some members of the council." He answered.

Her expression went from thoughtful to realization. "He plans to introduce them to Zero… as his mate." Yuuki's eyes lit up. "That is perfect! I'm calling meeting now! Spread the word to everyone else."

"Yes Kuran-sama. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

"No that will be all. Continue to monitor them and let me know of any and all changes. You may go."

"Understood." And he was gone, leaving the female pureblood to her thoughts.

"Hee hee," Yuuki leaned back in the chair. "Things will become so interesting and fun." She looked up at the ceiling. "Soon enough I'll have all my toys to play with." She smiled her eyes flashing to mitch-match. "And to break."

~Back at the academy~

Sherri's eyes snapped opened.

She sat up slowly from bed her red hair falling around her naked form. She heard the shower and knew her mate was in there. Gazing at the clock she saw it was only around noon, she turned her sleepy stare on the window, getting up she donned her robe and walked over and opened the curtains. She squinted at the sunlight but her eyes soon adjusted, the school grounds was a blanket of pure white. Playing in the snow was Yori, Ruka, and Aido, the three sliding down the hill, she smiled. Closing her eyes she searched out where the others were. Seiren was shadowing Zero and Ichiru in town, Kain was still sleeping along with Rima and Shiki, and Simone' was in the stables tending to the horses.

She heard the shower cut off and soon enough the door opened and a steamy Handro walked out of the bathroom towel drying his hair.

"Good morning." Sherri greeted closing the curtains walking over to Handro pecking his shoulder. Then past him into the bathroom to freshen up.

"Good afternoon sleeping beauty."

As Sherri brushed her teeth she had an odd feeling all due to a simple dream she had. 'More of a nightmare.' She thought rinsing her mouth. Her dream consisted of Zero, he was bound in chains imprisoned in a cell, his body wounded. Also he was glaring death at the figure standing outside his cell. Sherri could not tell if it was a man or a woman because the shadows hid their figure. Zero had said something yet before she could make out what he said she woke up.

Washing her face she sighed. 'That dream was most unsettling.' She walked out of the bathroom with a concerning frown. 'Would if it means something? Is Zero in danger?' The elf wished she hadn't woken up, if only she had more to go on.

"Sherri?" Handro called her and she snapped out of her daze.

"Hm?"

"Something has you upset." Sherri nodded sitting on the bed. "What has you troubled?"

"A dream…" She rain fingers through her hair. "An unpleasant one." Alahandro sat next to her and she told him about the dream she had about Zero.

"This may be a vision." He stated.

"Yes but of what?" she gazed at him. "I couldn't recognize the place he was imprisoned in, or hear what was happening…" She bit her lip. "He was talking to someone hidden in the shadows outside his cell. I wish I knew what was going on."

"Hm, there isn't much we can do love." Handro cupped her cheek. "We can only do so much with such a limited dream."

"I know," she kissed his palm. "I just hope we can avoid it."

"Maybe it isn't meant to be avoided." He said. "You and I both know how these things work. We can do nothing to stop what is to come." Sherri nodded and he smiled. "Though that was only a glance of what is to come, it gives us time to prepare."

Sherri smiled. "Ya." She hoped they'd be able to avoid anything fatal for whatever harm befalls their friend.

~Evening at the Council~

Kaname sat at the table with members of the Vampire council, Takuma standing by his side. Another familiar face he saw was Isaya. He just informed the members that he found his mate, which lead to questions.

"Who is she?"

"What is her status?"

"Are you sure about her becoming your queen?"

Kaname's expression remained calm and neutral, though inside he was annoyed with all the questioning and their assumptions. Isaya sat there with a quiet and secret smile at the commotion.

Kaname raised a hand for silence. "Everyone if I may," he began given silence. "I have indeed found a mate. We are already in the process of courtship."

"But who is she?"

"He," Eyes except, Takuma and Isaya, widen. "Is Kiryu Zero." He said and outrage shouts broke out.

"An ex human!"

"He is a hunter!"

"How could you choose such filth as your mate?!"

"Not only have you chosen a terrible candidate for your bride but a barren one as well."

"He won't be able to give you any heirs!"

Kaname took all their critical and harsh words with a bored and semi-amused eyes. It made no difference to him what they thought about his decision. They had no real power over him and could not interfere with his love life. He wasn't worried about having children though, if the two wanted to have children then they'd adopt. He tolerated a few more insults then sent out his aura, it flared dangerously and that shut them up instantly.

"I've heard quite enough of your complaints, whether you agree with my decision or not who I choose to spend the rest of my life with," His eyes flashed red. "Is none of your affair."

"There is no worth of that ex-human! "

"Maybe not to you but to me he is. I find myself fortunate to have an individual such as Zero willing to be my mate and return my feelings truthfully." A small smile appeared as he spoke about the silverette. "Which brings me to the next topic."

The members gazed at him in suspicion.

Kaname smiled. "I would like a select few, five in particular, to return with me to meet him. I came to Isaya-san with this same request and he has already agreed to go." he motioned to the other pureblood who smiled. "You have only a few days to decide among you who will go."

~Cross Academy~

Zero sneezed into his arm, from the kitchen he heard his brother yell 'plague'. He rolled his eyes chuckling. "Come here so I can sneeze on you! We could be the sick twins!"

"No! Be sick by yourself!"

Before Zero could retort his cell phone rang seeing the caller ID he answered immediately. "Hey Kaname," he said reclining on the couch. "How did the meeting go?"

"It went as I expected most of the members unhappy. We just finished a discussion regarding who will come back with me."

"So the old farts didn't take kindly about you being with an ex-human-hunter huh?"

"No there isn't anything they can really do about that." He paused. "I'm settled on my choice whether they like it or not."

Zero smiled at his words. "So who all decided to come back with you to meet me?"

"Well so far only Isaya-san has volunteered."

"But Isaya-san already knows about us."

"The council doesn't know that." Zero could hear the smirk in his voice. "How are things on your end?"

Zero looked up at the ceiling. "Fine, nothing much happening. Oh! Ichiru and I went to HQ so now Cross-san and Sensei know he's alive. Other than that nothing really happened."

"Ah, it went well."

"Yeah Sensei and Cross were really happy."

"That's good-…Takuma…" Zero heard quiet talking in the background. "Alright thank you Takuma…Zero I have to go. One of the members would like to speak with me. I'll call tomorrow."

"Okay night Kaname," he blushed when he added. "I love you."

"Goodnight Zero. I love you too." The pureblood purred warmly.

Zero blushed more and hung up, he couldn't wait for Kaname to return. Though he worried about the council members returning with him. Kaname said most of the councilmen were unhappy with the news, so beside Isaya he doubt the other members would put in a good word and be fair. He would not put up a front he'd be honest and besides it didn't really make a difference. As Kaname said they had no say in their relationship so there is nothing to worry about.

"Zero! Dinner is done!" Ichiru called him.

Settled with his thoughts he stood from the couch. 'I'll take their words with an empty mind.' He thought strolling into the kitchen. Yet he wondered if the members would be fair and understanding like Isaya, trusting and believing in Kaname's decision. Seeing the love they had for each other.

'I can only hope that they do.' He helped set the table, still thinking on the matter.

"Ne Ichiru where is Simone'?"

Ichiru looked up from washing the dishes. "Last time I saw her she was going with pigtails chick to town?"

"Pigtails chick?" he wondered then realized he was talking about Rima. "Her name is Rima. Why'd they go to town?"

"Rima said she needed some material to make a new stuff animal or something. So Sim-chan went with her."

"Hm," Zero hummed staring at his brother. As much as he loved having his brother around he felt like he was hogging his brother from the female. He wondered if the two spent any time together alone. Without thinking he blurted out his thoughts. "Wouldn't you rather be with Simone'?"

"Tired of me already nii-san?" Ichiru put on a hurt pout before snickering. "If you think you are hogging me," He smiled. "You aren't."

"But-"

"Simone' and I spend plenty of time together. You just aren't around to see it." He dried his hands on a towel. "So don't worry about us. Okay?" He smiled when his brother nodded with a shrug. There was a knock on the door and Ichiru looked at Zero silently asking if it was okay for him to answer to which Zero gave his okay.

Ichiru left the kitchen and peeked through the peephole to see Simone'. Quickly he opened the door and pulled her inside greeting her. After closing the door he pulled her hood down and she beamed at him, her cheeks and nose a dusty red from the cold weather.

"Your face is all cold. You should have worn a scarf."

Simone' closed her eyes when he cupped her cheeks. She held his hands in place and smiled. "This is the reason I didn't wear a scarf. Your hands are really warm and nice."

"Silly." Ichiru shook his head. "There are some leftovers from dinner if you want some."

"Thanks but I had dinner with Rima." She took of her jacket. "What have you two been up to all day?" She hung her coat on the rack and removed her boots.

"Nothing much, went to see Sensei and Cross-san." Ichiru answered. The two sat on the couch in front of the fire.

"How did that go?"

"It went good." Zero said walking out of the kitchen with a tray holding three mugs of hot chocolate. He handed mugs to them and room was made on the couch for him, sitting between Ichiru and Simone'. "Though Cross bawled like a baby."

Simone' giggled sipping the warm liquid. "Sounds like Ojii-chan."

The three settled into comfortable silence the sound of the fire crackling.

"It's been awhile since we've been like this." Zero said.

Ichiru hummed in agreement and Simone' smiled. "We were still kids…" He said quietly. "The last time we were like this."

"It nice ne?" Simone' leaned her head on Zero's shoulder.

"Ya…" Ichiru trailed off unsurely and added. "How can you sit here with me? After all I've done?"

"Because we can." Zero answered. "And like we told you before that was in the past."

"We've forgiven you Ichi."

"I know I just feel like I don't deserve this." He yelped slightly when he felt a pinch to his ear and cheek.

"Hush Ichi." Said his brother and girlfriend.

He pouted slightly but complied and leaned his head against Zero's shoulder.

They remained in their positions so relaxed they fell asleep. It was how Cross and Yagari found them, Cross ran to the hall closet pulling out a big blanket and with Yagari's help draped it over the teens. Also Cross snapped a photo of them and quietly squealed. Yagari had to drag the chairman out of the room to leave the three be lest he wake them up with his squealing.

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter I really wanted to clear some things up now that Ichiru is alive. If you have question, please don't hesitate to ask me!

Please review! I miss hearing from you guys!

See you next chapter!