Hey guys! So my college semester finally over and I've been in the mood to write some stories. Also, I don't know if you guys are getting annoyed with Mei saying yes or no if she is going to join Shizuka and Ichiru. I know it could be annoying. I'm already annoyed with myself for writing that but you know what, we are going to go along with it. I do apologize, again, if you got annoyed with it or you came to this chapter and never notice it. Then thank you lol.

Mizuna Kurenagi: Thank you so much for being patient with The Light of Dawn. I have been working on it and I'm so close to being done. And what Mei and Shizuka are gonna discuss. We are gonna find out in this chapter maybe? Hopefully? If not, let me know your idea of what they should discuss.

Sakihinata: You are so sweet! Lol. Reading your comment made my day. Thank you so much. And trust me, a happy ending for Shizuka and Ichiru is what I want.

Guest: Happy Late Thanksgiving and happy Holidays ^^

Guest: I love your motivation for Mei. Thank you so much for loving her character.

NINA: THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Also, I've been told about this for a while now, but for some reason, the reviews that I receive come in so late for the website to show but I get the emails. So please don't worry if you don't see your review on here because I do see them through email. Thank you all so much.

Also, I've noticed a lot of people have been favoriting and following this story. Thank you so much to those who just favorite and follow. I hope you continue reading this story and being very patient with him.

Also, happy holidays.

I do not own Vampire Knight.

Chapter 14

"Meimei happy birthday!" "Mei, happy birthday." "Happy Birthday brat." "Happy Birthday Mei!" "Happy Birthday my darling daughter." "Happy Birthday, Mei."

"Happy Birthday, Anastasia."

The voices of everyone echoing in my ears bring thousands of memories to appear. Some are showing of Mei while the others show of Anastasia. Each voice holds special meaning to me. Even the ones that are to bring destruction in the peace of vampire and human. However, I can't seem them as people of destruction but mainly people of confusion and loss. I am the only one that truly knows their true story.

I was laying on my bed looking at my bedroom window seeing the sun hidden with the moon glowing brightly in the sky. Tonight is the day of the ball. The ball is supposed to be the night where Shizuka returns to her body. This was going to be the night where the bet between us was going to take place.

"I bet that I can show everyone, day and night class, who you are at the dance tonight."

I knew a bet like that was going to be a long shot. It was an idea that would honestly take a miracle but I wonder...

The bang from my door grabbed my attention revealing an over-excited Father holding presents. Uncle Toga was behind him looking away from me and carrying a small box. My eyes widen from the number of presents that were being placed on my bed.

Father laughs proudly holding the biggest presents, "Here you are my darling daughter! A present from me!" He grabs a smaller box, "A present from Ichijou-san!" Another small box, "A present from Shiki-Kun!" He grabs a medium-size present confused until noticing a letter, "Kaname-Kun?"

That caught my attention as I went over to the present and gently grab hold of it. The wrapping paper was white with a dusty pink bow on top of it. In front of the letter said 'happy birthday' written in cursive that not many people can do. As I open the letter and read it, it felt like he was next to me whispering. It brought chills down my spine wanting the heat on my cheeks calm down.

Dear Mei,

I'll be expecting you at the ball. I hope you would be wearing this at the ball. Please meet me at the terrace so you may receive the second present. Remember, Mei...

She won't take you away from me.

Sincerely,

Kaname Kuran

His writing was elegant and beautiful. It was something that only from his time can write something like this. After finishing the letter, I look down at the box carefully opening it. Father shouted with joy from behind me while Toga was only staring at it with slight anger. Inside the box was a champagne v neck tulle long evening dress. There were no sleeves but only straps and the back was completely open. I have never seen a gown this gorgeous or worn anything like this. From the way it looked, it seemed to cost a fortune but then again... I think anything this gorgeous would cost thousands of dollars.

"This is beautiful! Kaname-Kun has such amazing taste! However, I don't know how I feel about the back being backless," Father compliments and complains about it.

Uncle Toga only glared at Father then glanced at my bed spotting a present. The box was small with a wrapping of flowers without a note saying who it is from. He grabbed hold of the small box glaring hatefully at it.

"It seems like the brat has a secret admirer," Toga speaks up showing us the box.

Father went blue in the face from shock then starts mumbling how his daughter is still young to have admirers. Father's expression was everywhere causing Uncle and myself feeling overwhelmed. Toga decided on handing me the package and calming Father. Watching Uncle's way of calming Father down by calling him names and hitting him upside the head only made him cry more. I sighed at this situation, ignoring it, then focused on the present. From the paper, it was obvious who the package came from.

Could you have made it any more obvious Ichi? Honestly, he and Shizuka are a perfect match for mischief.

As I slowly unwrapped the paper, it revealed it to be a blue jewelry box that would fit earrings or rings. Opening the box revealed two earrings with bells similar to Shizuka's. I poked the bells slightly hearing the jingle alerting Uncle and Father. They were staring at me surprised but my focus was mainly on the earrings. This was her way saying that I was a part of her and deep down I think I knew that from the beginning. I took a deep breathe facing the two staring at me with confusion.

"Father, Uncle Toga, please leave my room. I need to change."

They glanced at each other then focused on me nodding their heads in understanding leaving. I watched their backs until the door closed behind them.

Why do Purebloods make things so dramatic?

After 40 minutes of getting ready, I quickly began to realize that I was late for the ball. Father and Uncle Toga shouted 20 minutes ago that they were leaving. This wasn't good to be late to an event that was supposed to determine many obstacles. It was difficult to run wearing high heels and frustrating for my hair to get messy after working so hard on it. Not to mention, the gown was causing my tripping from the front gown being so long. When I finally made it, Yuuki, Zero, and Father were waiting outside talking among themselves. Zero's eye glanced over at me bored with the conversation but his eyes widen shocked at my appearance. The gown was from Kaname along with the earrings by Shizuka and the white heels from Father a year ago. My hair was half up and half down with curls falling.

down"Mei?..." Zero questioned.

Yuuki and Father turned around facing me but their eyes sparkled with amazement and joy.

I scratched my cheek embarrassed from the attention by them and everyone else.

"Do I... Do I look bad?"

"My two little girls both dressed up!" Father shouted crying tears of joy. Father raised his hand towards me, "Promise me you will dance with your father later, my little girl."

I smile softly grabbing Father's hand in a tight hold, "Of course. It is a tradition after all."

Father's teary eye expression changed to a fatherly smile gripping on my hand. He walked closer to me putting his forehead against mine. "You are officially 16. It felt like only yesterday I picked you up on my doorstep wrapped up in a small blanket. I know I say this every year but..." Father lets go of my hand wrapping his arms around me. "I am so proud of you, Mei."

The feeling of warmth and happiness came in my heart making my eyes well up with tears. I've never had the feeling of a fatherly-love when I was Anastasia but Kaien represents the kind of Father that I wondered if Anastasia would have had.

"Father, stop. Your gonna ruin my makeup and your outfit. You look so nice too," I complained, sounding like a whining child.

He chuckles pulling back wiping some tears off his cheeks then kisses me on my forehead.

"You have fun," He says waving goodbye and entering the ball.

Father... I can never express how thankful I am to have you. You have sacrificed so much for me and we have been through so much. Thank you.

"Mei!"

The sound of Yuuki shouting my name heading towards me with a surprise attack hug. I faced her noticing how dressed up she is with the dress from Kaname. She smiled happily hugging me even tighter.

"Happy 16th Birthday, my baby sister. You look so grown up and beautiful," Yuuki compliments me. She grabs my hand pulling me towards the entrance. "Come on. We should get going."

"Ah... Um..."

Her sudden excitement and strength caught me by surprise. However, when I faced Zero I notice him staring at him me with his usual expressionless eyes. He was wearing his day class attire messily watching the exchange between us. It aggravates me on how Ichiru could have told Zero about my relationship with Shizuka. How he knew everything but kept it quiet until now? He hates Shizuka but this whole time he allowed me to get closer to him. Why? Yuuki continues pulling me into the ball passing Zero's watchful gaze. I wasn't sure if she felt the tense atmosphere between us but she wasn't addressing it

"Good. It looks like nothing bad has happened yet," Yuuki sighs in relief letting me go.

The music has begun with Day and Night students dancing with each other. People were waiting for someone to ask them for a dance, or others talking amongst each other. Everything looks so bright and beautifully decorated.

Yuuki glances behind her slightly for her eyes to widen noticing something, "Hiya, Zero." She shouts catching his attention. "Guys should fix themselves up! Just today! Ok?" She fixes his tie and button shirt making it look professional. Zero was staring at her surprised from the sudden pull of his shirt, "What? Are you going to complain when you are perfect?" Zero gives no complaints fixing his tie that Yuuki messed upon. "There. Ah! And... A rose on the chest for boys." Yuuki takes off her rose putting it on his front pocket. "Here you go. Now if you just stop frowning, You'll look gorgeous!" She turns to face me with a slight pink blush on her cheeks. "Don't you think so Mei?"

I was watching the scene between the two when taking by surprised from Zero's sudden stare at me. My eyes widen taking notice of the little changes that Yuuki made became bigger changes. There was no denying that Zero is extremely handsome. Even before he was a vampire, he was always handsome.

"He has always been gorgeous Yuuki," I replied softly glancing away from them.

Suddenly, a hand overtook my vision landing on my chin pushing my face towards the owner. My eyes widen staring at Zero's narrowed intensely eyes that were unreadable to understand. Zero has not stared at me this intensely nor has he done actions like this.

"You... You do things that make me think I know what you're plotting but you say things that catch me off guard. I'm continuously second-guessing myself with you," Zero confesses releasing my chin. "Even now, I can hear the jingle of those bells from that woman. I began to think horribly of you seeing you wear them. 'How can she have that relationship with that woman?' 'Why does she have those earrings?' 'Is it to torture me?' 'Does she think this funny?' Then your actions and words remind of the type of person you truly are. Mei... answer me truthfully. What are you plotting?"

...

How to answer that? Can I tell him about the deal with Shizuka? Is it alright for me to share everything with him?

Zero has never deceived me from the beginning. He has been so patient with me retrieving Shizuka's blood. He believed himself to be a monster protecting us from him. It was only right for me to tell him everything. Father said that I need to be more open and rely on others.

What can I say?

"Zero..." I hesitated.

It was hard to speak with my mouth feeling so dry, but I have to give him his answer.

I'm sorry.

"Please know this... all I want is for you and everyone to smile and be happy. Even if it cost unhappiness to fall upon me. I know it is selfish, but those selfish desires are what is helping me to move forward. It is those desires that help me fulfill my goals." I stepped back looking at the shock Zero listening to my every word. "Forgive me Zero, but not even you can stop me."

After that, I ran off with Yuuki shouting my name in worry. Zero didn't say anything but watch my running form going further in the building. The crowd behind me blocked their vision of my running form having me slow my pace in a small walk. My breathing was slightly heavy but not enough to make me sweat or breathless. That whole conversation made everything in my heart tighten. I wonder if that answer would satisfy him, but there was a nagging feeling that he wanted more. When will be the time to tell all of them everything? Would it be when Yuuki turns into a Pureblood? Or will be it later or sooner? It is difficult to tell or know because of how much I'm changing this story. What would their reactions be? Will they be angry or sad? Will they hate me from not helping Zero sooner with Shizuka's attack? Will Yuuki despise me with having her to play guessing games about her memories instead of telling her straight forward? But I know. Answering all those questions would cause the story to move quickly into a stage that everyone wouldn't be ready for.

"Mei-chan?"

I turned my focus on my left seeing Takuma staring at me surprised. He walks closer to me moving his hand up my hair fixing the messy part that was ruined from my running. He stared at me worried and slightly proud of his fixing skills on my hair.

"I was going to wish you a happy birthday but it appears you were thinking too deeply about something. Did something happen?" Takuma asked me worriedly.

I sigh feeling guilty that my emotions were being shown easily in front of everyone. This was a ball that many people were waiting for and it should be light-hearted with laughs, cheers, and fun. There was no time for my worries to ruin this special event.

"My apologies, Takuma-senpai. Nothing is wrong. I was hoping that my Father wouldn't make the entire school sing happy birthday to me like every year," I responded annoyed.

Takuma still didn't look convinced but laughed anyway. The sound of his laughter caused my heart to lighten and the interaction with Zero was gone completely. Takuma is the type of person that makes all your worries gone with a simple laugh or gestures. He is a patient man who is a great friend to Shiki and Kaname.

Speaking of Shiki.

"Takuma-senpai, where is Shiki?" I questioned.

He looks at me confused pointing at the dance floor. "He is dancing with Rima-chan. It is rare for him to dance like this. Should I take a picture as a memento and send it to you later?"

I chuckle at his teasing nature nodding my head. "That would be a loving present for my birthday. If you do take pictures, then Shiki will never hear the end of it from us."

Takuma laughs nodding his head in agreement. "How can we not stop talking about it? He is so easy to mess with."

We laugh imagining Shiki's emotionless expression reaching for the picture that was in our hands but on the inside was fueling from anger. Shiki doesn't like his vulnerable side showing from a picture without his permission. He is a model with a reputation that needs to be kept in lock and key. However, it does not stop us from messing with him. It is more entertaining with Rima's idea going further into it. One time, we decided to do an April fool's joke on Shiki and Rima's idea was too detailed that I'll leave that to the imagination. We immediately stopped her intense idea. We decided to do the old glue and feather trick

"Oh!" He suddenly shouts in alarm causing me to flinch. "I just remembered. Kaname-Kun wants to speak with you on the terrace."

My eyes widen at the direction of him pointing seeing Kaname leaning against the railing alone outside. He was wearing his Night uniform perfectly while staring at the moon high in the air. It surprises me that Yuuki isn't on the terrace dancing with him. I sigh knowing there was no chance of escaping Kaname.

"Thank you, Takuma-Kun." I smile gently at him when an idea pop in my head. Gripping on his coat, I made a small pull signaling him to move his face closer to me. He stares at me confused but bends down to my height. I whisper in his ear. "Thank you for the present. I can't wait to open it later."

I kiss his cheek as my gratitude making him blush deep red by surprised. He nods his head touching his cheek with flowers showing up behind him. His expression was pure bliss thanking me for this wonderful present that I gave him. His behavior made me chuckle moving away from him with a slight wave and walking to the terrace stopping at the entrance. Staring at Kaname's back, I'm reminded of this scene between Yuuki and Kaname dancing slowly with no beat. They reminisce about their past until Yuuki finally confronts him about her missing memories and Kaname confessing his protective nature towards her. Even though Yuuki irritates me, I'm hoping to change la ittle bit of her personality so she can be more honest with her feelings.

"Are you only going to stare at me?"

I flinch from the sudden sound of Kaname's voice. He slowly moves his head towards me with a smile but his eyes weren't smiling. They seemed sadder than the bright smile that was placed on his face.

"Good evening, Mei. You're wearing the dress I picked out. That makes me happy to know you like it. You look beautiful."

Kaname's compliment made my heart flutter and cheeks warm but staring at those sad eyes caused my heart to tighten. He tilted his head with his smile turning into a slight smirk having me realize of my staring.

I shook my head regaining my composure. "Ah... The dress itself is beautiful, Kaname-senpai. Thank you for the present." I bowed in respect.

"Why are you only standing there?" Kaname questions walking towards me. I stand up straight connecting my eyes with his red-brown ones. "Come here, Mei. I have your second present for you." Kaname raises his hand towards me waiting for my hand to grab.

If I took his hand then I'll be trapped in the arms of this pureblood. If I don't grab his hand, then he can hand me the present then I'll be on my way. The second option sounded the safest for me.

"Mei." He calls out to me.

Looking back at Kaname, the younger version of him stood next to him with a smile in both his face and eyes while reaching his hands out to me. When I was younger, I would take that hand in a heartbeat welcoming his anything from him. Now...

While I was deciding and staring, Kaname didn't wait any longer for my reply. He grabbed ahold of my hand pulling into his arms. He wrapped one arm around my waist while, intertwining our fingers with my right hand. I put my left hand on his chest putting little space between us but it didn't stop the warmth that was spreading through my body. I can feel him relax with my presence and touch. Kaname moved his head down on my shoulder pulling me closer to his body despite my left hand pushing him back to give him space. He surprises me by suddenly moving forward then pushing me back, then move us back to our usual spot. He spins us slightly that repeats the process from before. I begin to realize he wanted me to dance with him.

"Happy Birthday, Mei." He whispers near my ear.

I flinch at his hot breathe making my knees weak. What a wicked pureblood knowing he can trap me in his arm with no escape.

"Kaname-senpai..." I whispered.

He pulls back slightly having our eyes connect. In a long time, I haven't seen his eyes look at me like there were no worries in the world. It felt like the world around us didn't matter. It was only us dancing slowly on this terrace with a distant voice in the background. This was a scenario every little girl dreams of having with the person they dream of dancing with. It felt like a dream. A dream that I desperately wanted to wake up from.

"Stop..." I mutter pushing him slightly but he wouldn't move. He continues staring at me with that look. "Why do you stare at me like that? Why do you hold me so gently when I've been so rude to you?"

"Do you want to know the answers even though it will make you second guess everything about your life?"

"Why would you say something like that? Why would I second guess my life?"

"Is that what you think? Is that what you see?"

"I've said you were the problem even on that night at the old night dorms. And yet you... why?"

"Mei?" Kaname grips his hold on me.

"...Because he took my two most important girls away from me."

"Why do you care about me this much when all you should care about is Yuuki?!"

"Mei!" Kaname shouted twirling us so his back was facing the crowd. He pulled on my right-hand having me lean against his chest. Then he moved my left hand away from his chest. He wrapped both arms around my waist causing me by surprised feeling his arms shaking and chin on my shoulder. "There are things that I cannot say because you're not ready to know. However, I will say this. From the moment I met you, I knew you were going to be someone special. You were going to be someone that I wanted to care for and protect. Mei, no matter the hatred you feel towards me. You will be at my side soon."

My eyes widen at his declaration of following made me angry regaining my strength. His hypnotizing presence broke its seal struggling to get him off me.

"Why do you think that, Kaname-senpai?" I asked angrily. "Do you think that I will follow you around without any complaints? You must be joking?"

Kaname sighs at my struggle releasing his hold on me without complaints. I relaxed myself feeling the space between us but I noticed a dark aura surrounding me. My eyes widen glancing at Kaname seeing his eyes glow with anger and hearing the cracking of trees behind me.

"Your emotions are all over the place, aren't they? You become sweet and kind then stare at me with hatred and anger the next. Tell me, could you be acting this emotional because you do not know what form of emotion to show? Or is it..." His eyes narrow, "you don't want that Level E to see us so close?" My eyes widen at Kaname's cold voice. "It would make sense since the moment he arrived you have changed. You have become cold and heartless. You wish everything was back to the ways it was, right? Does that mean you wish for Kiryuu to not have arrived?" My body flinched at that question moving back with fright. He walks forward making me step backward to keep as much distance between us. The anger of pureblood is scarier than any other vampire. "To be honest, I, too, would have liked Kiryuu to not have entered our lives. If he hadn't then I wouldn't have to share you with anyone." The railing hit my back making me stop and for Kaname to put both of his hands beside me, trapping me again.

"Kaname... why are you-"

"Why am I angry?" Kaname finishes. "Try to think Mei. I've been trying so hard for you to call me 'Kaname'. I've been trying hard wanting you to look at me the way you do to Kiryuu. Yet, you continue staring at me with that coldness in your eyes. Aren't you the one that says there isn't a difference between that Leven E and myself?" He grips on the railing hard cracking the cement under his fingers.

"Kaname-senpai stop..."

"Mei!" He shouted catching me off guard. "Do I mean so little to you?"

No! No, you don't!

My inner thoughts scream out but all I could was stare at him. Every question was echoing in my head with answers that I already know. The biggest one was him using my own wording against him. He was right. I was treating him differently than Zero and I didn't see the hard work of him trying to put the pieces of our friendship back together.

This isn't his fault!

"Kana-"

"Kaname-senpai?"

My eyes widen looking at the person behind Kaname seeing Yuuki. Kaname's eyes changed back to normal turning to face Yuuki with a small smile and his eyes becoming gentle. The angry expression seconds ago changed into light and gentleness towards Yuuki.

I know I'm a hypocrite with my words but there are reasons behind this.

Kaname is originally supposed to marry Yuuki and I can't interfere with the relationship between Zero and Yuuki either. Quickly pushing the surprised Kaname off of me, I faced Yuuki with a big smile laughing.

"Hey, Yuuki. Sorry to make you wait for him, it is your turn right? Did you come here to dance with Kaname and tell me it's my turn to patrol? Well, I'll be off. You enjoy it!" I laugh moving passed a shock Kaname.

I patted Yuuki's shoulder wishing her good luck with Kaname then take my leave from the terrace and the ball. My slow walk turned into a full-on a run into the forest. I removed the braid in my hair having it all fall covering the bell earrings but the sounds of it sing fast. The feeling of screaming from Kaname's questions was so strong that I did it. The scream was so loud that it caused the bird to fly high in the air frighten. I stopped my running to catch my breath looking at the birds leaving the academy.

"Quite a scream you have, Meimei." I glanced behind the tree seeing Ichiru wearing his mask and smiling at me. "I saw everything with that pureblood. This isn't the best birthday for you, is it? Talk about not so sweet 16."

"Ichi..."

He smiles walking closer to me raising his hand. I stared at his hand then back at him with that smile turning into a slight smirk.

"Meimei, this place isn't good for you anymore. Come, let us both go to Shizuka-sama. She would gladly welcome you," He says trying to persuade me.

I glanced back at Ichiru's hand knowing the answer I was going to do. Without replying to him, he knew my answer as well. We stared at each other nodding our heads walking towards Shizuka's frozen body hand-in-hand.

Done! Sorry guys to leave you like this. I wanted to do the whole manga chapter in this one but I was getting too tired and I wanted one chapter to be done before Christmas. Please enjoy this chapter and let me know what you guys think. Sorry for the grammar errors and spelling but I'm so tired.

Anyway, happy holiday.

Until Next Time.