*double-take at the numbers of reviews/favs/follows* ...well damn. *impressed*

Thanks so much for the favs, reviews, and follows~ *excited*

Warning: unbeta. English is my second. ASL (American Sign Language) is my first. Yes, I'm Deaf. :)

I don't own Vampire Knight. *sigh sadly*

Enjoy~ *sipping my tea* Also, please take good care of yourself, be healthy, and be safe~ ^^

Moon Dormitory

Lobby

Silence

The tense atmosphere in the lobby room as vampires stared at the scene with uneasy and apprehensive in their stiff muscles. Ruka's hands are pressed against Kaname's chest while Aido's hand grabbed Ichio's wrist, yank away from the pureblood's hand.

However, what is the most shocking was that Kiryuu, Zero the cold-hearted standoffish Prefect is pointed his Bloody Rose directly at the back of the senior vampire head. Zero's expression is perfectly calm and yet his amethyst eyes are icy-cold.

Kaname's gaze stared straight at the silver-haired hunter with surprised while his inner circle friends were surprised as well. Except for Kain who has half-smirked with knowing glint in his burnt-orange eyes. 'I knew it, Guardian-san is too kind~' Kain mused, intrigued and curious of the occur so far.

"Look at this…" Ichio comments calmly as his icy-blue eyes scanned around. "I'm grateful for such a lively welcome… but there's no need for everyone to be overcautious. And I believe your action is completely unnecessary, Prefect." He said with disapproval from the last part to Zero.

Zero's eyes sharpen even harder. "I apologize, Ichijo-san. However, there are rules, and one of them is any fangs near Kuran-senpai are strictly prohibited."

"Because he's a Pureblood?" Ichio asked, mockingly.

The silver-haired hunter tightens his Bloody Rose gun. "Because he's a student of the Cross Academy. Just like any students, both vampires and humans, no fangs are allowed to touch the skin." A small sharp smirked appeared on his face. "I'm just only following the rules as a Prefect, sir." He answered, lightly mockingly yet politely.

Kain covered his amused smirked with his fist while he is watching the scene containing a gleeful attitude. Takuma gapped at the silver-haired hunter while Shiki raises his eyebrow with impressed. Rima stared at the scene blankly while holding a piece of her snack in shock. Aido and Ruka were staring at the scene in baffled and astonished. And Kaname's auburn eyes spark with interested, confused, and curious.

It was very oddly strange to see cold-hearted Prefect act like this when he despises vampires.

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..

…

Bloodline of Sin

Night Seventeen

"Fascinate"

…

..

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Ichio's expression hardens. "I only came to visit my adorable grandson." He explained his reasons for the visit.

Zero hummed in skeptical but kept the gun pointed at the senior vampire.

"Kiryuu-san." Kaname speaks up softly, gain Zero's attention as his amethyst-eyes shifted to auburn-eyes. "Thank you, however, will you please lower your anti-vampire gun?" he asked, politely as he heavily emphasizes the words to warn the senior vampire. "I'm sure he didn't mean to start unnecessary chaos, right?"

Ichio narrowed his eyes. "Of course not, Kuran-sama." He reluctantly agreed with the pureblood prince.

The silver-haired hunter huffed silently as he lowered his Bloody Rose gun, step back a couple of times but kept his guard up while eyeing the senior vampire.

"Kuran-sama—" Kaname shifted his attention to the vampire man with a cold polite smile. "—seeing you so healthy is most important. That time when you abruptly rejected me becoming your guardian. It began from that day..." He trailed off.

Kaname's eyes sharpen. "Because I didn't wish to be spoiled." He answered, briefly and short. Then his auburn eyes shifted to Kain with silent order before he glances at Ruka.

Kain immediately obeyed, went to Ruka, and not unkindly grabbed her to break free from Kaname's arms. "Ruka." Kain's tone warned her. "Let go of him. This isn't acceptable action." Ruka unwillingly released the pureblood, pulled away. The wild vampire's burnt-orange eyes shifted to his cousin with warning eyes. "Aido."

Zero almost immediately knew that Aido will do something unprofessional and lose his temper. He briefly recalled that Hanabusa, Aido has a short temper when it comes to anyone who disrespectful the pureblood's honor. So, the silver-haired hunter walked to the idol vampire, grabbed his wrist which shocked Aido.

"W-what?!" Aido was taken aback and yelped in slight pain and stunned when he felt his wrist squeeze painfully. The idol vampire let go of the senior vampire's wrist. "You—!"

Zero gracefully pulled Aido away, dropped his hand to push the noble vampire away. "Calm down, senpai." He interjected, coolly with a cautious tone.

Ichio watches his surrounding quietly then his icy-blue eyes went back to Kaname. "My Lord, it's because of your presence here, that I was able to leave my grandson here at the Academy without any worries." He bowed respectfully. "Now, may I have a moment alone with my grandson?"

"Of course." Kaname tipped his head. "Takuma can take you to one of the empty rooms." He said, offhandedly.

Zero watched quietly when the senior vampire was guided by his grandson to one of the empty rooms for private business. '…shit… this means I have to wait whenever they finish their personal talk.' He mentally grimaced, as he smoothly turned off the safety and holster his trustworthy gun. He ignores the whispers and eyes on him while he considers finding a wall to lean on so he can wait comfortably.

"Kiryuu-san." Zero's muse break as his attention went to the pureblood with cock eyebrow. "Please, allow me to escort you to the room where you can wait comfortably whenever Ichio is done with his personal business with his grandson." Kaname offered with a civilly smile.

The silver-haired hunter eyeing the pureblood warily with suspicious contemplative. Last time they were alone was a few nights ago at the balcony, however, there wasn't any problem which Zero find it strangely peculiar. In his other life, they both always, always fought and argue against each other. Not even hiding their distrust and hatred for each other. However, now, there's almost… civil between them. Not that Zero likes the Kuran pureblood, in fact, he still dislikes the pureblood.

But he doesn't hate the pureblood enough to want him to pull the bullet into Kuran's brain. Zero briefly wondered it's because he no longer has romantic feelings for Yuuki, now all he sees was just a vampire who is born as pureblood. A pureblood who is in love with his sister. Which was disturbing and wrong in his own opinion. He is questioning the pureblood's mind sometimes. The silver-haired hunter mentally sighed heavily when he noticed the eyes on him which grant on his nerves, especially that his hunter instinct is alarmingly high alert because of vampires surrounding him. "Fine." Zero grunted, coldly.

Kaname smiles softly as his auburn eyes sparks with interest. He glanced at Kain. "Inform us when Ichio is done with his business." Kain nodded his head and Kaname turned his attention to the prefect. "Please, follow me." The silver-haired hunter frowned but reluctantly followed the pureblood silently.

Ruka's gaze was filled with envious, jealously, furious, and upset while Aido steps forward to protest but was pulled back by Shiki who sharply shook his head. Kain's burnt-orange eyes follow them with curiosity but respect to stay with his hands on Ruka to prevent her from going after the pureblood. Rima returns to her snack after she was satisfied that the drama is over.

.

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Moon Dormitory

Resting Room

Zero steps into the room while observed the room with half-interested. The room reminded him of a perfect magazine cover. There are two large cream-white couch but inlaid with fine red silk, the white lace curtains are linen, the kind of white that is untouched by hands and devoid of dust. A cursory look to the right shows him the almost hidden cords that are used to open and close the curtains. There are no bookshelves, no coffee tables, nor even anything to entertain anyone. The floor is highly polished wood, dark and free of either dust or clutter.

"This is the Resting Room. Anyone who comes here rest before or after their classes." Kaname informed as he sauntered to one of the couches. "However, this room was barely touch since the windows are not cover by heavy curtains." He said, sat down on the cushion, and swing his leg over his knee as he leaned back comfortably while crossing his arms loosely. Kaname tilted his head with a polite smile. "Please, sit."

Zero eyeing the pureblood then sighed. He went to the empty couch and sat down across from Kaname. The silver-haired hunter sits up with tense while his eyes observed his surrounding with caution. After a moment of silence, the pureblood opened his mouth. "Tell me, Kiryuu-san. Do you have an answer to my offer?"

The silver-haired hunter raises his eyebrow with a mixture of curious and warily.

"To transfer here." Kaname clarifies, calmly.

Zero snorted. "Do you not have patience?" he remarked, dryly.

"I usually do have patience, however, I was not aware it would take days to consider my offer." Kaname explained, politely.

The silver-haired hunter huffed. His amethyst eyes scrutinizing the pureblood thoughtfully as he slowly leaned back against the couch. "I haven't been around Yuuki for days." He pointed it out, knowing that Kaname only asks him because he wants to protect the Chairman's adopted daughter. Kaname just smiles as he lightly drumming his fingers on his arm. "Unless there's another reason that I'm not informed of?"

"I'm just concern that one day, your thirst will be too much for your unofficial vampire body." Zero mentally snorted as he knew that Kaname is not concern about him. He's only concerned about Yuuki and maybe humans in school.

Zero shakes his head as his shoulders slowly relax. "I'm fine. My thirst isn't having any trouble against my unofficial vampire body." He said, firmly as thanks to Kain's blood. It was enough for his beast to finally calm down for a while.

The pureblood carefully observed the silver-haired hunter. "Is that so?" he tilted his head. "…what if there's a way that your body won't struggle anymore? That you no longer have to depend on the blood tablets?"

"What do you mean?" Zero narrowed his eyes warily with a frowned.

Kaname hummed. "I could offer you my blood in exchange that you will transfer here." He declared to Zero who stared at him dumbfounded.

.

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Class Section

Classroom

Meanwhile…

The Homeroom teacher glared at Yuuki who sweatdropped with a sheepish expression. She has been sleeping class for too many times that her teacher was fed up with her distracted and misses out on lectures. So, he gave her detention on the weekend which is currently why she is sitting in the front row seat.

"Now, open your textbook." The homeroom teacher pointed at the textbooks on her desk. "I won't let you go till you finish your assignments and homework."

Yuuki whines softly with comedic tears at the sight of mountain assignments that she has to finish. All alone. On her own. Her shoulders slumped mourn that she won't get to sleep anytime soon. Luckily, Zero isn't in trouble and handling patrolling on his own.

The thought of a silver-haired prefect makes her upset further. Yuuki frowned sadly while she grabbed one of the textbooks, flipped it open, and stare at the page, not even read a single word. Her mind was filled with Zero and his cold-heart attitude toward her. She doesn't know what to do with him. She's scared for him and wanted to help him.

But Zero refuses to let her in. And she doesn't know what to do. Although, she doesn't want to give up on him. She cares about him too much to leave him alone. Yuuki genuinely wants to stay by his side and be there for him. Be his shield and protect him. He is her family, after all.

The brunette snapped out of it when the door opened as her brown eyes snapped to the figure which surprised her.

Yagari tipped his head at the homeroom teacher respectfully. "Excuse me, I've come to talk with Cross-san for a moment."

The homeroom teacher frowned but nodded his head. "Of course, I'll just head for a bathroom break and return." Yuuki and Yagari watched the homeroom teacher left and once the door shut, leaving them alone in the classroom.

Yagari turned his attention on Yuuki who stared at him in confusion. "C-can I help you, sir?"

The hunter shoves his hands into his jacket's pockets. "Cross, Yuuki…" the brunette gulped nervously while she fidgeted in her seat. "…I just want to inform you that you have no right to demand my student like he's a piece of property to own."

Yuuki flinched back when she heard the hunter's cold, harsh tone on her. "W-what?"

"Zero has been through hard enough times that he doesn't need a little girl to burden him. He has responsibilities, unlike you." Yagari blurted to her, coldly as he stands in front of her.

The brunette girl stared at him baffled, hurt, and stunned. "W-why… why do you care?"

The hunter snorted. "Like I said before, he's my student. I've trained him to become a vampire hunter since he was seven years old. I know that boy for ten years now, and I refuse to let someone like you order him around, to manipulate him to your side. He's not a thing to be used, Cross-san." His eye sharpens at her anxious and fears expression. "Zero is my family and I won't stand by and watch you destroy him."

Then Yagari whirled around, walked toward the doors leaving Yuuki in silence. However, the brunette snapped out of it and stood on her feet as she slammed her palms on the desk. "W-wait!" the hunter paused as his hand was on the doorknob. "Zero is my family too!" she protested with determined.

Yagari glanced her over his head with unimpressed. "Then why is he always so miserable around you?" that hit Yuuki's heart harder as she winces in shocked. She watched the hunter left the classroom and silence appeared.

The brunette Perfect sank down to her seat while feeling disheartened. "…Zero…in miserable? I… I made him… feel that?" she muttered, confused, sad, and dismay.

Did she really cause Zero so upset because of her?

But why?

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Moon Dormitory

One of the Rooms

Meanwhile…

Takuma stared at his grandfather anxiously. "Grandfather…"

Ichio has been standing in front of the closed door in one of the empty rooms so they could have a private discussion. The senior vampire slowly turned around to face his grandson. "You seem to enjoy a lot of Kaname's trust." He stared blankly. "Continue to wait upon him. And keep an eye on his movements." He reminded his grandson sternly.

The noble vampire's green eyes darken as his grandfather continued. "I let you stay on at this Academy because of this reason."

"Grandfather, you don't understand." Ichio narrowed his eyes at Takuma quietly. "I won't do anything to harm my friend." Takuma noticed his grandfather's icy-blue became harden with angry glares. "P-please don't glare at me." Takuma sweats nervously with an uncomfortable smile.

Ichio huffed with displeased. "No, the one who doesn't understand is you. In this narrow world of the school—" he glanced around with disgusted. "—A friendship built on the basis of hypocritical peace…" he scoffed and shakes his head.

"I like to believe that the Cross Academy is peaceful." Takuma reflected with a polite and respectful smile as he doesn't want to anger his grandfather on purpose.

Ichio frowned deeply with discontent. "There's no such thing as real peace." He affirmed as he eyeing his grandson. "When you believe that there is peace… that you have good things in life…" he trailed off and gritted his teeth harshly.

"Grandfather?" Takuma asked, concerned for his grandfather's sudden sorrowful glint in his icy-blue eyes which was very rare for him to witness.

Ichio closed his eyes. "I've been around long enough to know that good thing never last."

The young noble vampire furrowed his eyebrows as his hands at his sides clenched in fists. After a moment his grandfather sighed heavily and open his cold icy-blue eyes. "Your friends… your mate…" Ichio spat the words as if they are distasteful to him. "…they will vanish from your life and you will end up alone." He warned Takuma sternly.

Takuma stared at Ichio silently as his green eyes lowered to the ground blankly.

.

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Moon Dormitory

Resting Room

Meanwhile…

Zero knew that offer blood from pureblood is outrageous and strictly forbidden in the shadow world. Hell, there's even treason if anyone dares to drink, even a tiny drop of Kuran's blood will put anyone to meet their demise. So, the silver-haired hunter was flabbergasted by ridiculous offered that came out of the pureblood's mouth. He shakes his head. "Are you stupid?" he blurted it out, baffled.

Kaname blinked in surprise. He never heard that word to be said that is direct to his face. The pureblood raises his eyebrow at Zero's confidence with thoughtfully. Kaname knew that the young hunter is very confident and calm, never afraid to speak his mind out loud. "No. I am not." Kaname answered, coolly.

"Are you sure?" Zero narrowed his eyes at Kaname warily and curious. "Because you do realize that offer your blood to me is practically treason, right?" he pointed it out, disbelieved and uneasy.

The Pureblood frowned bemusement. "Do you not want my blood?" he asked, questioning the hunter. He knew from all his life, every vampire had desires to taste his blood, and not even a single one deny of wanting his blood.

"No!" Zero rebuffed and scowled exasperatedly. "As much as it pains me to say this—you are a Pureblood, which means you are sacred in the shadow world. There isn't many pureblood left, and not to forget… you are Kuran. The Noble and Ancient bloodline of Kuran Clan that goes back to thousands of years. You have the royalty running through your veins." He explained, bitter as he doesn't want to feed the pureblood ego, but it was cold hard truth.

Kaname couldn't help but feel amazed by the silver-haired hunter's knowledge about his lineage. The pureblood finds himself rather the thought of a beautiful cold creature to know his background was rather satisfied and delightful. "I'm surprised that you knew about my heritage." He said, interested and curious.

"It's real facts." The silver-haired hunter grumbled as he long relaxes his muscles and runs his long fingers through his hair. "Plus, I'm a vampire hunter. I have to know these things." He added, casually.

"Vampire hunter that threatening to use his Bloody Rose on the senior vampire in order to protect me." Kaname indicates with a calm smile.

Zero narrowed his eyes at the pureblood. "I'm just doing my job as Prefect." He muttered, irritated. "No matter how much I dislike you, you are still one of the students in Cross Academy. Under my protection, I will make sure none of the students are harmed."

"Both vampires and humans?" the pureblood ask, slightly skeptical and curious. The standoffish Prefect nods his head in reply. "Interesting… you… have grown, Kiryuu-san." Kaname's lip twitches as his auburn-eyes lighten up with genuine intrigue.

'I've grown a long time ago.' Zero mused despair, sadness, loneliness, and loss. In his other life, it was a long and hard journey that he was forced to grow more mature, less ignorant, and relayed on survival instincts as a vampire and hunter. His body may be unmarked and unofficial, but his spirit and his mind still held onto the scars. The silver-haired hunter closed his eyes in attempted to conceal his vulnerable emotions. "I will need more time to ponder your offer—" he snapped his eyes with warning glint. "—not your blood, but the transfer. I will give you my official answer when the time is right." He said, adamant.

"Alright. I will wait for your answer." Kaname decided as he will keep his eye out for the young hunter for now. He carefully examined Zero across from him contemplative. "What do you like to do, Kiryuu-san?"

Zero blinked perplexed by the sudden change of question from the pureblood. "Excuse me?" he wasn't sure he heard that right.

Kaname's eyes spark mirth. "Hobbies. Something you enjoy doing." He clarified, politely.

"Why?" the silver-haired hunter asked in suspicion.

The pureblood shrugged his shoulders indifferently. "I'm curious."

"You know that curiosity killed the cat, right?" Zero remarked, wryly with irritated.

Kaname hummed. "True, but it's a good thing that cat had eight lives left." He comments, dryly.

Zero snorted reluctantly amused. He glanced around, considering answer the question from pureblood. Normally, before in his other life. He would avoid the Kuran and never answer any of the questions. Always argue and fight. He wanted to tell this pureblood that it's none of his business or even response that all he does was sleep and eat. However, to his unwillingly admitted that Kaname has never treated him horribly and plus, they've been civil with each other lately.

'Might as well answer him. It wouldn't hurt.' Zero mused, carefully decided that it should be fine. As long as they treated each other civilly, then there's no need for aggressive acts. "Sleeping and…it's been years, but if I have time… I would play the piano." He revealed one of the hidden personal favorite hobbies he truly enjoyed. He fondly recalled how he touches the cold keys, and how he can control the music while listening to the piano's sing. And he also recalled that sometime, when he played the piano, his twin brother played the violin. The music that is heard through the mansion while his parents were watching them, with admiration and pride.

Zero shut his eyes as his heart sank sorrowful that he won't return to that time. It only belongs inside of his memories.

Kaname was surprised but he was fascinated by the silver-haired hunter. "Piano… I didn't know you play such an elegant instrument." Zero grunted as he opened his eyes with a guarded look. "Are you going to return play the piano?"

"…I don't know." Zero muttered, unsure. It has been a very long time since he played it. It's been decades since he touches the keys of the cold piano. He wants to play but he is scaredthat if he plays, he will see the ghost from his memories. His hands curled into tight fists when he thought about it.

The pureblood noticed the young hunter's struggle with his inner conflict emotions. "I enjoy reading and playing chess." He explained his interests, without knowing why he wants to help Zero out of struggle.

Zero pulled away from his negative emotion to Kaname's answer. "How… sophisticated." He remarked, dryly.

"And playing the piano is not sophisticated?" Kaname retort with a dry smile.

The silver-haired hunter snorted. "Touché."

"Well met, sir." Kaname smirked slightly smugly which Zero shakes his head but small mirth in his amethyst eyes.

The knocks interrupted them, they turned their attention to Kain who is standing in the doorway with a half-grinned. Kain noticed the semi-civil atmosphere, almost friendly air between the pureblood and the hunter. "Kaname-sama, Guardian-san… I've come to inform you that Ichio is leaving." The wild vampire announced.

Zero pushed himself from the couch and adjusted his jacket and make sure his gun is properly secure in his holster. "I'll hake my leave now." He glanced at Kaname with contemplative for a brief moment. "It was… surprisingly decent chat with you, Kuran-senpai." Zero reluctantly admitted.

"It was my pleasure." Kaname responds with an astonishing surprise yet pleased smile on his face.

The silver-haired hunter tipped his head, sauntered around the couch to the doorway. Kain steps aside before he gave his greeting grinned to the young hunter. When Zero is out of their sights, Kaname's mind is filled with the recent occurrence that happened with Zero from the beginning to now.

While Kain carefully observed his leader. "Kaname-sama?" he gently called out. When he got the pureblood's attention. "Do you want to see Aido and Ruka?" Kain knew this type of routine since Kaname doesn't like anyone who loses their composures in front of the guests.

"No. Not right now. I will deal with them later." Kaname said, calmly as he uncrossed his legs and stood up. "I would like to be alone. You may go." He dismissed his friend/follower who nods his head and left silently. 'Kiryuu-san… Zero… you are becoming more and more fascinating creature.' He mused with a small smile on his face while his gaze stares at the moon through the windows when he walked toward the glass.

Kaname finds himself that he wants to learn more about the stunning creature with silver hair like the moon and amethyst eyes like gems.