[When a Stranger Comes]

Naomi awoke in a strange bed... Yes, strange indeed. She could've sworn she was in class just a few seconds ago with Yagari, lecturing about ethics and morals. Instead, here, Naomi was laying in a large mattress, layered with silks and the exterior adorned with luxuries fit for royalty.

There were no windows just a wooden door matched with a gold handle.

When she stood up to inspect the rest of the room, she had realized... She was wearing a dress. It was beautiful, it was a navy blue gown embroidered with vibrant gold suns and glistening silver crescent moons.

This is odd..., thought Naomi, Where am I?

Naomi heard her heels tap elegantly against the wooden floor. They weren't too high or too short, they were just right.

Naomi hummed, It's all so... dreamy, then she realized: Because it is a dream; yet, Why am I dreaming about this?

She grabbed the gold handle and fear enveloped her. A sickening feeling fell into her core as every instinct in her body told her not to open the door. She was safe inside this room and only in this room. Naomi didn't know how she knew, she just did.

It was then, when she noticed the door was locked in the inside and odd markings were etched into the handle.

Naomi stepped back and layed her palm against the door. She sensed it, a menacing force waiting to burst in; she wouldn't let it. No, she wouldn't let him inside.

Naomi heard a soft knock come from the other side. She quickly pulled her hand away.

"Must you keep me locked outside?" The man's voice was soothing, yet Naomi knew... it was not well intentioned.

Naomi's voiced trembled, "Yes."

"Don't be harsh," He said.

"Tell me your name and I'll considered opening the door." Naomi said boldly.

She heard him chuckle, "Open the door and I will tell you."

Naomi's bit her bottom lip, This is a dream. What's the worst thing that can happen? She grabbed the handle again, Maybe... I'll finally know what he truly looks like and his name - Unless, he's lying.

Naomi paused and then said, "No, I don't think I will."Naomi walked back toward the bed and sat down.

It's funny, how fear comes and goes.

"As you wish, then I will do what I have been doing the past decade." He informed, "Chip away at the last line of defense my meddlesome brother gave you."

Brother? This psychopath has a brother?

Yes, Naomi, even insane vampires have families.

"Then," His voice no longer sweet and soothing, "there will be nowhere for you to hide from me."

"Latch to someone else to destroy." Naomi sneered.

The man laughed at this, "Oh, I don't to destroy you, Naomi. I want to -"

Smack!

Naomi jolted awake with a gasp.

Yagari was standing infront of her desk. He had dropped his lecture book on top of her desk. His eye the same piercing ice blue as she remebered.

"Did you enjoy your nap?"

Naomi grumbled, "Not really."

Just when I was going to get some answers.

It was a dream, who knows if it was even real.

It felt real.

Yagari rested his book against his shoulder, "I suggest you leave, before the Night class arrives."

Naomi raised an eyebrow and then looked around the classroom, there was no one. She turned her head towards the windows, then sun was lowering and moon would soon take its place.

Naomi nodded and quickly gathered her things, and for some reason, Yagari escorted her out. It only when she made out of Academic building, she realized it was because the Night class had arrived.

She was grateful to a degree, she didn't know how to defend herself properly and Yagari was, obviously, being cautious. Naomi even slow down to meet his lazy strides and refused to at the Night class. So much so, she didn't notice a new student had been admitted into the Night class.

However, she could feel their eyes on her especially, Kaname's.

"Ms. Nakamura." Kaname politely greeted as he passed her, "Professor..."

Naomi didn't say anything, she merely nodded at him. She was to preoccupied with her thoughts to care about the glares and sneers she was getting from the other vampires. She wasn't worried, surely they wouldn't try anything with a vampire hunter nearby.

The Night class headed to class and Yagari stopped to enter, one again, the Academic building.

Naomi gulped, He'll come again. I should learn how defend myself and who better to teach me than a Vampire Hunter?

"Wait, professor..." Naomi called out.

Yagari tilted his head, "What is it?"

Just ask him to teach you; you can't continue unprepared.

"Can you..." Naomi started but then stopped.

Or I can ask, Zero.

Yagari sighed, "Asking for help doesn't come easy for you, does it?" He turned his head and waved his hand dismissively at her, "I'll teach you."

Naomi's eyes widen, "Really?"

And how'd he know?

"Ask Zero, where the shooting range is." Yagari said as he walked inside, "Meet me there tomorrow at 8 a.m. sharp. Get there late and you'll run three miles."

Maybe, this was a bad idea. I didn't think this would involve running or any type of grueling exercise.

"Wait, there's class tomorrow!" Naomi said.

"I'll talk to the hermit." Yagari closed the door behind him.

This will take my mind off things and I'll be up early enough not to deal with Asuna, and Haruto who's been trying to get me alone since yesterday.

Naomi let out a breath, "He should be patrolling."

And so, she went looking for him. It didn't take her long to find him as he was lounging against a tree near the Academic building.

Naomi smiled, "Hey Zero."

The fear she once had for him was gone, maybe not friends but acquaintances.

"You should be in your dorm." He said cooly

"Anyway," Naomi dismissed his statement, "Where's the shooting range?"

Zero sighed, "It's near the stables."

Naomi rolled eyes, "I need actual directions."

Zero huffed and pushed himself off the tree, "This way, I'll take you."

Naomi stepped behind him to follow only to hit his back with her head.

"Why aren't you walking?" She asked.

Naomi peeked her head over his arm amd saw a petite girl wearing a Night class uniform.

She's cute.

Naomi waved awkwardly, I haven't seen her before... new student?

The girl waved back with a meek smile, "Hello."

Naomi stepped around Zero, when she did the girl grabbed Naomi's hands lovingly.

"My name's Maria Kurenai, let's be friends!"

Yeah, this is weird.

"Let's not," Naomi said coldly.

She ripped her hands away from Maria, She gives me weird vibes like... Him.

Maria frowned and reached for Naomi's hands again only to be stopped by Zero unchaining his gun, and pointing it at Maria's forehead. Naomi felt him tug at her shoulder, pulling her back against his chest.

The safety's off his gun... He's going to kill her.

"Zero, calm down." Naomi whispered.

I should really stop forgetting to bring my butterfly knife, I could've done this myself.

Zero was stiff and Maria had no fear in her eyes, it was like she was enjoying his reaction.

"I'm pretty sure, murdering is against school policy." Naomi tried again to break through, "Zero!"

Should I slap him?

Naomi, exhuasting her options, grabbed his extended arm and began to pull it down, "Slow and steady."

"Stop, Zero!" Yuki yelled as she came running to defend Maria. She raised her arms and used her whole body to shield Maria.

With that, Zero let Naomi down his gun to his side.

Thank God, I just wanted to know where the shooting range was.

"You two are so kind." Maria said softly as she smiled at both girls.

Naomi glared, "Why didn't you move?" She questioned, "Most people would've."

Maria casted a shy expression, "I was shocked."

"You didn't look shocked." Naomi snapped.

You looked like you were enjoying it.

Maria brought her hand to her lips as she was about say something, she was interupted by Yuki's (annoying) voice.

"This isn't her fault!"

Maria turned her attention towards Yuki, "Thank you, Yuki... I really like girls like you." And she took her leave.

Creepy.

Zero gripped Naomi's arm, "The shooting range is this way," He pulled her roughly behind him.

Naomi stared at him, she wanted to ask what's wrong but she didn't want to overstep, and then she tought: Since when do I care about other people's feelings?

"What's wrong with you?" She asked harshly.

Naomi pulled her arm away from him, "You just pulled your gun on her, why?"

Zero ran his hand through his silver hair but didn't answer.

"It's not like she was going to hurt me or you, so why?"

"She reminded me of that woman..." He said in a hushed tone.

Naomi raised an eyebrow, "What woman?"

His eyes became serious... no, not serious; this was hatred, loathing and... fear?

Naomi's eye widen, he didn't have to tell her; Naomi knew. The woman who turned him into a vampire.

"Sorry," She smiled and pushed at his back, "Come on, lead the way."

That's the thing about fear, Naomi thought, It never goes away. It's always there, lingering in the shadows waiting for you to let your guard down.

"Why don't you come tomorrow? Yagari's teaching me how defend myself at 8 in the morning." Naomi said, "Get your mind off it."

Zero gave her a rare smile, "Sure."

a/n: i'm thinking of making one shots and AU's for Naomi with various characters after i finish this story, should i ? btw, this story isn't going to finish soon*