There's not too many pre-reading notes… it's all explained in the chapter I think.

Any how so this is my new series… I don't think it'll be too long… but well I do have a penchant for long stories. We'll just see where it takes me!

Enjoy!

Chapter 1: Fresh Start

The evening air was filled with shouts and screams as students talked to each other. People were taking photos and exchanging numbers. It was graduation day at Cross Academy. Zero leaned on a tree and watched everyone. No one had come to talk to the severe prefect. He was okay with that. He could watch Kaname from here.

It had been years since he felt hate when looking upon the Pureblood. They had been through a lot together. They had killed Shizuka and Rido together. Kaname had given Zero blood, the Hunter was sure it was simply because Yukki had asked him too.

Crossing his arms Zero continued to stare at the handsome Pureblood and sulk as a hoard of Day Class girls were fawning over him.

"You could talk to him." Yukki said as she walked up to Zero.

"To what end?"

"I don't know." Yukki tossed her long hair over her shoulder. She had awoken as the Pureblood princess last year after an accident when she nearly died, it had been the only way to save her. Sometimes Zero missed her annoying comments during class.

"Are you and him off to get married?"

Yukki laughed . "God no. I'm not his type at all."

"What is his type?"

"I can't say." Yukki grinned. "I might still have his kids just to care on the bloodline and all that bullshit. But I have my eye on someone else and I think Kaname does too."

"Lucky them." Zero huffed.

"Zero you're so stubborn. You two haven't fought for real in ages. I think you and Kaname would be great friends."

"I can't. I shouldn't even be friends with you."

"Have you been listening to Aidou? If you say it's because you're a D then that would be true if it weren't for the fact that you're also second in line for being Head of the Hunter Association."

"Hunter achievements don't mean shit to you blood suckers." Zero smiled the insult.

"Well, at least we won't be separated. I'll be in the area working. And Kaname is taking a position at the Association. We should all still hang out."

"I'll hang out with you but I doubt Kaname would enjoy that."

"He would." Yukki took Zero's hand. "Just give him a chance."

"Can't." Zero shook his head. He looked down at the girl he used to consider a sister. "You and him would make a beautiful couple."

"So would you two."

"I'll dream about it." Zero smiled sadly. "I was actually just about to leave. You're the only one I wanted to say goody-bye too."

"What about Kaname?" Yukki asked with a tinge of desperation.

Zero looked back to where the handsome Pureblood stood. "He looks busy with his fan club. It's not good-bye anyway. I'll probably see him Monday at work."

"Fine. I'll pass on your regards." Yukki smiled.

"Thank you." Zero leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Take care. I'll see you soon."

"Bye Zero." Yukki watched the Hunter leave.

She couldn't help but think that Zero was being awfully blind.

"Where is Zero off to?" Yukki turned to Takuma who was hiding behind the tree.

"I don't know. Are you hiding?"

"I just need a breather."

"I can see. Onii-Sama has quite the fan club."

"He always has. It's a shame Zero didn't say goodbye."

"He's still being stubborn."

"I wonder if those two will ever stop being so blind."

"I doubt it. Now that we're out of school I can't force them to hang out that much. My life has just gotten so much harder!" Yuuki stamped her foot.

"Ichijo-Sempi!"

"I've been found. By Yuuki-Sama." Takuma bowed and turned away from te Pureblood princess as his fan club mauled him.

Yuuki walked off. It looked like she just might be able to drag her brother away soon. It had been nearly two hours that the classes had been mingling. Surely he needed to be rescued by now.

Zero hated mornings. He always had. Now he couldn't get out of waking up early. He had graduated Friday and here he was working Monday morning. Over the last two years he had slowly been trusted with higher class missions. Now that he was graduated and could go on full time missions Zero was sure he could finally get around to doing something fun.

Yagari had told Zero to be in his office at 8 o'clock sharp. So here the silverette was clutching his coffee and walking through the Hunter association and an obscene hour of the morning.

Kicking the door open Zero walked in. He noted Yagari behind his desk. Kaito Takamiya was sitting in a chair opposite the desk and a female Hunter sat in another chair.

"This is a surprise." Yagari smiled. "I figured you'd be at least fifteen minutes late."

"You owe me." Kaito grinned at his teacher.

"You said 8 o'clock and it's-" Zero looked at his watch. "Seven fifty nine. I think that counts." He slumped into the only vacant chair.

"Well since we're actually all on time, Zero I'd like to introduce you to Aiko."

The beautiful woman turned to Zero and smiled. "It's nice to finally meet you Zero. Your name has been floating around the Association for ages now."

Zero put on a fake smile but said nothing else.

"Now I've called you all here as you will be on a joint mission. It won't be a labor intensive mission and you will still have the option to go on other ones. As it is this mission is surveillance till we know more about the threat. We have received this request from the new Vampire Council." Yagari pulled out papers. "They think it would be best to have Hunters and Vampires working together to promote coexistence. As I know you three are all fairly tolerant."

Kaito huffed.

"Zero will keep you in line." Yagari glared at Kaito. "You three are also the best at what you do."

"Who are we playing babysitter too?" Zero cut in.

"Kaname Kuran."

"Great." Zero took another sip of coffee.

"There have been recent threats against him and we are all keen to keep him safe. Things have been going smoothly since he eradicated the old council and instated the new. Now this mission will be menial work. We're going to start out with posting you all as the doormen to his apartment complex." Yagari handed them each a thick folder. "These are full of all the information you will need to know. The layout of building and his penthouse. There is also a list of his business schedule. You will each be getting a new one as soon as it is made available to us, which will be bi-weekly on Sunday and Wednesday. There are also contact numbers for you all. The most important will probably be his bodyguard, Siren."

"Are we also to follow him on his nights out and stalk his social dinners?" Zero asked sarcastically.

"If you can. I think that might be easiest for you Zero, since you and his fiancé are on close terms. She has always invited you to such things in the past."

"Great. So these two are just around to pick up the slack while I sleep. Fun." Zero started flipping through all the information. He was acting like an ass but he was secretly a little bit happy about this. Even if it did feel a bit stalkerish to be reading so many personal details of Kaname's.

"Pretty much. You'll be instrumental to this Zero." Kaito smiled over at his friend.

"When do we start?"

"Today actually. Kuran is obviously asleep now, but Aiko will take the first watch. It might be easier for you Zero if you rearrange your sleeping habits to coincide with Vampire habits."

"Oh yes. I just love messing my life up for the blood sucker."

"It means you won't have to be up in the morning." Yagari smiled.

Zero raised an eyebrow. "Actually I like the sound of that. I'll do that."

Kaito laughed. "You're so easy to predict."

Zero had gone home to sleep the afternoon away. Then he had started to wade through the folder full of information on Kaname.

There were plenty of pictures to accompany it all and Zero did his best not to react to them. But he ended up staring at a photo of Kaname in a tuxedo for a half hour. Realizing what he was doing Zero tossed the picture away and leaned back on the couch.

He would have to be careful for this all. If he got the chance he would transfer off it. It was surely going to be too painful to watch the Pureblood go about his normal day. To see him and Yuuki together. To see everyone interact and fawn over the man.

Zero already felt the jealousy burning in his stomach. He had become aware of his true feelings for Kaname three years ago when the Pureblood had made sure there was enough blood in Shizuka to save Zero from insanity. From there the Pureblood had offered blood to Zero on numerous occasions and he had taken in simply to be near the handsome Pureblood for a few minutes.

When they had faced Rido together Zero had felt like an equal to the Pureblood. They had fought side by side and vanquished the deranged Pureblood together. There had been a moment when the battle had ended and Zero was sure they were going to kiss before the Chairman had broken the mood. That moment replayed in Zero's dreams often. He would dream that from then on Kaname had seen him as an equal and they had done more then kissed that day.

Running a hand through his hair Zero sigh. He picked up his phone. "Might as well get the jump on them all." He said as he punched out a text to Yuuki. There were still a few hours till Zero had to be at "work". And surely the girl would be up. It was breakfast time to Vampires.

::How's life Post-Cross? Want to meet for coffee tonight?

It didn't take her very long to respond.

::Omg Zero! Yes! I know it's been two days but I miss you. Do you want to meet up at the café by the association in an hour?

::That works for me. See you then!

Zero locked his screen and stood up. He didn't particularly want to see Yuuki but she would be a valuable ally in this. He'd never admit it to anyone but he was jealous of the youngest Kuran. She could hang on Kaname and cling to him as much as she wanted and it was acceptable. Not to mention they were engaged to be married.

Closing his eyes Zero bit back the emotion and stood. He had to get ready and head out soon if he was going to meet Yuuki. He had originally rented this apartment because it was close to Cross Academy and a good halfway to the Association on nights that he had late missions and didn't want to return to school. Or he had started spending weekends here the last year. If he was going to be Kaname's shadow he should probably get a flat closer to the Association and Kaname's place.

It was just one more thing to add to his list of things to do. Walking out into the complex's garage Zero mounted his bike and left toward the café. He'd rather be early then late for something like this.

"Yuuki why can't you just go on your own?" Kaname said as he tied his tie in the mirror.

"Because I want you there." Yuuki smiled sweetly. "It'll be our first time meeting outside of Cross. Just come along for a little bit."

"I'm only going because I have a meeting at the Association at ten. Otherwise I wouldn't bother."

"You would." Yuuki smiled. "Because it's Zero."

"It being Zero has nothing to do with it." Kaname snapped.

"Keep telling yourself that." Yuuki shrugged into her coat. "Come along Onii-Sama."

Kaname rolled his eyes at his sister and buttoned up his jacket.

They walked the three block to the café.

"Zero!" Yuuki squealed as she saw the silverette sitting in a booth by the window.

"Hey Yuuki." He stood and hugged the girl. His eyes landed on Kaname on the counter ordering. "Did you bring your brother?"

Yuuki looked over her shoulder. "I did. He's getting us coffee. He won't be staying for long since he has a meeting in an hourish at the Association."

"Great." Zero sat back down.

Yuuki slid in across from Zero and sat in the middle of the seat.

Kaname came over holding two lattes. Yuuki didn't budge.

"Sit with Zero." She said in a commanding voice. "I want to be able to see both your faces."

Zero glared and scooted closer to the window.

"So Zero. How has everything been since graduation?"

"It's been two days Yuuki."

"The questions remains on the table." Yuuki smiled.

"Fine. I've been trying to get missions, but ended up looking for a job. I'm thinking of moving closer to city centre."

"That's fun. What sort of work?" Yuuki sipped her mocha.

"Anything I can get honestly. My status as a Level D isn't winning me favours at the Association."

"That's a shame." Kaname said before he sipped his coffee.

"I actually found a job. I'll be working as a doorman. Not too far from here actually."

"No way! Oh my gosh please tell me it's at 114 Park Avenue!"

"How'd you know?" Zero feigned surprise.

"That's where we live! We'll see you everyday!" Yuuki reached out and took her brother's hand.

"Great." Zero rolled his eyes and looked out the window at the people passing by.

"Wonderful." Kaname said. He fixed his eyes on his sister.

"Isn't it. I knew they were looking for one." Yuuki smiled and leaned back to look at the two boys body language.

Zero was leaning against the window. His muscles were tight and he was doing his best to not invade Kaname's personal space. Kaname sat with his back straight and his arms on the table. They looked so uncomfortable.

"We've been settling in. I've moved in with Kaname, for now. Since he had this flat to being with I figured I'd hang out for a while till I found somewhere else to live." Yuuki said.

"That's nice. When's the wedding date?" Zero jabbed at the sore spot between them all.

"We're waiting a little longer till our lives settle into a pattern of sorts. Since it's only a political arrangement it should be easy enough." Kaname said.

"Don't make it sound like such a chore." Yuuki pouted.

"I'm just saying. Since you've got your lover stashed off somewhere." Kaname smiled.

"You should get one too!" Yuuki raised her eyebrows.

"Maybe I will." Kaname sigh. His eyes slid sideways to watch Zero's reaction.

The Hunter kept his features neutral.

"You too Zero." Yuuki continued to grin.

"Shut up Yuuki. You know my position on this." Zero locked eyes with the little brunette and warned her off.

She just stuck her tongue out at him.

Kaname looked at his watch. "I'm sorry I must be off." He stood. He locked eyes with Zero. "It was nice to see you Kiryu. And Yuuki, I'll see you later."

"I'll be seeing you around Kuran." Zero said with a small smile.

"Bye!" Yuuki waved her brother off.

Once the Pureblood was gone Yuuki got a serious expression on.

"So Zero. I gave you the perfect chance to grope my brother and you passed it up!"

"Did you see his body language. He was all stiff and stand offish. No way. I think you're barking up the wrong tree." Zero crossed his arms.

"Just give it a fucking try!" Yuuki said exasperatedly. She slumped forward onto the table. Zero had to snatch away her mocha to keep it from spilling.

"Stop being overly dramatic." Zero rolled his eyes.

"But you're seriously going to be our new doorman?"

"Yes. Don't remind me."

"You'll get to see him everyday and maybe you could start small and work up to asking him out."

"Maybe." Zero sigh. "Just stop trying to force it. I don't think Kaname enjoyed this coffee stunt."

"So. he'll have to deal with it. I'm so happy you're working in his building. Once I move out I think he might get lonely so I need you to keep him company." Yuuki sat back up.

"He's got all his Noble friends to do that."

"Not really. He's actually a very lonely person. You should be his friend. You're both stubborn and blind and you'd be perfect friends."

"Maybe I'll give it a shot." Zero shrugged.

"God Zero you're so damn hard to work with. I'm trying to get you in bed with my brother and you're dragging your damn feet!"

Zero turned his lavender eyes to Yuuki. "Just leave it. Your brother doesn't seems very obliging to the idea. So drop it."

"I can't."

"Try harder." Zero stood. "I've got to go. Bye Yuuki."

"Move in with Kaname."

Zero froze and turned back to the girl. "What?"

"Think about it. It would be so perfect. You'll be close to the Association and you just have to take the elevator to work every day. Kaname owns the building so I doubt he'll charge you rent. I'll talk to him."

"Don't." Zero's heart was racing. It would be perfect. But he knew how Yuuki worked. The more he resisted the more she would try for it.

"I'll just ask him."

"No. Don't you dare." Zero said in a threatening tone.

"Zero-Chan I can do what I want." Yuuki said as she stood.

"Whatever." Zero rolled his eyes and waved good-bye to the girl.

Yukki waited till Zero was gone before doing a little dance of joy. Things seemed to be working out perfectly. Just a few more prods and it would happen perfectly. Yuuki hadn't told Zero but she was the one who had approached the Association to guard her brother. He was a Pureblood yes but sometimes there were things that were out of his power and if the rumors were true then the assassin would be a Vampire and Kaname was always slower to react in such a situation. She would also be feeding Yagari the information he needed.

If she could just get Zero and Kaname to live together… An idea sparked in her head. She had to get home and get things started!