AN: Last update until December. Sorry, but NaNoWriMo is coming up, and I have to dedicate all of November to that. Hopefully the exploration of feelings and plot twist will keep you interested?

Disclaimer: I do not own Vampire Knight

I woke up to find myself still in Zero's apartment. I wasn't quite sure why I was still here, and that scared me. My eyes shifted unconsciously towards the door as I considered the man behind it. I knew that I wasn't being completely honest with myself, understood that I was still here because for some unfathomable reason I had actually developed feelings for him.

I snorted, rolling on to my stomach in disgust. It was sick, the fact that I could feel something for him, but there was no denying the fact that I could forgive him for what her did. And what else could that ability be derived from other than affection. I groaned, rising to my knees on the mattress. With a yawn I slid out of bed, shuffling over to the door and opening it slowely.

I peered out of the crack I had formed, glancing around nervously. I spotted him on the couch, eyes closed, breathing even. A small smile graced my mouth before I could stop it as tender feelings assaulted me. My nose wrinkled as I bereted myself, already anoyed with these emotions. I drew in a deep breath and left the room, closing the door softly behind me.

I approached him, taking care not to make any noise. As I reached him I became more entranced by him. He was beautiful. I frowned, unable to stop myself from thinking of my inadequacies. His eyes fluttered open, and as his violet gaze met my hazel one I melted. He scowled, though I wasn't sure why.

"Where are you knives?" I blinked, totally confused.

"Excuse me?" His scowl deepened.

"Where. Are. Your. Knives." His words were all but spit at me, and instead of shrinking back, I glared.

"What the hell is your problem? And don't you dare say you're hungry, cause after last night, I highly doubt it." My voice was full of venom, and I instantly regretted it when he flinched.

"That's exactly why you need them with you at all times." I was already shaking my head before he was finished speaking.

"I have faith in you Zero." He turned away from me, and I drew in an agitated breath.

"You shouldn't. I attacked you." I rolled my eyes, wishing he'd stop helping my common sense condemn him.

"Look, I hate what you did to me. I hate being taken advantage of, and I hate the feeling of being used." His jaw was set, and a wave of sympathy assaulted me. "However, you need me. And for some reason I don't understand, I feel... something for you. And right now I think I liked you better as a blood crazed monster. At least you were nice then. So stop trying to tell me to hate you. Believe me, I have enough reasons without you.

"Did you mean what you said last night?" His voice didn't waver, but it held a sort of desperation, almost inperceptable, but there.

"Yeah." A ghost of a smile flitted on his lips, and my heart lurched. "So what now?" His frown returned, though more contemplative than anything.

"I don't know." I patted his head, my hand moving on it's own accord. He didn't shy away, rather closing his eyes. Like he was savoring the contact. I smiled, ruffling his hair before pulling back and standing.

"I guess we'll just figure it out as we go?" He nodded, and a happy sort of understanding filled the room.

A knock interrupted the calm, causing me to jump. A scowl settled on his face, marring the serene expression of a couple of seconds ago.

"Open up!'' The cheerful voice of the chairman made both of us groan.

"Go away." I bit back a laugh at his gruff tone.

"Just open the damn door." Yagari's voice chilled my laughter, and I stalked over to the door, opening it a bit roughly. The two men behind it eyed me, and I sighed, moving to allow them entrance. Zero was already standing, a glare set on his features. I closed the door and leaned against the wall.

"So, Himiko-chan, how was the action last night?" I frowned, brows furrowed. Surely escorting the student home didn't qualify as 'action'. Zero answered before I could ask what he meant.

"She left with Wakaba." The chairman's smile fell slightly.

"Oh. Well I suppose I should explain things before I give you the mission." I blinked, sending Yagari a wary look.

"I haven't finished my apprenticeship yet."

"Orders come from higher up."

"Yes, well, there was a pure blood murder last night." I shrugged, not sure how this was supposed to affect me.

"And I kill vampires." The chairman frowned, and once again I felt he was disappointed.

"Yes yes. But this was a pure blood." Zero snorted at that and the chairman narrowed his eyes slightly in disapproval.

"Look, the Kuran's want a day gaurd, and Yuuki requested you." Yagari's abrupt interuption made me choke.

"Excuse me?" He rolled his eyes.

"I know your aversion to them, but the president agreed to lend your services against my advice."

"No." Yagari sighed, obviously irritated with the whole thing.

"You will guard them." His eyes stopped my argument before it could start. "Of course Zero will join you so you can continue your apprenticeship." I blanched, quickly looking at Zero to asses his reaction. His fists were trembling.

"No." Both men groaned, and I almost felt bad for them.

"This is not an option. Now you two pack up. You're going to the Kuran residence before daybreak... or you can loose your licence."