The Wilting Flower (A Vampire Knight Fanfiction)

1st Day of Sickness (60 days left)

1st day of sickness, (60 days left)

"Wow! It's so nice out today!", Yuki stated in amazement as a brilliant blue covered the morning skies.

Yuki giggled as some children ran past her fighting each other with toy swords. This was a nice way to spend their free time. Or start off the time she had left.

The chairman agreed quickly. "Yes, it is, Yuki! Such a nice day to be out and about, right, Zero?"

"Yeah. Sure.", Zero commented, a small smile breaking through his cold demeanor. He can't help but smile at Yuki's happiness.

They were out to pick up the supplies for the academy Day Class dorms. The Night dorms had their supplies shipped to them privately, but the day class required more laborious activities to get their supplies.

Yuki shook her head reprovingly and admired what the city's markets had to offer. Colorful tapestries were hung up all around, and the scent of Takoyaki filled Yuki's nostrils. There must have been a fair today! Yuki held out her arms and let the Chairman place heavy bags into her arms. She turned her head to try and see where the scent as coming from. "Mmm! Do you smell that, father?" The chairman smiled at the name that had flowed so easily out of her mouth and nodded.

"Do you want to get some?" Yuki nodded and was about to speak again before Zero interrupted her. "Do we really have the time for that? We need to get the supplies back to the dorm." Yuki's smile fell before nodding reluctantly. The chairman began to object, seeing his adoptive daughter's face fill with disappointment, but she spoke up. "It's alright. I can always get some Takoyaki later. My hands are full anyways."

They began their trek back to academy, Yuki slowing down to admire the merchandise for sale in the town. She took in every color, smell, sight, and sound, hoping to burn it in her mind. This is probably the last time she'll ever see a fair, so she wanted to memorize it. "Yuki? Come on! Let's get back already!" Zero called out, with an annoyed tinge to his voice, being much farther up ahead then her. "C-Coming!" Yuki rushed forward, making sure not to bump into anyone.

"What's gotten into you?" Zero asked her in a sullen manner. "Nothing, really!", she replied cheerfully,"I was just appreciating the fair. I wish we had more time so we could come here to enjoy it."

Zero raised his eyebrow at her. "We'll go next year, okay? For now, we've got to get these back." Yuki's happy expression fell into one of emptiness. Zero did not see it, and she was glad for it. Nevertheless, she nodded and kept up the pace with them.

As much as she wanted to think happy thoughts, the letter still weighed heavy in her mind. She suspected it would for a while. What would Zero do once she's gone? She felt her heart twinge in her chest. He'll probably stay the same grumpy, person he is. She hopes to God he will be okay without her.

By the time they got back to the academy, it was mid-day, having returned from town rather quickly. They delivered the supplies to their designated areas, before the chairman returned to his office to have a meeting with the president of the hunters' association. The younger pair began preparing for sundown, steeling themselves for the screaming fan girls they'll have to fight off.

They were out near the stables, Zero was brushing Lily while Yuki stretched her body and tried to relax the tense muscles in her shoulders and back, so she can become more limber for the event ahead. It was one of those rare times where Zero isn't late, and the two can prepare and make it to their job together.

While she rolled her shoulder blades, the girl watched Zero's face carefully as he took care of the white mare.

His face was, for once, calm and un-crinkled. She could see wrinkles that are starting to form under his eyes, showing that he was aging prematurely from all the stress he encounters. From his anger at the night class, to his annoyance with Yuki sometimes, and just his fighting expression from being a hunter. He's tough, but he's been through a lot. She wishes she could do more to help him, and make him smile. But, even when she isn't sick, that is a hard task to accomplish.

Her face fell at the memories of how many times she's annoyed him, caused problems for him, and generally made his life harder.

'Of course.'

'He'd be fine without me.'

"Are we going to the night class dorm gates to do our jobs, or are you just gonna keep staring at me like a jealous girlfriend?"

Zero set the brush down before walking off leaving her in the dust, eyes shut in what seemed like annoyance. She blinked a few times blankly before processing what he said.

"EHHHHHH?"

She chased after him quickly, screaming the whole way. "I was not staring at you like a jealous girlfriend! You dummy! Get back here! Argh!" They bantered back and forth on their way, arguing playfully.

Their jobs went rather smoothly. Well, as smooth as keeping screaming fan girls at bay could be. The night class, as majestic as ever, paraded out as usual. Aidou, of course, was the first to rush out and greet his adoring fans. Kaname asked Yuki how she was doing, as he always does, smiling softly at her flustered expression from just being in his presence. It was obvious to anyone watching that they had deep feelings for each other, and that right there made Zero clench his fists.

Still, he remained silent. It wasn't his business what she did with that pureblood bastard. He didn't deserve Yuki, anyways, but then again...neither did Kaname. In Zero's eyes, Yuki was too pure for either of them. Like a blinding light in the darkness, seeking to fill up everything with happiness.

He thought of her smile, her laugh, her bravery.

Yes. She was clumsy, silly, and naive. She threw herself into situations that didn't involve her, and messed those situations up when she did.

But she was just so damn brave.

The bravest, most wonderful person he's ever met. She would face the darkest, most vile monster with a warm expression and open arms, even if it is considered foolish.

Zero looked over at her. She was currently motioning for the girls to go back their dorms since the night class had already left, energetic and happy.

She was amazing. Zero would be content just being by her side.

Yet, deep down inside Zero, a part of him wanted to believe that if Yuki knew that he stared at her just as much as she stared him, then she could let Kuran go.

And like him instead.