Her First Rose

"Yuuki! Yuuki!" A dark haired girl nudged. The teacher could notice any minute now. He was already starting to turn…

"Yuuki!"

"Wha – whoa!"

There was a thud as Yuuki hit the floor and the sound of her chair skidding across the floor. Mi-Hyang covered her mouth to keep the laughter in, whispering, "Oops…" She'd nudged a little too hard, it seemed.

"Kiryuu!"

Yuuki winced. Ah, there went her free period. The lectures on proper class conduct from Professor Morina were always so long…

--

"Really, I tried to warn you, but you sleep like a rock." Mi-Hyang smiled cheekily as she bit into her steak.

Yuuki pouted. "Well thanks to your less than subtle warning, I had to endure an hour and a half of Professor Morina on full out rant mode."

Mi-Hyang shrugged. "You shouldn't have fallen asleep in the first place. What would Zero-san say?"

Yuuki cringed. She hated disappointing her brother. Falling asleep during class wasn't something that'd make him happy.

Mi-Hyang tapped her lip with her fork. "I always wondered, are you and Zero-san really related?"

"Eh? Well, technically we are, but technically we aren't."

Mi-Hyang blinked, "But he's still your Oppa, however you might be related, right?"

"He's more than just my older brother," she smiled, "he's like a brother, father and best friend all in one."

"Mm, so many…so lucky you are," Mi-Hyang teased. Yuuki didn't refute the statement, smiling shyly. She herself felt extremely lucky she was able to meet Zero and continue to have him in her life.

Vampire nobility was a merciless convoluted web of traps ready to ensnare any and all victims, regardless of age, gender or class, and Yuuki had come very close to being one of them. The one person who'd bothered to notice and had saved her, literally became her only family.

Her father, although a man of high standing, had had an affair with a level D vampire and it'd even resulted in a child, Yuuki. Though she'd been lucky enough to have the affection of both of her parents for the first few years of her life, after her mother passed, everything went down the proverbial drain. Her father had despaired at the loss of his lover and his wife despised the child born of her husband's affair.

Yuuki had grown up completely isolated, hated by her 'stepmother', forgotten by her father, and ignored by the other members of the household. Having no one to converse with, Yuuki had jumped at the first chance that'd been offered for her to go out. She could never have known the reason behind it was to further prove just where an illegitimate child really stood in the world of vampire aristocracy.

Excited but anxious to meet others like her, she'd been set up for more than a little disappointment. The other children had sneered and made snide remarks, commenting on her 'dirty low D blood' and absolutely refused to come near, much less talk to her. Shocked, scared and most of all, painfully lonely, Yuuki hid herself by the flowerbeds, unable to stop her tears.

'What's a tiny thing like you doing here?'

Those were the first words he'd ever spoken to her. Startled, she'd jumped and tripped over her dress, landing none too gracefully on her backside. Mortified, all she could do was sit there as her face turned impossible shades of red. Expecting to be harshly scolded, she'd been surprised when all she heard was laughter. It didn't sound anything like those other kids, mocking and cruel, rather, it was warm and accepting. It'd reminded her of her mother.

Yuuki would never forget the near angelic appearance of the gentle boy she'd come to know. Standing before her with his back against the lights from the mansion behind him, he looked ethereal, someone otherworldly. His light silvery hair seemed to glow and his soft lavender eyes held something strong, and unyielding, and completely compelling. She'd stared, transfixed, until long slender fingers reached for her face and stroked her wet cheek.

'Been crying here, have you?'

His smile had been a bit sad as he took out a handkerchief and wiped her face, even going so far as to let her blow her nose into it. Uncaring of the soiled state of the once pristine white cloth, he casually tucked it back into his pocket and picked her up, holding her in his arms and resting her against his hip.

Zero had come to scoop her up and save her at her loneliest moment. She'd have probably clung to anyone that even showed her a speck of kindness, but Yuuki was infinitely glad it'd been Zero that had done so. Even after he learned of who she was, he didn't treat her any differently. He'd been the first to show her names meant something other than reason for ridicule and status didn't always matter to everyone. He'd been the first to show her so many things.

It was on her eighth birthday her life took a most wonderful turn. She'd changed from Rokujou Yuuki, the bastard child, to Kiryuu Yuuki, the younger sister of Kiryuu Zero. It'd been the first time she ever received a present since the death of her mother and while she had to leave her previous family, it hadn't felt like much of a loss.

That was the day she'd also met Ruka-san, Kain-san, Hanabusa-san, and Kaname-sama. They were all her seniors by two to three years. Their initial reaction to her sudden addition into their group was wariness. They knew her background had been less than pristine and thought her adoption all a part of Mrs. Rokujou's plan in gaining leverage over Zero as well as attaining a higher status from having a close connection with the prestigious Kiryuu line.

But Zero hadn't simply taken her under his care and guidance and changed her name. He'd blood adopted her. Although legally he was her brother, technically, he was her father. With the blood adoption, she now had Kiryuu blood running through her veins. Her father's genes had been completely replaced and her features changed. The dark chocolate irises from her father were now the soft silvery lavender Zero was so known for. Her skin had turned a paler shade as well.

She now held no connections with her previous biological father or his family. Mrs. Rokujou couldn't have gained any political standing regardless. Zero had helped her completely cut ties with them to leave them behind for a fresh start.

Smiling, Yuuki bit into her food. "Yes, really lucky," she whispered.

Mi-Hyang tilted her head. "With his significance to you, was he also your first rose?" She was half-joking, and nearly squealed when Yuuki nodded shyly, fiddling with her cup. "Really? When?"

"Um, on my twelfth birthday."

Mi-Hyang nodded, "That's rather young, but considering you knew Zero-san since you were what, seven? I guess it's not that much of a surprise." She smiled. "You're fortunate your first rose was accepted and received by someone so special. I had my cousin, who's a pervert and a girl." She said dryly. She'd have loved to experience her first time with someone like Kiryuu Zero. Not many girls had their first choice when it came to giving their first rose, just as not many first loves lasted for human girls.

For the young girls of vampire nobility, their first 'bite' was regarded with some care and a bit of romance. They were offering a part of themselves for the first time, an extremely large part of themselves, and they all chose carefully in who would get the privilege of enjoying their virgin neck.

Usually the person in question ended up being a trusted family member, but many dreamed of having their love interest accepting their rose.

For Yuuki, Zero was more than a trusted family member or a love interest. He'd been her world since she was seven. She more than just wished for Zero to accept her rose. She wouldn't consider anyone else. If Zero would not be her first, no one would.

'You're giving me your first rose?' He'd looked so surprised. 'Yuuki, something like that should be reserved for someone special.'

'You are special, so much… please Zero, please accept it. I know I have no right to demand anything of you, but…'

He shook his head. 'I can never turn you away Yuuki. If you have so decided, then I doubt I can do much to persuade you otherwise. Come.'

She'd stepped up rather boldly and Zero gently raised her head, his slender fingers under her chin. Placing a hand at her waist, he trailed his other hand down her throat, rubbing it gently, his strokes slow and rhythmic. His calming touch had soothed her nerves and she started to relax. She caught a small smile on Zero's face before he dipped his head and touched his lips to her warm skin. Feeling for a place that was most comfortable for her, he finally parted his lips, sucking slowly and gently before sinking his fangs in.

Yuuki still couldn't help the smile that'd always lift the corners of her mouth whenever she remembered her twelfth birthday. The whole experience had felt surreal, as though she'd been dreaming. But the tingle on a certain part of her neck the next morning worked to remind her it had been very much real.

Mi-Hyang sighed. "Not only do you have Zero-san as your Oppa, you have him for your first rose too, I'm so envious!" She sucked morosely on her spoon.

Yuuki blinked as Mi-Hyang's words pulled forth a conversation she'd had some time ago.

--

'I'm envious of you, Yuuki.'

'Eh?' She couldn't tell whether he meant his words with the polite smile he had on his face.

'You have the freedom of giving yourself to anyone you so choose unlike us purebloods.' He was still smiling but his eyes were solemn.

'Kaname…sama?'

'You gave him your rose, didn't you? And…he accepted.'

'Oh, um, yes.' She felt a bit flustered. She hadn't known he'd known.

As though reading her thoughts, he replied, 'I could sense him – here,' he placed his index finger right on the same spot Zero had bitten her.

'Sense him…?'

'I've known him since I was a toddler, it'd be surprising if I didn't.'

'Kaname-sama, why are you…' Why was he telling her this?

He merely smiled a smile that didn't reach his eyes. 'I'm envious of you, Yuuki.'

--

Kaname-sama had always been an enigma. She never knew much about him except that he was a pureblood and that he was kind. But despite the gentleness she sometimes saw, she couldn't help the thought that it was never really aimed at her. It'd been that way since she first met him on her eighth birthday. Even in the safety of Zero's arms at the time, his gaze still felt uncomfortable, a little cold.

She never mentioned it to anyone, as it wasn't as though it was such a big deal. With her past, Yuuki had suffered a lot worse from other children. Even if Kaname-sama seemed aloof towards her, she would always have Zero – her brother, her father, her best friend.

It wasn't until a few weeks after that short conversation with Kaname-sama that Kain perhaps took pity on her to answer what was obviously troubling her thoughts.

'Kaname knew Zero since his was three and Zero, eight. They'd grown up together and with Zero so suddenly taken with you, Kaname's just beginning to see Zero doesn't belong to one person. He's a part of all of us.' He gave her a sympathetic smile.

'Kaname's always had the most of Zero's attention. He'll just need to get used to sharing it with you, that's all.'

The possibility that someone like Kaname-sama could feel…jealous of her of all people was mind-boggling. But she could more than understand why. She herself had been on the receiving end of Zero's warmth. Once you experienced it, it was hard to part with. He was like a comforting blanket that kept you from the cold, protective and reassuring, strong, soft and constant.

"Well what do you know, speak of the devil and he shall appear," Mi-Hyang smiled as she pointed past Yuuki's shoulder with her fork.

"What?" Looking in the direction of the fork, Yuuki paled and jumped up from her seat. Oh no, had Professor Morina really gone through with his threat and contacted Zero?

Oblivious to her panicked thoughts, Zero approached silently, a smile on his lips. "Yuuki, I thought I'd stop by—"

"I'm sorry, I swear I'll never do it again!"

Zero paused mid-step. "What?"

"Eh?"

"Yuuki, what are you talking about?"

"Oh, oh, um nothing. What made you stop by?" She hoped her expression was convincing.

Raising a brow at her behavior, Zero answered, "I came to see the chairman about some business concerning the academy." Vampires were able to attend because of the support the chairman had from Kaname and himself. It was only proper to check and see how everything was progressing.

"How are you along on your studies?"

Oh no, the dreaded question every parent or guardian asked their child. Yuuki laughed nervously wondering how to answer it without giving much away. Thankfully she saw her savior looming in the distance.

"Zero, it wasn't very considerate of you, leaving me to deal with those human girls," a silky tone spoke up.

Zero only smiled amusedly, "you deserved it and you know it, Kaname."

The pureblood just raised his hand to rest it at the nape of Zero's neck, stroking it softly with his thumb. "We must go soon, we have a meeting at two." He murmured.

Checking his watch, Zero frowned. "You're right." He turned an apologetic smile towards his sister, "sorry Yuuki, another time. I'll call you tonight."

As soon as she felt Zero and Kaname-sama weren't in hearing distance, Yuuki sighed heavily in relief. Now she had more time to come up with a believable story. She looked up when she realized Mi-Hyang had been suspiciously silent.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh my god, I just saw Kiryuu Zero and Kuran Kaname in the flesh…"

"Mi-Hyang…?" The transfer student was acting just on this side of weird.

"So that's what the gods look like…"

"Eh? Gods?"

"That hair, those eyes…"

"…M-Mi-Hyang…?" Had her brother and Kaname-sama just gained another fan? Yuuki giggled. She wondered if she should warn them her own roommate was now 'one of them'…nah, she thought, continuing to smile. Sipping at her drink, she suddenly felt a bit giddy. Revisiting her past, she felt even more appreciative of the present. She hoped every day that followed would be like this, light and bubbly with a splash of fun and mischief.

--

Disclaimer: No own Vampire Knights.

Thank you for reading! :) Again, thanks to YenGirl for sending me more corrections. Geez, I'm terribly careless...

And, for those who may be curious:

Oppa - a term for younger girls to call older boys or their older brother (in a way, equivalent to Onii-chan)

Yuuki - 16

Zero - 24

Kaname - 19

Ruka, Kain, Hanabusa - 18