Gradually, Asuna's mother warmed up to Yuuki, and they were able to openly share their relationship with her family. Her father, being less strict, was happy to welcome Yuuki to the family. "Better for her to be with a girl than being with some filthy boy," he had said, sniffling a bit. It felt good to be accepted. Although Asuna's mom was still a bit wary of their relationship, she was significantly kinder to Yuuki. In turn, the purple haired girl helped out around the house (even though Asuna disapproved) and attempted to break the ice between them.

"Miss Yuuki, would you like some help making dinner?" Yuuki stood by Asuna's mother, smiling as brightly as she could.

"Ah, no. I have this covered, but thank you for your offer." She replied.

"Alright, if you say so. Just call me if you need help!" Yuuki turned and left the kitchen, not wanting to get in the way. As she stepped out of the doorway, she noticed Asuna standing nearby, a gentle smile gracing her features.

"You know, you really don't have to push yourself. Besides, Mom is like me, we don't like to ask for help unless we absolutely need it. I'm glad you two are getting along, though," Asuna piped up.

"Nope! I'm kind of freeloading, so I need to help around. You don't have to worry about me all the time." Yuuki grinned confidently. The two walked side by side down the hall to the living room.

"Sorry, I guess I've still got this image of you in my head. That you're fragile, like you could break at any moment, and I won't be able to catch the fragments of you that are left. I know you're strong, I know what you've been through. I've even said it myself. You're strong, brave. Even so, it's hard to not want to protect you all the time."

Yuuki sighed and responded, "I won't break that easily. I'll be with you for a long time, whether you want me to or not. Don't be afraid." She grabbed the taller girl's hands and looked sincerely into her eyes. "I may be small and skinny, but I want you to know that I'm not weak. If anything, I'll protect you. You should lean on me more."

"I wish...that I could. But I guess when you love someone, there's more that you are afraid to lose. All brilliant things fade and burn out in time. I just don't want that to happen to you..." Asuna said haltingly.

"It won't, I'll make sure of that."

Eventually the two weeks ended and Asuna's school year began. In turn, Yuuki went back to the hospital. During the weekend, Asuna visited Yuuki at the hospital. Other than that, she wasn't able to see her. Impending tests and projects loomed over the blue haired girl's head. Sometimes, it was lonely, but all the work kept her busy.

Asuna sighed, turning her attention back to the professor, who was beginning a long lecture. Although some of the classes she had selected were interesting, some of the teachers weren't. Regardless of how well they taught, she still had to pay attention. Looking around, she noticed that a couple students had already dozed off. She, however, had to focus. Her parents still wanted her to be successful, even if they were less restricting compared to before. Asuna knew that getting a good education would help her secure a high salary job, but growing up still felt distant to her. Everything still felt new. The thought of graduating from college was just as far back in her mind as it was when she had first started visiting Yuuki.

Suddenly, the phone by the door rang. The professor paused, excused himself, and answered the phone.

"Asuna Yuuki, your mother just called. She says it's urgent." The professor called to her.

Curious, Asuna got up and took the phone from him. "Mom?"

"Asuna, the hospital just called to say that Yuuki's condition has worsened. They want you to come and answer some questions about her condition in the past few weeks." Her mother's voice poured out of the speaker shakily. Asuna felt a cold knot deep in her stomach, tight and unrelenting.

"Alright, Mom. I'm heading there right now." She handed the phone back to the professor, excused herself, and raced out of the room. Windows and students flew past in a blur as she sped down the hall, down the stairs, and out of the building. Frantically, she searched for her car, spying it in the back of the parking lot. Asuna ran to her car and got in, quickly starting it up and driving towards the hospital. Along the way, she was caught in traffic a few times, and each time she gripped the steering wheel tighter, swearing profusely inside her head.

Asuna parked her car in front of the hospital before jumping out and dashing to Yuuki's hospital room. She burst into the room, her long, blue, hair swishing about behind her. Yuuki was surrounded nurses. Yuuki's doctor stood aside quietly, a grim look on his face. He looked up as Asuna entered.

"Ah, you're here, . Please, have a seat."

A/N: I finally decided to make my plot go somewhere. I stayed up all night planning my next few chapters. I hope the next chapters my story will give you a rollercoaster of feels, just as the anime has done for me.