AN: Hi there, not only is this my first BLOOD+ fanfic, it's my first time writing a fanfiction after nearly 2 or 3 years. This one's pretty short and it's from Haji's point of view. It's my interpretation of what happens before Kai and the twins visit Saya's "grave".

Warning: Contains a bit of "unspecific" spoilers, but still, read at your own risk. )

Lately, when sustaining a wound, it takes her a longer time to recover. She gets tired easily now, too.

My chest tightens, much to my surprise. I slowly look down while my bandaged hand reaches up to lay flat over my chest. There's a quick beating, of a heart that no longer is one.

It's that time, once again.

I let my hand fall freely to my side and watch the setting sun from the rooftop. The thought of Saya sleeping somewhere in this rustic building gives me a moment’s peace.

Saya...

For her, and everyone else's sake, everything must end this time around.

I smooth off some dust on my cello's case with my good hand.

Somewhere, down below, in a nearby street, the sound of a car's engine stopping, and eventually dying out briefly gets caught in my ears.

The thought somehow struck a bad note in me.

And when all is over, if that is what she truly wants, then—

A flock of birds pass by from a distance but I can still smell some of their meals today: some grains, worms, dirt.

—as her Chevalier, I will honour my promise and duty.

My promise to Saya.

Our promise.

Hurry, I tell myself as I tie the blue ribbon around the stem of a single, pink rose.

Saya, the voice in my head starts—the same voice that refuses to leave my throat and my mouth even if I wanted to. That night, if I still refused, what would I be looking at right now?

The still and thick boulder does nothing but remain cold and neutral.

I always thought I'd be prepared for the day when I have to finally let you go, Saya.

My thoughts are interrupted as familiar scents from afar reach my nose. I briefly glance over my back. I can't see them yet.

But I need a bit more of time.

I told you before, I will always wait for you no matter how long it takes.

My head lowers and strands of hair lean forward. I take a few steps and place the rose on a smooth stone platform.

I'll let you go for now, this way.

I know you'll be back.

Retracing my steps backward, I stop to pick up my cello case with one hand, holding it securely.

I know.

And then let my black wings emerge with a quick hush.

You'll be back.

Dust soars up with me as I begin my ascent, flapping my wings steadily.

But Saya—

Her tomb becomes smaller and smaller as I go farther up into the afternoon sky, the dust starting to settle back on the ground.

If that is so, Why does it feel like I'm dying inside?