Summary: Asami is only human, and now with an unknown ailment taking over him, that fact is starting to show. With the Crime Lord getting weaker and his enemies growing stronger, just how far will witty photographer go to save the man he loves?

Author's Note: Yet another story where Takaba takes a stand! Hater are going to hate, so if you'd rather read a story where Takaba really does nothing but gets captured and f*cked, then this isn't the story for you. Now on that note, Asami and Takaba don't split in this story, at all...well, not in their relationship and just because this is a sensitive topic, Asami doesn't die.

Pairings: AsamixTakaba, FeilongxOC, SudohxAsami (unrightfully) , TakabaxFeilong (Close friendship)

Prologue

Takaba didn't exactly hate hospitals, they just gave him a feeling of nervousness. After all, the doctor could either bring positive news, or negative news. Despite the outcome of the first option, Takaba wouldn't have rather recieved any. He was too stressed out to be satisfied with any information he received, as he just wanted this all to be a dream, this whole situation to be nothing but a figment of his imagination.

But Takaba couldn't ignore the fact that this was all real, all very real. Even the mighty could falll, and that fact could not have been more clear to Takaba and as much as he wanted to deny it, Asami was only a man. That being said, he was subjected to human flaws.

Illnesses was one of them.

Takaba ran his hands through his rusty red hair as flashbacks of the past three months raced through his mind. The blood, the paleness, the stopped heart and most importantly, the loss of consciousness. Asami was ill, and he was dying, and he would die if he didn't get help. It pained Takaba more than anything to know how stubborn the man was, especially when it came to his own health. So that's why Takaba was where he was, presently. Sitting in a doctor's office, fiddling with his fingers and staring ahead at the doctor. Asami would never permit such a thing.

He watched as the doctor rummaged through a stack of papers, looking at each one diligently. Takaba paid great attention to the man's face, as not to miss anything. He knew doctors were trained to have straight faces during meetings such as this one, but Takaba wasn't going to miss a thing, he'd be able to see through his facade.

He caught his breath as the doctor itched his slicked back, silver hair. He fidgeted with his glasses, taking them off every so often, revealing his youthful appearance and the striking features he and Takaba's lover shared.

It appeared that the doctor caught Takaba staring, as he placed the papers down and put his glasses back on his face. Like he was trained to do, he smiled.

"When did you start noticing these symptoms?" The doctor asked, tapping his left hand's fingers on the desk. Takaba realized he wore a wedding ring, symbolizing he was married. He mused on how long this man and said spouse had been together, his hair was already silver, yet he didn't look over Asami's age.

"Three months ago." Takaba answered.

"And explain the most recent ones - the symptoms I mean."

"He's pale...he's coughing up blood." Takaba paused for a while, feeling water cloud his vision. "He passed out yesterday...His heart stopped for a few seconds. I tried calling the ambulance but he woke up before I could, he stopped me_The phone kept falling from my hands, I was shaking so much."

"I'll let you know right now, that he does not have heart disease." The doctor smiled as a visible wave of relief went through Takaba. "I know this because it is hereditary, not a single person in our family has fallen victim to that disease."

"But he smokes_"

"That wasn't uncommon growing up. Our father smoked and never got the disease, our mother...In addition, he lives a very healthy lifestyle."

Takaba frowned. "Then if he lives a healthy lifestyle, why is he...why is he sick? Dr. Ryusuke, he's dying! Please, tell me what's wrong! He won't tell me anything, he doesn't even know I'm aware that he's sick. I haven't confronted him or anything, aside from trying to call the ambulance, we haven't said a word about it!"

"Takaba, I understand how you feel, but it is impossible, for me to diagnose him without him being here."

"Then...what do I do?!" Takaba yelled. "He won't listen to me if I tell him!" He saw the empathy in the doctor's eyes and decided to try a different approach. "You're married...aren't you?"

"Yes." He answered. "For seven years."

"Do you love your spouse?" He saw the surprise in Ryusuke's eyes.

"Of course I do, Takaba. But please be aware, I am very limited! And I want to help, trust me...Ryuichi is my brother_"

"Can you imagine the pain of know that there is almost nothing you can do to save your spouse?"

There was a brief silence, causing Takaba to think that he went a bit too far, but nevertheless, the doctor looked a little relaxed.

"I've come close to it, many times. But I don't feel the need to let that fear control me. I think what you need, Takaba, is some rest_"

"Ryusuke! He's dying! Help me, please! What am I supposed to do?!"

The doctor sighed, as if recalling a horrid event. After that, he simply took off his glasses and shook his head. "There isn't a lot I can do, if he isn't willing to come here. You said he doesn't even know you've contacted me? Please remember, my younger brother and I haven't spoke in years, he will not be happy to see me. In addition, the fact that you have done such a thing - contacted me behind his back- may anger him, I wouldn't want you getting hurt."

"God damn it! I'm tired of people caring about me! This isn't about me, this is about Asami!" Takaba felt his heart beating out of control. "Please Ryusuke, work with me! I'll do anything_"

"Takaba, please understand there is nothing I can do if my brother is not, willing to comply!" He sighed. "I know you how feel! He's my brother...if you are willing to get him help, then tell him to come by, tell him that you are fully aware of is sickness. Ryuichi has too much pride and I'm sure you know that, correct? Do you think he'll ever outwardly acknowledge that he is deteriorating? Hm? Takaba, it's up to you, and I know you have done so much so far. Coming here says a lot, about how much you care about him..."

The would have continued, but the phone on the doctor's desk rang. He excused himself and answered it, making the conversation brief. After that, he hung it up, sighed and put his glasses back on.

"I have somewhere else to be, Takaba." He frowned when he saw the confused expression on the boy's face. "I have to leave." He stood and took off his lab coat, revealing his long sleeved blouse and grey sweater vest. He ran a hand through his hair and sighed for perhaps the fifth time.

"Takaba, I know this is hard for you. It's painful, for the ones we love to be in jeopardy, but please, try to talk to Asami. Tell him that I'm willing to help. I don't know what's wrong with him, but he doesn't have a lot of time."

Takaba tried to speak, but felt his voice cracking. "Please don't go! I've made life so hard for him...I almost walked out a few weeks ago! He doesn't think I love him...h...how am...I s...supposed to...convince h...him to g...get help?" Ryusuke made his way to the door.

"He'll listen to you Takaba, I know he will."

Takaba listened until he heard the door to the office slam shut, and then without a second's thought, he let himself fall apart. Tears spilled down his cheeks as he held his tired head in his hand's. Not even Asami's brother knew what to do. What could Takaba do?

Would he let Asami die and cry about it? Would he really sit and do nothing as the man he loved deteriorated?

Takaba was not a mafia boss, but he still had courage and he really loved Asami. The man was stubborn, but Takaba could find some way to get past that. Maybe it would take some pulling strings, or going behind Asami's back.

Still, it would be worth it in the end, no matter how much crap the Crime Lord gave Takaba. It was up to the photographer whether he'd love to see Asami grumpy in a hospital bed, or dead in a casket.

Hope you liked it!