Author's Note: Thanks for all your reviews and support, I'm glad you like the story, as it is a somewhat personal story. We all have people in our lives who know they are ill, but they're just a bit too stubborn to submit to that truth. Ironically, I am like. If I fall ill, I try to find any other excuse so I can avoid the doctor, or missing days of school.

This story came into mind after my friends father had a heart-heart attack, was released and again felt the symptoms of the heart attack. Not only did he ignore his family's concern, but he also continued to smoke. Inevitably, it caught up with him, as he had a heart attack a few months ago and fell victim to a blood clot the size of a golf ball. Luckily, he is still alive, but he continues to smoke and that isn't helping his case, now is it.

Another inspiration was me and Lidsworth's uncle, who died years ago, but promised Lidsworth his smoking pipe. She deosn't have it though.

Now on to the story...

Takaba is feeling in turmoil, as I think we can all agree that he is feeling the pain more than Asami is, at least the emotional pain. In situations such as his, it isn't uncommon for some to seek out the help of other family members! I mean, when you feel you can't help help this situation, you seek someone whom you believe can. In Takaba's case, he searched for and found Asami's brother, whom is a doctor! He'll be making more of an appearance, and lastly, I'm adding some OC's...just the usual.

Chapter One: Hope is the Thing With Feathers

"The report for this month," Kirishima held a sheet of paper before him, reading over it slowly. Asami sat in his desk, never breaking his gaze from his secretary. There was hesitations in the other man's eyes, as he made way to speak. A breath rattled from his chest as he looked up at Asami with a somewhat proud smile on his face.

"The reports this month, are very exceptional."

Asami face remained expressionless, void of emotion as his secretary continued stared. He rose an eyebrow, taking in a fatal breath of smoke. He then sat up in his chair and rested and elbow on his desk.

"Compared to last months?" His voice had a slight rasp to it, as if he attempted to suppress a cough birthing itself in his chest.

"While we haven't fully recovered from our loss," Kirishima sighed. "We are getting there." His voice had an ounce of hope in it, and reluctantly, Asami suppressed a small smile. Things were getting better then, for the company at least. The losses that had impacted Sion a few months ago were caused by scandals by two of Asami's former business partners. It appeared that the two had stolen a massive amount of earnings from another company, in which Asami was a chair holder for. In doing so, not only did the company suffer, but every other company, politician, business man, etc., that was associated with that company. Some were hit harder than others, some lost everything. Asami was lucky to lose just shy of half, but that was still a lot, even for him. Cuts had to be made, and Sion was suffering greatly.

Damn the corrupt government, Asami could have lost everything.

This news that Kirishima had presented before him, was the first uplifting thing he had heard in months. Though there were still some things that needed severe fixing, Asami had hope that things would eventually recuperate. It would take a little work, but it would get done eventually.

"Is that all?" Asami asked, burning his cigarette in his ashtray. His heart jumped suddenly, and he couldn't quite hide the expression of worry, even if it was just an outlandish flicker in his eyes. He paused for a moment, as his breaths became somewhat ragged.

"Asami." Kirishima took notice. "Are you alright?"

"It's nothing." He lied, very well. But Kirishima knew him too well.

He only stared quietly, and emitted a powerful sigh. "Is it really?"

Asami glared at his secretary. "Is there something you'd like to say, Kirishima?"

"Forgive me, for being concerned." There was a hint of sarcasm in Kirishima's voice as he advanced towards Asami's desk. He placed the sheet of paper on the polished wooden surface, and yet again, breathed a heavy sigh.

"Apology accepted_"

"Ryuichi." Very seldom did Kirishima get personal with Asami, but when he did it was serious. "You are ill."

"Must you tell me what I already know?"

"I'll continue to do so until you…until you get help."

Asami chuckled. "I appreciate your gratitude, but with the mess going around Sion, a doctor's visit is the last thing on my_"

"Does Akihito know?" The secretary understood the effect his question had on his employer, and felt himself swelling with satisfaction, seeing the change on Asami's face.

"He doesn't need to." Asami answered, now looking over his own papers, avoiding Kirishima's gaze.

"Don't look away from me Asami, and think about how your decision can have an effect in the near future. Do you care that you may not be here if you continue to remain stubborn. In addition, if others figure out you are ill –your enemies—not only will you be in danger, but Akihito wil be as well. And lastly, think of the effect this will have on him. You know he has strong feelings for you, yet you continue to gamble with your own fate." He paused for a while, as if to see if his minor monologue had any effect on his boss. Asami was well at hiding his emotions, but Kirishima knew he was getting to him on the inside.

"Is that all Kirishima? If it is, you may leave." Asami took a deep breath and held it for a while. The rattle in his chest was ever present, growing stronger and stronger. He brought a small white cloth to his face and began to cough. Kirishima stood there, watching as small and then large spots of crimson liquid appeared on the once pure cloth.

"That is all." Kirishima replied, answering Asami's question, and without a single word, he bowed and left the room.

Asami's coughing didn't end there, in fact it grew stronger. He felt a sharp pain in his chest and could only clutch his tie with some false hope that that action would solve anything. By now, his cloth was completely submerged in blood, bleeding through, and turning his hands white. The iron clutch that held his heart only hardened, as he felt the pain would make him lose consciousness at any moment now.

Five minutes, ten minutes…maybe fifteen had passed and the pain had nearly subsided. Asami found that taking deep breaths would at least ease it, if not at some times alleviate it altogether.

When finally, he felt like it had all vanished, he took a deeper breath and closed his eyes. One bloodied hand still clutched the cloth, the other clutches his tie. When he finally let his muscles relax, he released his grip on both and just sat there with his eyes closed.

Asami inwardly cursed himself for being the way he was, stubborn even when it came to his own health. But he couldn't deny that that stubbornness had gotten him far in life, which is why now he saw it as a companion and not an enemy. He knew Kirishima was right, and even his inner conscience was screaming for him to listen to his secretary. But he'd never bend to that will. Because he was stubborn and being stubborn had so far done nothing but helped him achieve great things.

"Asami." The soft calm voice came parading itself into the business man's ear as he cracked an eye open. "May I come in?"

Takaba stood there in the door, outside his lover's study. Asami only motioned him in with his clean hand and felt his heart jump slightly seeing how quickly Takaba entered the room.

"So it appears you've come back after your small, 'trip'." He gazed at Takaba, causing the younger man to blush. "Did you miss me that much?"

"No!" Takaba stammered in his own defense. "I was only…I came back because_You can't cook for yourself! I looked in the kitchen and not a single dish was dirty. Have you not been eating?"

"I haven't been hungry." Asami knew Takaba wouldn't buy that, but it humored him to see the pissed expression on Takaba's face.

"You haven't eaten in three days?" There was a pause between the two, and the business man only shrugged.

"I haven't had the chance to. Once you finally get a real job you'd understand. Working minimum wage carries no real responsibilities." Asami shot a glance towards Takaba, it appeared the photographer had fallen into his trap.

"Idiot!" He quickly turned around and headed outside of the kitchen. "I'll just have to make your lazy ass something to eat! If you don't eat it, I'll force it down your throat! I don't care who you are."

"Yes, that's nice. When did you get back?" Asami purposely disregarded Takaba's miniature rant. He knew how angry that man the photographer.

"A few minutes ago." Takaba spun back around. "Why was Kirishima here?"

"You saw him?"

"Yes. Why was he here?"

"No reason, just visiting. It gets rather lonely."

"Aww." Takaba said in a sarcastic, mocking tone. "Did you miss me?

Asami couldn't help but smile. "If that, my kitten, is what you wish to believe."

Takaba blushed. "I'm not your kitten."

"Do you mean that?"

Takaba rolled his eyes. "I'll be back in fifteen minutes grandpa to feed you your food."

"Fifteen minutes, hm. That's a while,it's not like I have all the time in the world, Akihito."

Asami saw something change in Takaba's eyes at that moment, and instantly he regretted what he'd said. The boy actually looked….well, hurt, frightened almost. He slumped his shoulders and turned around.

"Fifteen minutes, you better eat my food."

And then he left, leaving Asami staring blankly at the door. There was a smile plastered on his lips and for a while, he forgot about the pain in his chest. There was something about Takaba that allowed his internal agony to subside. While there always some hidden discomfort itching to get to the surface, Takaba always knew how to tame that pain, just like he knew to tame Asami.

OoOoOo

After fifteen minutes went by, and both Takaba and Asami had eaten, Takaba found himself laying down in his bed, looking up at the ceiling. Asami had already made his visit that night, giving Takaba a single chaste kiss on the neck, nothing more. However, Takaba still felt the blood heating his cheeks.

Presently, his eyes remained open, yet he was fighting sleep. His heart was still beating from earlier, after having an actual conversation with Asami that didn't involve him walking out in the end. Takaba was happy, it seemed like Asami was in good enough spirits, and he certainly didn't look ill. Still, Takaba knew there was enough evidence to prove otherwise.

He had seen Asami numerous times coughing or throwing up stools of blood. He'd been laying with his head on the man's chest and had more than once, heard his heart stop or skip several beats. Takaba remembered the meeting he had with Ryusuke, and remembered feeling so lost….as if there was absolutely no hope. And the more he looked at it, the more likely that seemed.

OoOoOo

"Akihito!" A seven year old girl ran up to a young Takaba. She had on a white dress, letting her dark curly hair fly wildly behind her. Her tan skin and the sunlight worked hand in hand, as she looked like a little angel.

"What is it Mary?" He asked, as Mary sat down next to him in the grass. "I have something to tell you!"

Seven year old Takaba toyed with his face camera and looked at his friend. "What?"

"I'm going to be out of school for a while! So can you come visit me and tell me what work the teachers give us?"

Takaba laughed. "Why do you want to know what work we have? Are you sick? You're lucky, you get to miss school! I wish I could be sick!"

"Well, I'm a little sick I'll be gone for a while."

"Do you have a cold?"

"Nah! I'd sneeze if I had a cold…" She sighed. "Mommy and daddy say it's a little serious, but I'll be okay."

"Serious?" Takaba rose an eyebrow. "What do you mean 'serious'?"

"Well, I'll have to miss school…I'll lose my hair. I have a sickness called, Leukemia…. "

"What?"

"Luu-kee-mee-a."

"Oh…what's that?"

"Mommy and daddy won't tell me." She paused for a while. "Let's go feed the ducks by the pond, I bought some of daddy's bread."

OoOoOoOoO

"My favorite color is pink." Mary said as Takaba sat on her bed. "Mommy says that I'll get to wear a pink dress very soon, not these stupid hospital clothes."

Takaba laughed. "You look dumb in them! You'll look pretty in a dress. What about your hair?"

"Daddy says it'll come back after I wake up." Mary smiled. "I miss it. But I guess I'll have to go to sleep for a while."

There was a pause, Takaba smiled. "Are you having a sleepover you didn't tell me about? Is that why you're sleeping?"

Mary shrugged. "They say when I go to sleep, I'll look really pretty and you all are going to be there! You'll be there too Takaba, to see me sleeping! They say I'll sleep at Church, and then at the park. You can come visit me."

"What do you mean visit you?"

"Well, won't you want to come play in the park and visit me? I might wake up you know."

A pause went by and Takaba smiled. "You better not fall and pass out again."

"Of course I won't." Mary sighed. "What's a casket Takaba?"

"I don't know, why?"

"Well….Mommy and Daddy were talking. They said to each other that they'll put me in a pink dress and my casket will be pink to. But they didn't know I heard."

Takaba smiled. "It's not fair that your casket will be pink. Your dress will be pink, I want your casket to be blue because that's my favorite color."

"Fine then. Blue it is."

A man entered the room at that moment, wearing all black except for a part of his collar, he smiled at Takaba.

"Father Shikimori!" Mary screamed. "You came to see me!"

The priest smiled. Takaba looked at him curiously before leaving the room. "Remember Mary, you said blue."

OoOoOo

Takaba found himself at a local affordable diner the next night, that dream still lingered in his head. He was too naive to realize how troubling that whole situation was all those years ago. Now he felt like time was just repeating himself…it was Mary first and back then she was oblivious to it. Now Asami knew, would he really sit by and do nothing?

"Men," Mary began, drinking a cup of strong beer. "Are so stupid it hurts me, it literally does."

Cho sat in the seat across from Takaba, frowning. "We're not all dumb you know."

"Well, Asami doesn't help you case." She looked at Takaba, flipping her long bushy red hair over her shoulder. It was returning to its Natural brown state now, she'd probably dye it pink.

"That's Asami." Cho took off his beanie and itched his shaggy dark hair. "I mean…that's so biased to assume that we're all stupid because of one man. Right Takaba."

"Yeah…" Takaba zoned off, and smiled just a bit. Mary grunted.

"That was the fakest grin I've ever seen. Akihito, just tell him you know he's sick before it gets bad. You say he's coughing up blood? Maybe he has lung cancer."

"Or TB." Cho chimed in.

"Please…" Takaba breathed. "I just….I just, I don't know what to do guys!"

There was a pause as Takaba shook his head. "It's going to be too late soon…and…and…what do I do then? What do I do if Asami dies? Mary, it feels like the same way it did when you were sick."

"Except we were oblivious." Cho pointed out.

"Yeah…I mean, I didn't know, Asami obviously knows, am I right?" She sighed and drank some more of her beer.

"Should I just…should I just…give up?" Takaba sounded foolish asking that question, but what could he say? He knew Asami, how stubborn he was…he knew not everyone was as lucky as Mary and reflecting on Asami's symptoms, it was clear that the man was already far in his ailment.

Both Cho and Mary could see the visible distress on their friend's face. Cho reached across the table and placed a hand on Takaba's shoulder, all the while, the photographer placed his own head in his hands and attempted to fight back tears. Mary stared at Takaba, with a sorrowful look on her face, yet that didn't stop her from smiling.

"Takaba," She started, taking a deep breath. "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings a tune without the words, and never stops at all. And sweetest in the Gale Is heard, and sore must be the storm, that could abash the little bird, that kept so many warm. I've heard it in the chillest land, and on the strangest sea, yet, never in extremity, it asked a crumb of me."

"Hope, by Emily Dickinson." Cho announced, causing Takaba to look up.

"Hope?" Takaba replied, wiping his eyes.

"Father Shikomori made me read that poem every night before he would bless me. " She frowned. "He also made me pray a rosary every night before I went to bed." That was more of an angry mumble. "Anyway, all you really need is hope. No, not hope that Asami will get better but hope that you will be able to make the right decision, and if not, remain contempt with any outcome that falls. You may not realize that hope follows us, but it's there when we need it the most and when we least expect it."

Takaba managed a smile, wiping his eyes. "Hope." He repeated. "It's hard to find nowadays."

"Not really." Cho began. "Without getting sentimental, and all emotional, I just want to say hope is inside of you. It's your choice, whether to have it or not."

There was a pause as Takaba played with the straw in his drink. He only shrugged, not wishing to be scolded or lectured at the moment.

"I met his brother."

Both Cho and Mary looked surprised. "Asami's brother?" They asked in unison.

"Yeah, he was a jerk."

"Are you saying that because he was one?" Cho asked. "Or because he couldn't help Asami."

There was a flash of guilt in Takaba's eyes, as he frowned. "The latter. But he was a doctor!" Surprisingly, Takaba laughed. "Aren't doctors supposed to help everybody?"

Mary shrugged. "Those who are willing I guess."

Takaba finally took a sip of his beer and frowned. "Do you really think hope will help me?"

"I'm still alive today," Mary replied. "And I had so much hope. Going to church may help also! Hey, why don't we all go see Father Shikimori tomorrow…for confession."

The two boys laughed at that, only receiving a scowl from Mary. "Too many sins on my plate at this moment." Cho said.

"I'm too familiar with Father Shikimori…it would be weird." Silence ensued for mere seconds until Takaba continued. "You made it Mary….you had a lot of support. Do you think Asami will listen to me?"

"If he loves you, he will." Cho said softly.

"I guess that'll be the ultimate test….it wouldn't hurt to find some of that stored hope you were talking about, Cho."

"Well…you've gotta talk to Asami first, Akihito." Mary interjected. "Hope doesn't work on its own. If it did….so many things would be different. For instance," She grinned. "I could hope, that I get to at least first base with that Kirishima guy, but that's not gonna happen_"

"Kirishima is such an asshole." Takaba muttered. "Wait, did I say that out loud?"

There was a laugh that howled from Cho, and an attack that came from Mary. All the while, Takaba found himself welcoming a smile on his face. Being with his friends, looking at the positive outcome of what could be , made Takaba happier. He hadn't felt that way in months.

OoOoOo

Recently people on Fanfiction have been telling me things like, "You need to stop writing! You suck, you need to be like Eprime, or Jamacian Princess, etc., they are the legends of the Finder Series fanfiction archive, you are nothing but a brat! Read Eprime stories, your stories suck compared to hers", I've been PM'd this, and it's getting annoying. I don't want to fucking write like some other authors, just to get that across, I don't give a damn about how someone else writes. After getting these PM's, and reviews, it's made me loathe the so called "Legends of the Finder Series fanfiction archive", whenever I see a story by them or anything of the sort, fire flares in my heart. After being compared to them countless times, and having people telling me to be like them, nothing but negative emotions are associated with their names/ stories in my mind. It sounds bitchy, but once someone does something like this to you, you'll understand. On that note, I am Yamiga, not Eprime, Jamaican Princess, etc. I will write how Yamiga writes, there is nothing else to that!

On the story/ Mary's story.

I had a friend when I was in second grade. She was diagnosed with bone cancer, but didn't let that bring her down. Sometimes she would purposely run over my foot with her wheelchair and we'd both have a good laugh. Unfortunately, she is no longer with me, as she passed away ten years ago. I wish I remembered her just a bit more , it makes me feel like a bad friend, but it was so many years ago.

Mary's story is loosely based off of another friend - she is much younger than me - whom had leukemia and it seemed hopeless for her, but she survived, and I see her every day in church! She is truly a beautiful little girl with long flowing red hair!

Mary's story is brought because Takaba is connecting with the past and present. He remembers how oblivious he was to his friend's death back then, but he thinks about how much it would impact him presently, and now that Asami is ill, he fears for the worst.

It's hard, living and knowing some you are close to is ill, you don't know the outcome…what day will be your last with them! All you can really do is hope and pray, which is why this chapter was called hope, and based off of the poem "Hope", by Emily Dickinson.

Please tell me what you think, if you liked it or not in a review. If you are too review, review me on this story and what you think. Don't compare me to some other writer or insult me. And if you've been through a loss that is currently still affecting you, feel free to email me or leave it in the review box, then I'll email you! We can talk it out, it's better to talk to someone when your feelings are all messed up, and I'm glad to listen and help. Just have hope, no matter what the situation, it does pay off!

Lastly, Finder Series belongs to Ayano Yamane.

Hope belongs to Emily Dickinson.

The memories and scenarios belong to be, and are in memory of my late friend.