2. Breath.
T: From here on in we have the story proper! For warnings see the previous chapter and, in case you're wondering, no I don't own the series…the plot bunny, as well as Arai, are mine and you'll have to ask before you can use either!
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He wakes to the hated smell of antiseptic and the white walled Puritanism of a hospital ward.
"So you're back with us, are you?" There is concern in Arai's voice and, turning to face the other, he enquires,
"They think you're a family member don't they, pops?"
"I may have led them to that conclusion, yes."
"I suppose that means they've told you everything?"
"Indeed it does." The other looks and sounds very displeased and, after a moment's hesitation, he enquires, "Apparently you have already informed the family that you went to Kyoto general three days ago exhibiting the same symptoms that you are showing now, could you tell me why they believe this to be the case?"
"Because I told them that I wanted to be the one to tell father,"
"In order that you could keep the matter to yourself?"
"Yes."
"Might I ask why?"
"I told you how kasan died, right?"
The other's face visibly tenses and he enquires,
"They are fearful that you have inherited the condition that killed her, a fact that you are keeping to yourself because you have no want to worry those who love you, is that not so?"
"That's about the shape of it, yes."
"You really are the biggest fool I know, Tatsuha."
"I love you too, pops."
The elder man lets out an exasperated sigh and, running his hands through his hair, he enquires,
"As you seem to be on top of the matter I am curious as to how you are going to explain your absence to your brother."
"What absence?"
"Oh, did I not tell you? They want to keep you here for a day or two to make sure that you're not going to collapse again."
"You know it's not nice to play around with a sick man's emotions, pops."
"That's what you get for being so smug."
"I just wanted to be certain before I said anything." It is a show of the trust that he holds towards the elder man that he can say such a thing and, responding to this fact, Arai says,
"I understand that Tatsuha and I'll respect that choice. I'll also help you maintain the illusion you are keeping for your family and, to that end, I've already phoned your brother to inform him that you're spending a day or two helping me tidy my house."
"Thanks, pops."
"You're welcome." The other pauses and, glancing across the ward to the clock on the far wall, he remarks, "I have a business to get back to."
"You're abandoning me?"
"Only until tomorrow afternoon."
"What am I meant to do with myself until then?"
"I'm sure you'll keep yourself entertained." There is something in the way that the other says those words that prompts him to enquire,
"You've something up you're sleeves, haven't you?"
"You'll have to wait and see, won't you!" The other remarks before he makes a break for the exit.
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"Uesugi-kun?" The nurse's touch is gentle despite its insistence and, though he feels put out both for falling asleep and for being so abruptly woken, he responds to her with a gentle enquiry of,
"How can I help?"
"You have a visitor." She remarks as she gestures towards the edge of his 'booth'.
Lingering just on the other side of the curtain, an uncertainty, in his stance, is none other than Sakuma Ryuichi.
"Kon ban wa, Sakuma-san." He remarks, the greeting feeling heavy on his tongue both for the formality and his nervousness.
"Hello, Tatsuha-kun! Arai told me that you were poorly and asked if I could come and cheer you up a little!" The man remarks as his uncertainty dissipates and he bounces into the seat to the left of the bed.
Having dreamed, fervently, of such a meeting for many long years it takes him a moment to register the content of the statement and, curiosity eroding his nervousness for a moment, he enquires,
"Then are you his 'friend in NG'."
"That's right!"
It is clear that Ryuichi's visit had been the 'something' that Arai had had up his sleeve and yet he has no real idea of how to take advantage of the situation, indeed he is about to ask the singer to leave when the other enquires,
"Can you help me with something?" The phrase puts him instantly on edge and yet there is a note in the singer's voice that, despite his better judgment, prompts him to respond,
"I will be more than willing to help."
"Good! Listen to this!" The other presses a portable CD player into his hands and, pushing away the anger that rises at the knowledge that Arai had told yet another of his 'gift', he places the headphones over his ears.
Upon pushing the play button he is transported away from his cares and from his irrational anger, is lifted into a world full of nothing other than the haunting combination of piano and violin.
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T: No I'm not giving you any hints as to what happens in the next chapter, you'll just have to tune in tomorrow to find out! Review?
