Dinner was not a good time. After Aunt Cass finished setting the table full of her chicken wings, Tadashi helped put the rest of the food on the table, leaving Hiro to pour the drinks. He couldn't eat this. He couldn't. He knew for a fact that would not sit with him well, but he couldn't refuse food again. Tadashi would start questioning him again and thinking there was more to his story then what he was telling. And Aunt Cass would probably start to pry as well. This is the last thing he had to muster through before he could end his day. And besides, he really hasn't eaten anything all day.

Managing to finished most of what was on his plate, the boys cleaned up the kitchen while Aunt Cass went down to the cafe to put the chairs up and sweep the floor. The cafe was closed, but she left the finishing up till after she had fed the family. After the kitchen was clean,Hiro went straight upstairs and into the bathroom. He felt like he needed to throw up and get everything out of his stomach. He knew he would feel a little better. Thinking about things that nauseated him, like the eggs from earlier, he set off his gag reflex and emptied his stomach into the toilet.

Tadashi settled down at his work desk. Pulling out the papers in his bag he began to get working on the preparations for a new project. A great one. His biggest yet! He didn't know what the end result was going to be, but he knew that the starting plans for this project was going to make this a very long process. He began with writing lists of medical procedures and sketching out basic ideas for what a robotic nurse would look like. It had to be soft and likable, not sharp and intimidating looking. He started doodling pictures of a final look when he heard Hiro coming in from the bathroom. He disappeared pretty quickly after dinner and hadn't seen him since. Looking over his shoulder, he saw Hiro place himself in front of his computer again, and opened up a word document to begin writing his stupid five page paper. Leaving him alone to do his own thing, Tadashi got up and slide the divider screen that separated their rooms, closed. He then focused back to his own project at hand, excitement churning in him as he began to shape out his creation using soft robotics.

Hiro typed as quickly as he could to finish asap. Writing about simple circuitry was a joke, but at least he could fudge the whole thing out quickly. After emptying his stomach in the bathroom, he had decided to take a quick shower to help him feel rejuvenated. He did feel a little better after vomiting, but his stomach still had an ache to it and his body and head were throbbing. He really just needed to finish this and get to bed. It was pushing 9:30, and he didn't want to be up past 10. Stretching out his last few sentences, and reiterating what he already said for the 3rd time, He just managed to make five pages and called it quits. He could print it tomorrow, he didn't care anymore, his day was over. He then turned towards his bed and without even pulling down the covers, he passed out and was out like a light within 10 minuets.

- - -

Tadashi looked to his clock. 10:24, it was getting late. Hiro should be getting to bed if he needed rest so badly. Sliding open the divider, and expected to see Hiro at his desk, but instead, found him on his bed, dead to the world. .. what the? Knucklehead can't even get himself to bed properly. Tadashi strolled over to the other side of the room and began to menuver his brother slowly around so he could pull the blankets down and get him into bed. Even sleeping, the kid still looked exhausted, and was breathing heavily. After getting him settled, Tadashi sat down on the edge of the bed and looked at his brother. He ran his fingers once through his hair and wondered when it was that Hiro had grown up so fast. It felt like yesterday Hiro was running around screaming for Dashi as he searched for his brother in a rigorous game of hide and seek. He missed the carefree days growing up in the cafe, sneaking food and making a mess of things. Aunt Cass would affectionally yell at them as they made trouble in her cafe, though it only brought joy to the faces of the older customers. Hiro was so young and lively then, nowadays he was tired and kinda grumpy.

Tadashi, while proud of his brother for everything that he has accomplished in his life so far, had not liked that his brother grew up too quickly. Hiro seemed like he had his childhood ripped away as he was thrown into advanced class after advanced class. Constantly pushed up the latter of childhood, and further away from kids his own age. Tadashi too, was forced to grow up quickly. Being the older brother after their parents passed away, Tadashi took responsibility over Hiro and strived to become a roll model for brother. Aunt Cass was great and made sure the boys did things other kids did, trying to give them both the childhood they almost completely lost, but at least Tadashi had hung out with kids his own age most of the time. He was more social then Hiro was, who did nothing other then cling to his brother growing up. Hiro missed out on a lot of opportunities to learn about kids his age and just take the time to grasp life slowly. When Hiro got accepted into SFIT, he was estactic, but made sure to have Hiro take some easier classes with his advanced ones. That way, he wouldn't be saddled with so much work and could try to focus on being a kid for just a little longer. Hiro never understood that, but Tadashi figured he would thank him one day. Sighing deeply, Tadashi stared at his sibling with nothing short of an intense love. He ran his fingers through his hair once more, tucked the blankets up to his chin, and quietly made his way back to his side of the room. Turning off his lights, Tadashi settled down into his bed and let his mind wander him into a deep sleep.

* * *

Small fingers reached out to grasp someone, anything! The heat… the burning..it was all too much. One hand reached out into the sea on smoke, fingers creating whips as the smoke pushed and pulled with the movement. Scalding…melting…it was so hot..
Finally, a cloth material was felt, and the fingers intertwined with the fabric for dear life.

-omeone 'as to 'elp

What? I can't understand you!

ome-…t…help…

Wait! I can't hear you!

Pulling at the cloth harder, the sweat on the fingers made it harder and harder to hold on.

It was so hot..

* * *

Hiro lurched his upper body forward as he violently woke up. He was hot all over, and sweat beaded on his forehead. His breath came is gasps as he clenched the front of his shirt. God he was so hot. Trying to settle down, he swallowed and rubbed the sweat from his face. It was at that moment, he heard a stir from across the room, and the divider between the two slid open.

Tadashi peeked his head out and looked over to the other side of the room. Hiro was sitting up in his bed, panting. Quite obviously, he had just waken up from a nightmare. " Hiro?.." Making his way over to the bed, he glanced at the clock on the wall. 2:28 AM. Not a great time to be awake. Hiro sat in his bed, trying to calm his breathing and looked up at Tadashi who was making his way over towards his side of the room. Hiro closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He didn't want Tadashi up at this time worrying over him.

" Hey, are you okay?" Tadashi walked to the side of the bed and sat down. Hiro was always a little uncomfortable when Tadashi went into mother mode. It was nice that he cared, but still…He didn't want to cause anyone to worry over him.

" I..I'm fine Tadashi..It..It was just a bad dream…" Hiro took a few more deep breaths, successfully calming down his racing heart. He looked up at Tadashi who was looking at him with empathy. " I'm okay, really."

" Do you want to talk about it?" Tadashi asked as he smoothed the covers on his bed down.

"No…Thanks, but I don't even remember it anyways. Just go back to bed. I'm sorry I woke you"

" No need to apologize little bro, it happens. I'm just glad you woke up out of it."

Hiro use to have a hard time getting out of a nightmare when he was a little kid. He would get what Tadashi would call night terrors, and he would be stuck in them for sometimes hours. There was nothing Tadashi could do but try to comfort him as he laid thrashing in his bed. Aunt Cass often heard the noise from her bedroom, and would either come up to relieve Tadashi of his post so he could get some sleep, or if it wasn't too bad, take Hiro downstairs into her bed. As he got older, he grew out of it, but Hiro has always had such a wild imagination, it took some time to break the habit.

Tadashi rested his hand on Hiro's shoulder and gave a squeeze. " If you need anything, let me know okay?" Hiro half smiled and nodded at him. Taking his leave, Tadashi stood up and went back to his side of the room. Hiro watched him go, and nestled back down into bed. He still felt hot, and his throat burned fiercely. He was exhausted and fell asleep within five minuets of laying back down. Little did he know, that was the first of 3 times he would wake up that night for the same dream. Tadashi woke back up with every one of them, giving both boys a long night.

- - -

Hiro was exhausted. His alarm rang and he didn't even bother hitting the snooze button, for he was already awake. After the third time that night waking up to a dream he just couldn't remember, the poor kid hardly got any rest in between. And whats worse, was that Tadashi had sat up with him. They were only up about 30 minuets each time, but that still affected his sleep, and left him pretty tired this morning as well. Hiro sat up and pulled his legs over the side of the bed. He felt awful. Not just tired, but he hurt all over. His head was already pounding, and his stomach felt the same as yesterday. His muscles ached and hurt all over, and his throat was dry. Hiro rested his forehead on his palm and tried to clear his throat. His skin was a little warm to the touch too. Maybe he should stay home today…It would do him wonders to get a days rest and not worry about classes. Thinking it over, he heard water shutting off and realized Tadashi was in the shower. He couldn't skip school and let Tadashi go by himself. He was tired too after all, and had stayed up with Hiro last night. It wouldn't be right for Tadashi to struggle through the day alone since it was Hiro's fault he would be tired.

Hiro slowly got up out of bed, and I mean slowly. His head pulsed with every movement so he moved gingerly. He slipped on his t-shirt and pants, finishing it off with his hoodie, and sat down on the bed to put on his socks. At that time, Tadashi emerged from the bathroom, all ready for the day and a towel around his neck. He was surprised to see Hiro dressed and almost ready as well.

" Hiro? I didn't think you would be up yet. You usually hit the snooze button till the last minute" Tadashi made his way back to his side of the room to put his clothes down.

Hiro shrugged his shoulders. " I was already up, figured I could get started earlier"

Tadashi barely heard Hiro's quiet voice. Setting his things down, he strolled back across the room, wanting to get a look at Hiro, but aiming for his shoes. The boy looked tired. Tadashi was pretty tired himself, but he didn't care. Sure he was up with Hiro, and a little longer after he fell asleep each time to make sure he was resting, but it didn't bother him to do that.

" … You know Hiro.." Tadashi started, keeping his eyes on his shoes. " I was just thinking, maybe you should stay home today. You didn't get a lot of sleep last night, and you looked exhausted.."

" I'm fine Tadashi…you were up too. Besides, I have another test today, and I want to work on my project I really haven't gotten to work on the past few days." Hiro finished putting on his socks and stood to leave, but was blocked by Tadashi. He put a hand on Hiro's shoulder, and bent down to his level.

" Hiro, I'm serious. I think you should stay home today. You really don't look like you feel yourself. I'm fine this morning, don't worry about me, but you could use a good rest." Hiro avoided Tadashi's eyes and looked down at his feet instead. He really did want to stay home, but he couldn't. He didn't want to miss school, and he didn't want Aunt Cass to make a fuss and close the cafe on his behalf. As the silence went on, Tadashi took a deep breath and placed his hand on Hiro's forehead. It was warm to the touch, no fever, but warm. Tadashi's face fell at this and he straightened up.

" I'm telling Aunt Cass your going to stay home today to rest. You feel a little warm too, I don't want yo-"

" Tadashi, please! I have to go to school!" Hiro backed away from Tadashi and stared up at him wide eyed. " It's really not bad, I'll be fine as soon as I get moving. I really just don't want to miss anything"

Tadashi stared back at him, brows pinched with concern " Hiro…I understand, but what if you get worse during the day? What if this is actually something and your going to make it worse with you going to school? I really don't want you to push yourself more then you have."

Hiro continued to stare at Tadashi. He wasn't going to back down from this. Tadashi sighed and pinched between his eyes. He hated when he got like this.
" … Fine. I won't tell Aunt Cass. But listen to me! If at all during any time of the day you don't feel well, I want you to let me know. Or go to the infirmary or something okay? At least this way, you are excused and you could get work ahead of time."

Hiro released a breath he didn't know he was holding, and a look a relief washed over his face.
" For sure! Thanks bro. And I promise, I will go to bed way early tonight." Hiro slipped past Tadashi, grabbed his shoes and a flash drive that contained his five page paper to print at school, and walked downstairs. Tadashi watched his brother go, still worried. He grabbed his shoes and went downstairs in silence.

As crappy as Hiro was feeling, he still managed to walk down the stairs with a smile on his face. Maybe it was in the moment, but he still felt like he had won a great battle. Tadashi managed to let Hiro have his way and go to school anyways. Of course, Hiro didn't actually want to go to school, but it was one of those little victories that let him have his way. He was sure he would feel normal as the day went on if he could just keep a good attitude. And not gonna lie, he really did want to work on his project. The classes were boring, but the free time he got to spend in the labs with his brother and friends made it all worth it. He really felt like he belonged there, and that he could have anything at his fingertips. His smile crept away from his face though, and instead was faced with the scent of food. The smell of eggs and toast hit him hard, then the natural smells of the bakery. Hiro slowed his pace as he entered the kitchen, and saw the food on the table, waiting for them. Looking at the eggs reminded him of the event at the store yesterday, and his stomach twisted. He brought a hand to his mouth and bit his thumbnail. He still wasn't hungry, and really didn't want eggs. Aunt Cass went through the trouble of making it tho…and Tadashi wouldn't stand for Hiro skipping breakfast again without giving away that he wasn't feeling well.

Tadashi came around the corner and set his shoes and bag down before the next set of stairs. He immediately went right to the coffee pot to pour himself the hot beverage. Fixing it to his liking, he grabbed the juice, poured 2 glasses, and sat down to eat and read the paper. Hiro sauntered over to the table and hesitantly sat down. He stared at his food like it began moving. He glanced up at Tadashi, who was trying to balance eating and reading at the same time, and figured he probably wasn't paying any attention to him. Hiro took that opportunity of distraction to start eating a piece of toast, and slide his food around on his plate. He hated wasting the food, but it would be worse to eat it and feel more like shit, only to throw it up.

As soon as Tadashi had taken his last bite, Hiro stood up to bring his food over to the trash to scrape out the rest. He had managed one egg and toast. Tadashi still remained at the table, finished his last article. Hiro walked over to grab his plate for him, determine to show him that he felt fine, and brought it over to the counter. Tadashi placed his newspaper down and began folding it up.

" You didn't eat too much this morning"

Hiro walked over to his shoes, avoiding Tadashi's comment, and sat on the stairs to put them on. Tadashi sighed, and stood up. He grabbed an apple from the counter, and dropped it in Hiro's lap as he collected his own shoes.

Hiro rolled his eyes at the sight of the fruit. " Bro, I really don't need this. I ate enough" Hiro held the apple in his hand and twisted it around.

" Eating just toast, again, is not a nutritional breakfast. I know last night was long for you, so I understand you may not feel like eating this morning, but please just eat it okay?" Tadashi finished putting on his last shoe and turned to look at Hiro.

" I'm serious, eat it."

Hiro looked down at his apple and and muttered a small " Fine" and put the apple in his mouth as he put on his last shoe. Tadashi didn't like to force him to eat, but he really didn't have much of a choice. Hiro hardly ate yesterday, and to skip eating again was not good for his body. Mixed with the lack of sleep, it was a recipe for disaster.

The boys made it downstairs, Hiro still chewing on the apple. Aunt Cass said her goodbyes to her nephews and the boys started for school. Tadashi didn't grab the keys, and headed out the door. That meant that the boys were going to walk today, but this time, Hiro really didn't want too. His body hurt more then it did yesterday, and with his headache, he kinda just wanted to ride instead.

Once outside, Tadashi started up to the sidewalk, and Hiro turned and headed to the truck, since Tadashi's bike was going to be gone for the day. The older Hamada noticed Hiro's lack of presence and turned to see him committed to riding instead. Rubbed the back of his neck, Tadashi turned and sighed. " Yesterday you wanted to walk, now you want to take the car?"

"..so…is that a no?" Hiro questioned. He threw the apple core away and looked towards the road.

" No..we can take it. It's just…Hiro, are you sure you really want to go?" He studied Hiro face for any sign of second guessing his decision, but as usual, He was showing nothing.

Before Tadashi could push the subject anymore, Hiro walked over to the truck, opening the door.
" Yes, Tadashi, I'm going. I'm fine. I just feel like riding today." Hiro jumped in the truck, and impatiently pointed to the drivers side. Tadashi rolled his eyes and ran back inside to grabbed the keys, letting Aunt Cass know they were taking the vehicle. He climbed into the car, and heading off to school.

Hiro didn't want to do either. He didn't want to walk, and didn't want to drive for the sake of his stomach, but at least he could close his eyes and try to rest a little before getting there. Tadashi watched Hiro from the corner of his eye as they headed out. He knew Hiro must be exhausted after the long night last night. He can understand why he probably wanted to ride for that matter, just to save any energy he had for the events today would bring, Watching as his brother dozed off against the window, he looked at the clock and knew they still had a little bit of time. At that point, Tadashi decided to take the long way to school.

- - -

By the time they arrived, Hiro was fast asleep against the window. Tadashi looked at him from the corner of his eye and parked the truck. He had spend as much time as he could driving around until the very last minute. He didn't really have the heart to wake him, but no choice, sorry bro. Tadashi pulled the keys out and reached over to gently shake his brothers shoulder.

" Hey, Hiro, we're here"

Hiro stirred a little, and slowly opened his eyes. At one, he realized that me must have fallen asleep, and jolted up in his seat. Tadashi withdrew his hand at the sudden action and was left staring at him. Hiro glanced over towards Tadashi, then out the window to see that they have arrived at their destination. Muttering a small ohh and stretching quickly, both boys got out of the truck and collected their belongings. Tadashi came around to the passenger side and closed the door. Hiro started to walk away only to feel a hand grab at the hood of his sweatshirt.

"Ugh, really, Tadashi? What?!" Hiro threw his hands in the air to signify his annoyance. His brother just had get one more word in. Tadashi came around to the front and rolled his eyes.

"Calm down and just listen to me for a second, Bonehead." His smile faded and looked at Hiro again with all seriousness. He really hated when Tadashi got like this…too overprotective. The only reason he hated it was because he could see the worry his older brother was feeling, and the stress it put on him. Hiro really did appreciate the concern, but there was no need. He really wanted his brother to focus on the important things, like himself for once.

Tadashi fixed his eyes firmly on Hiro, and waiting for the kid to look at him. With slight hesitation, Hiro finally looked up. Tadashi could see misery written all over his face, and rested the back of his hand to his brothers cheek.

Hiro's eyes shifted and tried to pull away. With an irritated moan, he said his brothers name in a slight warning, whiny tone.

" I know, I know." Tadashi brought his hand down and brought it back to his shoulder. " Sorry, I just don't think this is a good idea, but i'll let you. Remember, If you start to feel really tired or not well…text me, come get me, or please go to the nurse-"

Hiro rolled his eyes and patted his brothers shoulder " Tadashi, please stop worrying! I know, okay?" Hiro scooted around his brother and hoisted his backpack to his shoulders. "I'll meet you here at 3" He waved a quick goodbye and headed inside, too far away now to hear whatever it was Tadashi was trying to say.

Tadashi tried to call to him, but it was useless. Despite Hiro's more upbeat attitude, he could see he was miserable as much as he tried to hide it. He wasn't exactly stupid when it came to the human body and anything medical. Tadashi could see the bruising under Hiro's eyes, his pale skin, still warm to the touch. The way he slowly moved his head around and kept his eyebrows raised up or pinched signified his headache, and he was shaking slightly as if cold. His heavy breathing as he slept in the car was also a giveaway. Being the genius Hiro was, he was stupid to think someone as smart and observant as Tadashi was would fall for his acting.

Tadashi sighed loudly, and picked up his bag. He turned to leave when he saw the flash drive with that paper Hiro needed, laying on the seat. Really, Hiro…I guess as long as I get it to him before his last class it should be fine…

Grabbing the flash drive, Tadashi looked at the time, and had to make a run for his class.

- - -

This was a mistake…such a mistake. Hiro couldn't believe how fast this feeling was progressing. His first class went by okay, but by the end of his second class he felt like he had been run over by a car. He was convinced his headache had turned into a migraine, and his stomach was churning so badly. The breakfast he managed to get down, didn't want to stay down. As soon as class ended, he was the first one out. Rushing to the nearest bathroom, he forced open the door and felt a rush of relief that the room was empty. He ran to the toilet and immediately emptied out all of his breakfast. His stomach tightened and his muscles constricted as his stomach wrung out the last of its contents. The vomiting caused his head to pound so bad that tears pricked at his eyes. He laid his head on his hand, and remained on the floor, unsure of what to do.

Tadashi…he should call Tadashi, but Hiro really hadn't wanted to do that. It was only 11:30, way too early for him to leave now. Tadashi was only in his second class, and would be for another hour. And by now, the lunch rush was coming into the cafe, so he really didn't want to bother Aunt Cass. He would just wait it out, see if he would feel better enough to at least make it to the lab. Tadashi didn't really have classes much like Hiro did. Most of his class time, was lab time. He had a few lectures to attend, but his inventing was primarily what he did when he was at school. He would deff be in the lab by 12:30, then he had a short class to attend at 2, then by 2:30 he was back in the lab until at least 3, when all classes were done, and the labs were open till late.

Hiro didn't even know how much time had passed since he entered the bathroom. He knew his third class was well started, and figured he would just skip it. At this rate, he definitely was not going to eat lunch. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and checked the time. 11:47, he had been in the restroom for 17 minutes, and it felt like 5. He considered calling Tadashi and telling him he needed to go home. There was no way he could stay all day. As much as he really wanted to work in the lab, any loud noises were enough to give him vertigo. Not wanted to interrupt Tadashi in his class though, Hiro figured he would try to make it to his brothers lab and wait there. It would be quiet, and there was the old couch in the lounge area he could lie down on. Not knowing if his friends were there or not, he didn't care at this point. He needed to go.

Convinced he wasn't going to throw up anymore right now, Hiro slowly got to his knees and stood up. He kept his hands pressed firmly to his head, to try and prevent his headache from pulsing any more, and stumbled over to the sink. Looking in the mirror, he could see how Tadashi would be concerned. He rinsed out his mouth and washed the sweat off his face. His cheeks were bright red with what he felt was now a fever, and his eyes glazed over. He sighed deeply. Tadashi was going to be so mad, and probably blame himself for this. He tried to get him to stay home, and look what happened. Hiro didn't even get to work on anything, or hand in that stupid paper. Shit, the paper…He felt his pockets but couldn't feel the flash drive. Great. I probably left it in the truck. Feeling defeated, Hiro slowly made his way out of the bathroom and entered the hallways. At least with classes going on, there wouldn't be as many people.