Rendezvous Point

Chapter Four: The Hospital Call

Gifu, Japan: Kyoya Otori

A woman whose eyes brimmed with tears looked up at the man who had previously spoken to her; a beam invaded her face as her fingers came up to swipe the first fallen drops of water.

"Do you mean to say…?"

"Yes ma'am, congratulations your leg has healed completely; you're going to be able to take the cast off today."

The female was beside herself, and soon enough the young doctor found himself in a sudden embrace having the life squeezed painfully out of him. Affection was a dangerous but appreciated emotion he had come to learn, his body trying to withstand the hug until she was finished with it. When done, and thank goodness she was done quickly, the woman bowed several times, thanked him several hundreds of times, and finally left the doctor alone in the tiny hospital room. He used the opportunity to stretch his sore muscles, trying to perhaps steal a couple of minutes of relaxation and solitude.

"Doctor Hokkaido" a nurse rang in through a walkie-talkie "there's a patient waiting to see you in the main hall. They have an early appointment, something about a cardiovascular clog?"

Kyoya exhaled silently. So much for peace and quiet. His long fingers curved around the small device, pushing the red button before continuing "Yes, tell Mr. Toriyama that I'll be on my way shortly." He didn't deny the tension that work brought, but if there was something Kyouya Otori was able handle it was stress. The adult was more than capable of treating the strange circumstances that came his way, and the lessons life had given him prepared his mind for future obstacles. He was much wiser now, not to mention stronger both physically and emotionally, which was highly necessary when being a doctor. His patients fully relied on him to take care of their health, and so Otori had no real chance to think of himself, but then again what else was new? Didn't someone or almost everyone need him at some point or another in life? He attempted to recall a time where he wasn't needed for his abilities, and concluded that it was sometime before he had reached the age of four. From then on till now he had been busy at work trying to make other's life successful and easier to handle, that is until he discovered the beautiful benefits that he was able to accumulate with each and every "job" that was requested of him. Ah, those were the good days. Now, life was much more complex, and he soon found himself helping others without requiring much in return. A strange notion that had perhaps rubbed off on him after meeting a vivacious blonde male, but he didn't like to think of that. He was busy, and therefore had no time to sidetrack.

Kyoya had soon found himself at work again, helping an eighty-four year old man with a heart condition, a twelve year old girl with a broken arm, an attractive waitress with a fever, and so on and so forth until it became late in the evening, or better yet known as closing time.

"Dr, Hokkaido, are you going to stay working late again tonight?"

"Yes, I have some business to take care of."

The younger female nurse simply nodded her head, although her expression was apprehensive; nevertheless, she hung her white coat on the rack and met her friend outside. The black haired companion shivered at the strong breeze rolling in the late evening.

"He's still in there?"

"Yeah. I'm telling you Sakura that man is suspicious!"

The girl named Sakura rolled her eyes "Oh boy, here we go again."

"No I'm serious! I'm telling you that I'm almost positive he's an android! How else would he be able to work so hard?"

"Uhm maybe it's called determination? Something you seem to be lacking as of late."

"Har-har, very funny. But really, just think about. Why would a big city boy come all the way over from the top chain to work in a small town clinic like this? One no less, that's in the midst of nowhere, visited by a community of farmers and common people like us? Plus, every time I ask him what he's up to, he gives me the same exact response. He's just so vague. Admit it, the fact that this guy could be a test robot sent to the public as an experiment is a pretty logical viewpoint. "

"Well if that's true, then call the government quickly."

"Why?"

"So they can send us another android equally as cute STAT!"

The nurse slapped the laughing friend's arm in frustration. "Oh you're impossible!"

"And your nuts. Now can we please go home? It's as cold as hell in Antarctica, and it's getting dark."

Sighing the girl nodded her head in agreement. "Yeah come on let's head out."

Now, you and I are very well aware that the ravenette inside of the clinic is not, nor ever was an android of any sort, or at least he never led us to believe such a thing. In addition to that, androids were probably not programed to lie, for the stack of papers, photos, and calculations that lay in atop the male's desk were not of business at all, but something much more significant and personal. Kyoya groaned almost inaudibly, his hand combing through his dark hair as his tired eyes bulged at the information in front of him. His breath mumbled words that were incoherent to others, either from the lack of its volume or the complex vocabulary with which they were told. He shifted the papers from way to the other, stacking one on top of the next before it became a repeated cycle. The young adult laid his back onto his chair, not letting his gray eyes leave the work.

The strands of hair that he had combed back were now beginning to slide back into his eyes, even after he had left high school he hadn't dared to change the style of his hair. He liked it the way it was, not only that but cutting it would mean having to keep up with it, and he just didn't have the time to be constantly fussing with it. In fact, not much had changed when it came to his looks, for he stayed relatively the same except for minor, natural modifications. His face had matured, and he grew an inch or two taller, but these changes were so minute that they were barely even noticeable, not that Kyoya minded. The only real difference was his glasses, which had broken a couple months back and were now replaced with square framed, black trimmed ones. These alone had given him the essence of adulthood that his natural appearance lacked. Unaware of this, however, the former Cool Type simply nodded along to a silent symphony trying to accumulate and reorganize his thoughts once again.

At times he wondered if he had made the right choice in deciding to be a doctor. He could have been the executive, CEO, or founder of any multimillion business; right about now he would have been lying in his home unaware of any problem outside of his social bubble. That would have all been possible if he had accepted his father's proposition in leading the family business, which also meant overpassing his brothers before any of them were even offered the position; but fate had other plans for him, and he declined. It was almost tangibly sweet letting the word "No" pass through his lips, seeing his father's expression harden as he tried to make sense of his son's decision. A choice he would never understand, no matter how hard he thought it over. That pleased Kyoya all the more. For he had come to recognize within a short amount of time, that his goal to become his brother's successor was beneath him. The idea that had once consumed his thoughts was now serving as his footstool, resting there as a dusty reminder of what was once accomplished. It was true that the journey was far more rewarding than the prize, and to simply put it, Kyouya just kept going to see if he could do it. For the fun of it, and boy was it fun. The thoughts still brought a smile to his lips, a kept secret that was meant for only him and no one else here.

He knew that the others were aware of his live in the city, but they had no idea at how wealthy he once was; yes it's true his father had cut him off when Kyoya declined the offer, just another little last attempt to keep him tied, but it hadn't worked. The commoners here had no clue that he was the son of the prestigious Otori family, and he preferred it that way. However hard it may be he wanted to fit in with these people, to be commoner amongst commoners, that's why he was forced to use an alias as a cushion to his plan. Luckily enough for him, his father's pride was worth more than his own son, meaning that there would be no scandal or mention of the cut off, leaving the youngest Otori to hermit away in peace. None of his brothers knew of his location, they didn't care much either; the only exception to the isolation was Fuyumi, who he still kept close contact with. Before she would often cry over the phone and beg him to come back to their father, but as time passed she grew to understand his motives and only encouraged him forward. It was her sudden fits of emotion and understanding that kept Kyoya from feeling completely alone, and as they grew the bond with his sister only deepened. None withstanding, he still didn't tell her where he resided or what he was doing; Kyoya only gave her his phone number.

Speaking of phones, just as the young adult was reading over some charts, his phone began to vibrate inside his coat pocket. The ravenette preferred the vibration instead of the ringing because it was far more annoying and attention grabbing; therefore it almost forced him to pick up. Without paying much attention, he grabbed the phone from his pocket and used his shoulder to support the mobile up to his ear.

"Hello?"

"Hello little brother" the voice chimed in a peppy manner.

"Ah Fuyumi, is that time of the day already?"

"Yes, let me guess you're still at work."

He could almost see the pout that formed on her lips when she said this.

"Yes I am, just getting a couple of things done before I leave."

"Like what?"

"The usual."

Fuyumi giggled on the other end "'The usual' which practically means that it's none of my business."

"I never said that" Kyoya frowned slightly "but if that's how you want to interpret it then okay. It's none of your business" the frown quickly pulled upward in a sarcastic expression.

"Oh poo! You're no fun! You never tell me what your - -oh stop that Kenshin, that's not a play toy."

"Kenshin's there? Isn't today your night out?" He took a glance at the clock, it was later than he had expected. How time flew.

"Yes it is, but he caught a cold and feels terrible. I wanted to be by his side just in case anything happened. Usually I'd put him on the phone for you, but the poor thing's throat is a mess."

"That's okay I understand" he hated the way it felt when he knew that he had the ability to help but couldn't, especially when it came down to his nephews and nieces.

"Oh" he interrupted once again before she could speak "give me a second will you? I've got a call on the other line."

"Yes don't worry. I'll hold oh great Otori-san."

His eyes rolled at her jest, but he said nothing of it as he switched the calls.

"Hello?"

"Hello? Kyoya-sama is that you?"

"Of course it's me Ten-san. Who else would it be?"

The female on the other chuckled in a rather embarrassed manner.

"Uhm yes, you're right that was rather foolish of me. So how are uhm, things going?"

"Rather well actually, there were some problems this morning with an older patient but he seems to be making progress. Slow progress, but progress nonetheless. How about you? Are you feeling better?"

"Yes" she paused "I am. Thank you for asking."

"I was just thinking about you actually."

That seemed to catch her off guard, because Kyoya could have sworn he heard her gasp in the slightest way, but then again she almost ways did that. It was nothing new to see Ito, Tenshi be surprised at something, if not everything. Her manner was naturally innocent and easily overwhelmed, that's why she had been so popular amongst the male customers back in their high school years. Her regular charm kept everyone in certain awe, and what was more intriguing was that it was natural; the girl could not be found with her hands dirty at any time of the day. Kyoya knew this better than anyone else. The female was purely a sweetheart inside and out, even those who hated her at one point for being so chummy, came to embrace her soon after. That was her gift.

Seeing as she said nothing, Kyoya continued "What I meant to say is I was looking over what we had discussed."

"Yes I understood you before; I'm just flattered that you thought about me at all. Erm…and did you find anything?"

"No I…was unable to."

"I see."

Now he really frowned, biting the end of his pen to stop himself from cursing aloud.

"Ah well forget about that, another day then I suppose? I've come to tell you some good news."

"Oh..?"

"You see Hisa-san is planning a reunion, simple as that. I don't know what came over her! You would think that from what she had said years ago that this would never have happened."

"I know, it's quite surprising actually. It's very unlike Hisayo to change her mind."

"Right? Anyways, she's decided that we'll all meet up at the Ouran Academy three months from now."

His frown appeared again "Won't that mean you have to fly over here?"

"Yes, but don't worry about me. Just worry about what you're going to wear the day of the party."

"So you mean I can't come in pajamas like I was planning to? What a shame."

Tenshi giggled at the thought "No of course not! That simply will not do! You'll have to come in something nice, like an elegant, blue, Armani suit - - doop! - -I mean just a collar shirt maybe?"

Now it was his turn to laugh "Don't worry I kept some of my old clothes before moving out. I'm not that poor."

"Oh gosh, that's not what I meant I'm sorry! I was inconsiderate!"

"No problem, I don't really mind. I should be free around that time, or at least I'll ask for some time off. So you can include me in the festivities."

"Wow really? No begging on my part? No black mailing of any sort?"

"As if you'd be able to blackmail anyone."

"True. But that was much easier than what I thought I'd have to do to convince Kyoya Otori - - I mean – Ryu Hokkaido. Wink wink."

"Did you just say 'wink wink' aloud?"

"Don't judge me. Either way, don't you want to know who is already coming?"

"Well, are you coming?"

"Yes I am."

"Then no, I don't really care. If you're coming that is."

He thought he heard a slap through the phone, and he could already see the girl reddening at his words.

"Ooh you're absolutely terrible Otori!" she huffed "And wipe that smirk off your face!" though her threats sounded less than half-hearted.

"How do you know I'm smirking?"

"Because- - a lady always knows."

"Fair enough, I'll stop m'lady. I have to go now; much more work to do and my sister is on the other line."

"Oh? Tell you Fuyumi I said hello. I'd love to hear from her again."

"Will do. I'll see you at the reunion then."

"Ditto. Bye!"

The phone clicked as the call ended, and soon enough Kyoya heard the voice of his sister at the other end. His ear was burning by then, and probably red, but he felt an obligation to finish his conversation.

"That sure was a long call."

"It was Tenshi, she says 'hello' by the way, and has invited me to a reunion."

"Even after what that girl said?"

"It's being hosted by the very same woman."

"Ugh. I wouldn't go if I were you. Then again, if you're friends are going to be there…did you find out if they were going?"

"No. I didn't need to ask, there's no doubt in my mind that they're all going to go."

"How can you be so sure? How do you know they won't be busy?"

Kyoya didn't hesitate in answering.

"Because I know everything."

He mimicked the popular catch phrase coined by Hisayo, a joke his sister didn't get, and another secret to be enjoyed alone.

A/N: I have to admit, I was really stumped when I first wrote this. Kyouya was a tough character to write about, and I swear I rewrote the beginning paragraphs about three times! All in all, I'm happy with the way it ended up, because it wasn't too much change but enough to be interesting. For those of you who may have not caught it, Kyouya is the other person living in Japan aside from Mori. Oh, and yeah I made up the name of Fuyumi's son because I honestly don't know it.

Now, don't ask yourselves what Kyouya and Tenshi had discussed, nor what personal files he was studying (okay you can ask that), but ask yourself this instead: Is Kyouya seriously flirting with Tenshi, or just playing around? That's where the money's at [ ;) ]. That's all I'm going to say for now.

Thanks for your reviews!