This is Your Fight

Chapter Four

By KellyQ

Aichi slowly became aware that Emi and Kai had entered the living room when Kai's silhouette loomed over him, and a plate of soup and toast were placed on the table. He looked up from his book.

"Oh. Hi guys. Is it time to eat?" Aichi acknowledged.

Four days had passed since his return home, and he was slowly forgetting things, like eating.

Emi smiled. "Yep! Eat up!" she chirped.

Kai watched Aichi put the book on the table and pulled the plate closer and started to eat. Aichi was about to reach for the book, but Kai snatched it out of his reach. It took a moment for Aichi to realize what just happened. He was offended, and the look on his face clearly showed it.

"Why do you have a problem with me reading Vanguard: The Wrath of the Avatars?"

Kai sighed. "The problem I have is that you're not doing anything but fantasizing."

Confusion flashed across Aichi's face, but it didn't stay when the phone rang. Emi (who slipped out of the room moments ago), went to answer it. She came in a second later with a pen in her hand as she went over to the calendar hanging on the wall near the door.

"That was the doctor reminding us that you have physical therapy tomorrow," Emi said, writing down the time.

"Oh! That's right!" Aichi scratched the back of head sheepishly. "I forgot all about that."

Kai sighed and walked around the table to sit next Aichi. Is he going to read to me? Aichi thought, watching Kai take the book and opening it.

"Where did you leave off?" Kai asked, shifting the book so that Aichi had a better glance at it.

Aichi scooted closer as his hand soon hovered over the page and pointed second to the last paragraph. Kai nodded his head and skimmed it over. I can see why Aichi was into the book, Kai thought, smiling.

"Close your eyes, Aichi …. And picture what I'm going to read to you."

Aichi raised a brow, but he leaned back and did just that. It wasn't long before he was lost in his imagination when Kai started to read. He read until he glanced over to see that Aichi had fallen asleep. Kai took a moment to take in Aichi's appearance for the first time.

Kai closed the book and placed it on the table. He got to his feet, turned and carefully lifted Aichi in his outstretched arms. The first thing Kai realized was how light Aichi was, and he lost a weight. This isn't good, Kai thought, watching Aichi, there's got to be a way to have this removed before it destroys him… Kai pulled Aichi closer and carried him up the stairs to his room. The door was ajar, so it was easy to push it open with his foot. Kai carried Aichi to his bed and gently laid him down before he turned to walk out.

"Kai …?" came Aichi's soft timid voice. He turned to see that Aichi was awake and sitting up. "Can you come tomorrow?"

Kai sighed. "Get some sleep. I'll be around tomorrow."

Aichi nodded his head and smiled as he laid back down and closed his eyes. Kai walked out and made his way down the steps to be greeted by Aichi's mother, Shizuka.

"Do you have a moment, Ms. Sendou?" Kai asked.

They stared at each other for a moment. Shizuka nodded her head and made her way into the kitchen. Kai follow a second later to see her making a cup of coffee. He sat down and watched her until she walked up with the beverages on the table.

"What can you tell me about the tumor?" Kai finally asked, after watching Shizuka sit across from him.

"It's big enough for the doctor to be hesitating any type of treatment at the moment because of its size."

Kai narrowed his eyes. "How long ago did he deny that?"

"A couple of days ago," Shizuka answered. She had a sad look on her face.

Kai watched her for a moment, taking in her appearance for the first time. They had only met a few times for a brief moment—a short introduction before Aichi left the house. Shizuka had long blue hair that was tied back in a low ponytail and long bangs. She wore a white shirt and blue pants. Now I see where Aichi got some of who his is, Kai thought feeling the same vibes he often got when he was around Aichi—respect for another person despite who they were.

"I would like for you to authorize it so I can look at Aichi's medical records. You do that; there might be a chance to save Aichi …" Kai suggested.

Shizuka studied Kai's face (that has that stoned expression most of the time), to see that he looked determined. "Can you come by the hospital during Aichi's appointment …?" Kai nodded his head. "Thank you."

Again, Kai nodded his head, pushed the chair with the back of his legs, before he turned and walked out. He paused to look up at the top of the steps just as he walked out of the house.

Aichi slept the rest of the day until his sister and Kamui woke him up the next morning for his appointment.

"Oh … hi."

Kamui smiled. "Time to wake up, bro," he reminded his friend, helping Aichi sit up with Emi's help. "Your appointment is today."

After breakfast, they helped Aichi into the car. The ride there was only fifteen minutes long; when they got there, Taishi was standing there with a wheelchair in front of him. Emi and Kamui helped Aichi out of the car.

"Is Kai here?" Aichi asked.

A teasing smile made its way to Taishi's lips. "Oh…he's around…"

"I'm going to park the car," Shizuka said, starting the engine.

"Shall we get going?" Taishi asked, patting the chair.

Aichi nodded his head and limped over to the wheelchair and with Taishi and Kamui's help, Aichi sat comfortably in the chair. Taichi wheeled it around, pushed it inside, and parked the wheelchair in the waiting room.

Shizuka walked up a second later. "I'm going to talk to your doctor for a few moments … I'll be back."

They nodded their heads as Shizuka turned and made her way to the doctor's office. Standing outside the door was Kai.

To Be Continued ….