Chibisensei: Wow, the last chapter really sucked (O_O) It was my first attempt at a complete parody so I didn't think it would turn out fantastic, but yeesh, what a mess (x_x) I'll stay away from the crack from now on & stick to how I was originally writing. Anyway, please review to let me know how I'm doing. Enjoy!
IMPORTANT: I need your opinions on where to cut this story off. I can end with Kougaji (granted I still get reviews) or I could keep going through villains and such. I would like to go through some Gaiden characters as well, but it's up to you. Once again, if you have a character you want a drabble for or have a challenge character in mind, toss it to me in either a review or a PM & I'll come up with something.
Drabble summary: What does Dougakuji think about when he's sick in bed?
Doukugakuji: On the Topics of Memories & Brotherly Love
Kou gave me the day off today. I should rest, he said. From the tone of his voice, I knew it wasn't a request. Still, I don't why he's making such a big deal over a cold. I sigh as I turned over in my bed. Then again, of what use would I be to him in a weakened state. For all he's done for me, I can't allow my service to be half-assed. He deserves better than that. I burst into a fit of coughs. Gods, this sucks. I hear a knock on my door.
"It's me," says Yaone. "I've brought something that can help clear your lungs." I cringe. As much as I respect Yaone's talent with medicine and appreciate her help, sometimes the treatment is worse than the illness. In my case, I usually end up spending the next few hours attached to the toilet. Side effects.
"Come in," I say. She walks in with a small cup in hand.
"How are you feeling?" she asks, putting her free hand on my forehead.
"I'll live," I answer. She removed her hand.
"Your fever hasn't broken," she observes. "And judging by your dry coughing, I'd say you have bronchitis."
"Bronchitis, cold, what's the difference?" I mumble rhetorically.
She hands me the cup. "Here, this should help with the phlegm. I'll mix an antibiotic to fight the infection."
"Thanks," I say, looking at the cup in my hand. The gunk inside looked like liquid tar and smelled just as bad. I see Yaone begin to walk out of the room.
"I'll be back," says she, closing the door behind her.
"Alright." I turn my attention back to the medicine in hand. Why do I have a feeling I'm not going to like theis? Wrinkling my nose, I down it in one gulp and almost immediately start to feel it creeping back up again. Oh gods, this tastes worse than… Actually, this is the worst thing I've ever tasted. I grimace and lay back on the bed. I really hope it stays down because I really don't want to experience that again. I think I understand now why my little brother hated the doctor as a kid. I smile in reminiscence. I remember literally having to drag his ass there when he was 5. He kicked & yelled like his life depended on it, but there was no way I was going to let a walking tic-tac-toe board wander around town. In the waiting room, I had to hold him down in his seat. I thought Gojyo had finally calmed down when he stopped struggling in the examination room. But, as soon as the doctor moved to take his temperature, he bit his hand, kicked him the groin, & ran out of the room faster than a bat outta hell. I chuckle. My little brother must have had one hell of a kick because the doc was out cold for 10 minutes. I look up at the ceiling. To think, all that trouble over a simple case of the chicken pox. I hear another knock at the door.
"It's me again," speaks Yaone.
"Come in," I reply. She walks in carrying another cup.
"Here's the antibiotic," she says, handing it to me.
"Thank you," I reply. She smiles and turns to walk out of the room.
"I'll check in on you later."
I chuckle. "Alright doc." As I hear the door close again, I can't help but flashback to another time when I was sick. Mom thought I was dying & Gojyo, who was 7 at the time, actually believed it. He thought I was on my deathbed & offered to do anything I wanted. I admit I was tempted to take advantage of the situation, but the look of devastation on his face was enough to make me think twice about it. A half-smile tugs at my lips. That is one of the only times the words "brotherly love" comes to mind when I think about him. Those words have since left our vocabulary, but the memories of better times still remain, at least for me. I know he had it tough & I honestly wish I could have done more for him. Perhaps if I hadn't run away, he would have turned out differently. I shake my head. There's no time for regrets though & there's no changing the fact that we are enemies now. For now, that is how it has to be.
Coming back to the present, I reluctantly drink the antibiotic cocktail Yaone gave me. It was bitter, but not as nasty as the other stuff. I lye back down and close my eyes. Maybe one day things will be different, but, until then, my memories are enough; memories of the times when Gojyo wasn't such a damn brat. My eyes shoot open. Shit, not again. I jump out of bed & make a beeline for the bathroom.
END
