Ed: I'm soooo sorry that this took so long! I've actually had it written since Friday, and now it's Wednesday...
Ace: I'm sure they'll forgive you, Miss Ed...
Ed: *sniffle* Stupid internet deciding to be evil and not let me navigate away from my homepage...! But anyway, this is the sixth chapter. Thank you for reading it so far.
Ageha: Disclaimer time! Ed doesn't own HM or anything else. She does kind of own me and Ace, though.
Ed: Thanks, Ageha. Now, please enjoy Chapter 6: Sick! Reviews make my world go round...and constructive criticism restores the balance!

Chapter 6: Sick

"It's a good thing you were there, Roy," Van said, closing the curtain behind him as he left Ageha's bedside. "She's running a fever of 100 and rising. She's obviously fatigued, and I think she's catching a cold. Nothing a few days of bed rest and some medicine can't fix."

Roy had stopped pacing when the doctor had started talking, but he started pacing again right after he was finished. "What could have made her so sick?" Heath asked from his seated position behind the blacksmith. Roy was tempted to tell his rival to shut up, but he didn't, because he wanted to know as well.

"Lucy told me she hasn't been getting enough sleep lately, and I think that she's been pushing herself too hard. It seemed like her normal work, but for her tired body..." He shook his head. "It was just that much too much. The walk out to Flute Fields probably triggered the actual collapse. Also, I think something's been plaguing her mind. This might contribute to the loss of sleep." Van looked pointedly at both young men. "Look, I know we're friends and all, but I speak on a purely professional level when I say that your feelings for Ageha are probably the trigger for the entire problem. Knowing Ageha, I'm sure she already knows how you feel and is trying to figure everything out on her own. You need to support her in this tough time by leaving her alone for a while unless she specifically asks to see you. Got it?" Both Garmon Mine residents nodded gloomily. "Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to see about some medication for Ageha." And he disappeared into the back room.

Heath and Roy were silent for a bit. Then Heath said, "So...how long have you liked her?"

Roy snapped back to reality and glanced at Heath. "What?"

"Well, last I remember you liked Lucy. When did that change?"

"I liked Lucy when I was ten, Heath," Roy replied, annoyed. "It was a silly childhood crush. Nothing more."

"Really? Because I think she likes you."

Roy blushed darkly. "You're just saying that to distract me so you can move in on Ageha! Well, it won't work!"

"That's not it, Roy. I really do think she likes you. Ageha's not the only one with epic matchmaking skills."

"Yeah, but hers are enhanced by magic. Look, can you drop it? I'm not interested in Lucy, even if she's interested in me."

They were silent for a bit, and Roy continued pacing. Then he broke the silence. "Has anyone contacted her parents? Knowing Hikari, she'll be worried sick."

"I think Jin did," Heath said slowly. "I heard him mention to Van about getting her to take over the farm again for a little while, at least until Ageha can get back on her feet. What worries me is..." He paused, chewing his lip, deep in thought. "How long will that be?"

Suddenly there was a low moan from behind Ageha's curtain. Both Heath and Roy rushed in to see what was the matter. Ageha had woken up, and she blinked up at them groggily. "Guys...what are you doing here? Where am I?" She tried to sit up, but both men quickly made her lie down again.

"You collapsed," Roy explained. "You've been working too hard lately, and it finally caught up to you. I carried you to the Clinic, and Van said you'll have to stay here for a little while. Don't worry, your mom will take care of the farm."

"Oh, man. I'm sorry to be such a burden."

"It's okay. No one minds. You deserve to relax a little."

Heath had been silent while the other two talked. Now, he said, "Hey, Ageha, has anything been bothering you lately? Like...us?"

She sighed. "Well, I must say, you two are really annoying."

"That's not what I meant," he snapped, turning her head so she had to look at him. "I mean...you know how we feel, don't you?" Blushing wordlessly, she nodded. "And...is that why you've been losing sleep?" She nodded again and he released her.

"Geez," Roy muttered, running a hand through his already-messy rusty hair. "I can't believe that it's because of us..."

"I-I'm sorry," she mumbled, pulling the covers over her head.

"You have nothing to apologize for!" they chorused, removing the covers. She squeaked and sat up a bit.

"It's our fault," Heath sighed. "I mean...we've been kind of forcing our feelings on you."

"You don't have to choose one of us," Roy added. "It'd be great if you did, but if you like someone else or just aren't interested in dating, we'll understand."

"We can't make you change your mind, so we'll deal," Heath said. "But for Goddess's sake, never, ever, make us worry again."

They both hugged her, and she hugged them back. "Guys, it's okay. I'm sorry for not telling you I knew. I don't really know how I feel...so for now, let's just stay friends. That means no fighting, you two."

"Awww, I like fighting with Roy!"

"Even though you always lose?"

"You shut up!"

Ageha giggled. Looks like things are back to normal...or close enough, she thought as she watched them squabble.

"Ageha!"

Finn tackled her shoulder and sobbed. "You're okay! Thank the Goddess!"

"Where were you?" she whispered.

"I was with the Goddess, asking her to help you. Since you've rung two bells, her power is slowly returning. Your fever should be down a bit now."

"Ageha!"

Her parents ran in and Hikari hugged her daughter. "Baby...! Are you alright? I was so worried...!"

"I'm fine, Mom. Don't worry about me."

Gale smiled at her. "I'm glad...you're alright...I saw you had collapsed, but not where, so I worried."

"How many times do I have to tell you people not to worry about me?" asked Ageha jokingly.

"And how many times do we have to tell you that we'll always worry?" Hikari retorted, giving her daughter a tap on the forehead. "We love you, so of course we'll worry."

"I second that," Heath added.

"No fair! I was going to second that."

Heath stuck his tongue out at Roy. "Too late!"

"What did I say about arguing?"

"Sorry."

When Van returned, he had to fight his way through the mob of people surrounding the smiling Ageha. A few days later, she was declared fit for duty and she practically bounded out of the Clinic.

"Two bells down, three to go. Come on, Finn, time's a-wasting!"