Chapter 7:
"Well, Fujisaki-san, I have to congradulate you on your improvement. You have made a remarkable recovery. I have to say that I am impressed."
I rubbed the back of my head and chuckled. "Well, let's just say that I had a bit of inspiration."
I secretly thanked Suzi in my head. She had been taken to a different ward of the asylum for bad behavior. I didn't know when she would get out. I felt she deserved all the thanks in the world. The things she told me didn't only inspire me, they helped mend me. They were words of the truth, and I knew that I would remember them, and her, forever.
"At the rate you are going, you are going to be able to be released at the end of the month."
"Really? That's two weeks away."
The psychiatrist nodded. "Yep."
"Wow.."
It had been less that a month since Suzi spoke those inspiring words to me, and the psychiatrist was already telling me that I would be able to be released soon. It was like music to my ears.
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"Am I hearing right? You'll be able to get out of here at the end of the month?"
"Yep. I can't wait to get out of here. Although, this place has kind of grown on me."
Shindou-san and I chatted like old friends. I didn't really know when I actually started getting along with the guy, but he didn't turn out as bad as I thought. Nakano-san was leaning against the wall watching Shindou-san and I, smiling and chatting with the psychiatrist. I could only make out a small part of the conversation.
"So, he's healed, huh?"
"Oh, no, he'll never be fully healed. Those kind of inflictions, like his, never fade."
"So, what was wrong with him in the first place?"
"Well, I still don't really know, but I don't really think it matters anymore. He's becoming more accustomed to the normal again. I am sure that he will have a small relapse after he gets out of here, you know, adjusting once again, but after that, just keep your eye on him a little bit, give him his space when he wants it, attention when he needs it, and he will be just fine."
I smiled to myself. The shrink was right, I would never fully be healed. I still didn't feel whole, but I felt more of a person than I had felt in years. Every time that I would look in the mirror I would see more youth than I had seen in myself ever. The gray hair and the frown lines were gone. It was like a miracle that brought tears to my eyes.
After a while everyone but Nakano-san left. I was in the part of the asylum where they only did checks once or twice a day and had ground privilages. Nakano-san and I took a long walk, not really talking, but feeling the earth and air around us. It seemed to feel me with confidence, that Nakano-san actually liked being around me again. That was the best feeling that I could ever have.
We went back to my room after the walk and talked a little bit about the band and how much work we were going to have upon my return. I was more than excited to get back to doing my work. Spending six months in the asylum really made me think about all the things that I once took forgranted. The band was a bigger part of me than I expected, the band members and staff were more of a family than I had ever known, and I took that all forgranted. I made a silent vow to make up for all that time that I neglected the ones that really cared about me.
"I'm glad that you are getting out." Nakano-san said to me, a small smile on his face.
He looked so calm and full of bewilderment. His face was filled with curiousity and mischief, yet it seemed pure and innocent. I smiled back at him and laid back on my bed to stare at the ceiling.
"I am, too."
My view of the ceiling quickly became a view of Nakano-san. He climbed on top of me and stared in my eyes, which grew wide with excitement and shock.
"I want to play a game."
"W-what kind of game?"
"Truth or dare. I want to go first, okay?"
"O-okay..."
"Okay, Fuji-kun, truth or dare?"
"Um...truth..."
"Is it true that you like me?"
"Yes..."
"Now, I dare you to kiss me."
"You're not playing right---"
He pressed his tender lips against mine in a passionate kiss. I moaned as he nibbled and ran his tongue across my bottom lip, his tongue begging for entrance into my mouth. I gradually opened it, liking to tease him. He smirked when he broke the kiss and his eyes burned into mine. They were shining with a mischieveous plan, and it was begging to worry me.
"Now, it's your turn."
"What?"
"Ask me truth or dare."
"Truth or dare?"
"Dare."
"Dare?"
"Yes, dare."
"Um...I...I don't know any good dares..."
"You can dare me to do anything...anything..."
It took me a few seconds, but I figured out with his emphasizing 'anything' meant. I blushed deeply, my mouth gaping open, but no words escaping my lips.
"But...the nurses..patients..."
"They won't give you another check until late."
He smiled sweetly at me, his finger stroking my cheek.
"Are you scared?" he asked me teasingly, breathing into my ear.
"N-no." I shivered, his breath on my ear sending tingles down my neck and spine.
"Then prove it. I triple dare you. Can't break a triple dare."
"O-o-okay..."
"Okay?"
"Yeah..."
"You're sure?"
I nodded. He smiled again, leaning in to kiss me again.
(A/N): Well, I believe that this will be my next to last chapter. This has gone by a lot faster than I had expected. I really think that these last few chapters have been really crappy, but hey, I try. Please review!
