Chapter 10 – Recovery

The new love blossomed, as Kureno and Uo were able to see each other without fear. After a hot shower, good food, and sleeping in a comfy bed, Uo was able to relate her story from the three weeks previous.

Hana, of course, had been notified of Uo's disappearance. She had worked faithfully at making a plan to look for her best friend, but had not succeeded. So, naturally, she rushed right over when news of Uo's reappearance reached her.

Hana, who was also having love troubles, congratulated the newest couple. Uo had not been surprised at hearing of Tohru and Kyo's coupling. Now, if Hana could have her prince charming, everyone would be happy. Well, mostly everyone at least.

The trio of girls had a midnight powwow to discuss their friend's troubles.

"And who would you bestow the honor of your love upon, Hana dear?" Uo said in a mock motherly tone.

"W-well, you see, please understand that he's older, but…" she faltered for a moment.

"Just spit it out woman!" whispered Uo exasperatedly. She had become her normal self after a couple days of rest and relaxation.

"Shishou-chan…" Tohru's eyes got wide.

"Really?" she asked.

"You heard her, she said Shishou-chan…wait, Kyo's dad?!" now Uo was interested.

"Well, um, in a manner of speaking, yes…" she spoke, a little taken aback at the thought. It hadn't even crossed her mind.

"Oh, Hana, he's a great guy!" Tohru said happily, after the shock wore down. "I'm sure he likes you too. He does talk about you when I visit the dojo…"

"Really?" Hana took on a girlishly delighted disposition, which was completely new to her.

"Of course, who wouldn't?" Tohru smiled and grabbed another string of licorice from the snack pile. They were all thinking of the Prince Yuki Fan Club, but no one said anything.

The girls laughed and hugged each other. They put in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, and lay down to go to sleep.

In the morning, Kyo poked his head in to check on them. He smiled as her shut the door quietly. He had seen the three girls splayed out on the floor, fast asleep. Tohru had been in the middle, Uo on the right, and Hana on the left.

Uo was the first to wake, smelling bacon and burnt toast. She silently got up, and went out to the dining room. She laughed a little when she heard Kyo let out a string of curses when he smelled the toast.

"Hey, orange top, need help?" she went to the sink and washed her hands.

"No, I'm making it!" he said, putting in more toast, turning down the heat, and slamming the button down.

"Fine."

Tohru had woken up and come out to the kitchen. She hugged him around the waist from behind, and laid her head on his back. He turned and hugged her back. Lifting up her chin, he gently kissed her and said, "Morning beautiful."

"Morning handsome," she kissed him back.

Uo rolled her eyes. "Okay, lovebirds, breakfast is burning," she smiled, hoping her good morning would be a romantic.

Leaving the kitchen to set the table, Uo was pleasantly surprised to find a groggy Kureno stumbling around the living room.

"Morning," she called to him and smiled.

"U-Uo, morning," he wandered over to her and wrapped his arms around her.

"Not a morning person?" she smiled up at him.

"No, never have been, mornings are the worst," he smiled, then leaned down and kissed her lightly.

They ate breakfast, then left to go school shopping.

Meanwhile, Shigure was scheduling Akito's surgery. It was set for the following Wednesday. He tried to keep his hopes high. In his heart, he knew she would pull through, but he didn't like to pretend he wasn't scared. Statistics don't often lie. Everyone had been informed, and was told to hope for her safety. Pray, if they wished, but "do something" Shigure had begged.

On Wednesday, Shigure rose early, and left after a quick breakfast and "Good Luck!" from Tohru, she never forgot important things.

Monday had been the first day of school. It was exciting being a senior. Yuki had joined student council and met a charming girl named Machi. Tohru was protected by Kyo, who was her "prince charming". Kureno came everyday to get Uo from school.

Hana was going to the dojo, today, to tell Shishou-chan how she felt. Her heart told her he would like her back, but her mind was less confident.

The worst of the Prince Yuki Fan Club had graduated, but lurked in the halls sometimes, when they didn't have class. Overall, everyone was happy, so far.

"Ten 'o clock, Akito's due in surgery at eleven," Hatori told the hopeful couple. An hour passed and it was time.

Shigure watched lovingly, as the IV was administered into Akito's arm. Her last words to him before giving in to the anesthesia were, "I love you now, like I loved you then."

"I love you, too," he thought, and smiled. Hatori gently told him to leave, so he could start the surgery. He was the assistant to a heart doctor in the operation. It was scary to see Hatori in doctor's garb.

Taking one last look at the gruesome scene, he left the room, to wait for the surgery to end.

Five hours later, Hatori changed out of his doctoral outfit and went to tell Shigure the news.

Haven fallen fast asleep, Shigure startled at the gentle tap of Hatori. "Shigure-san… Akito's going to be fine, the surgery was a success." Gure-san's eyes lit up like fire crackers.

"I knew it! I knew she'd pull through! That's my girl!" he jumped up and hugged the other man tightly.