So, I'm REALLY SORRY for the long wait. D: I have mentally spanked myself several times. But here it is. Happy Holidays, Happy New Year's and Happy birthdays to whoever. :)

Old characters coming into the story. :D Thanks for Reading! (Disclaimer: Do not own the awesome series which is Hana Yori Dango.)

Chapter 11: Tsukasa's Resolution and Makino's Fright

There were faces everywhere, surrounding him as he opened his eyes against the bright lights of the room. Along with the faces, there was a din of noise, as the voices grew louder as he regained consciousness.

"Yo, homedog. Heard you wasn't doing so good so we decided to come over and visit. You know how hard it was to track all of these guys down? Didn't even know Rui was here." He could distinctly hear Akira's voice. The rest of the room quieted down and it felt as if all eyes were on him (something he had become used to over time).

"I saw the news from Hawaii and then Akira informed me. Are you O.K? I mean, you look better right now. He's better now, right?" That was Sojiro's solemn inquisition and his words were heavy with worry.

"He's alright as long as he doesn't try another stunt like that." Makino. So she was still somewhere around looking after him, hopefully, with no Naro-guy helping her out.

Tsukasa cleared his throat to speak, "Where's my sister?"

Suddenly, there were gasps everywhere and faces began to press against him. He ducked under the sheets as the room grew loud again.

"Yo, you can't see us? What's happening, you blind?" That was Akira's voice and Tsubaki's was close by.

She grabbed the sheets to reveal a stiff Tsukasa. "Can you see me? Tsukasa, I'm right here!" She held his hand and he swiped it away as he sat up and everyone backed away.

"I'm not blind the room was just too bright! Back off, you guys are acting as if I'm dying. Jeez." The next words he directed solely to Tsubaki, "Get me out of here. I can't stand this place anymore… it's driving me crazy. I want to leave. Today. NOW." His face showed shear resolution making Tsubaki cringe against his request. It would have been done had it been any other hospital but here where Rui and Makino looking after him. Was he trying to imply that he wanted to get away from Rui and Makino? Tsubaki glanced away from Tsukasa and towards Makino who currently had her back to everyone. But Tsukasa turned Tsubaki's face towards him, "Tsubaki, please. Can you do that much for me?"

Tsubaki bit her lip and laughed as she placed the back of her hand to his forehead. "Tsukasa… saying please? Ahahahahaha! Ok. Ok. I'm done laughing." Wheezing for breath she smiled, "Yes, I'll find you a place to stay so take away that serious face, it's unbecoming of you Tsukasa." Tsukasa gave off a ticked-off look; after all, he hated being laughed at. Still, the fact that he would be out of this place gave him enough reason to break into a smile.

"Tsubaki… I'm not supporting this idea of his and your aid of it." That was Rui, sounding rather concerned. Makino was by his side in a flash nodding her head along with whatever came out of his mouth. "It's better that he stay where staff and equipment are available to him at all hours. According to my charts he only has a week to go."

"A WEEK? You expect me to sit here for another WHOLE WEEK? Ha! You're funny." Akira and Sojiro chuckled by Tsukasa's predictable response.

Rui opened his mouth so as to argue but Makino intervened, "Alright, I'll have your transfer papers ready for whichever medical practitioner you choose. He can leave as soon as I have the papers, which, in four-to-five minutes I'll have ready." She excused herself and walked away from the group of people and exited the room, but not before seeing Tsukasa's pained look.

They all stayed inside the room looking as she stomped out of the room, frustration swelling up within her. Why is he always so spontaneous and stubborn? He gives everyone a fright and then decides he's tired of playing the patient. Seriously.

However, she knew Domyouji better than anyone and it's a surprise that he has been in this hospital for as long as he has. Usually he would have left within a week or so. Yet, he's been in that (by his standards) cramped and lifeless room for almost two weeks. Sighing she went down to the reception desk and requested the dismissal papers for Tsukasa Domyouji.

If it is what he really wants, who am I to stop him?

After working for the remainder of the day and having to deal with the sad nurses and an angry chief due to Domyouji's departure, Tsukushi was feeling more than tired, she was feeling ill. As soon as the clock turned 7:00pm she ran for her things and went straight to the parking lot, trying to avoid the hateful glances that made their way to her. Domyouji had given the nurses yet another reason to hate the poor Tsukushi Makino. She may just need to find a new hospital to take up residency.

Contemplating such thoughts she sat on the bench just outside the parking lot. The dark sky had already set in and the only thing allowing her to moderately see things in front of her were the dim street lamps. Above her were the sprinkles of stars doing the same labor as the lamps. Below was the cement ground with cracks allowing wild grass to grow. Still, no matter how much she dwelled on the scenery, she couldn't forget the fact that she was not wearing her sweater and the night breeze was setting in. No matter how much she attempted to shield herself from the cold it was still seeping into her bare skin.

"W-where is Rui?" she chattered.

After another five minutes of what seemed like eternity passed, Tsukushi stood up and decided that she rather walk towards the house then sit here and turn into an ice cube. But, as if like magic, a familiar car came rolling around, its' beeping sounds obviously directed towards her. Feeling pure relief she ran towards the headlights (for it was all she could see) and ducked inside.

"It was so c-c-cold outside. What took y-you so long?" She stuttered as she fastened her seatbelt.

"I haven't driven in a while. Honestly, the least you could say was "thank you". If you're going to keep complaining then you might as well get out." That voice. Tsukushi turned around to see a very amused Domyouji. She turned towards the window, glanced back at his face, and promptly unfastened her seatbelt.

"Hey! I was kidding!" He reached across her and fastened her seatbelt back unto her. The proximity between their bodies made her heart race and she felt an undeniable discomfort. So she unfastened the seatbelt and placed her hand on the handle.

"Oh no you don't." Click-click. That was the sound of Domyouji mechanically locking the doors; including her own. She tugged and pushed at the handle but to no avail.

"Let me out Domyouji! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT!" She thrashed about on the seat as if throwing a tantrum. But instead of listening to her, Domyouji hit the petal and drove off.

"HEY! Didn't you hear me? What are you doing driving anyways? Where are we going? Let me ouuuuuutttttt!" Her voice grew louder and sharper with each demand.

"SHUT IT! Jeez! You're as loud as ever. Rui had to talk with Tsubaki so he's asked me to drive you back home. Seems like they wont need to call my personal medic after all. Tsubaki's arranged it so that I can just stay with you and Rui." His smile was apparent even through the darkness that filled the car. But nothing was more apparent than the drumming of Tsukushi's heart as dread and fear crept in. If he stays with them then he will definitely find out about Rikuto. No, anything but that. She wasn't prepared for that just yet. Tsubaki, however, was fully prepared to reveal everything to her brother, even at Tsukushi's expense.

"You okay? You looking a bit pale there." How he could see the lack of color on her face in the darkness was a mystery to her. His questions went over her head as her thoughts took her through all the possibilities she could use to escape this predicament.

Jump out of the car? …It's locked.

Lie to him? …Tsubaki's there.

Pretend to faint? …He'll take me home faster.

Tsukushi scratched at her head and pulled at her hair as her ideas failed her. Was this really how it would end? With him finding out in such a manner? What was Tsubaki thinking? He's still not in entirely good health and yet she wants me to tell him such drastic news? And what about Rikuto? Certainly he can't be ready yet, right? And why would Rui let such a thing happen? With her mind jumbled with questions she hadn't noticed that the car had stopped.

"Why did we stop?" Her hands were mildly shaking as she asked.

"Makino, maybe you should be the one taking a rest at the hospital. We're in front of your house. Look." He pointed towards the house, the lights signaling the warmth and life inside the home. Through the blurry windows she could see a small and curious figure pressed against the glass. Rikuto.

:) Comments? [Next week is midterms so I can't promise I will update but I'll try super hard to get another chapter up as soon as possible. Again, really sorry for the wait. ); ]