ME: Welcome back, *sniff* to the *sniff* next chapter *sniff*

SIS: Yo… aachoo! Haha! Aachoo!

SELENE: What's going on with the Author and Co-Author?

ME: I've been staying *sniff* up all night *sniff*

SIS: I haven't but…aa…a…aachoo!

AALIYAH: Cramming in school?

ME & SIS: Riiiight…achoo! *sniff*

AALIYAH: Can I continue the story? I'm feeling fine!

ME: Think *sniff* again…

SIS: Let's staaart!

CHAPTER 14: EPIDEMIC

[SELENE'S POV]

AALIYAH: Wait!

ME: Nah, we started…

CHAPTER 14: EPIDEMIC

[SELENE'S POV]

After the dance, Aaliyah was called to the Director's Office while Sylvette-san and I grouped ourselves in the center of the Bee Hive.

"I can't believe Lag-kun danced me!" Sylvette-san squealed, "Soo… how many boys danced you Selene-chan?"

"Um…" I started when suddenly,

"GUYS!" Thank you Aaliyah.

"Okay so I have report about the killings. The killer hasn't killed anyone yet this past week and I HAVE NO IDEA WHY! So to start off, I'm going to deliver letters tomorrow while you guys will stay here in the Bee Hive once the killer strikes, got that?" Aaliyah stated.

"But will the killer strike right now?" As in on cue, two Letter Bees went inside the Bee Hive towards Aaliyah.

"Aaliyah-san, we found two Bees dead on the same alley just a while ago. We didn't see the killer's face but we saw a long scarf which means he's a Letter Bee." Aaliyah clenched her fist, then said, "This makes the situation complicated… Heaven knows it was complicated before." Aaliyah looked around looking for someone when suddenly Aaliyah sneezed.

"Sis, are you okay?" I asked.

"I'm… I'm… aa… aaa… achoo! I'm fine *sniff*" She replied.

"Nah, you're not feeling well."

"I am too. Besides hachoo! I still need to deliver the letters…hachoo!" I placed my hand to check her temperature and it was high when she suddenly became unconscious.

"Aaliyah!" I shouted but Zazie caught her before she fell to the ground.

"I'll take her home…" Zazie said.

"O-okay…" I replied. I watched Zazie walk away with Aaliyah-nee-san in his arms.

"You're feeling jealous aren't you?" Alee whispered to me. I nodded, but the moment I realized I did, I quickly answered,

"What? Of course, NO! I-I…"

"You don't need to deny it. I know it's true!"

"H-hey! I told you it's not true!"

"Selene and Zazie sitting on a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G"

"ALEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

I looked at the direction where Zazie carried Aaliyah. No! I'm not jealous!

"Selene-chan! Let's go visit Aaliyah-chan! *sniff*"

"L-Lag-kun? You're not feeling well also?" Sylvette-san said.

"Of course I'm feeling fine *sniff* Come on, let's go towards Aaliyah's house *sniff*" Lag replied and started to march off. I don't know what kind of house Aaliyah owns, or maybe an apartment. But how come she never invites me to her house? There must be a reason.

"Here it is! *sniff*" Lag pointed at the house with a broken chimney.

"Lag-kun, it is definitely not Aaliyah-chan's house. Let's split up." Sylvette-san suggested.

Alee and I went to the east side of the town while Lag and Sylvette-san went to the north part. As I walked through, I heard sneezing and coughing. Aaliyah! I heard the sneezing inside an apartment with lights in the color of orange. I went inside went in one of the rooms and opened the door and…

"Are you okay now?" Zazie's hand was placed on her forehead.

"Yeah… aachoo! Sorry…" Aaliyah said "I'm really sorry I got you in this. aachoo!" then she touched Zazie's hand. I wanted to close my eyes but I couldn't. I slowly closed the opened door but it squealed. I hoped they didn't hear it when suddenly; a warm feeling touched my hand. It was Zazie's hand.

"It's not what you think…" Zazie spoke. I shook my hand off his grip and left the apartment. I… do I really feel jealous? Sylvette-san and Lag were already outside of the apartment.

"Is this Aaliyah-chan's house?" Sylvette asked.

"Y-yes." I tried to hide that sad look in my eyes. Maybe I do feel jealous.

"Well then *sniff* let's go inside?"

"Um… I'll just stay out here…" I said, wanting to be alone. Lag and Sylvette-san went inside to visit sister… Is there really something between Aaliyah and Zazie?

[AALIYAH'S POV]

"GUYS!" I shouted. "Okay so I have report about the killings. The killer hasn't killed anyone yet this past week and I HAVE NO IDEA WHY! So to start off, I'm going to deliver letters tomorrow while you guys will stay here in the Bee Hive once the killer strikes, got that?" I continued.

"But will the killer strike right now?" As if on cue, two Letter Bees went inside the Bee Hive.

"Aaliyah-san, we found two Bees dead on the same alley just a while ago. We didn't see the killer's face but we saw a long scarf which means he's a Letter Bee." I clenched my fist involuntarily but tightly then said, "This makes the situation complicated… Heaven knows it was complicated before."

"ACHOO!" Okay. That was weird. I'm fine. Yes I AM fine. I still need to deliver letters so I must be fine. I'm not sick. I should NOT be. Like, yes. I'm fine. I thought rather panicky.

"Sis, are you okay?" that stopped my thinking.

"I'm… I'm… aa… aaa… achoo! I'm fine *sniff*" Hey body why won't you cooperate with me? Everything is a matter of the mind. I AM FINE! ILLNESS, I thought dramatically, BEGONE!

"Nah, you're not feeling well."

"I am too!" I'm becoming irritated of Selene. Could she stop telling me that I'm not okay? "Besides hachoo!," I continued "I still need to deliver the letters…hachoo!" I felt Selene's hand on my forehead. I tried to bat it off, but… what in the name of? I'm becoming limp. I don't know what to do… I…

"Aaliyah!" That was the last thing I heard. Selene's voice. "Selene." I wanted to speak, but nothing seemed to come out of my mouth. Then… Black, nothing…

The moment I woke up, I saw nothing but a blur. My body felt numb but I needed water so I tried to stand up, in which I luckily did. "Arielle." I called my dingo. My voice sounded hoarse and rough. I half-walked and half crawled towards the kitchen. I succeeded in going to the table, but unfortunately, I pulled the table cloth, where a glass of water fell on me.

"AHHHHHHHHHH!" I screamed. My hand. Red. Blood? No it shouldn't be. The memories rushed to me. The night it happened. The night older brother died. I began blaming myself again. I was crying. It was gross. Tears mixed with blood. Does Selene know about this? I hope not. I don't want her to know about this…

Suddenly, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I couldn't have the chance to think soooo..

"WAAAAAAA! LET ME GO! LET ME GO! PLEASE!"

"You okay?" It was Zazie… In the chaos, his voice soothed me, he smoothed the aura around me.

"Are you okay now?" Zazie placed his hand on my forehead.

"Yeah… aachoo! Sorry…" I said "I'm really sorry I got you in this. aachoo!" then I touched his hand. My eyelids felt heavy. As I was about to drift off to sleep, I thought, I am really lucky to have you as a friend, Zazie… but…

"It's not what you think…" Zazie spoke as the door was slammed. Those words made me open my eyes. I didn't mean to overhear it but I can't help it.

"Who was that?" I asked Zazie.

"Uh... your sister…"

"What happened?"

"Nothing… nothing…" he said not looking at me.

"Then why did she slam the door?" I asked back, almost near to murmuring.

"Um…"

"AALIYAH-CHAN!" I heard Lag shout which made me had goosebumps.

"Lag-kun, too loud! She needs to rest!" Sylvette-san also entered. They aren't allowed in here… Aria's orders…

"Aachoo!" Lag suddenly sneezed. I tried to sit up while Sylvette-san went to the kitchen. I hope she's not making that soup again.

"Since Lag-kun and Aaliyah-chan are now sick, I'll make my specialty soup! Ta-da!" Oh no…..

"Aachoo…" Another Oh-no…

"Hmm, looks like Zazie's added to the list! I'll make three big bowls of soup! Just wait!" We're dead. SELENE… COME BAAAACK! And wow, she did! (Co-A/N: YAY!)

"What's going on?" If you only knew, my dearest sister…

"Selene-chan! Do you also want to eat the soup?" Sylvette-san asked her.

"Ah… I just ate! Hahaha…" Selene replied which made me wanna burst out saying, NO SHE IS ALSO SICK!

"What happened to you guys?" Selene asked. I mean, can't she see it? WE'RE ALL SICK!

"Aachoo! We're sick… And I don't want to eat Sylvette's nasty soup. I'd rather die." I replied back. Selene went to the kitchen and once she returned, she's carrying a large bowl. Oh, I do hope that it isn't the soup.

"Don't worry, this isn't the soup. It's just water in a bowl with some cloth. It's to lower your temperature." Selene said as if she read my mind.

She put a cloth on my forehead, Lag's and lastly, Zazie. But there was something which struck me peculiar. It's weird because #1, Selene didn't look at Zazie. #2, Zazie held Selene's wrist not wanting to let go. And #3 It was only after Zazie held Selene's wrist that she looked at him. They stared at each other, I was looking at them, or maybe staring at them until—

"IT'S READY!" Sylvette's voice boomed throughout the house.

I suddenly had this urge to run out of my house when all our dingos came (Co A/N: YAY! #2!) and opened the door.

"Here's your medicine, Aaliyah." I looked at my dingo, handing me medicine.

"You *cough* should get more of this." I said holding up the medicine. "*sneeze* Lag and Zazie's sick too."

"Don't worry. I know your clumsiness would make them sick too." My dingo answered. I glared at her, but it was broken with a "HACHOO!" that sent her laughing at me. Oh, if you weren't my dingo, I could have killed you a long time ago.

"You need to eat first before drinking the medicine!" Sylvette said. The next thing I know, I was forcing myself to eat that gross soup. Not because it was gross, but because my throat's just aching so much. I was fortunate that I have cold, at least I couldn't taste the soup, but my throat's just aching like so much. I looked at Lag and Zazie, and they looked like they were having the same problems like me.

"Selene-chan, can you help them eat the soup? I'll help Lag-kun here." Sylvette said to Selene.

"Sister do you need some-"

"No. I don't need anyone's help." I was still in a bad humor because of my dingo, and to top it all off, I didn't have the chance to deliver the letter. "Better help Zazie there." And besides, I know they need to make-up… Sister's instincts. I know. You're probably are saying it is just instincts. But it's mine, and I always have trusted my instinct.

[SELENE'S POV]

"Better help Zazie there." Aaliyah told me when I tried to help her eat the soup Sylvette-san made. Why the heck am I feeling this way? I mean, we're just friends… no more than that. I took a bowl from Sylvette-san and smelled it, remembering the nasty taste when I first ate it.

"Good luck Selene-chan!" Sylvette-san whispered to me as she handed me Zazie's soup.

Sylvette-san helped Lag to eat his soup while I walked towards Zazie who was looking not quite good.

"Um…" I interrupted him. I reached out my hand to touch his forehead and his temperature is high. "Here…" I placed the spoon next to his mouth and he sipped the soup quickly. It should change the look on his face now that he has eaten the "nasty soup".

"Ooh! Zazie-kun likes it!" Sylvette-san said, I looked at Lag's face which was filled with disgust but he ate it all up. A miracle has happened! Aaliyah was now sleeping soundly and Zazie was still not looking at me, shouldn't the person who should be doing that be me?

"Zazie, are you feeling alright now?" I asked. He nodded in reply, still not talking nor looking at me. It was my fault from the first place so why is he acting like this?

I left the soup at the bed side table of his bed and went outside. I have so many things to think about, like when Zazie held my hand, wanting not to let go. And whenever I forgot to add the senpai part in his name, he doesn't get annoyed anymore. And also, including the killer, why is he killing Bees? For fun maybe? Nah… I went back inside and I saw Zazie's bowl finished, Lag's fast asleep, and so is Sylvette-san and Aaliyah-neechan. I think I also need to rest…

Good night guys…

…oOo…

THE NEXT DAY!

…oOo…

"Okay, so Aaliyah-chan is fine now, and so is Lag-kun, but what about Zazie-kun? Please someone check his temperature for me…" was the first thing I heard once my eyes and ears were now awake. I opened my eyes and I saw Lag and Aaliyah jumping while Zazie was still sleeping.

"Oh, sis you're okay now? That's great!" I said to Aaliyah who also hugged me. She's hyper as ever, and clumsy as well.

"Yup! But Zazie-kun's not feeling well, and we can't stay here since we're going to deliver letters, and Sylvette-chan's going to help Gauche-san in packing up before going back to Akatsuki." Lag explained.

"I'll stay then…" I said, having no choice. Lag and the others thanked me and left Zazie and I alone. I wonder if I can ask him questions now.

"Hmm? Why'd you stay?" Zazie murmured.

"To watch over you, duh. I'm sure Aaliyah doesn't want to see you crawling your way to the kitchen for some water." I replied.

"Hmph, never mind." Zazie said then tried to stand up. "I'm going to eat…"

"Ah, you stay there! I'll get you something to eat!" I said, about to rush in the kitchen. But the only problem is… I DON'T KNOW HOW TO COOK!

Luckily, Aaliyah came back running, "The Director said that I should stay here since the delivering the letters thingy and Lag can deliver it with Niche. Soooo what seems to be the problem?"

"I-I can't cook…" I replied.

"Oh, so that's the problem! Okay I got it! Just make Zazie comfortable, not too hot, not too cold, be sure to wash his back okay?" Aaliyah said while preparing our food. I got some lukewarm water, cloth and went in the room. While I was on the way there, I heard sister humming a tune while, well, preparing our breakfast. I knocked at the door, but he didn't answer. Since he wouldn't I said,

"I'm coming in!"

The moment I opened the door, I saw him sprawled on the floor (Co-A/N:OMGEEE!).

"Z-ZAZIE!" Oh, I don't know what to do. Sister's cooking our food, and I don't want to bother her. But what should I do? Ugh, do I have to? I lifted him up, hanging his arm on my neck, and helped him back in the bed. Then, Zazie coughed.

"Are you okay?"

"Stupid! Isn't it obvious?" he said, voice with a rasp. If I wasn't leaning over him, I wouldn't have heard it.

"What?" he asked angrily, well, as angry as sick Zazie can be.

"U-uhmm… Onee-chan told me to wash you… you know…" I replied.

"Ugh… fine…" he groaned.

"W-well…" I started. He pulled up his shirt and… I went outside to well, to give him privacy. But I was about to go outside, he suddenly gripped my hand, asking where was I going.

"Uh… you're done already?" I asked Zazie. He turned around while I grabbed the cloth and scrubbed it on his back. I can feel my cheeks heat up and my heart beating fast. What the heck is going on with me? I stopped scrubbing his back for a second and dipped it again on the warm water.

"Um, Zazie… May I ask, who is Aaliyah to you?" I said before scrubbing his back again.

"Oh, Aaliyah… she was my best friend." Was? Was his best friend? So, what happened between them? Like I care anyway… Do I?

"Breakfast is readyyyy!" Aaliyah shouted while carrying cookies. I stopped scrubbing Zazie's back and I touched his forehead feeling his temperature.

"Still too high…" I told Aaliyah.

"Okay, so I'll go buy some medicines. By the way, Arielle, Wasiolka and Alee are in the other room sleeping so don't bother waking them up. I'll be back later then!" Aaliyah said then leaving.

"Uh… okay?" I replied once Aaliyah left the apartment. I carried the bowl of warm water back to the kitchen and once I got back, Zazie was already trying to stand up. I ran towards him because he might fall or collapse but…

"Ah, Zazie you're still not feeling well—!" Zazie. He. I. What. Floor. Down.

"Za-Zazie…" his breath was already near my ear, his hair was scattered on the half part of my face, he was… pinning me… down to the floor when I heard the door open up.

"AAHH! WHAT HAPPENED HERE!" Aaliyah screamed, "Did you think it was a good time to… you know… while I'm gone?" she saw me pinned down on the floor on Zazie's weight. He is heavy though.

"Uh.. Aaliyah, do you have any intention of helping me?" I sarcastically asked. I know she knows Zazie's unconscious, but here she is, still looking at us, as if she was clueless.

"Hmm, lemme see… NO! I'm enjoying this scene!" Aaliyah said with an evil smile. Zazie, please wake up! I can't move a muscle while you're lying over me!

"Aaliyah, just help me move Zazie, I can't move even a single bit." I replied back, hoping she'll help me.

"Fine… But…"

"AALIYAH!" okay, even Aaliyah have no intention on helping me, at least that made Zazie wake up. Even with just half an eyelid open, at least he was awake. So maybe he could just move even just a bit.

"Wait, why are you lying on top of me?" Zazie asked. I doubt he knows the situation.

"Um, you're the one who's lying on top of me…not to mention… you're quite heavy." I replied back, hoping he could just move just a bit just a bit.

"Aaliyah, why the heck are you staring?" Zazie asked. JUST MOVE PLEASE!

"Zazie…"Aaliyah said, trying to stifle her giggles, "…please get off my sister… !" Aaliyah did help me, but in that teasing way. I think they're playing a prank but they're not since Zazie slept, AGAIN.

"AALIYAH!" That woke the dingos up which was the thing I was not supposed to do. Alee and Arielle went inside and stared at us just like Aaliyah while Wasiolka lifted Zazie which I was about to thank later. Aaliyah, Alee, and Arielle were still staring at us while Wasiolka and I helped Zazie lie down on his bed. I looked at Aaliyah which I wanted to kill now but I can't.

I checked Zazie's temperature and touched his forehead and it suddenly came down. It looks like he'll be fine by tomorrow. I wonder if he will remember that 'awkward scene'… I hope not.

"Can we eat the breakkie I prepared now?" Aaliyah asked.

"Ah, okay!" I replied back while Aaliyah ran towards the kitchen to get the cookies. I sat in a stool next to Zazie who was now asleep. What happened between you and Aaliyah? Was the first thought that come to me just by remembering what he told me a while ago.

"Hmm?" I heard Zazie groan, I think he's awake now, for real.

"Aaliyah's just preparing breakfast for us. Are you feeling better now?" I asked. Zazie closed his eyes again and whispered something.

"Sorry…" That's the first time I heard him apologize. I wonder if he remembers—

"I'm sorry for shouting at you a while ago… I… I just didn't knew—"

"It's okay!" I smiled and replied back until Aaliyah came back with the cookies. We ate together and at last, I can finally get some rest until…

"A…a…aachoo!"

"Aww, Selene is sick." Aaliyah commented.

"I… I'm not sick! Aachoo! I'm just tired *sniff*" I replied back.

What a day today… I got to take care of Zazie and now, I think I need to take care of myself for a change… I still need to go to work tomorrow so I guess today was a "babysitting Zazie" job huh…

AALIYAH: How… aachoo! Could you?

ME: Haha! I'm feeling great! *sniff*

SIS: How the heck could you say that when you're still sniffling there!

LAG: I'm not really feeling well…

SIS: Hic!

LAG: Eh?

SYLVETTE: Are you okay Co-author-chan?

SIS: Hic!

SYLVETTE: Maybe you should drink water…

SIS: *drinks water* Hic!

ALL: EH?

SIS: Hic! Gosh this is the worst Hic!-cups ever hic!

ME: *sniff* I really hope you *sniff* enjoyed the chap!

SIS: Hic!

ME: Sayonara for now. We still need to 'heal' Sis… *sniff*

SIS: Hic!

Me: -cups! Hehehe *sniff*

AALIYAH: Ha-ha-HACHOO! Sayonara minna-san!

ALL: Please watch out for the next chapter! This was long, eh?

SIS: Hic!