A/N: Hi, guys. I'm feeling kind of lazy today, so if today's update is out kind of late, I'm sorry. I woke up out of sorts and in actual physical pain, feeling like dirt. I'll be fine, though. I can write through it like I do every other time. Just please don't yell at me in the reviews for I am smol and soft and fragile. I'm going to shut up now and let you enjoy this last day of Ouran bomb week. Here's to hoping it goes out with a bang…*badumtss* I'm sorry…I'll go home.
When Kyoya said this wasn't a standard hospital, he wasn't joking. In my first morning in my new room, I expected to wake up at six o'clock like every other trip to the hospital I've ever had. But this morning, it was nearly ten. Weird. And I thought I'd be immediately pawned off on Yuuichi. Instead, one of the nurses came into my room.
"Good morning, Miss Smith," she smiled sweetly, "How are you feeling?"
"Um..." I blinked the sleep out of my eyes, "Fine. Not awake enough to make a proper assessment. I'm sorry. Who are you?"
"My name is Megumi," she introduced herself, "Aside from Dr. Ootori, I'll be the one taking care of you. Everything from appointments to scheduling your visitors is all on me."
"What kind of appointments are we talking about?" I wondered.
"Anything we have to offer," Megumi looked down at her notebook, "And I have you down for one in half an hour. Let me know when you're ready, ok?"
"Ok," I didn't have the energy to put up any sort of fight.
"There are clothes in your closet," she pointed out, "The towels are under the bathroom sink. There's an assortment of soaps in the shower. If you need anything, let me know."
"Thank you," I got out of bed and went into the bathroom. It reminded me of Kyoya's, only on a smaller scale. I missed staying with him. Speaking of Kyoya, where did he run off to? Maybe my new babysitter knew, "Hey, Megumi?"
"Yes, Miss Smith?" she stuck her head in the bathroom.
"Just Lana," I insisted, "Please." So you know where Kyoya is?"
"The littlest Ootori," Megumi awed, "He left last night after you fell asleep. He sends his love. He would've stayed later, but Dr. Ootori threatened him with checking him in here, too, so he left. He'll be back this afternoon."
"Do you happen to know when?" I asked.
"Around..." Megumi thumbed through her notebook, "One o'clock. Along with a Tamaki Suoh."
"Ok." So, Kyoya's bringing Tamaki with him? I just hope to God that he doesn't freak. Like Kyoya said, Tamaki doesn't handle delicate matters with much subtlety. And given that he cares for me like I was his own only makes things worse.
I turned the shower on and opened the closet. Not much for options. Everything looked awfully comfortable, though. Not a single speck of color, but honestly, I didn't mind. I let the hot water take over, setting my mind and muscles at ease. I hated hospitals more than anything, but a girl could get used to this. All I was missing was a cup of shower tea and I'd be set.
"Megumi," I finished getting dressed, "Can I ask you one more question?"
"Ask me all the questions you want, Lana" she allowed, "What's on your mind?"
"What is this appointment for?" I asked, "Does Yuuichi want me already?"
"No," Megumi clarified, "Dr. Ootori doesn't have you until noon. Then, once your session is over, your one o'clock visit should be here."
I had a feeling she was going to hover. Nevertheless, I'd have to put up with her for the rest of the time I was here, "So if I'm not going to Yuuichi, where am I going?"
"You'll see." Something about Megumi reminded me of Rhiannon. I wasn't sure what, but there was something. And not just Rhiannon, but a little bit of Hikaru and Kaoru's mischief was there, too. I wonder if Yuuichi picked her specifically for me because of that. He's met Rhiannon. He knows what she's like.
I was really starting to like it here. This felt less like a hospital and more like a really upscale rehab facility. But I wasn't hooked on anything. A mild tea addiction and maybe caffeine to a certain extent, but none of the hard stuff. Once when I was in a hospital back in the US, I met this chick that was coming off acid. Amazing artist, if I remember correctly. Painted with anything she could get her hands on. I'd wake up every morning to find my tea missing. When I'd go to her room a few doors down from mine, I saw where my tea was going. And I didn't mind at all.
I had a very quick realization once Megumi brought me to my first appointment for the day. A bright white chair had my name on it. Not that I was complaining. I was merely curious as to what the hell was going on. Until I saw six different kinds of skin products on the table next to it. Now, I knew why I was getting Rhiannon vibes. She and I have gone to do this many, many times.
"Sit," Megumi demanded, "You don't have a problem with someone touching your face, do you?"
"No," I shook my head, "Why?"
"Someone will be here in a second," she promised, "I have some other things to take care of."
Yep. I knew what this was. I haven't gotten a facial since I was with Rhiannon last summer. And I fought her tooth and nail about that. You have perfect, porcelain skin, Lana. You need to take care of it, Lana. I don't want to go by myself, Lana. You'll thank me later, Lana. I had her voice in my head. When I finally caved, I cringed the whole way through, but in the end, I kind of liked it.
I completely zoned out through the whole thing. On the plus side, though, whatever mask she was using smelled like peaches! And this was only the beginning. In my entire life, I had never been so well taken care of. The closest I ever got was Yuzuha's fashion show in London. This reminds me of something the twins would whisk me away for one rainy afternoon when they're bored.
Once every inch of my body had some sort of sparkle on it and my glow could be seen from space, I went back to my room for a little well-earned solitude. Don't get me wrong. I was slowly, but surely getting used to Megumi being everywhere, but there were times I needed to be by myself. I practically had to hide from her.
"Lana?" Finally. Someone that got me, "Can I come in?"
"It's not like I'm naked, Yuuichi," I allowed, "You can come in anytime."
"If it's possible," he teased, "You look exhausted and well-rested at the same time."
"Careful," I poked back, "That's the foundation of my entire personality in a nutshell."
"I'm glad to see you're feeling better," Yuuichi smiled, "Megumi hasn't been too much for you to handle, has she?"
"She's exhausting," I giggled a little, "But nothing I've never dealt with before. Was that on purpose, by any chance?"
"I might have had a hand in that," he admitted, "A lot of our nurses tend to be really bubbly, but Megumi is one of the bubbliest. Her moods are rather infectious. You could stand to have some of that."
"Thanks," I rolled my eyes, "I've had to hide from her."
"Why would you do that?" Yuuichi asked, "That defeats the purpose."
"Because I like being by myself," I explained, "Solitude isn't always such a bad thing."
"All that aside," he brought me back, "How have you been?"
"This was sorely needed," I confessed, "I probably overworked myself into that panic attack the other night. I'm actually weirdly level headed right now. I could stand a nap, but other than that, I'm good."
"Good enough for Kyoya to come back?"
"Always," I blushed a bit, "He's supposed to be coming back soon, isn't he?"
"Yes," Yuuichi nodded.
"Rumor has it," I fished, "He's bringing Tamaki along with him."
"I can confirm that," he said, "Is that alright?"
"Honestly," I thought it over, "I'm kind of surprised Kyoya's not coming by himself. Definitely wouldn't have thought Tamaki would've been his first choice."
"Why not?"
"Because," I went on, "There are only two people that know how screwed up I am in the entire host club outside of Kyoya. Mori and Haruhi. Mori was an accident and Haruhi breached my inner sanctum."
"How did Mori find out?" Yuuichi asked.
"My cardigan went up," I remembered, "He caught a glimpse of my scars before I had my tattoo. I really should have Rhi do the other side next time I see her."
"Can I see your tattoo?" he hoped, "Purely to settle my own curiosity, not to see your scars."
"Sure," I pulled my sleeve up, revealing the beautiful sakura blossoms on my arm.
"Looks like something my brother would do."
"Your brother did do it," I smiled, remembering that day like it was yesterday, "He designed it. Rhiannon did the rest. I was in New York with her for the summer last year and I was without him for a week or two. I got really depressed to the point of emotional flatness, so when I asked Dr. Moreno if I could get a tattoo, she said it was fine if I was without incident. Rhiannon and Kyoya have a nasty little habit of plotting behind my back, but it's never a bad thing."
"Because they understand you," Yuuichi figured, running his fingers over the branches that hid an even nastier little habit of mine, "Rhiannon's always been your support system, hasn't she?"
"Yeah."
"She's your support," he elaborated, "She's never been through it herself, but she cared enough about you to educate herself."
"Yeah."
"But she can't take care of you like Kyoya does," Yuuichi continued, "Because she's never been through it. He has. The two people in this entire world that probably get you the best outside of a medical professional."
"That's right," I confirmed, "And I wouldn't trade either one of them for the world."
"As much as you're probably going to want to punch me for asking this," he wondered, "What would you do if Kyoya were to break up with you tomorrow?"
"What?" my heart stopped, "What do you mean? Has Kyoya been telling you things that he hasn't told me? Are things not good with us and I'm just now finding out?"
"Relax, Lana," Yuuichi settled me, "A simple hypothetical that, in hindsight, should've gone left unsaid. Everything's fine with you two. Trust me. Kyoya's told me things that I'm sure he hasn't told you yet, but nothing bad. Little things he notices about you. The little glints you get in your eyes from time to time. The things he draws on you. When you talk and giggle in your sleep."
"I giggle in my sleep?" I gave him a look.
"I got recordings to prove it," he pointed out, "If you ever want to hear them."
"I'd rather not," I shot him down, "So, he doesn't plan on breaking up with me any time soon?"
"God, I hope not," Yuuichi chirped, "I haven't met many of Kyoya's girlfriends he's had in the past, but Lana, you're my favorite."
"Because I'm so good for him," I bit my lip, "I know. You told me in London."
"We had tea that day," his face lit up a little more, "You're not thinking about breaking up with him, are you?"
"HELL NO!" I screeched, "I'm insulted you even thought I would!"
"All of this is hypothetical," Yuuichi took my hand, "I know better. You two have a little codependency that works for you. Now that I have you all angry with me, can I tell you some good news?"
"Please do," I demanded.
"How would you feel about getting out of here early?" he offered, "Like…Tomorrow morning? That way, you can sleep in your own bed before you and Kyoya leave for Karuizawa."
"Wait a minute," I snapped back, "You're letting me go?"
"Not until tomorrow," Yuuichi clarified, "But yes. You were just severely drained and needed a pre-vacation."
"Awesome," I grinned, "Can. Not. Wait."
"Should I be expecting a post card?" he teased, "Wish you were here. Love, Lana?"
"Shut up," I giggled, "I swear, Yuuichi. You can be just as bad as Kyoya."
"I'll take that as a compliment," Yuuichi accepted.
"It is," I assured, "A very big compliment."
"Lana?" Speak of the devil, "Can I come in or am I early?"
"You can come in," I allowed, "You both can."
"Lana!" Tamaki practically tackled me.
"Kyoya," I shot him a subliminal message.
"Tamaki," Kyoya pulled out the spray bottle, "Down."
"When did you get the bottle back?" Tamaki tried to use me as a shield.
"I talked to Haruhi this morning," Kyoya kept spraying him while snaking his arm around me, "I told her where we were going to be, so she offered it to me."
"Um…" I curled into my boyfriend's ribcage, "Hi, Kyoya."
"Hello, sweetheart," he gave me a more proper greeting.
"And do try to keep it down, Tamaki," Yuuichi scolded, "There are people on both sides either in their sessions or trying to sleep."
"Sorry," Tamaki apologized, "I got a little excited, didn't I?"
"Yes, you did," I still gave him a hug. I couldn't leave Tamaki like that, "But I really am glad you're here, too, Tamaki. Even happier you didn't use special voice."
"Special voice?" he wondered while both Kyoya and I cringed. Kyoya knew. He knew what special voice was.
"Talking to me differently because of where I am," I elaborated, "It just comes off really condescending and it'd make me want to drive my fist down your throat and pull your stomach out through your mouth."
"Interesting picture you painted, Lana," Yuuichi worried, "Maybe we should keep you for another day."
"No," I begged, "I'm good. I promise. Metaphorically speaking. Not like I'd actually do it. But every time I'd come out of the hospital when I was still living in the States, my parents used special voice with me and it's like nails down a chalkboard."
"You're welcome," Tamaki cradled me against his chest, "Daddy doesn't want to upset his little girl any more than she's already been."
"Tamaki," Yuuichi asked, "Have you ever been referred to a specialist?"
"No. Why?"
"Astounding…"
The slightly off-color joke was enough to get a cheap laugh out of Kyoya. I couldn't let that be. Although, Kyoya's laugh was music to my ears more often than not, I could stand to be cheeky, too, "It's weird you say that, Tamaki. Because I don't just have Daddy here, but Mommy, too."
Instantly, Kyoya turned bright red, "Lana…"
"Yes, baby?" I laid my head on my boyfriend's shoulder.
"You're so lucky I love you…"
"Yes, I am," I kissed his cheek, "Yuuichi, did you tell Kyoya the good news before you told me?"
"No, I didn't," Yuuichi promised, "I thought I'd let you tell him."
"What good news?" Kyoya wondered.
"What do you have planned for tomorrow?" I asked him.
"Coming back here at one to see you," he thought it over, "Other than that, I have an open schedule."
"Unfortunately," Tamaki added, "I'll be on a flight to France with Haruhi, so you'll have to do this by yourself, Kyoya."
"That's fine," I let that go, "I'm sure we can find something to do, right, Kyoya?"
"You're getting an early release?" Kyoya hugged me tight, "Good. There are some shady characters around here and I'm sure you don't want to jump into Karuizawa quite yet, do you?"
"No," I shook my head, "A day to decompress between things like this would be a capital idea."
"Good," he cradled my face in his hand, "And while we're in Karuizawa, we won't be interrupted, will we?"
Kyoya's glare cut a hole through not only his brother, but his best friend as well. I think Tamaki turned to stone, so Yuuichi would have to speak on his behalf, "I don't think so. Unless Lana's problems resurface."
"They won't," I swore, "But Yuuichi, I need to ask you something."
"What's that?"
"Did you up my dosage?" I wondered, "Because I had some very colorful dreams when I was unconscious."
"No," he shook his head, "Do you think I need to?"
"No," I settled him, "I don't need it. I'm fine."
"I should probably leave you three alone then," Yuuichi made his bows and left me alone with Mommy and Daddy.
"I'm so glad you're leaving in the morning," Kyoya nuzzled his face in my neck.
"You know," I suggested, "If they're releasing me to you tomorrow morning, we have an entire day to kill."
"Yes," he pulled me down on my bed, "What about it?"
"With no possibilities of the host club barging in…"
"Hey!" Tamaki whined, "I'm still here!"
"And what a good third wheel you've been," I jabbed, "You're going to be on your way to France to see your mom with your girlfriend tomorrow. Hikaru and Kaoru are gone. Honey and Mori are gone. Kyoya and I aren't leaving Japan. So, what are we going to do tomorrow?"
"I don't know," he cradled me, "What should we do?"
"We'll figure something out."
"Maybe Haruhi and I should consider staying one more day," Tamaki poked at his mushrooms, "And the four of us could do something."
"You don't have to do that for us, Tamaki," I brushed him off, "You should go see your mom."
"Mom's not going anywhere," he took my hand, "You're just getting out of the hospital, Lana. We do worry about you. Just to give us a little peace of mind."
I exchanged a quick glance with Kyoya. It was Tamaki. There's no fighting him. Once he commits to an idea, it's going to happen whether those around him approve of it or not, "Alright, Tamaki. What did you have in mind?"
"We'll talk tomorrow!" Tamaki squeaked, jumping to his feet and sprinting down the hall.
"You do know that's your best friend, right?" I giggled.
"Somehow," Kyoya let out a heavy, exasperated sigh, "Maybe he drugged me."
Kyoya could pretend to be all bitter about Tamaki all he wanted. Deep down, he did love him. Not quite like the rumors around school implied, but in a different way. I didn't know exactly what tomorrow held for me, but I knew this much. I'd have Mommy and Daddy and my younger sister there by my side.
A/N: And there we have it, kids. Next chapter is going to be in a few weeks, but I think we'll be alright. We'll be able to make it, right? I have faith in you guys. Now, I'm going to go work on the compound and get a well-deserved break. But before I go, I'm going to end it by saying this. I love all of you very, very much and I'm going to miss you. If you need anything, let me know and we can talk. Until then, I'll see you next chapter! xx
And by the way…Happy birthday, Jayla. Don't think I forgot about you. :)
