We're seriously about to get into the drama here... I'm trying to decide whether or not to start it at the end of this chapter, or the next chapter. Ah, decisions, decisions... Well, I guess we'll find out at the end, won't we? Now, let's get started on the love! jusqualafin, there's already so much smut in this story though! I mean, really, chapters 7, 11, 14, 15, 17, 20, 24, 27, 28, 32, and 34 all have those scenes. Haha, wow, that's even more than I thought. erihan, I loved that part too! KakadeVantas, queen? Ahhh, you spoil me with your love! Braverly-Homunculus, I'm glad you liked it! BlueRoseDream, I spend mine eating junk food too. Creepy texts are fun! Paranormal Alchemist, I told you I'm not leaving you! A whip, eh? Rai Rai Blue, he was very much freaking out! I was being very creepy in my texts. KoolaidShipping, more birthday sex?! Haha, you guys all have one track minds! Guest, thank you! I can't believe we're over 500! Ganne200, angst is coming! NighttimeFirefly, umm... It's not going to go exactly like that, haha. Logic Dive, n-no pasta forever...? I'M HALF ITALIAN AND YOU'LL KILL ME! I can't tell you how it'll end! *sobs* Soya Pie, ahhh, thank you! I hope you like my Hetalia fic too! Quiet. Crash, hehehe, I don't guess I'll answer you then. I could though! And you'd believe me! Now, enough of the babbling! On with the story!

Juxtaposition

I wake up way earlier than I probably should have. It's still a little dark outside, and I was up very late last night. I look up at Delic, since I'm curled under his arm.

His expression is peaceful. It looks like he's having a pleasant dream. He's probably satiated enough from last night, since he's the reason I was up so late.

Like always.

I marvel at him, even now. Nothing has changed in the three months I've lived here as far as that's concerned. I'll never be able to walk into the same room with him and not worship him. It's impossible.

I smile happily at how fortunate I am to have him. Honestly, he must be almost saint like. He understands so much about me without me having to tell him. I've noticed that since day one. He always seems to know exactly what I need.

He groans slightly and pulls me closer. I feel his skin against mine, and it makes me worried. He's burning up.

"Delic," I whisper. He cracks an eye open instantly, so I know he was at least a little awake that whole time.

"Ughhh... What time is it...?" he asks in a cracking voice.

"Early. Are you feeling alright?"

"No... I'm not..."

I try to sit up, but he pulls me down again.

"Delic! I need to get the thermometer!"

"Don't get up, please. Just... Just stay here with me..."

I sigh, remembering how I was exactly like this when I was sick. I cried when he tried to leave the bed.

"Do you want me to call Deborah and tell her I'm taking care of you?" I ask him.

"Mm-Hmm..."

I reach over to grab my cell phone, and I call her. It only takes a second, since I haven't called in for so long. I seriously need to cut back though. I've missed plenty of work already.

"Okay, I called. She said she hopes you feel better," I tell him. His hands absently begin to trace patterns over my arms.

"Sorry... I didn't want you to have to...waste a whole day with me..."

"Any day with you is hardly wasted," I say. "What hurts?"

"Everything..."

"I thought you never get sick?" I joke.

"I don't. When I do though... It's always bad..."

I place my forehead against his so our eyes can meet. He's looking at me intently, but his eyes are dull. He must feel awful.

"I can make you breakfast," I tell him. "It might make you feel a little better."

"No… Just stay here with me…" he whispers, his eyes closing again. His breathing seems a little labored.

"Delic, let me take care of you! It's my turn to-" I never get to finish this sentence.

"I…really love you, Chibiya."

"…I love you too, but-"

"Don't…forget that…"

"Delic?"

His breathing evens out, and he's immediately unconscious again. Luckily for me, his death grip loosens enough for me to wiggle away from him. He makes a whining sound, so I place my pillow in his arms.

I need something to do… I'm not the type to just sit around and wait for things. I'm not tired anymore, so I can't sleep with Delic. If I stay in the bed with him, I'll probably move so much it'll wake him up.

I decide to do something productive. It's my turn to write Mairu this time.

To my surprise, the words flow much more evenly this time.

Dear Mairu,

I'm glad to hear you've forgiven me. When I visit, I'll definitely bring you some books. I'm not sure when it will be, since I work so much. Maybe this Sunday? I'm actually off today, but it's unexpected. I'm taking care of someone. Can you believe it? Kururi says I'm going to be the death of myself, huh? I'm not surprised. I've known that my whole life. Maybe I do carry too many burdens, but I'm too afraid of not caring. I can't ever be like Father. Ever. All I wanted was for them to be proud of me, but I never got it. I hope you never had that issue. To be honest, I was most afraid of disappointing you. I hope I at least never did that. I'm sure the years of silence did the trick though. Write back when you can! I'll make sure to wait for your answer before I plan a visit. I don't want to inconvenience you.

Much love,

Hibiya

When I finish, I place the letter in an envelope and close it, placing a stamp in the top right corner. Walking outside, I go downstairs and send it, before I walk back into the apartment.

Deciding on another course of action, I crawl back in bed with Delic. He mumbles illegibly as I curl behind him, being the big spoon for once.

"Delic? What do you want for breakfast?" I whisper. He scoots closer in my hold.

"Nothing…" he says back. I frown at him.

"Deli-Bear~… You have to eat something."

He grins at the nickname.

"Mmmm, Chibiya. If you love me, you'll stay in here with me."

So, I'm being guilt tripped?

"If I stay in bed with you, I'll just keep waking you up," I huff.

"That's fine… I just want you in here…" He rolls over to face me, and I'm forced to relinquish my hold as the big spoon. I smile at him and press my lips against his, not caring if I get sick again. He immediately deepens it, whimpering softly into my mouth.

"Fine, fine. I'll stay if it makes you happy, love."

He falls asleep again instantly, his arms still around me. I simply trace my hands over his face gently, memorizing every curve. I'm trying to think of a way to get him to take medicine, and get him to eat. He's almost as stubborn as me.

I hear my phone ring in the other room. I shuffle to get it, careful not to wake Delic up. It's Erika.

"Ugh, I got bit by so many mosquitos last night! Next time we hang outside, we're taking bug spray," she greets me. I smirk.

"Hah, good plan. Why are you calling so early?"

"To catch you before work! Aren't you about to go in?"

"Not today. Delic is sick."

"…Sick?"

"Yeah. He woke up feeling bad. I'm taking care of him."

"What's wrong with him? Fever?"

"He has a pretty bad fever, yeah. He just said everything hurts. Sounds like the Flu to me," I sigh. "He won't let me give him medicine though."

There's a pause on the other end of the line.

"Are you beside him right now?"

"Um, no? I can't be on the phone and with him at the same time. It'll wake him up."

"Go in there with him!" she says almost frantically.

"Erika?"

"Go be with him! He's… He's awful when he's sick… I'll come over to help you, alright? I'll make food for him… You just be with him."

"…You're scaring me… Is something wrong…?"

Before she answers, Delic stumbles out of the bedroom, and holds onto the doorframe for support.

"Delic! Go back to bed!" I hiss, walking over to him. I freeze instantly.

Something's wrong.

"I… I need…hospital…" he says almost inaudibly.

"Delic?"

Then, he falls at my feet, leaving me lost with what to do.

"Delic! DELIC!" I scream, falling beside him. My heart is beating out my chest.

"What's wrong? Hibi-chan!" Erika's voice shrieks in my ear.

"D-Delic… He passed out! I…I have to call an ambulance!"

"I'll meet you at the hospital!" and her phone clicks as she hangs up, leaving me all alone.

Sachi: Right, so I started it early. I'm not sure if we'll make it to 50 chapters… I'M SUCH A FAILURE!

Delic: What's wrong with me?

Hibiya: Is he ridden with STD's?

Sachi: If you want to know, you will review~! :D