Chapter 28- August 23, 2011

Masaomi yawned as he walked into the front room. It was nice to be back home. Vacation had been nice but being back home in his own space was exactly what he needed. Though he had another day off today so he wasn't completely back in the schedule. Masaomi walked into the kitchen to grab some breakfast. Maybe some eggs, or there might be some left over Miso from yesterday.

He opened the fridge and found the miso. Hoshimi made very good Miso, almost as good as Ukyo. There were some things Masaomi thoughts his brother made that were better than Hoshimi, though he wouldn't tell her that.

He dished himself up a bowl and put the rest of the leftovers in the fridge. He walked into the living room and sat down at the table. As he contemplated what to do with his day off Hoshimi walked in. She was pale and walking with slow sluggish steps.

"Good morning." Masaomi stood up, leaving his bowl alone. "Hoshimi?"

"Morn." She muttered in a low voice as she headed into the kitchen. "Give me a moment, I'll prepare breakfast…" She almost walked into the nearest wall.

Masaomi sprang up and rushed over to her side, stopping her from taking another step. "Hoshimi you don't look so good."

"I'm fine." She muttered.

Masaomi frowned and reached up, checking her temperature. She was hot! And not in the good way… we'll not right now at least. "Hoshimi you have a fever."

"I'm fine… I've got to get breakfast ready…"

Masaomi frowned and tugged her towards the couch. "Come lay down for a little, let me worry about breakfast."

"But the twins-."

"Are already off to school." Masaomi glanced over at the clock and then calendar. "Midori took them, it's her day."

"But-." Hoshimi tried to protest.

"No buts." Masaomi guides her to the couch and nodded as she sat. "Now then you're sick Hoshimi so you need to rest."

"I don't get sick." Hoshimi tried to protest again.

"Hoshimi lay down and let someone else take care of you for once."

"But-." Hoshimi put up no fight as Masaomi forced her to lay down on her side.

"Now don't move, I'm going to get you some water and a blanket." He walked a few steps and then glanced back, she hadn't moved. Good. He walked into the kitchen and then glanced back again, she still hadn't moved. She had to be really sick. He quickly got her some water and then a blanket. He returned to find her shivering. "Here." He draped the blanket over her shoulders.

"Thank you." Hoshimi whispered and pulled the blanket closer.

"Ready to admit you are sick?" Masaomi sat on the edge of the couch next to her.

"Mmm." Hoshimi muttered. "I just… need to rest for a little… then I'll be-."

"Rest, don't worry about the rest of us." Masaomi scolded gently. "Hoshimi you're sick, that means you need rest." He reaches out gently and petted her hair. "Don't worry I'll take care of you for once."

"You don't have to." Hoshimi tried to sit up but Masaomi gently pushed her down.

"Let me, please."

Hoshimi looked up at him for a few heartbeats and then nodded and let herself collapse into the couch again. "Sorry."

"You don't need to feel bad about it." He chuckled. "I'm happy to help." He sat like that for several minutes, brushing her hair with his hand slowly and softly.

"Masaomi…" Hoshimi suddenly whispered

He almost jumped. "Y-yes?" He has thought she had been asleep.

"I'm sorry…" She muttered again.

"I already told you there's nothing to be sorry about." He chuckled. "I'm not going anywhere, and that is my choice."

"I'm sorry for avoiding you…" Hoshimi's voice was a near whisper. "I… I can't…. I can't do that... not again…. aso…." Her words faded into soft snores.

Masaomi stared at her, hand frozen. Had she just slept turned him down. He sighed and looked away from her. She was sick…. He would find his way in.

Masaomi glanced up as the door opened.

"MOM!" Mai called as she ran in, followed by her brother.

"Hang on." Masaomi held up a hand. "You need to quiet down a little, your mom is sleeping right now. She is sick so she needs some rest."

"You're lying!" Shin frowned. "Mom never gets sick! She's a superhuman!"
"Hang on you two." MIdori rubbed their heads. "I've seen your mom sick before, and I doubt Masaomi is lying to us. Why don't you two go see if you can help your mom by cleaning up your room?"

The twins frowned for a moment and then nodded and ran towards their room.

"Thanks." Masomi nodded.

"So she's really sick?" Midori asked. "And she let you know?"

"Is that strange?" Masaomi glanced towards the living room. He had been looking after her all day. She would wake up for small periods of time and then curl back up. He had changed the wet cloth on her head multiple times, and given her water and soup. But every time she didn't say anything and just fell back asleep. He didn't know how he felt about that.

"Oh yeah. Hoshimi hates for others to see her sick. She hates for anyone to see her at a low point." Midori shook her head. "She must be really sick… or maybe she trusts you." She shook her head. "Take good care of her, thanks." She followed after the twins.

Masaomi watched her go and then smiled. "Maybe…" He whispered. He walked back into the living room and sat next to Hoshimi and felt at her forehead… no fever. Good. "Looks like you are doing better."

"Masaomi?" She opened her eyes and looked up at him.

"Think you're ready for some soup?" Masaomi asked standing up.

Hoshimi reached out and lightly tugged at his sleeve. "Thank you Masaomi. I'm sorry for taking up your day."

"It was no problem at all." He reached down and brushed a strand of hair out of her face. "Let someone else take care of you for once."

She seemed to shiver and closed her eyes.

Masaomi pulled away and went to the kitchen. Well it seems like she might be back to normal. He had to move on and try to fix everything.