~*~*~ General P.o.V.~*~*~

Takao was rooted to the spot, the light flickered back on after ten minutes. Every beat of his heart caused him pain, as if it were a lead ball rather than a heart. His body tensed up to the point even drawing breath hurt, the red light flashed back on then turned off. Bawling his hands, his phone was creaking in his hand, while the other had turned a coffee cup into trash, his nails biting into his palm around the crumpled cup. The door stayed unforgivingly closed, Takao did not move, he strained his ears, waiting for any sound.

Inside they were cleaning up and inspecting for any issues from the power outage. The procedure had finished mere seconds before the storm knocked out the power, they were preparing to remove the anesthesia mask as the power cut out. With so many dangerous tools around, no one could move in the dark. So it was still. When the lights came back the machine flared to life, and before they removed the mask a very strong dose of anesthesia gushed forth. Under the mask, the unconscious Kuroko coughed a few times, making the team aware of this possible issue.

Springing to work immediately, they brought over a vital reader, they had no need to monitor excessively for this operation so although it was in the room, prior to this it was unused. A well oiled machine was running, a nurse moved the gown and Kuroko's shirt to make place for the leads. The surgeon removed the mask of anesthesia and checked the readings before terminating the machine. An assistant was setting up the machine, applying the leads while the nurse set up the blood pressure cuff and put a thermometer in his mouth.

Oe was recording the information and went to Kuroko's free arm, drawing a vial of blood; labelling it for testing and immediately brought it out the back door handing it off to a technician for priority testing for anesthesia toxicity levels. Once the results were recorded and the tests were finished all that could be done was to wait.

So with a solemn mood they prepared Kuroko to transport back up to a room; he would have to be observed more closely than initially thought. Dr. Johnson made the preparations while the team removed the machines, leaving the leads and such for ease of access. Once the bed was ready to go they wheeled out the bed a nurse following with the chair, when they opened the door everyone froze. Takao looked rather frightening for a medical team member, his lip was bleeding, the blood was running down his chin and dripping onto his hoodie, body barely any darker than the white fabric. Whether from the cold or the fear he had barely any color to his skin, his silver eyes were just as cold; they held concern, betrayal and what seemed to be anger. As they looked at him it was slightly noticeable he was shivering, he was standing in the perfect spot to not block the hall, while waiting. If he was to be compared to anything he seemed like a royal vampire had appeared and was prepared to wreak havoc on the mortals whom angered him. Not all the lights in the hallway had come back on yet, so the shadows added deepness to his dark hair, if only not for the orange jacket he'd appear as if he truly were a mythical creature.

Oe broke the awkward silence "Takao-kun, the surgery was a success. However, due to the power outage Kuroko-kun was subjected to a large dose of anesthesia when the machine rebooted." The nurse glanced at Oe who had been moving the bed, he smiled sadly and sighed softly "Come sit next to him for now. I'll explain everything on the way. We'll be moving the two of you back to that room, and stationing several nurses to monitor him." Takao's eyes darkened a bit more after a moment of brightening of excitement hearing things went well and then an accident. Shaking his head he walked over putting the crumpled cup in his pocket then the phone in his other, and smiled icily "It's fine I'll handle the chair since it was something we brought with us, rather than trouble someone else. Thank you for the trouble, Miss, and Oe-san." The nurse flinched and nodded ascent retreating back into the room behind them like a rabbit fleeing a predator. Oe seemed to mentally note very over protective of his friend. "Then shall we be on our way Takao-kun? I'd like to get Kuroko settled in as soon as possible and flush his system with a drip as discussed before, however a bit more targeted to clear any traces of toxicity that the anesthesia could cause." Takao nodded simply folding the chair so the seat collapsed and it was just wheels. "Of course Oe-san" He stepped aside further to allow the bed to pass and followed beside him.

Takao might only be an average student, but he merely didn't apply himself for things that had no purpose to his life. His steely eyes had a chill as he began processing and spoke idly as they walked. "So the anesthesia was administered in a constant dose, but because of the power surge it was a large dose… And… it could be a toxin…? What could the after affects be?" Oe once again shivered, this voice was nothing like the warm or eloquent voice from earlier in the day, if he didn't know any better he'd think that it was snowing inside. "Right, Dr. Johnson will be meeting with you again tonight after Kuroko is settled, but for now I'll do my best to answer the questions I can as a Registered Nurse." Carefully he navigated the winding halls pushing the bed towards the elevator lobby "It was an inhaled general anesthetic, with his body type we had to monitor the dosage. However Kuroko-kun had a tolerance to it, so as it was we initially needed to start him at a slightly higher dose for him to sleep through the procedure. The dosage would be constantly released through the mask and inhaled, however the machine registers time passage. It releases a set amount of the drug on a timer, since roughly five minutes had passed there were two to three doses that were released at once, before we were able to remove the mask or cut the connection that had already entered Kuroko's body." Taking a breath he pressed the call button for the elevator "The team is currently researching exactly how much extra entered into his body, we also sent a vial of blood to our in house lab for immediate screening. We estimate that the dose was at least tripled, and although it was a short exposure we're concerned for after effects. After all, Kuroko has had a bad head trauma which led to the surgery in the first place. Generally the worst case scenario with overdosing can be tied to the brain itself or respiratory systems. So to be safe we'll have him on oxygen tonight as well as a heart monitor and intravenous drip."

Listening silently Takao nodded and pressed the floor button for Oe-san after he climbed into the elevator after the bed cleared. Frowning a bit he nodded "Understood, so I'll need to step out for phone usage?" Oe shook his head "No, that is not the case. Though I would advise against holding the phone near Kuroko-kun. If you leave the phones by the window or the second bed there will be no issues to address. We wish to have you stay with Kuroko as well. After all, someone whom knows Kuroko-kun's situation the best would only be Takao-kun. Although we are medical professionals, we can only judge off the baseline, it is likely that you would notice faster than we would if something was wrong. Even a slight difference in his posture earlier did not escape your notice, so after our discussion we had already planned to ask this of you." Takao's expression contorted a bit and his eyes lightened a little and he nodded "Mm… I understand; I somewhat wish I brought more coffee up… Though I probably would have worn it earlier." He gave a wry laugh and shook his head. Oe chuckled "We are also going to have a nurse come up to tend to your lip Takao-kun, you ripped the stitches from earlier in your concern."

Takao's sigh was drowned by the sound of the elevator chime and door, so Oe frowned and followed him out "You must be thinking that it doesn't matter, however no medic would ignore a patient. Takao-kun we will allow neither you nor Kuroko-kun to suffer. Please, even if only a little, continue to trust in us." Takao watched Oe's eyes for a moment as he pushed the bed forward and finally nodded "I understand." He neither ascented nor disputed. When they wheeled into the room Takao sighed softly "I'll shift him over to the other bed Oe-san, do you want to get his nurse to set up the equipment?" Oe hesitated before nodding and locking the bed in place before going.

~*~*~ P.o.V. Takao (Third) ~*~*~

You could only sigh watching Oe leave, you parked the wheelchair by the window before crossing back to the transported bed. Kuroko was sleeping peacefully, he seemed to be crying, which was normal after a surgery. Gently you wiped the tears from his cheek before sliding your arms under him, one leg at his upper back pulling his head gently against you so it wouldn't flop and cause excess movement, the other under his legs. Taking a breath you scooped up his inanimate body and took the dead weight, even if he felt heavier in this deep slumber it was nothing for you. Once his weight was supported in your arms, you crossed to the original bed. With soundless steps and a feather touch you set him back onto the bed, adjusting the pillow before resting his head back gently. You put up the far side safety bar first, the one on the side of the bed you'd be sleeping under, or at the very least sitting under. It was highly likely you would only nap at the most. With an equally delicate touch you brushed his hair away from his forehead and to the side away from the eyes. Then you noticed Oe return with the nurse, the nurse looked remorseful and Oe apologetic as he watched the scene from the door, you weren't quite sure and didn't quite care when they appeared.

Stepping back you moved to the window so the nurse could do her thing, you nodded to Oe "Thank you Oe-san. I do hope you have a good evening." Oe could only unlock the transit bed and nod "I do hope you get some rest Takao-kun." He seemed to have more to say, but he swallowed back his words and left to return the bed. You took your phone out removing it from airplane mode. Ignoring the massive amount of unread messages you opened a new mass message to all those waiting. You typed a simple message 'Surgery completed. Kuroko is sleeping. Will update on vision status in the morning.' Glancing up you saw the nurse inserting the needle for the IV, as she worked you opened a different message to the core group. Ignoring the notifications of people liking your message or replying 'I want to make you aware. The surgery was successful, or so they said. As of now Kuroko is sleeping. I will confirm his vision when he wakes. However, that likely will not be until morning at earliest. The hospital lost power while he was still on the anesthesia, he is being treated under the possibility of having anesthesia toxicity, I'll be meeting with the head nurse shortly to learn of all the possible complications. I will send another update as soon as I'm fully informed.'

You sent it, unaware the six who received the message froze and excused themselves from their dinner to reply without prying eyes watching them. Each hotel had multiple teams. Shuutoku with Seirin, Miyaji and Kiyoshi looked at each other with a look of concern on their faces while they typed their respective messages. Imayoshi was talking with Susa when the message came in, he paused and patted Susa's shoulder "Sorry Susa-ya I'll be right back, keep a watch on the children~" He walked across the cafeteria and stopped by Kasamatsu's table "Shall we talk Kasamatsu-san?" When the two stepped out they went a bit further away from the cafeteria than would be expected as their aces were a bit more prone to listening in, they discussed the issue while Kasamatsu researched, Imayoshi replied. In the final hotel Mayuzumi was reading a light novel on his phone as he finished his dinner, without changing his expression he read the message and replied. Then with a sigh he glanced over to Reo who had also finished "Right…. Mibuchi, I finished unpacking before we came down. How exactly did you pack things in my luggage?" Reo's eyes changed for a moment before he laughed "Ah? You caught me Mayu? I couldn't fit my skincare products in my suitcase without them being crushed~ Since you always pack so light isn't it fine?" Sighing you shook your head "I suppose if we were to share a room it would be less of a hassle?" Kotarou blinked and pouted "Hey hey hey! You're not going to say I need to switch rooms are you?" Akashi watched and shook his head "Kotaro, the room assignments are already fixed. Reo why don't you go retrieve your things from Mayuzumi's room then." Mayuzumi sighed standing up "I'll be heading back then." Reo pouted "Don't be angry Sei-chan~ I'll be going~" As they walked there was an eerie silence until they were out of eye sight Mayuzumi began explaining the message he just received and the things he knew about the issue. Don't take light novel readers for fools, he knew a fair bit about medical issues as quite a few of the isekai titles he read recently dealt with medical complications that lead to reincarnation. Mibuchi's face was getting paler and paler as they approached the elevator, in the same hotel Himuro gracefully ducked away from the team under the ruse of using the restroom, it was roughly 9:30 pm in Tokyo, which meant it was around 6:30 in LA, which was perfect for doctors. He placed a call to a sports doctor he worked with and began looking into his own information; the more he knew the easier it would be to explain if Atsushi decided to press for information.

Back at the hotel you retreated to the door and placed a call to Kuroko's grandmother while the nurse moved on to hooking up the vital monitors and the oxygen tank. A sleepy voice answered the phone. With a smile you answered "Kuroko-baa-sama." Just two words and she was alert "Takao-kun?" You felt a weight crushing your heart and a pained smile formed on your face "It's me, the operation is finished we just got back to the room. Kuroko is sleeping right now, everything went well." She noticed your pause and asked "Did something happen?" With a slight sigh he nodded "Yes, while they were wrapping up and preparing to remove the anesthesia…. The power at the hospital went out, because of the dangers of moving in the dark they were unable to remove the mask before the power returned. So he got extra anesthesia blown into him when the power returned. Currently he is sleeping very soundly, it is unknown what the side-effects of the extra strong dose is going to cause. He's being put on vital monitors, oxygen and a drip as a precaution he'll also be watched and monitored all night. It's expected that nothing major will happen where it was only a moment, but they want us to be prepared to know something could happen. Even though we don't know what." The grandmother's voice was fretful "Oh no, what should I do Takao-kun? Do you need me to head to the city when the blizzard stops?" Takao smiled and shook his head "No, no. Kuroko-baa-sama don't panic. I'm going to stay by Kuroko's side still. It shouldn't be much! I'll call you or have him call you as soon as he wakes up! So just rest well and stay healthy so that way when Kuroko is better he won't worry! Okay?" She sighed and smiled "I'm glad Tetsuya has a friend like you Takao-kun, please come visit me with Tetsuya when this is all over. Okay? I'll treat you to some amazing home made foods when you do!" You felt the weight lift away a little "It's a promise! For now get some rest! Oyasumi nasai Kuroko-baa-sama!" She laughed softly and conceded "Alright, oyasumi Takao-kun. Sweet dreams. Don't put your health at risk for my grandson either okay?" You hesitated and nodded "Okay." As you ended the call you lightly touched your lip feeling the wetness on your fingertips you could only sigh and mumble "Well… As long as I can help it I guess? I just feel helpless."

You responded to the core crew's messages, they were mostly of one mind; they wouldn't tell the rainbow and they would be waiting for your next messages. It didn't matter what time it would be, they just wanted information. The nurse heard the amount of pings and noises that sounded like a symphony gone wrong coming from your phone, and when she finished she asked "Family?" You chuckled and shook your head "Nn, not really? Although they're like his family. Athletes are very close to one another. Each message is from a different team mate a different friend who is waiting very impatiently to talk to our little shadow, Kuroko." Pressing the corner of the phone to your lips you smiled "Each team has at least 10 member, coach and manager. Out of them six teams and at least 2 per team are messaging curious about what is happening." The nurse trembled meeting your gaze. Putting your phone away you tossed the crumpled cup into the trash barrel in the corner without breaking eye contact

The poor nurse was moderately intimidated"My name is Ono Kiri. I'll be the nurse in charge of monitoring Kuroko-kun tonight. Do you mind taking a seat here and letting me treat your lip before the doctor comes to talk with you Takao-kun?" As she spoke she had gestured to the other patient bed in the room. You felt the annoyance shading your features, you flipped the 'main light' of the room off so the portion of lights over Kuroko's bed dimmed, after all leaving such bright fluorescent on over someone who is sleeping is normally bad for the eyes; let alone for someone who just had an eye operation. After doing so you walked over to one of the visitor seats in the room, half conceding to her, but making your stance clear. You would wholly cooperate in matters that would affect Kuroko in any way, however you would not be underestimated because of your age. Your voice was just as low as it had been, having never risen due to not wanting to disturb Kuroko, even if he was in a drug induced sleep; Even earlier Oe had noticed that and kept a moderate tone, yet this nurse seemed to only see Takao, as if Kuroko was an afterthought, and the icy wind in the room was targeting her. "It seems more prudent to sit in a visitor seat Ono-san, after all, I am not the patient. I was instructed to keep an eye on Kuroko because I'm the most familiar person present, even now you're chattering away in such a cheery high pitched voice. Normally when a patient is sleeping are you that noisy? It's truly disappointing the best hospital in the region has such standards."

Before Ono could respond you continued your words covering the footfalls you heard approaching in the hallway "I appreciate the concern, and I do understand the hospital's stance on no patient left untreated. However you should truly have at least some form of priority, Kuroko was the one whom you needed to settle in first. Sloppily inserting the drip on the third attempt because you were glancing at someone else, misapplying the leads and even forgetting to turn on the vital machine before offering to treat someone else. I don't know if you're just careless or perhaps clueless? I do hope you aren't the lead nurse of this floor, or I truly won't be getting any rest. I assured Oe-san that I would trust the team working with Kuroko. The same does not apply to someone who seems to be distracted by a high school student." When you finished talking, you turned curious to see who was in the doorway. Dr. Johnson already, his face was rather flushed. It was evident that he had come up as soon as he was able without taking a proper break, unlike earlier where he had a noble calm aura to him, even he seemed agitated. Without pausing he crossed over to the vacant bed and hit the call button before turning to Takao "I see the notes on the file from earlier were not understated. On behalf of my team I apologize for the complications Takao-kun." The nurse was like a fish out of water, opening and closing her mouth seemingly lost.

Within a minute another nurse rushed into the room worried seeing the call light from the empty bed she rushed over. This nurse was older, even though she surveyed the situation as she rushed in, her first priority was the patient. Immediately she saw the flabbergasted nurse but paid her no mind at first. Walking over she inspected Kuroko's bed, she first checked and adjusted the drip line so it started. Then confirmed the leads, fixing three of the five connections and adjusted the oxygen tube before starting the machine. A rhythmic hum of air and pulsing beeps filled the air before the nurse turned and addressed Dr. Johnson her voice both firm, yet hushed "My apologies doctor, you seem to be the one who pressed the summons, may I ask what happened?" Doctor Johnson was silent though nodded ascent to recognize he did greet the nurse, before turning his gaze to you. You blinked seeing him lift an eyebrow and saw the nurse confusedly follow his gaze. With a slight chuckle you smiled "It is exactly as you see." Glancing at the clock on the wall "It has been roughly twenty minutes since we arrived to this room. Sixteen since Ono-san appeared. Three since Doctor Johnson made it up to this floor after concluding the post operation procedures without rest. And one since you were summoned and addressed the issue." You had a smile in your voice as you said "Thank you for not neglecting my friend, being distracted and causing him injury from carelessness or neglecting to check the lights and equipment~" Ono flared and yelped stepping forward "That's not fair!"

A glare from the new nurse silenced her and she recoiled seeing your eyes turn to her more frigid than before. The nurse sighed massaging a spot on her temple and nodded "I see. I understand, I apologize for this rookie's negligence. This cannot be overlooked, I will assign a new nurse to this room. I am the head nurse of this floor, you may call me Mishiya. You must be Kuroko-kun's guardian. We were informed that you also had a minor injury that needed to be treated, it appears that this endeavour has actually caused it to worsen. If you'll give me a moment I'll return with the correct kit and the new nurse for this room." She bowed her head and turning your gaze and you smiled "Thank you Mishiya-fucho."

Ono dejectedly followed the head nurse out, not hiding her spiteful eyes, you ignored her and looked at the doctor "Are you okay sensei? You seem exhausted…" Blinking the doctor offered a troubled smile "Truly Takao-kun if you enter politics I have a feeling few would be your match." With that strange comment he nodded "Thank you for your concern, however I will only rest once I've fulfilled my duties. What happened in the operating room was a freak accident, however it is still to the end an accident. Anesthesia Toxicity can be quite horrifying, such an incident should never happen." As he spoke he pulled a chair quietly across from him, bringing over one of the patient trays he lowered it and set the files and laptop in his hands down, turning the screen for you to see as he spoke.

"I'm sure this seems redundant, but allow me to start from the basics of why we are so concerned over this. General Anesthesia is used before certain procedures to prevent the patient from feeling pain which could cause the body to move and interrupt or ruin the procedure. General Anesthesia works by interrupting nerve signals in the brain and body, it serves to prevent the brain from processing pain and stops you from remembering what happened during the surgery. A human body even in slumber can recall what it feels you see, that's why this is critical, after all ghost pains can be more horrifying than anything else. When utilizing anesthesias a specially trained doctor, an anesthesiologist is present to handle the before, during and after. Only they will adjust and administer the IV or the gas, ensuring that everything is safe. Currently Doctor Misaki is researching the printout from the machine that administered Kuroko-kun's anesthesia and then he will consult the lab results and come to greet you personally. Doctor Misaki will likely end up with you both for the majority of the evening, monitoring his breathing, temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen level and fluid levels. As needed throughout the night he will make any adjustment to ensure a full recovery."

As he was speaking he pulled up a new image on the screen and paused for a moment, nodding as the new nurse came in behind head nurse Mishiya, petite, polite and young she bowed "Good evening, I am a new nurse here; I will be in charge of Kuroko-kun and you tonight Takao-kun. My name is Kirisaki Rika. Do you mind if I treat your lip while the doctor briefs you? I apologize for interrupting sensei" She bowed again towards him and returned her gaze to you, with a sigh you nodded "I'll be in your care Kirisaki-san" With your approval the head nurse headed back to her rounds, and the nurse began cleaning your wound as you turned your eyes back to Dr. Johnson keeping still. Seeing your expression the doctor chuckled "Very well. Now that I've explained the basics, you should understand this. General anesthesia influences the brain and the respiratory systems. Now what's concerning is what the drug does. It causes your body to forget. You will forget your pain, however it can cause further issues in cases of overdose. It can trick a body into a coma, it can cause seizures, cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, it can trick the body into failing to produce certain cells or even lead to death in severe cases. None of which will happen from such a short exposure, however all are in fact possibilities on a smaller scale. Anesthesia Toxicity is rare in the modern medical science world as it's always carefully monitored and after care is speedy. We however always have treatments in mind, you see after anesthesia is applied there are signs and things the anesthesiologist watches. During the first stage the induction to the drug, the patient will start feeling calm and groggy, however they will be able to speak. The anesthesiologist will speak and monitor how the conversation and the application is going, occasionally they will apply pressure to a hand or wrist to test the pain or feeling receptors. In Kuroko-kun's case his body and mind were still active and the dose had to be increased. Which lead to him finally being able to fall into a sleep. However stage two is the dangerous stage. There are always different reactions, uncontrolled movements, fast heartbeats and irregular breathing, occasionally vomiting. These signs are actually what doctor Misaki is using to figure out aftercare and focus her priority on. You see when Kuroko entered the delirium state, he didn't breath to violently, nor did he move. His body seemed to want to hide itself. Oe who was in the room with us mentioned something you had brought up in conversation when Misaki-sensei expressed concern. He mentioned that you said something along the lines of Kuroko is akin to a magician in his sport, that he was called the phantom sixth man of the team and his presence is trained to make it easy for him to disappear, which is why you transported him in a wheelchair." Your eyes widened startled that Oe recalled that and made a slight move of ascent while Kirisaki-san was preparing the suture.

Seeing your surprise Dr. Johnson chuckled lightly and smiled kindly "Our staff naturally recalls things involving our patients, even the smallest thing can be a hint to us. For instance Kirisaki-san here has realized that the mistreatment of Kuroko-kun is what caused you to reopen your injury more than once during the time here, so she prepared a small modified finger protector to put over your lip so you can't aggravate the cut again." Being caught the nurse in question turned rather pink, but continued working diligently. The other side of your mouth twitched as you tried to not smile. Doctor Johnson continued "Yes so knowing that Kuroko-kun's natural reaction was to try to disappear or make himself smaller is what Doctor Misaki is focusing on. The fact that his heart rate and breathing were indeed unstable, but his body was showing reactions you would normally find in abuse victims, it was quite concerning. Also the reactions incited concern for a different reason. You're aware that we ensured that Kuroko ate properly. However normally before anesthesia you would be advised not to consume anything for at least eight hours before as when the body relaxes it is possible for food from the stomach to enter the lungs due to complications. We were quite worried when his body seized up, and again after the dosage as he started coughing. Kirisaki will be coming in later with a portable ultrasound machine again to inspect his lungs. If Kuroko-kun does not wake within twelve hours we will begin subjecting him to many of the same tests he had this morning. From a MRI to a CT and one he didn't have a PET. He will receive a series of drips tonight and many monitors. I know we've asked you to watch him, but we ask that you ensure that you get some rest as well. Do you have any questions?"

Finally done with his monologue you waited. Kirisaki was nearly done, she covered your lip with the little plastic sheet and bowed, going over to record Kuroko's data and dispose of her gloves and the needle and gauzes.

You closed your eyes processing what you heard and asked "So… Kuroko is likely going to need an extended stay, because seizures and brain activity needs to be monitored for a few days to be ruled out… Correct?" Doctor Johnson blinked "Although we have not had a meeting on that subject yet, that speculation should be accurate. To ensure there's no seizures or body failure, we will likely ask you to remain for at least three days." You swallowed and nodded, slowly opening your eyes you took a breath "Are there other common side effects to be aware of?" Doctor Johnson nodded, pulling up a different screen. "Normally after anesthesia it is possible for patients to experience nausea, vomiting, sore throat, hoarse voice, sleepiness, shivering, itching, muscle aches or confusion, mild amnesia; Though the last two are most common in elderly patients." Your breath caught in your chest, and an ache caught. Your mind raced, if Kuroko's natural instinct was to hide… Would his brain not try to take the chance to selectively forget things that cause him agony? You coughed lightly smiling, the worry was easy to see in your eyes but hard to see "I understand. I'll make sure to keep an eye out for the normal and the abnormal as well~ I don't think there's anything else."

Doctor Johnson nodded and followed Nurse Kirisaki out, another nurse brought in some extra blankets and a pillow for you leaving them on the extra bed in the room before heading out. You sat in a daze for a moment; watching the bouncing lines that indicated his heart beat. After a while you sent another text to the core crew. 'We will likely be staying over for a few days to monitor the after effects of the overdose. It could affect his brain or his breathing so they want to be careful. He is on all sorts of monitors and is going to be personally monitored by a doctor and a nurse alternating throughout the night. Due to the heart monitor my replies may be sporadic.' You felt numb as you typed the words, and after a bit of thought you pulled the pillow from the bed, crossing your legs in the chair around it hugging it to your chest, you called Mayuzumi rather than text him. A video call.

You were surprised that the one who answered was Mibuchi. He smiled "Ah just a moment Kazu-chan~ Chi-chan left his phone over here." You could tell he was moving and he went through a few doors and knocked on a door, while talking to you "Kazu-chan… Are you alright? You don't look so well; ah is that bruise from that Aomine? I heard about it from Chi-chan it looks really painful, what's that on your lip?" Somehow the naturally flirting was diffused through the phone, you hugged the pillow a bit tighter and chuckled. "Thanks for that~ I know I look like I've barely slept for days, gotten that a lot today… Ah I apparently caused the cut Ao-chan caused too much so they made a covering so I won't accidentally do it again." In the background you heard the door open and Kotaro's voice asked "Reo? Why do you have Mayu-mayu's phone? Who are you talking to?" You could tell Kotaro reached for the phone and Reo lifted it away "Tsk, tsk. Kota it's not nice to grab you know? Where's Chi-chan? It's an important call." Kotoaro blinked and pointed, Reo sighed and nodded "I'm coming in, excuse me~" He slipped past Kotaro and knocked on another door "Chi-chan your ringtone gave me a heart attack you know? I never expected to hear something like that play on your phone." There was a muffled answer from inside. Reo chuckled "It's a video call though; so I'm coming in so I can keep the camera off of you~ I mean unless you're into that?" You could hear a door open and Reo walked into a new room closing the door behind him, you blushed a bit realizing Mayuzumi seemed to be in the shower. You asked "Er… Should I just call back later…?" Your voice which had already been quiet was actually quieter. Reo frowned, but before he said anything Mayuzumi said "No… You don't sound okay. Just give me a moment… What happened?"

Reo who was watching Mayuzumi dry off glanced back down and saw you shift seemingly curl into a ball. As you watched, he seemed to cover the lens to the camera and you heard movement, you ignored it and closed your eyes "I just met with the specialist who performed the surgery, he went over everything that an overdose or even a regular dose of anesthesia can cause… Something he said made me think talking to you might help me fend off some unnerving thoughts. You had no idea that Mayuzumi could see you at the moment and could tell something was really big, frowning he sighed "What is it that could have you look like this? And why me specifically? We're not particularly close."

A quiet self-deprecating laugh escaped you "Mm… That's true, we're not close. Yet just like me and Kuroko, me and you have an unnatural understanding of each other. This has to do with the story of the shadows. And what caused concern was that same thing. So it can only be you." Opening your eyes you saw an intense concerned glare watching you. You turned your eyes away from the camera and was silent for a bit. Reo noticed "Wait, that beeping? Is he on a heart monitor?" Mayuzumi's eyes widened "Okay really, talk." You summarized why he was on the machines, the before and afters and then finally "When I heard one of the side effects I realized there could be a bit of trouble."

Mayuzumi frowned, his hair was dripping onto his new shirt as he and Reo exited the bathroom and went into his room off the suite closing the door behind them. Reo plopped a towel on his head and you watched as he dried it, while Mayuzumi was focused only on you "Yes… That could become a problem… I think any of the three of us would risk the same thing where our bodies naturally wanted to reduce stress… Kuroko especially, he's not weak, but… He's easy to break'' You felt your heart in knots as you glanced over at the bed "I… agree… I really hope I'm wrong though. I won't really know what to do. . . If that really is the case." Mayuzumi ran a hand through his hair and frowned, swatting Mibuchi away "Right or wrong, you can't show this face to him you know. Even if it happens, you have to be that annoyingly cheerful little bird you always are. Your heart might bleed, but you have to endure. Or you could cause more damage." You clutched the pillow tighter and nodded "I got it… I'll do my best, so for now don't let Sei-chan come over; if I'm right or if I'm wrong he'll be too overpowering for when the princess wakes up." Both Reo and Mayuzumi laughed "We got it, it won't be easy but Kazu-chan we'll make sure it happens~" Reo chirped in and appeared over Mayuzumi's shoulder "Once this is over and you can leave Kuroko's side I'm taking you on a date~ No exceptions." You felt what little color you'd regained leave your face, and you were horrified, Mayuzumi laughed and Reo said "Look forward to it~" and you could hear him leaving the room. You sighed and mumbled "That's horrifying…" Mayuzumi nodded "Good luck with him." Then his eyes softened and he watched you "Are you going to get through tonight?" With a sigh you could only nod and smile "I'm going to be thinking too much all night, but I'll manage. Thanks for listening…" Mayuzumi nodded "Mm, I see why it had to be me. Try to get some sleep Takao, you need it."

It was by no means an easy night. From ten to six perhaps there was an hour of sleep. Like a cat you woke to the slightest change in sound, sitting curled up in a chair hugging the pillow and a blanket wrapped around you. Blearily you would press the call button if the IV emptied before the nurse came, you would answer Dr Misaki's questions in your own state of delirium, watching waiting for Kuroko to wake. The storm went from bad to worse and slowly the sky went from dark black to light gray. Still covered with clouds, much like your heart.