"At this point, I think Tamaki's ready to start the treatments. as I'm sure Yuuichi mentioned to you, This illness spreads quickly which means we need to act quickly. What we need from you, Mr. Suoh, is written consent. " Yuzuru sighed, still having a difficult time believing what was happening.

"I'll tell you the same thing I told Yuuichi, whatever Tamaki needs, you'll have my permission." He told the Oncologist. He was then offered a clipboard with a small stack of forms.

"We'd like to start in the morning. Normally we don't keep patients in the hospital for this particular treatment, however, Tamaki's already weak from the fever and illnesses he's been through. We'd just like to keep an eye on him. It will also give the new medication time to work."

"Yuuichi told me it would help him start eating again. I've heard that once you start the process, it gets to be increasingly difficult to hold anything down. Won't that complicate things?"

"It's possible, there will be many side effects from the medication that are hard to deal with. I won't lie to you, it's going to be painful for him and there will be many days where he's going to be so sick and exhausted he'll want to give up. Those are the times he'll need the people who love him the most."

"I understand. Thank you." Yuzuru signed each page, handing it back to the doctor. He lowered himself into the chair just outside Tamaki's room. He took in a deep breath. He knew he could no longer hide from it, pretending the problem didn't exist.

Finally, he rose from his chair and cautiously entered the room where his son lay asleep in the hospital bed.

Yuzuru stood beside the bed, his heart breaking. Tamaki was pale and seemed almost frail. He reached out, taking hold of the teen's hand, stroking his son's golden hair affectionately.

"My precious son, I know I haven't been the best father to you, not even close. I would give everything I have if it would somehow make you well. I would trade places with you in an instant. I have no right to ask you to forgive me for all the things I've failed to do. I know I have no right in the world to ask anything of you, but please Tamaki, I need you here. I-I love you very much. I know it's hard to see most of the time and I'm sorry that I couldn't get myself together to actually see you. You are the greatest gift I've ever received." Yuzuru leaned down, kissing Tamaki's forehead.

The teen opened his eyes slowly, surprised to see his father at his bedside.

"Father, you-"

"Shh, just rest." he instructed softly.

"Father, are you all right?" the man smiled sadly.

"So much like your mother, to put others first. You're the one not feeling well and your first concern is for someone who hasn't even been here for you."

"It must be hard for you, as a father, everyone deals with things differently.I don't know what I'd do if I was in your place." A long silence fell over the hospital room, with only the beeping from the monitors beside the bed, Neither one knew what to say.

"Father?" Tamaki called, breaking the silence at last.

"What is it Tamaki?"

"I-I'm glad you're here." He gave his father's hand a gentle squeeze.

"I'm going to be here more often. There's something I need to talk to you about,and I need you to do something for me."

"What do I need to do?"

"Never give into your illness, too many people love you and we need you to get better."

"I'll be okay." Tamaki replied.

"Of course you will, son. You have your mother's will. She's one of the strongest people I know and I'm grateful that you turned out to be so much like her."

"What do you need to tell me?" Yuzuru sat down on the edge of the bed.

"The doctor wants to start your treatment tomorrow."

"That soon?" Yuzuru was surprised at his son's ability to keep his usual tone despite his illness.

"The sooner, the better. It's going to be a very long process and we'll be talking about a few other possibilities. I wanted you to know so you weren't surprised when they set it up."

"I'm glad you told me." Tamaki replied, though his heart was sinking into his stomach. He felt ill prepared for what was about to happen and he was dreading the conversation he would have with his friends. He could imagine the look of concern in their eyes, and Haruhi's reaction to the news. Worst of all, how could he expect them to react well to what they would see?

"Stop that." His father demanded.

"What do you mean?"

"You're doing it again, there's a time and a place to put others before yourself, this isn't one of them. You have to put yourself first this time and until you're well again. I can see it in your eyes, you're worrying about them."

"It's hard not to, they're always there for me, I feel terrible about pulling them into this, I don't want them to feel like they have to be. I know they say it's because they want to, I just don't feel right about this."

"That's because you're over thinking it. You're not seeing it for what it is. Now, I have a meeting tomorrow morning but I should be here in time for them to start the IV. For tonight, I just want you to rest a much as you can, you'll need it." Yuzuru stayed only an hour with his son before leaving him to his thoughts.

Tamaki found that lately when he was alone, his thoughts turned to what the consequences might be for allowing his friends to stay by his bedside. Often wondering despite the advice given by so many if he was in fact doing the right thing.

"Tamaki?"Kyoya's soothing voice called from the doorway. The host king smiled sadly

"Hey, Kyoya." He greeted softly.

"What's the matter, you seem a bit more upset today." The shadow king walked over to the bed , leaning forward ans gently kissing Tamaki's head. The ailing teen sighed.

"You didn't bring anyone with you today?' Kyoya shook his head.

"I thought you could use a little break, I don't plan on staying long, you must be tired."

"No more than usual. I'm glad you came." Tamaki took hold of Kyoya's hand.

"Is something wrong?"

"I just wanted to see you, that's all." Kyoya looked at him skeptically but remained quiet.

"Is the medication helping you feel better?'

"I think so, it's hard to tell."

"Was there any news today?"

"Well, mommy dear, they're starting the treatment tomorrow, My father stopped in to tell me."

"Tamaki-"

"He said they're going to talk about other options as well. He didn't mention anything specific." The ill teen looked away. With a heavy sigh, Kyoya released his hand, walking over to the door way. He peered out briefly before closing the door and returning to the bed. He sat down next to Tamaki, pulling his feet onto the mattress.

"Come here." He said softly, holding his friend close, careful not to move the IV tube. Tamaki rested his head on Kyoya's chest, allowing the shadow king to run his slender fingers through his golden hair.

"You won't be able to do that soon." Tamaki sniffled as tears fell from his eyes.

"That doesn't happen to everyone." Kyoya explained.

"Kyoya?"

"Hm?"

"If I die-"

"You won't," Kyoya said calmly. "I'm not going to let you. "