"All I'm asking is what options are available to him, or for someone with similar circumstances." Kyoya said following Yuuichi through the hall, past the nurse's station.
" I can't legally give out patient information to just anyone, little brother, I'm sorry. " the eldest brother picked up a chart and began to skim through the pages.
"He's my best friend, surely you can understand-" Yuuichi placed a hand on Kyoya's shoulder.
"Believe me,Kyoya I know it's hard. You just have to-"
"Please, Yuuichi, how often do I ask you for anything?" Yuuichi sighed.
"You don't. All right, Kyoya, go wait for me in my office, I have a couple of patients to check on and I'll be in to talk to you."
"Thank you." The shadow king said, turning and walking the short distance to his destination, leaving his brother to make his rounds.
Further down the hall, Tamaki rested quietly as the iv was inserted.
"It's normal to have nausea and vomiting, sometimes even some pain, so I've given you some medication to help you through all that. If you feel like you need to, you can sleep and if you need anything at all, you can always use the call button." The nurse said in a kind tone.
"I will, thank you." Tamaki replied sleepily, he had been unable to sleep the night before as he thought of his friends. The thought had crossed his mind to tell them that he would need some time to rest quietly and they should postpone visitation for the next week or so but he quickly forced it out of his mind, knowing it would just lead to more questions and worrying. He also knew that Kyoya would come anyway, seeing through his plan.
When Tamaki was finally alone in the room, he closed his eyes. He hadn't been surprised that his father wasn't there as he promised the day before. He hadn't expected his father to keep his word. Tamaki was used to broken promises but had always decided not to dwell on them, although he loved his father he knew his hands were tied. Part of him felt grateful for the ability to be alone in this moment. He took the time to prepare himself for the discomfort that was to come. He soon drifted off into a much needed sleep.
Tamaki didn't know how long he had slept but woke to quiet voices around him. He was surprised to find his friends gathered around his bed.
"Did we wake you up Tama-chan?" Honey asked.
"No. What are you all doing here, what time is it?"
"It's eleven-thirty. We got here about a half hour ago but you were sleeping so we tried to be quiet." The shorter host replied.
"Shouldn't you be at school, I'm sorry I wasn't expecting anyone or I would've-"
"The whole point was to surprise you because we know you would try protecting us, even after our talk. It's hard for you to really let us in when it comes to your illness, so we figured we should just show up."Kyoya added. " but don't let us keep you awake, it's a good idea to rest if you can."
"Everyone keeps saying that, but that's really all I've been doing. I'm tired of being so tired."
"I'm sorry, I'm sure it's frustrating, just try to deal with it as best you can.. We'll be here to help in any way we can."
Tamaki smiled faintly.
"That means a lot to me,but I just-"
"We're not going anywhere, you've told us about it and we've told you, we're with you." Kaoru promised.
"Do you really understand what happens after-"
"I guess we'll find out." Hikaru interrupted.
"You're sure you want to, there's a good chance I'll end up getting-"
"We're fine,Tamaki." Kyoya insisted. Haruhi sat silently behind the group. Tamaki wanted to ease her fears. He made up His mind in an instant, he would need to talk to Kyoya before they leave.
"How are things at school and the club?' He asked hoping the subject change would make the situation easier for everyone.
"Same as always in our class," Kaoru replied. "The guests still ask about you a lot."
"We try to change the subject." Hikaru added.
"I wish I could be there, I feel like I've been away too long." Tamaki sighed.
"Don't worry, Tama-chan, you'll be back with us soon." Honey encouraged.
"You're right, it's just difficult to wait so long."
"I'm sure it is, but we'll keep you company, won't we Takashi?" Mori gave a short nod.
"Speaking of the host club," Kyoya said reaching into his bag and pulling out a stack of papers.
"You keep saying how much it bothers you that you can't be there and everything falls into our hands. I believe you should be involved as much as possible. Right now you can't physically be there, but you can still help us. It'll take your mind off of your health for a little while at least. If you don't feel up to it, it's fine, but the option is open to you." The shadow king placed the papers on the over bed table. Instantly, the ill teen's eyes lit up.
"You're still the President of the club after all." Kyoya added. "Also, I think it would be a good idea for all of us to come up with some new themes that we can run by Tamaki when we have meetings as long as he's up to it. What do you think, Tamaki?'
" I think it sounds great. If you guys are okay with it.' The twins shrugged.
"As long as there's nothing better to do." They said in unison in an attempt at normalcy.
"That's a really good idea, Kyoy-chan. I think we should do it!" Haruhi simply nodded her approval.
"Haruhi?" The blonde host called softly. The young girl turned to him.
"It's going to be all right." He assured her.
"I know, Senpai. I'm sorry. I promised to try harder to-"
"What can I do to make this easier for you?" Haruhi seemed surprised by the question.
"Senpai, you're the one that's sick, you shouldn't be worried about me."
"If it's too much-"
"I don't want to stop visiting. It's just... Hard." The twins placed an arm around her.
Tamaki shifted uncomfortably on the bed.
"Y-you guys should probably go in the hall." He said suddenly, a sense of urgency in his voice.
"What's wrong?" Haruhi asked standing up quickly.
"Haruhi, take Kaoru and go to the nurse's station ask them to call my brother." Kyoya instructed. Without a word, the two rushed from the room. Kyoya reached over to the bedside table, grabbing the pink container and handing it to Tamaki. Hikaru, Honey and Mori moved to the hall just outside the doorway, to give the host some privacy.
Seconds later, the sound of retching reached their ears.
Kyoya however, sat down beside his rubbing his back. He thought back to the conversation he had with Yuuichi.
Kyoya sat in front of his older brother both wanting his question answered and fearing the reply.
"Kyoya, there's a good chance that the medicine alone won't be enough. He's having a tough time physically. Our next step depends on how he takes to this . He's already weak and it's not going to get better immediately. One option that could be really beneficial to him is a bone marrow transplant. The type of Leukemia he's going through could very possibly be cured if we could find a match. Right now, he's just- I he'll need to start responding to the medication before we can do that. Otherwise, it won't take effect."
"That would just take a few-"
"Kyoya, he's been sick for a while, somehow his doctor misdiagnosed him more than once,it's had a good headstart." Yuuichi said sympathetically. Kyoya drew in a breath, feeling sick to his stomach.
"Are you telling me, Tamaki-"
"He's very weak, we're about to destroy not only the leukemia, but many of his good cells as well. This treatment will go on for hours or even continuously for a couple of days since he's been admitted. If he responds well, we can move on."
" it's all right." Kyoya soothed as Tamaki emptied his stomach of what little it contained. Kyoya helped him settle back against the pillow.
"I'm sorry, mommy dear." Tamaki sai d, his voice strained and weak from being ill.
"Don't apologize, you're not feeling well, it happens." The dark haired teen pulled the cover over his friend. He brushed back golden strands of hair from Tamaki's face. The hosts,reappeared gathering around his bed.
"Y-you all came back after that?"
"Of course we did, Tama-chan. We care about you." Honey gave a faint smile.
"Is everything all right?" Yuuichi asked entering the room,Haruhi and Kaoru followed.
"Whatever medication Tamaki was given to stop him from vomiting didn't work." Kyoya explained. Yuuichi nodded.
"I can give him something else. Tamaki, I'll be back with you shortly."
"Senpai, are you okay?" Haruhi moved closer to the bed.
"I'm fine. I just didn't want you to have to see that,that's all. I'm sorry if I scared you." The hosts remained with their friend until visiting hours ended. Kyoya ushered them into his family car.
"Poor Tama-chan. He's so sick. I wish we could do something for him." Honey bowed his head.
"Actually, there just maybe a way." The Shadow king said, the hosts turned to him.
"What do you mean?" Hikaru asked. "What can we do?"
"I spoke to my brother earlier, please listen carefully and I'll explain everything."