"It's just for the weekend, Kyoya. You'll be back Monday. You promised-"

"That I would go, I know what I said." Kyoya fixed the blanket around Tamaki as the pale teen rested in bed. "I'm proud of you for taking the first step, but it could be weeks to months for you to completely -"

"Yuuchi said it's normal to feel weak and sick. Sometimes it gets worse before it gets better."

"I know, I was here when he spoke to you. I'm sorry, Tamaki, but you've been feeling that way for a while. I'm-"

"Kyoya, I know our conversation from the other day was hard for you, I didn't mean to scare you. I don't know how this is going to -"

" It's not you that worries me, Tamaki. It's good for you be able to talk about it. I want you to be able to talk to me about everything,not just the good things or bad. I want to know how you're feeling,if you're worried,happy,whatever the case may be. "Tamaki reached up to place a hand on the shadow king 's cheek.

" then tell me why you're worrying so much right now,my love. " The blond host requested. "I want you to have the same opportunity." Kyoya lowered himself onto the edge of the bed. He took Tamaki 's free hand in his own.

"I realize how this sounds,but Tamaki,I don't want to leave you. It feels...wrong. We've been with you from the beginning and to walk away now-"

"None of you are walking away,Mon Coeur. You'll be away for two days, this isn't like you. If this scares you that much -"

" Anything that can take you from me is concerning. " Kyoya admitted.

"I'm not going anywhere, Kyoya.I made a promise,I'll be right here when you get back."

" can you also promise me that you're going to work on keeping up your strength while I'm away,even if it means drinking the -" Tamaki sighed.

"I will if I can,mommy dear."

" Hopefully you'll be able to eat soon. You can't keep going this way. You're going to make yourself worse if you're not careful. You're either not eating at all or trying but can't keep it down. If it wasn't for the -" Kyoya sighed heavily. "I love you,Tamaki. I understand it being difficult for you,but I think you might not be telling me everything. Maybe you're trying to protect us,maybe you're not ready to tell us, but we can't help you if we don't know there's a problem." Tamaki remained silent.

"That's it,isn't it?"

" Kyoya,I really need you to know that -"The conversation was cut short by the arrival of the rest of the host club.

"We'll talk about this later." Kyoya said,pressing his lips to Tamaki's forehead.

" Do you want us to wait in the car? " Haruhi asked. "We just wanted to see Senpai before we leave."

" No,I'm glad you came in. Did you guys remember to arrange the activities and -"

"We got it,Boss." Hikaru said dismissively.

"Yeah, have a little faith in our ability to handle things," Kaoru added.

"I do. Sometimes it's just easy to forget things. It's our job to-"

"Yeah, we know. They'll love it." The twins insisted.

"Good. Remember, this is supposed to be fun but you still have responsibilities."Tamaki shifted uncomfortably in bed.

"Tamaki-" Kyoya began, his voice filled with concern.

"I'm fine." Kyoya gave him a skeptical look.

"Why do I find that hard to believe?"

"Because you're being way too protective,Mommy Dear, and maybe...it's partly my fault for not being completely honest when all this started. I guess I was a little over protective too."

"I'd have to agree with the last part of your statement. I'd love to trust you,Tamaki, but under the circumstances -"

"I know,Kyoya. I don't blame you for feeling that way. Honestly, if I were you, I probably wouldn't either. I'm sorry,everyone."

"Don't be, you did what you thought was best for us. Thanks, Boss." Kaoru replied.

"Just don't worry about us so much, Senpai. We're fine. " Haruhi added.

"Are you sure?"

" Well, I'm getting there at least. " the girl stared down at her feet as she spoke. Tamaki had to admit that despite the anxiety she suffered from during her visits, she had been slowly improving. Tamaki wished he had the strength to pull himself out of bed. Haruhi seemed more herself when she saw the host club president sitting in the chair rather than lying in the hospital bed. It had been a comfort to her.

"Haruhi?" The girl looked up,taking a step closer to the bed.

"I'm proud of you." A faint smile crept onto her face. Haruhi gently embraced Tamaki.

"Just...be better when we get back. " she released him, returning to Honey,who placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. Tamaki glanced up at the clock on the wall.

" I'm happy that you all came to see me, but you'll be late if you don't -"

"We'll be fine, we have a few minutes. Are you absolutely sure this is what you want?"

"Yes. We've talked about this, many times."

"All right. But I'll be calling to check in." Kyoya relented.

"I'll have something to look forward to, call me when you get there. Don't forget get about -" Tamaki stopped. "Sorry, I know you guys can handle it."

"We'll see you Monday." The twins said in unison, pulling Haruhi toward the door.

"Feel better,Senpai." she said .

"Keep those shady twins in lime,Haruhi. "Tamaki called back,earning a faint smile from the girl.

" See you later,Tama-chan. I hope you're feeling better. " Honey called, following Mori out to the car, leaving only Kyoya.

"I don't like the thought of you here alone." Kyoya confessed, Tamaki's mood seemed to change frequently. Kyoya worried that the blond host was becoming discouraged and the result was something that he couldn't allow to happen.

"It's a hospital, I'll have plenty of company, like the nurses who come in here at all hours of the day and most of the night."

"I'm serious. You're important to me and I-"

"I know, I'm sorry.I just don't want you to be so upset. I'll miss you, but it's going to be good for both of us. You know that whole trip is going to fall apart if you're not there." Kyoya kissed him once more.

"I love you, Tamaki. I'll talk to you soon. Try to rest."

"I love you too. Try to enjoy it, Kyoya, you need to relax more." Kyoya fixed the blanket around Tamaki.

"Do you need anything, are you warm enough?"

"I'm fine. I'll talk to you soon." The ill teen replied. Kyoya nodded, exiting the room. Despite Tamaki's reassurance, Kyoya couldn't rid himself of the troubling thought. As he approached the elevator he pulled out his phone, scrolling through his contacts. He pressed the button and held the device to his ear.

The dial tone seemed to go on forever before a gentle voice answered.

"Hello, Shima, it's Kyoya. I was wondering if you had a moment to talk."