Kyoya listened to the soft voices around him, opening his eyes and allowing his vision to focus. The familiar smell of Honey's cake mixed with a faint scent of the fresh roses that had been strategically placed around the room, helping to create the desired romantic atmosphere. Kyoya soon realized he was seated at one of the tables, in front of him, his laptop, displaying the budget for the current month.

"So, Haruhi, what do you have planned for this weekend, maybe we should all get together." The twins said in unison, mischievous smirks appearing on their faces. Haruhi sighed heavily, resting the tea tray on the table.

"I don't know, you guys. The last time you came over,it turned into a huge pain in the-"

"Haru-Chan!" Honey cried excitedly, entering the room and offering a greeting to the twins. Guests were already arriving. Confused, Kyoya stood from the table, he wandered closer to the group.

"There you are, Mommy dear. I take it this means you finished with the budget?" Tamaki asked softly from beside him. "Are you all right, you look like-"

"Everything's fine. I must've fallen asleep for a moment. As far as the budget goes, we'll talk about that after the guests leave." The host king smiled warmly.

"You know, you shouldn't work so hard. You'll end up making yourself sick.. You know the club would completely fall apart without you, so you'll have to take better care of yourself."

"I'm fine, Tamaki." the blonde teen stared for a moment in silence.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Nothing to worry about."

"Tamaki!" A dark haired girl called, waving from across the room. The host returned the gesture, taking a step away from the shadow king. Kyoya reached out, taking hold of his friend's wrist, preventing the attempt.

"Ky-" Tamaki found himself being pulled close to the dark haired boy.

"I'm just-I'm glad you're all right." Tamaki wrapped his arms around Kyoya.

"Why wouldn't I be, I have you here to take care of me. As long as you're with me, everything will be fine." the blond whispered.

"I'll always take care of you, my love. I'll hold you close to me and you'll always know how much I love you."

"Promise me?"

"Anything, Tamaki." Kyoya felt as if something was caught in his throat as a wave of emotion came over him.

"Never let me go."

"Not for one single second." The shadow king vowed. "not even once."

Kyoya woke to someone shaking his shoulder.

"You need to get up, little brother." Yuuichi called. Kyoya looked around for a moment, realizing he had returned to reality.

"Is-"

"Just get up." He looked up at his brother. His eyes found their way to Tamaki, who lay motionless in the bed next to him.

"It must not be that important, there's no urgency in-"

"Our father is working on this ward, his shift starts in about twenty minutes. Whatever happens, I know it's hard for the two of you to be in the same room and it's possible he'll stop in. I don't need to tell you this, Tamaki's still very sick, you can't let things escalate in here. Lately I know it's been tough with his father and ours. I'm still trying to reach Mr. Suoh. If I can get off in time, I'll stop in and stay a bit after work, try to keep the peace." Kyoya nodded, pushing his glasses back into place.

"Good. In the meantime, can I get you to have something to eat, you haven't had anything since you got here."

"Just..a cup of coffee would be great. I'm not hungry at the moment."

"All right, Kyoya. I can't force you, but it's not good for you to keep going this way." The teen sighed, resting his hand on his forehead, feeling a headache beginning.

"PLease, Yuuichi, can you spare me the lecture, I have other things on my mind."

"I know, that's the problem, Brother. Sometimes you have to think of yourself as can't be all about Tamaki, your health is important too." Kyoya forced himself up from the bed, fixing the covers around his love as he did so. He then pulled a chair close to the bed, leaning forward and taking the ill teen's hand in his own. The promise from his dream replaying in his head.

Never let me go."

"Not for one single second. not even once."

He Kissed Tamaki's hand lovingly.

"I've got you, my love. I'm holding onto you. I will never, as long as I live, let you go."