Chapter 11

Authors note- calmer and not as graphic chapter

Ryuuji could only hear the helicopter rotors. Everything else seemed to be muted in the aftermath of what had happened in the Illuminati facility. It all replayed in a vicious and dark manner. He had hoped the Impure King would have been the most that they had to face as Exwires. At least let us become Exorcists first.

He was anxious to finish the flight to Kyoto. He really wanted to go home. He was emotionally strained and his whole body ached. The last forty-eight hours had been… wild. Getting to dance with Rin. Getting to hold him and watch as he practically glowed in the light, eyes sparkling. Then watching Rin fall. Two seizures, both of them while Rin stood before the enemy… Rin rushing at Lucifer. Yelling in Mephisto's face. Rin bathed in blood. And Rin laying so cold and still in his arms.

He opened his eyes as the helicopter brightened. The sun was beginning to peer over the horizon and it just served to highlight all that was wrong.

Lying strapped down to stretchers along the helicopter's floor, his friends laid wounded and pale. He swallowed hard, careful not to jostle Konekomaru who had fallen asleep against his shoulder not long ago.

Shiemi had passed out before they even managed to load up the helicopter. Izumo had strained herself to the point of near death. Yukio had practically bled out from his injuries. He had narrowly avoided being gutted. Just looking at him was painful. The Exorcist was grey, an oxygen mask on his face and blood dotting the fresh bandages. The doctors recommend he get at least one blood transfusion as soon as he arrived at the Kyoto hospital.

Rin was lying closest to Ryuuji. He looked dead and it chilled Ryuuji to the bone. The only sign that he was alive was the fact his body was not stiffening. The knowledge that Rin was just sleeping hardly helped. He wanted to see Rin's flames leaping chaotically into the sky, and eyes bright with happiness. The sword in his lap, again, continued to stay cold. Kuro was curled protectively against Rin's still chest, the cat sidhe had been separated from them in the fight with the zombies and had been picked up by Konekomaru as they were leaving.

He wanted them all sitting around the campfire again. Relaxing with gentle teasing. No wars… because they were at fucking war now. His hand tensed around Rin's sword, and he looked out over Kyoto as the helicopter began to descend.

Mephisto said it was too dangerous for them to return to True Cross immediately. The barriers were down and they were under attack from mid-level demons. The Grigori and several high class exorcists, including Shura, had been wounded in the fallout of Lucifer's power. The hospital was overrun with victims still and didn't have room for long term patients like Rin or emergencies like Yukio.

The helicopter jerked a bit as they landed on the roof of the hospital and Ryuuji sighed with relief. Finally. He nudged Konekomaru awake and watched as medical staff began to unload his friends, rushing them inside in a flurry. He stood, muscles trembling and his vision went black.

He awoke with a jolt, the ghostly touch of brittle cold skin on him sending him into a panic.

"Whoa, easy there, son." The voice calmed his racing heart, remembering days spent curled up in bed suffering from migraines with his father there to comfort him. A gentle hand caressed over his forehead and he realized he was hot. He groaned as a headache made itself known. Tatsuma Suguro's voice was low and gentle as he continued speaking. "That place was really nasty. It's no surprise you picked up an infection there…"

Ryuuji shifted on the bed, hoping to sit up. His mouth was dry and the stupid hospital gown was crumpled up. The tug of an IV line in his arm made him grimace, but he slowly managed to force himself up.

"How ya feeling?" His dad adjusted his blankets and reached for the glass of water on the table.

Ryuuji couldn't believe how tired he was. He was completely wiped. His body was burning up and aching. The barely breaking the skin scrapes he had received from one of the zombies had become swollen and inflamed.

He growled as his dad tried to give him water like he was a child, batting away the old man and grabbing the cup with trembling hands. The water was cool and helped ease the discomfort in his mouth. "I've been better."

He looked down at himself, then around the curtains surrounding his bed. "What happened to all of us?"

Tatsuma sat back in the chair. "Konekomaru is alright. He has some minor wounds and bruising on his face and head. Moriyama-san just needed some rest. She was discharged after a healthy meal. Kamiki-san has been unconscious since arrival. She is receiving care but it is nothing that can't be fixed by medicine here." He frowned, worry on his face. "Your Sensei has been fighting for his life. He lost a great deal of blood and unfortunately, because of everything that happened at True Cross, this hospital is low on O-negative blood for him. They have found someone... nearby to donate. He is recovering but it could be slow."

Ryuuji bowed his head, cursing softly. Rin almost killed Yukio. "What about Rin?"

"Rin is still sleeping. Uwabami believes he will stay asleep for a good long while. Something in that place had drained his strength and his body is rushing to fix any internal damage that took place." Tatsuma stood, his knees popping and he giggled as he rubbed at them. Ryuuji rolled his eyes, scoffing. "You want to go see Rin? You aren't contagious and if you feel up to it… you can."

Ryuuji's head snapped up, "Yes! I want to."

Tatsuma laughed, shaking his head. "Your mother owes me a date now."

He gasped, glaring at his father. "You had bets placed?!"

Tatsuma blinked innocently before he beamed. "Why are you surprised?"

Ryuuji sighed. This was his family. Hard to believe this crazy old man took on the Impure King alone. Ryuuji struggled to his feet, panting through the strain in his sore muscles. He grasped the IV stand at his side. "Where's Rin?"

Tatsuma pulled back the curtain and simply pointed to the curtain across from him. His heart beat painfully fast as he slowly hobbled to the curtain. He was almost afraid to peer through… to not see Rin. Maybe Rin was already gone. Maybe he would actually find a corpse this time.

"Go see him. I bet he's lonely." Tatsuma set his hand on Ryuuji's back.

Ryuuji sucked in a breath, and tugged the curtain to allow himself to see Rin. The half-demon was on his side, still and quiet. His tail was hanging off the side of the bed and the port on his chest was connected to bags of fluids. He had another line connected to his wrist.

"They're giving him blood too?" Ryuuji eyed the bag of abnormally dark blood.

"Ahhhh… yes. They decided that would be the best course. All they can do for him is keep him hydrated, and warm. But they are offering his body this blood… see if it can lend a hand in strengthening him." Tatsuma led Ryuuji to the chair placed by the bed.

Ryuuji carefully reached out, taking Rin's cold hand. "He could use the help."

"Mmmm… from what I've heard, he has been having a hard time. You have been very brave to walk down this difficult road with him." Tatsuma peered over at him with pride. "You are set to go back to True Cross in a couple days. But… Rin and Yukio will be staying at the Inn till they are recovered."

"What?! No!" Ryuuji refused to even consider leaving.

"I thought you'd say that. And there's no changing your mind. So, I took the liberty to sign you out." His father's words surprised him, but he was grateful.

"Thank you…"

His breath left him in ragged gasps as he tried to get a handle on his panic. He had killed Rin… he hadn't meant to. Rin should never have been there. He was too sick, and fragile.

Rin lying cold and dead at his feet came to his mind. What was he supposed to do from there? How was he supposed to get Yukio to trust him? He would never be able to look Bon in the face again.

He walked along, trembling. Lucifer would kill him.

"What's wrong, Mister Shima?" The arrogant tone made him groan internally, and he lifted his head to see the troublemaking smirk on the man's face as trotted towards him from the other end of the hall.

"Nothing." He tried to keep his tone even.

"Surely you don't expect me to believe that." Todou grinned, teeth bared.

Renzo shuddered, thankful for the darkness around them, hiding his eyes. "What do you want?"

Todou chuckled. "I don't want anything. The Commander wants to see you."

Renzo felt the moment all the blood drained from his face. "What does he need me for?"

Todou waved his hand, turning with an eccentric spin. "I don't know but he sure sounded anxious. Best not to keep him waiting."

He glanced behind him, considering making a run for it. I killed Rin and now… I die. His fingers trembled until he clenched them into fists as he decided to follow after the man. He'd never escape from here if he tried.

The trip to Lucifer was short and Renzo's spine was slowly tensing tighter and tighter. He was going to die. But didn't he deserve it? He had killed Rin…

Lucifer was sitting on a hospital bed, the Demon King seemed to hold no sense of modesty if his lack of clothing told Renzo anything. He seemed tired, his eyes hooded and dark, his right arm was heavily bandaged with dark blood seeping through. Green elixir dripped into his body, lending the Demon King strength. His golden lion-like tail swished gracefully.

The blonde head lifted, a beautiful but exhausted face peering into Renzo's eyes. Renzo thought it was ironic… Many imagined the Demon Kings to be hideous and grotesque monsters. Renzo couldn't help but think they were exquisite. Even their bloodlines carried a certain tragic beauty about them. An image of Rin lying against his feet shot through him and he tried to hold in his choked off cry.

"Renzo… you are needed." Lucifer's voice was soft.

"Whatever can I do for you, Commander?" He bowed his head, feeling like he was exposing his neck to a lion.

"You are needed in Kyoto. Yukio Okumura shares your blood type and he needs blood desperately. And… you can check in on Rin Okumura. Report to me on the care they are receiving and their diagnosis. If it is deemed they are dying… I will step in."

Renzo's brain seemed to short circuit. "B...but…"

Lucifer tilted his head as he peered at the boy. "What is it, Renzo?"

"Rin's alive?" Renzo successfully hid the tremble in his voice but not in his eyes.

Lucifer's eyes were on him, catching every move. His lips quirked up, sharp fangs visible in the brightness of the room. "Now… why would Rin die so easily? He should be fine. He is merely… hibernating."

Relief shot through him and the tension dissipated with a shaking breath. But then his mind turned to the first part of his instructions. "Yukio needs blood?"

"Yours. Specifically. It will put you in his good graces. I downloaded the entirety of the footage captured there and I am certain… the secret to our success is Rin and Yukio Okumura. More so Yukio. He will be easy to sway in the coming months." Lucifer took a breath and raised his pale hands. The bandaged arm being traced by the fingers on his other hand. "What I did for Rin… will only last so long. Without an almost constant source of my power, what is left will be overwhelmed by his power and neutralized. It is only a temporary respite. Rin is far from cured or even in remission. I guarantee he will need my help again soon. From what I could tell… he does not have long."

Renzo hated to hear that. It meant the half-demon would still be fighting for his life and in pain almost constantly. How cruel…

Renzo hated needles. But he had to suck up his discomfort because things were much more serious than he had intended they become. When he had first noticed that the others had ignorantly… stupidly… waltzed into a highly dangerous, zombie infested Illuminati testing facility, he had hoped they would manage some trick to leave with minimal injury. But things had escalated.

He had been allowed to watch the downloaded footage picked up throughout the facility before it had all been wiped. He watched… hours after the events occurred. Unable to intervene or change their course. He had watched the blood splatter. Rin wheeling around and raking his razor-sharp claws down his brother's side. Yukio fell with a scream. He had watched Bon cry over what Bon thought was Rin's corpse.

They won't make it through this war. Not like this. True Cross was scrambling about in an almost embarrassing way. They had been entirely unprepared for a full frontal war. Sending kids in to win or lose the first battles. He shook his head, watching the blood run from his arm into the bag set up on the stool nearby. He was angry. Rin had almost been overpowered with one hit each from Lucifer and the black flames. Rin should have never been there. Mephisto was stupid to have sent him.

But he had a job to do. A part to play. And so did Rin and the others. They were merely playthings in the immortal lives of demons who couldn't get along. What would happen to the toys when the game board went up in flames?

Yukio waited all of thirty seconds upon waking to attempt to stand. Ryuuji had his back turned, watching Rin sleep when the heart monitor screamed then was promptly shut off. The Aria jumped, whipping around with a look of fear. Yukio ignored him, batting at the other various lines and machines connected to him.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Ryuuji rushed to his side, dragging his own IV line.

"I am getting up… and I can walk by myself." Yukio's bad leg was obviously bothering him but he was gritting his teeth with a growl. He was tugging at his hospital gown with a childlike rage. He squinted at Ryuuji, a stubborn pout on his lips.

"It will be worse if you fall. Let me help you. Where are you trying to go? I can get a wheelchair… just… sit." Ryuuji tried to calm the young teacher. His hands wavered, unsure if he should dare to touch him.

"I won't fall. I want to see Rin. I need to talk to a doctor." Yukio looked to his right where Rin was still bed ridden. The half-demon's vitals were still low, he hadn't moved a muscle, and all digestive functions had ceased.

"Fine. I won't stop you…" Ryuuji knew there was no point in arguing with the boy. He retrieved Yukio's glasses, and grasped Yukio's upper arm carefully. He hated that he was the only one around to handle this side of their sensei.

Yukio set his hand around his bandaged torso with a grimace but continued to struggle to his feet. Then he made his way to Rin's side. His exhausted eyes turned to look back at Ryuuji as Ryuuji eased him into the chair by Rin's bedside.

"What have they done for him?"

"Uhhh… not much really. They said there isn't much that can be done while he is in this state." Ryuuji beckoned to the IV lines. "This is pretty much all they've done."

Yukio's calculating gaze sharpened. "They haven't cleaned his lungs out… and I'm sure they haven't checked his throat either."

Ryuuji blinked. "What?"

Yukio cursed loudly, hands slamming into the arms of the chair. He stood, carefully leaning around Rin to hit the call button. "They need to do it now. He aspirated when we fell. Lucifer did something to him. He also had a tube in his lungs. He needs care."

Ryuuji felt like someone had dumped ice water down his back. He stumbled back, looking down at Rin's pale face, and the sword strapped to his back seemed to grow heavier. The door opened with a soft click and a young nurse hurried inside.

"What can I do for you?" He immediately rushed to Yukio's side, while hurriedly pulling fresh gloves on. "I didn't realize you were up! You need to get back into bed…"

"My brother aspirated after a seizure he had while we were fighting. If he hasn't had his lungs cleaned out, it needs to happen. He also received some trauma to his trachea." Yukio interrupted. He internally cursed his own weakness. If I hadn't passed out, they would have known about this sooner.

"Oh…" the nurse's eyes widened, looking down at Rin with alarm. "Let me fetch a doctor. We will prep him immediately." The nurse fled from the room.

Then the two were alone. The silence was uncomfortable between them. Ryuuji shuffled his feet before hesitantly beginning to speak.

"The others are doing better. They've all been discharged and staying at the Inn…"

Yukio hummed softly. "Any word from Sir Pheles? Or Shura?"

"The Preceptor has us waiting here. He wants to rebuild the barriers and give everyone time to heal. Shura was injured but she is doing better now." Ryuuji looked over at Yukio, eyeing the thick bandaging visible through the back of his gown.

Yukio opened his mouth to say something more as the door opened and a tall male doctor with graying hair stepped through. After a very brief introduction he immediately went into discussing Rin with Yukio.

"Your brother is breathing at about one or two breaths a minute. They are shallow and have practically no true airflow. His heart rate and blood pressure are like nothing we have ever seen before in a living person. His core body temperature is sitting around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. That said, after receiving word on his internal state from you, I'd like to take him back for immediate testing."

Yukio nodded, reaching out to run his hand through Rin's hair and Ryuuji was almost taken aback by the tender expression in his eyes. It was soft. "Do whatever is necessary."

The November air in Kyoto was cold as Yukio sat quietly in the dark. Yukio was tired of sitting around. Since Rin first got sick, Mephisto refused to send him off on missions if it could be helped. Now he had a severe injury that would put him out of service for another several weeks. The tug of stitches with every movement made him grit his teeth. He had taken a look at the cuts and… just more scars to add to the collection. Made by my own brother's claws.

He looked down at Rin, still sleeping soundly. He wiped at Rin's face with a baby wipe, cringing at the filth.

The doctor had performed a bronchoscopy and just as Yukio had suspected, Rin's lungs had been disgusting. The sputum culture taken had revealed the slow growth of various bacteria and even rot from the leftover stomach contents. It was the low core temperature that they had to thank for the slow growth. The doctor had also carefully removed any other foreign items. He was being treated for aspiration pneumonia though the process was more complex with Rin's vitals being so low.

The door creaked open and Yukio rolled his eyes. Literally nothing had changed in the time since the nurse last checked on him. He refused to look over, choosing instead to brush Rin's hair with a damp comb. They had agreed the risk of bathing Rin at the moment outweighed the benefits… could Rin recover if he got too cold?

"Uhhhh… so teach…" Yukio twitched, recognizing the voice of Renzo Shima. Yukio had no weapons in his damn hospital gown.

Yukio forced himself to his feet, and planted himself between the traitor and Rin. "Why are you here?"

Shima huffed. "I just wanted to check on you and Rin."

"We are fine." Yukio's tone was clipped.

"That's a lie. They took a ton of blood from me for you. Because you were dying." Shima lifted his arm that had a small wrap of gauze around it.

That caught Yukio off guard. "What? Why would you do that?"

"I'm not the bad guy here, you know. I'm a double agent. I work for Mephisto too." Shima's eyes were shining in the low light and Yukio couldn't detect a lie. But that meant nothing, especially for a double agent.

"I heard from Suguro that you stabbed Rin." Yukio growled.

Shima winced, hissing through his teeth. "I didn't know what to do there. He was feral. I didn't think it would do… this." He threw his hand out at Rin from around Yukio, trying to encompass the whole event surrounding Rin's collapse.

"You don't touch him again without my permission." Yukio snarled, bristling with rage. Shima was heavily reminded that Rin wasn't the only child of Satan as he tried his hardest to maintain eye contact with the younger twin's burning teal gaze. Maybe he imagined that the pupils were reflecting the low light like a cat's did.

Raising his hands, Shima chuckled nervously. Hoping to ease the aggression. "Alright. I won't. How's… he doing?"

Yukio frowned. "He is hanging in there."

"That's good… Lucifer wanted me to remind you that he will take you and Rin without hesitation. The door is always open for you both." Shima bowed, feeling a tad awkward as he practically ran out of the room. Maybe this spy thing will be harder than I thought… especially with those eyes glaring at me.

Yukio stared him down as Shima turned tail and ran, feeling vaguely triumphant that he had protected his brother through the exchange and also unbelievably drained as he sank back into his seat.

It had taken a lot out of him, confronting Shima like that. Trying to catch his breath, he watched Rin for any sign of him starting to rouse. But of course not. Rin probably wouldn't awaken for a while… Yukio sighed, his exhaustion tugging on his mind. He shook his head and picked up a washcloth to start cleaning off Rin's throat. The rough cloth was necessary for the blood stained skin. Yukio blinked heavily, studying Rin's sleeping face.

Rin's hair was getting too long. The strands were brittle but growing rapidly, beginning to sit past his shoulders. It's odd blend of blue, black and white was unusual and made it stand out, almost like a magpie in sunlight. Rin's face was narrow, having lost the last of the baby fat that had clung to his cheeks while Yukio wasn't paying attention. His eyelids were dark against the rest of his complexion, even in the low light. His pointed ears stuck out slightly from his head. His whole body had changed before Yukio knew what happened. Dad wouldn't recognize him… would he even recognize me?

Yukio looked down at himself, one hand drifting to the numerous scars on his body. His hand stroked gently over the bumpy, tender skin knitted so carefully back together. He hadn't changed as drastically as Rin… at least he didn't think so.

He reached out, grabbing hold of Rin's hand with a tenderness he didn't like to show when Rin was awake. His hand was hot from the strain of confronting Shima and the second his hand wrapped around Rin's cold smaller one, Rin took an audible breath. His tail twitched and shifted a couple of inches toward Yukio, as if to wrap around him. Yukio smiled softly as Rin quieted once more.

Rin was tired but something was urging him to awaken. He sucked in a heavy breath, the sensation was exceptionally uncomfortable and made him immediately cough. His lungs ached and felt like they were full of mucus. He frowned, forcing his heavy eyes to open. It was bright in the room and he promptly froze.

Was it all a dream? How am I here of all places? It was the Suguro's Inn… the room was identical to the one he had woken up in after the Impure King. How? He sat up slowly, grimacing at the tube going up into his chest port. He scratched at his head, his scalp was itching horribly, and he peered around. He could smell the people of Kyoto in every corner of the room. It comforted him, easing the apprehension from taking over too much. He was alone, and was clothed in another Yukata, with thick pajama pants. Why did they pick white?

He shook his head and hissed in disgust when he caught sight of his hands. Most of the blood had been washed away but some still lined his nails and the cracks in his calloused hands. He flashed back to pain and heat… terrible agony, incapable of breathing… a voice yelling at him, a white hot pain in his throat, then his nails dragging through skin like razor blades through paper. Yukio. Rin clenched his hands with a gasp. He had hurt Yukio. Where was Yukio?

He inhaled sharply, choking back another cough, seeking out Yukio's scent. There. Yukio was with others out in the garden. He was safe. Rin retracted that particular sense, knowing the others may be uncomfortable with him sniffing them out like a Bloodhound. As he did, all thought came to a screeching halt as he smelled food. His stomach growled and he opened his mouth for a better sense of where to find the divine scent.

Without truly acknowledging that he was moving, he was up and detaching the line. He growled with annoyance as he struggled to stand, his tail lashed. He needed to eat now. A ragged wet cough left him and he swayed. Why was he so hot? He sniffed again, eager to follow the scent. The door was practically silent when he opened it and he couldn't hear anyone around so he stumbled hurriedly down towards the kitchens.

He knew what would happen if someone saw him. They'd make him go lay back down and give him something plain like rice. He wrinkled his nose at the thought and walked faster, his tail up like a curious cat. His legs wobbled and he clenched his teeth unhappily.

The kitchen was empty but the lingering scent of smoked salmon made his stomach clench with ravenous hunger. He whined, all too aware of just how empty his stomach felt. When was the last time he had eaten? He felt slightly rude for rummaging through someone else's cabinets and refrigerator but he couldn't wait another second.

He pulled strips of beef and fish from their packages and rushed around to begin cooking. The smell of it was almost his undoing, causing him to rub at his face and hurry back over to the refrigerator. He practically attacked the tray of leftover dumplings.

He jumped when he heard the hiss of his food being flipped. Rin turned to find Tatsuma Suguro peering over at him affectionately. "You'll burn your food, son. How about you sit down and I'll finish cooking for you?"

Rin blinked, swallowing down the food in his mouth, though his throat seemed extra sore. He shifted shyly. "Uhh… sorry for eating your food."

Tatsuma burst out laughing, shaking his head. "No need to be sorry. I am happy to see you up. Though I can guarantee there will be others that'll be not so happy for you to be out of bed."

"I was hungry." Rin sat down on a nearby stool, his sigh turning into a rough cough.

Tatsuma wagged a finger at him. "And I don't blame you, but you should still be laying down with a cough like that." Tatsuma shook his head with a grin. "You are definitely your father's son."

Rin blushed at the warmth in his voice. "How is everyone?"

"Torako and I were granted emergency custody of Kamiki-san, your brother and yourself for the duration of your stay. Kamiki-San is physically recovered but the loss of a parent is always tragic." Rin nodded, though he was unsure of what had happened. "Ryuuji had a minor infection but it has mostly cleared up. Moriyama-san and Konekomaru are doing well. Your brother," Rin held his breath, hands clenching at the grainy memory of Yukio screaming because of Rin, "is hanging around though he doesn't seem too pleased with the Preceptor for keeping him out of True Cross. Your brother is certainly a man of action. His wounds are healing, Rin." The man's voice was low as he turned to look at Rin's guilt-ridden face. "Neither he nor Ryuuji blame you."

Rin sucked in a heavy breath, only to growl as he began to cough. He couldn't remember… "Did I hurt Ryuuji too?"

Tatsuma placed the steaming meat onto a fresh plate and went to sit next to Rin. "He has minor scratches but they weren't bad. You were in terrible pain. Scared and lost. Yukio said you had been subjected to Lucifer's power." Tatsuma lifted a small portion of the meat with his chopsticks and offered it to Rin with a gentle grin. Rin hadn't even noticed that he had cut them into smaller slices. And now he was offering to feed Rin… this man needed a baby around. Rin rolled his eyes but allowed the coddling.

"What happens now?" Rin looked down at himself, he was scared to see the others. He had probably scared them off.

"You will finish your meal, take a warm bath and go rest some more." Tatsuma continued to feed Rin, but he didn't mind too terribly. It had been a long time since Rin had felt the love and care from a parent. He was tired now that his stomach was no longer urging him on. He swayed and Tatsuma set his plate down to hold him up. "On second thought, how about straight to bed?"

Rin's head landed against the old man's shoulder, his eyes refused to stay open. He was embarrassed by how lethargic he was suddenly becoming. Tatsuma seemed to freeze for a moment before hesitantly running his hands over Rin's thin back. Rin became aware of a discomfort in his lower back but didn't have the strength to let the man know. His cheeks pinked as he realized he was practically in the man's lap now.

"Dad!" Rin twitched in surprise, hearing Ryuuji's shocked voice. "What is Rin doing in here?"

"He came down here for a snack. But I think he is ready to go back to bed now." Rin was quickly losing the will to stay conscious, leaning into this person who was practically a stranger. Rin felt safe with him, and his scent reminded Rin of Ryuuji and his own dad, Shiro Fujimoto. Larger hands were pulling him back, and into the strong arms of his boyfriend. Rin winced slightly as a spasm of pain shot through his torso, and he whimpered.

"Shhh. It's alright. I'll take him back. Don't let him just be up and around like that yet." Ryuuji scolded his father and Rin gave a breathless laugh. Their relationship seemed to have improved which Rin was thankful for. "You quit laughing, you are in trouble for not telling us you were awake."

"I wa' s jus hungry." Rin murmured softly, slurring his words as he felt himself relax into slumber.

Ryuuji grumbled but figured there was no point in arguing with Rin at the moment. Especially with his father watching them with a soft grin and a knowing look in his eye. Ryuuji blushed under the gaze.

"I'll take him back. Sensei wanted to do some blood draws and tests after Rin woke up." Ryuuji turned back the way he came and carefully carried Rin through the halls. He had almost had a heart attack when he had found Rin's room empty. He hadn't sounded the alarm immediately but had gone on a frantic search.

Settling Rin back onto the mat, he sighed, finally relaxing now that Rin had awoken. It had been twelve days since they had arrived in Kyoto and Rin had been unconscious the entire time. With each day that had passed, the worry that Rin would never wake up grew stronger.

Ryuuji pulled his phone from his pocket, shooting a quick text to Okumura-sensei to let him know Rin had been awake. He didn't have to wait long before the younger twin was rushing into the room.

"He was awake?" Yukio dropped to his knees next to Rin.

"Yeah. He was gone when I came to check on him. Found him in the kitchen." Ryuuji couldn't shake the image of his father doting on Rin.

Yukio cracked a small smile, "First thing he does is go look for food."

Ryuuji nodded, reaching out to hold Rin's hand. Yukio was rustling through his bag he had kept nearby for just this moment. The young exorcist pulling an array of baggies out, storing needles and other equipment. Ryuuji startled when Yukio handed him a pair of his own gloves.

"You're the only one here. You get to help." He was definitely not asking. Ryuuji paled but obeyed him, pulling the latex gloves onto his hands. I had no plans to shoot for a doctor's meister…

Yukio quickly went through a checklist of Rin's vitals, recording his heart rate, and blood pressure. He nodded as if satisfied with the results and Ryuuji found himself eager to hear the verdict.

He handed Ryuuji a thermometer and a swab, while he began pulling open vials. "Take his temperature and record it. Then take a sample of his saliva."

Ryuuji was embarrassed to see his hands beginning to tremble slightly with nerves even as Yukio slid a needle into Rin's arm with steady hands.

"What's with the saliva swab?" He found himself asking as he took Rin's temperature.

"If he is developing any cancers in the mouth or lungs, it can help catch it." Yukio was frowning at the blood dripping into the vials as he spoke.

Ryuuji nodded, hoping things would come back as healthy for the half-demon. But… he knew something bad was happening inside of Rin. He swallowed. "His fever is sitting at 104.6F."

Yukio growled softly and nodded stiffly. "Dammit… almost a 50 degree jump in his temperature since yesterday."

Ryuuji winced, knowing that wasn't good for Rin's internal organs. Ryuuji gently coaxed Rin's mouth open, swiping under his tongue with the swab before setting it in his own vial. Across from him, Yukio was tugging Rin's top open. Miraculously, the skin cancer had closed almost completely but the redness had spread out.

"He will need scans done. I'm worried about his lack of urine output these past few days. He's not showing signs of dehydration or kidney failure but it could be the early stages. He needs brain scans… I will take these samples to the lab and see when they want him to come in." Yukio stood, a yelp almost escaped him before muffling it and Ryuuji frowned up at him. Yukio took a moment to breath, before straightening.

"Then you will come back and rest?" He had found himself in a sort of unique role with his teacher. For the time being, Ryuuji wasn't his student. They had been taking turns watching Rin with the other students. But Ryuuji had been the only one who had seen Yukio waver under the pain and exhaustion from his wounds. Yukio could fool the others but not Ryuuji. He had seen the cuts while Yukio was doctoring himself after Rin, and had even helped remove the stitches that ran at too awkward of an angle for Yukio to reach. They were brutal, jagged and deep, tearing across the bottom half of his ribcage and into the soft flesh of his side. They would leave behind raised dark scars that he would carry around for the rest of his life.

"I will rest when I return." Yukio looked him over with something akin to respect for a moment before he lifted the bag and hurried from the room.

Now the wait for Rin's test results… Ryuuji looked down at Rin, his hand stroking over Rin's cheek. The heat from his skin was a comfort now. He never wanted to feel that level of cold from Rin again. The lowest his temperature got was during transport from the hospital to the Inn… dropping down to a terrifying 38F/3.3C degrees.

Rin coughed, a painful wheeze to his inhale and rolled towards Ryuuji's body heat. His eyes fluttered and Ryuuji grinned when the blue eyes met his. He had missed Rin's eyes. Rin curled closer, long tail looping around Ryuuji's torso.

"Bon!" Konekomaru's voice startled him, and he looked up with a jolt. The smaller boy was in the doorway, his eyes wide.

"What?" He nearly growled, as Rin twitched and lifted his head a little. He leaned down, running his fingers through Rin's hair and murmuring gently.

"Sir Pheles is here. He wants to see you. Right now. He has Shima with him..." Konekomaru's face was pale as he stumbled over his words.

"Rin is trying to sleep." Ryuuji murmured, his eyes going down to the thin figure and choosing to ignore the part about Shima. He had enough trouble as it was… he couldn't afford to think about him. Even after Juuzo and Yaozo Shima had explained everything about Renzo's job offer and becoming a double spy for Mephisto… Ryuuji couldn't get the feel of Rin's ice cold body out of his head.

Konekomaru shook his head, a pained grimace on his face as he approached the pair. "He insisted on you being there.."

Ryuuji really did growl then. "Fine."

He didn't like leaving Rin alone like this, preferring to keep someone with him at all times or just stay by his boyfriend's side, especially after finding him gone last time. He carefully unwound Rin's tail from his waist, and covered him in the blanket. Rin watched him stand, eyes unfocused as a soft wheezing whine left him.

"I'll be right back." Ryuuji whispered, hoping the half-demon would be able to rest peacefully. He turned and walked away, knowing if he stayed longer, he wouldn't be able to pry himself away.

The walk through the halls was short and didn't allow Ryuuji to properly prepare for what exactly awaited him. Striding into the council hall, he froze in his tracks. His breath left him in a gasp as his hands clenched into fists.