It was good that Hikaru weighed a great deal less than Akira had assumed, but it was slow going all the same. Hikaru was putting most of his weight on Akira with one arm draped over his shoulder, using his good leg to help move them along and wobbling each step of the way.

Hikaru felt like he was on fire, and every step made him dizzier. Earlier he'd believed that surely someone would come along, someone would see them. Also earlier, if he'd been a little more alert he might have noticed they were no longer on the main road. Apparently the driver had decided they needed to take the scenic route. He had a flash of anger, then guilt at trying to blame a dead man for the way things had gone. He wanted to stop, to sleep, to forget, to do anything else than take another step. He wasn't sure most of the time whether he was really walking, or even if he was still conscious—he couldn't feel either of his legs any more. I don't know if I can hold onto you for much longer…

A sign marking Kozuata-mura 4K and ­ ^ Kurozu-cho 30K was of brief inspiration to Akira. If they could just make it four kilometers there might be hospital, or at least transportation to one. The inspiration was very brief indeed. They'd only made it about one kilometer at best, and Hikaru's condition was rapidly deteriorating.  His skin was pale and clammy, his wobbling steps each one slower than the last. They had rested every now and then, Hikaru grabbing on with both arms and laying still against him. This wasn't very restful for Akira, having to support all of the weight on his neck but it was the only way. If he'd let Hikaru down to the ground, he'd surely not be able to get him up again. At their last stop Hikaru had started to fade out, breathing shallowly and barely keeping his eyes open.

"It feels nice. Your skin is like stone, the way it pulls the heat out of me," Hikaru's voice could only manage a raspy whisper.

"I'm glad you feel better at all. I-I don't mind this feeling either. It won't be far now so just hold on a little longer."

With this Hikaru's eyes regarded Akira strangely and sadly. For a fleeting moment he wished he'd said something more, but he had no time to ponder it as Hikaru's lips pressed against his.  The surprise had overwhelmed any enjoyment of the moment that he would have cherished any other time.  

Akira stood there wide-eyed, "Why did you? Why now?"

        "I'm sorry.  I-I know I always find a way to disappoint you somehow… Sorry…really…" Hikaru's body slackened beneath Akira's arms.  He was still barely breathing but his eyes were now closed, his right leg starting to go out from underneath them.

"Hikaru? You have to wake up! I can't hold you here alone.  Please?" For the first time during the entire ordeal, Akira began to cry.  "Please?! I can't hold you much longer—please?! Hikaru?! Shindo?! Wake up! I can't—! I love you so please…please…"

            It was useless; he'd begun to sink down towards the ground with Hikaru.  His salty tears blinded him; so much so he'd nearly missed the approaching headlights, and hopefully, their salvation.

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           One more chapter down, and I haven't even gotten to the main story yet.  No, seriously.  Thanks again to everyone who's reviewing, I'll try not to take too long between chapters.  I don't know about the ending to this chapter, I thought it would be cruel to leave it without a little hope at the end, but I don't like the way I did it too well.  Anyway, it doesn't matter what I think, tell me what you think! ^_^