"I'm sorry you had to wait so long," Dr. Leigh said sincerely. "The labs are busy tonight and a little short-staffed. Judging by the results of your scans and blood work, Lelouch, you have uncomplicated appendicitis. That means his appendix hasn't ruptured." She added, noticing the confused expressions from Nunnally and Suzaku. The trio had been at the hospital for hours and was exhausted.
"Then h-he'll need surgery?" Nunnally asked in a worried tone.
"Not necessarily. Since it's still intact, we can treat it using antibiotics. I should tell you that about thirty-nine percent of patients that decide to avoid the surgery end up needing it down the road. If Lelouch does get another infection, we'd encourage you to have your appendix removed to avoid serious complications. He will need the medicine either way, so I'd like to have a nurse set up an IV. We can wait and see how it goes, or you can opt to have the surgery. I'd like you to stay a few days to keep a close watch on you." The young woman stepped forward, holding out a mint green hospital gown, earning a pointed glare from Lelouch.
"If you think I'm going to wear that damn thing, You are so wrong," Lelouch grumbled.
"I know it's not the most pleasant thing," the nurse replied apologetically. "But it's standard hospital policy, at least for potential surgical patients."
"It's not happening." Lelouch insisted.
"Come on, Lu, "The brown-haired teen pointed out. "Appendicitis doesn't get better on its own. If that's what you have to do to get better-"
" I haven't even agreed to stay. I'm not wearing that. Look at it. There's practically nothing there. No one wants to see-"
"You sure about that?"Suzaku smirked, earning a glare from Lelouch.
"Hey, Suzaku?"
"What?"
"Shut up."
"I'm just trying to lighten your mood a little." Lelouch let out a heavy sigh.
"Because I love you, I feel like I should tell you a hard truth," Lelouch shook his head. " Suzaku, You would never make it as a comedian. I cannot in good conscious suggest that particular career path for you...ever."
"That's a little harsh, don't you think?" the knight teased.
"Maybe, but the truth is exactly that sometimes, Mother Hen." Lelouch turned back to the doctor.
"If I took the medication without the surgery, what can I expect?" He asked.
"The antibiotics have some side effects. We can give you some pain management. You may feel exhausted and sick, with some discomfort and dizziness. You would need to give yourself time to rest. You'll be excused from classes next week. You'll need some looking after, but I see you'll be in good hands with these two."
"Is there any chance you could give me the medicine to take at home?" The prince asked. "Or could I take the medication and then go?"
"We certainly can't force you to stay, but the medication we want to start you on is a bit of a strong dose to get you started. It would be to your benefit to take it. But You would still need to be monitored." Dr. Leigh explained.
"Nunnally and I want you home, Lu, but appendicitis isn't something to ignore and hope it goes away. We almost couldn't get you here.
If you get sicker, it'll be another fight, and by the time I've dragged you back here, and I will if I have to, your appendix could rupture. I need you to stay as much as you don't want to." Lelouch looked over at his sister, who had fallen asleep in her wheelchair, her head resting on the side at an uncomfortable angle. The prince winced. He forced himself to sit up, facing his sister.
"If you want me to stay here, you'll have to go back to the house and bring me something to wear."
"The nurse just said-"
"I don't care. I'm not putting that thing on. Take Nunnally with you."
"You can't expect me to walk out and leave you after all this."
"I do, and you will."
"Lelouch-"
"Suzaku, I'm in pain, I don't feel well, and you really don't want to start with me." The knight knew he didn't have a choice. Lelouch would always get his way.
"Should I check in with the wards on availability?"The nurse asked.
"Please," Suzaku replied. The woman nodded.
"I'll be back in just a moment to get the Iv set up." Once the teens were alone, Lelouch reached out to his sister.
"Nunnally," He called, gently shaking her arm. Nunnally opened her eyes slowly, meeting her brother's gaze.
"I'm sorry, Lelouch," She said softly. "I must've-"
"Did the doctor say what's wrong?" Nunnally asked.
"Yeah. It's nothing to worry about, but I have to stick around for a while. I need you to do something for me."
"What do you need?"
"I'm sending Suzaku back to the house to grab a couple of things, and I want you to let him take you home."
"I couldn't leave you, Lelouch." Nunnally protested.
"You've been in that chair all day. Wouldn't you rather sleep in your bed?"
"I told you-"
"I know. It's not good for you to sleep like that. You'll end up hurting yourself."
"But if you're not well enough to-"
"It's just to make sure the medicine's working. I'll be home soon. Go get some sleep, You can come back and see me later. That's the best thing you can do for me."
"You shouldn't worry about me, you need to rest and-"
"It'll be easier for me to do that if I know you're taking care of yourself."
"Someone should be here for you, and if I take Suzaku away-"Nunnally cried.
"You will be. You can come back and see me tonight. As soon as I get settled, I'll text you so you'll know where I am." Finally, after a long hesitation, Nunnally reluctantly agreed.
"You will be. You can come back and see me tonight. As soon as I get settled, I'll text you so you'll know where I am." Finally, after a long hesitation, Nunnally reluctantly agreed.
"Do you promise?" Lelouch gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
"Promise." the prince replied.
"We should get going then. The sooner we get there, the sooner we'll be back, "Suzaku suggested. The knight carefully pulled Lelouch into a hug.
"Are you sure about this?" He asked.
"Yeah. I'll be fine.
"Do you want help getting back in bed?" Lelouch nodded.
"Nunnally, I'll be out in just a second, do you want to meet me in the hall?" the knight said. Nunnally remained silent but complied. Suzaku lifted Lelouch into his arms, allowing the prince to bury his face in his shoulder. Lelouch let out a soft painful moan as he was lowered onto the bed, immediately curling up on his side.
"Lu-"
"I'm fine. Just a little pain, that's all."
"If this is your idea of a little pain, I don't know what you consider-"
"I'm fine," The ill teen insisted. "Don't keep Nunnally waiting. She's been here long enough."
"Are you sure you want us to go?" Suzaku asked in concern.
"Yeah. I'll be around here somewhere when you get back. Maybe you should think about a nap too. I'll let you know when I find out where I'm going to be." Suzaku leaned down, lightly pressing his lips to Lelouch's head.
"Don't be crazy."He warned. The prince scoffed.
"I'm not crazy."
"You can be sometimes. Stay in bed, get some rest, and take your medicine. I love you, Lu."
"Love you too." The knight brushed back a strand of dark hair from Lelouch's face lovingly before making his way out into the hall.
Suzaku and Nunnally made it back to the house in silence, both concerned for Lelouch. Once inside, Suzaku helped Nunnally to bed and pulled the blanket up to her chest.
"Can I get you anything?" He asked. The princess shook her head.
"No. Thank you, Suzaku. You mean so much to us. Thank you for always looking after us."
"I'm happy to do it. You guys are my family. It might not have been the best circumstances, but I'm glad we're all together." Nunnally reached up, pulling him into a hug.
"I'm so thankful that you asked Lelouch to be with you. He's a strong person, but sometimes even he needs a shoulder to lean on. You always seem to know when to pull him close, even if he tries to hide it from you. Thank you for loving him as much as you do." Suzaku returned the embrace.
"Try to get some sleep, okay?" It wasn't long before Nunally drifted off peacefully, leaving Suzaku to his task.
When he reached the room he shared with Lelouch, he grabbed a backpack, emptying it of its contents. He made his way to the dresser but paused.
"He scanned the drawer, unsure of which set of pajamas to pack. He quickly decided to take the short sleeve royal blue set and grabbed his robe, shoving the clothes into the bag before turning one more and gathering one more outfit for Lelouch to wear coming home. He zipped up the bag and laid down on the bed. It was strange to him to lie in the bed without his partner. He put his hand over Lelouch's pillow with a sigh.
"You have to hurry up and get home, Lu. I miss you. This place just doesn't feel right." Suzaku wouldn't sleep that afternoon, despite his fatigue. By the time early evening came around, Suzaku and Nunnally had grabbed a few snacks and some bottled waters. Nunnally added a deck of cards to the bag.
"In case he's bored." She said with a yawn. She hadn't slept long, having been awakened by a nightmare.
"Ready to go?" Suzaku asked, pulling the strap over his shoulder.
"Yes." She confirmed.
"Do you feel like making a stop before we there? It'll be quick."
"As long as we're not there a long time. I want to get back to Lelouch as soon as possible." The pair stopped at a small flower shop just down the street from the hospital.
"I thought we'd get him some roses, maybe a card." They entered the shop and began to look around. The interior was beautifully decorated in floral designs.
"Good evening. Can I help you find something?" An older woman smiled warmly from behind the counter.
"We're looking for some roses if you have any," Suzaku replied.
"Any particular color?" Before the knight could reply, Nunnally gasped, catching his attention.
"Look, Suzaku," She pointed to a display case. A single baby blue rose trimmed in what appeared to be silver met his eye. It stood under a glass dome.
"That's one of our eternity roses." The woman said. "It's quite popular, a bit pricy, but worth it, I assure you. It doesn't wilt, the blue ones aren't found in nature. They're put through a special process and trimmed in silver. A good choice for that special someone."
Suzaku moved closer, examining the object.
"That's a real rose?" He asked. The woman nodded.
"Yes. Isn't it lovely? It's the very last one."
"He'd love this," Nunnally said with a smile. "Blue is one of his favorite colors.""Yeah, I know. It's beautiful." He glanced down at the price tag, pulling out his wallet. "Lelouch deserves the world for everything he does. It seems like such a small price to pay to give something back. I mean, it's expensive, but to see his face when I give it to him... He has to have it." He carefully lifted it from the display. He carried it over to the counter and handed over the money.
"Your loved one won't be disappointed," The shopkeeper said, placing it in a gift box. Few know the meaning behind giving a blue rose. You are telling that person how extraordinarily wonderful and unique they are. There's a small insert with the explanation inside."
"Thank you. "
"Thank you, Young man. I do hope your dear one is feeling better soon." Suzaku tilted his head slightly.
"I assumed that's where you were headed. I get most of my business from families wanting to buy well arrangements. I didn't mean any-"
"No, I mean you're right. I just-thanks again." Suzaku handed the gift to Nunnally and they proceeded to their destination.
Suzaku paused just inside the entrance. He pulled out his phone, checking his messages.
"Lelouch says he's on the third-floor room 317." Suzaku pushed Nunnally through the quiet halls and over to the elevators. Nunnally pressed the button.
"Do you really think he's okay, Suzaku?"
"Yeah. I bet he'll be sitting up there waiting to tell us 'I told you so' and that we're worried for nothing. You know how your brother is." Nunnally felt a sense of relief at the knight's words. They entered the elevator and pressed the third floor. Nunnally watched the numbers light up above the door. It seemed to slow down the closer they got.
When the door finally opened, they exited onto the third floor. Suzaku took notice of the signs pointing the way to Lelouch's room.
"It's just a little further this way," He said. Nunnally remained silent, not sure what to expect when they arrived. They turned the corner, continuing to the end of the hall.
"Here we are. " Suzaku announced. "You ready?" Nunnally drew in a breath.
"Yes." She replied shortly. The room was small with soft green walls. They noticed the recliner by the window next to the bed where Lelouch was resting. The nurse stood at his bedside, adding notes to his chart.
"Is everything okay?" Nunnally asked. Her eyes locked on her brother. Unlike earlier in the day, he was no longer trying to hide his illness. The prince lay still, he was pale and his fatigue was clearly visible. The nurse turned with a smile.
"He's doing okay," She soothed. "Right now, I'm doing a temperature check and some vitals. He's tired from the medications and the infection. You can both come in." She turned back to her patient, removing the thermometer and examining it.
"Your fever's a little higher than it was this afternoon, but it's evening now, and that can happen. Do you need anything?" Lelouch shook his head wearily.
"There's a call button on your bed control if you need anything. I'll be back in tomorrow, Emma will be checking in with you tonight. You take it easy, sweetie."
She gave a polite nod to Suzaku and Nunnally before excusing herself.
Suzaku placed Nunnally close to the bed and lowered himself onto the edge.
"How are you feeling, Big Brother?"Nunnally reached out, taking Lelouch's hand. "Please tell me the truth."
"Tired." The prince replied quietly. Suzaku kissed his head lovingly.
"Did you sleep at all?"
"A couple of hours off and on. 'm sorry I can't-"
"Don't be," Nunnally said, tears filling her eyes."You don't have anything to apologize for. Please, just get better."
"I know I might sound a little weird right now," Lelouch began. "I might for a few days, but it's really going to be okay, Little Sister. It'll be a little weird while I'm here, but I'll be back to normal soon. Don't worry." Suzaku took hold of Lelouch's free hand, careful not to disturb the IV.
"We missed you at home, Lu. It's not the same place without you. We figured we'd stick around this time."
"You can't leave Nunnally in her chair like that it's-"
"I know. She can have the recliner, and I can camp out on the floor next to her. We'll go home for maybe an hour and come back." Lelouch sighed.
"I don't know if that's-"
"I'm staying," Nunnally said sternly, "You got what you wanted today. Now it's our turn. We're supposed to be together, remember?"
"I don't have the energy to argue with you two. But I want you to-"
"I can be just as stubborn as you, Lelouch. I'm staying with my big brother."She expected her brother to be irritated with her demand, but instead, he gave a weak smile.
"I don't deserve either of you." He said as his eyes began to close.
"You deserve much more. It's getting late, I'll get Nunnally settled in." He released Lelouch and made his way to Nunnally, taking their gift and placing it on the bedside table.
"We'll show him when he's more awake."He lifted her from the wheelchair, set her down on the recliner, and covered her with the extra blanket. Feeling comforted by Lelouch's presence, Nunnally began to yawn.
"Suzaku," Lelouch called.
"Yeah?" He watched his love lean forward, pulling his pillow into his hand. He offered it to the knight. Suzaku placed it under the sleeping girl's head carefully.
"What are you going to do then?" He asked his friend.
"Come over here. "Lelouch invited, pulling Suzzaku onto the bed. The brown-haired teen rested his arm behind Lelouch, encouraging him to lie back. The prince shifted closer to him, resting his head close to his chest.
"I'll use my favorite pillow. You'll stay, won't you?"
"As long as you want me to, Lu."
"What if I asked you to stay forever?"Lelouch asked.
"Then that's exactly what I'll do. I did say that I'd do anything for you and Nunnally. Knights keep their word."
