Chapter 3:

Characters are now done. Harima thought. I think Yakumo would give them personalities according to what they look like. I gave her many examples. The story can be created later. I think I did well.

He then heard papers falling behind him. Oh. She must be finished. Better get her opinion.

"So, Imouto-san, is it good?" he asked his assistant while turning around. Seeing Yakumo, his eyebrows knotted in confusion. "Imouto-san?"

Something was wrong.

The draft sketches hadn't been placed down by Yakumo; instead they were scattered around the table like they had been dropped. Harima inspected Yakumo closer.

She was trembling, her hands looking like they were clutching something unseen. Her breathing was in irregular gasps and her eyes were wide open in frantic shock.

"Are… you okay?" Harima slowly asked as panic gradually crept into his mind.

Yakumo raised her head slowly and stared at him. Harima froze for a moment, seeing eyes that didn't look quite normal. Her head then unceremoniously banged down onto the table. Harima stood up in panic. He would have uttered a string of curses worthy of making his former sailor buddies proud, if it weren't for the fact that Yakumo, whom he so respected was right in front of him. He quickly went to her side and shook her gently in his arms.

"Imouto-san! Imouto-san!"

The fainted girl didn't respond. She was still breathing but Harima couldn't get a response from her. He had never seen Yakumo behave this way before nor look this terrified. Even in the overnight sessions they had, she didn't just suddenly fall asleep, or unconscious for that matter. This was a completely different thing. He was no doctor but he wasn't that dumb as to not know something was definitely wrong.

Panic showing in his features, he laid her down on the floor using paper stacks to cushion her head. His mind was going a thousand miles per second and he still wasn't sure what to do.

Sarah. She can help me.

With a goal in mind, he ran straight out of the room in reckless abandon, hitting and scattering his art supplies in the process, and went to find Sarah.

Sarah was about to retire for the night. She had to admit Yakumo owed her. The blonde remembered Tenma and how she attempted to get Yakumo and Harima closer together. Back then, she would never have believed it: Yakumo dating Harima was laughable if not disturbing. She was so close to questioning her about her taste in boys. Yakumo has so many fans and yet she chose someone who didn't like her, and it had to be the most notorious one. The thought of not liking her was in itself incredible, given how popular, charming and beautiful Yakumo was to boys. And seriously, it had to be a delinquent of the lowest order.

But over the course of time she was proven wrong in both accounts. Now that she knew Yakumo did in fact have sensible reasons for why she liked the guy - Harima was actually a very good person despite what others saw in him. She felt justified in pushing them along a little bit.

Harima, for all his faults and shortcomings, was one of the most honorable men she had met. He might not act this way all the time but he can show utmost respect and privacy when it came to the two of his housemates. He was mild mannered and very responsible around the house. The guy was like the big brother she never had. Her joke of the day was more of a compliment than a teasing mockery as Harima was really quite helpful in every way.

Chivalry, it seemed, was not yet dead. Funny that the word was associated to knights of old while his manga counterpart was a knight. Quite a connection, really.

However, Sarah wasn't experienced when it came to relationships. And neither was Tenma. Matchmaking was not exactly a job for a nun but at least she was acting like a sister to Yakumo. From that standpoint, she could now see why Tenma was so adamant in making Yakumo and Harima into a couple. It was just begging to happen after the multitude of things the two had gone through.

They were really suited for one another but they only needed one decisive moment to make their feelings shown, be it caused by a push or a shove. Yakumo should have no apparent problems when it came to having feelings for the man since it was blaringly obvious to Sarah and everyone else, though it was too subtle and not intrusive enough for Harima to notice. Her shy demeanor might be a bit bothersome but it was one of the fine traits that a lot of boys found most attractive in Yakumo. If it ever came to a relationship between the two, she was the one more likely to accept it first. If it came to it.

The only big hurdle was how Harima failed to notice those blaring hints right in his face. Sarah had wished she could just throttle the man out of his wits and tell him right to his face how Yakumo liked him all this time. Yakumo's affections were something most boys would die for, and all this time it was being handed to Harima on a silver platter. How could he not see how lucky he was? Does he really need a beating for realization to finally dawn on him?

As much as that option was practical and tempting (even if it was a very un-nun-like behavior), Sarah needed to watch her steps with the two of them given the current situation. The first thing that came to mind was that it was not conducive to a man who was recovering from heartbreak. Also, she could not let Yakumo be a "rebound". Forcing could worsen it, paving way for awkward moments whenever they were going to be together. Harima needed to realize it himself for their relationship to grow normally. He needed to let go of Tenma and not let it be a stigma between them. Tenma was Yakumo's sister and that will never ever change so Harima needed to come to terms with his past heartaches if they were going to be together.

They needed time. Luckily, they had lots of it now that they're living together. Heck, if they were not yet a couple before graduation, she would go back to her first option: whacking the sense out of Harima 'til he cries for Yakumo.

Leaving her thoughts for now since the outcome entirely depended on the two, she went to bed for much needed sleep. Tomorrow was Sunday and she couldn't afford to be sleepy and absent-minded in front of Mother Superior and be scolded... again.

Sarah was about to close her eyes when she heard an insistent knocking on the door.

What the? Sarah wildly asked in her mind. Just wanting to let this over with, she walked to the door and turned the thumb turn lock. The door suddenly nudged open, revealing a very haggard Harima. Sarah jumped in surprise.

So much for her awe for the man.

"What the? Harima! What are you doing?!" Sarah shouted at him. Ignoring her questions, Harima took her by the hand and dragged her out of the room. The sudden surge of energy made Sarah jittery. "What's all this about?!"

"It's Yakumo!" Harima finally replied to her. "She just fainted!"

Fainted? Yakumo? Finally aware of the situation and now fully awake, Sarah brushed Harima away and sprinted to his room.

She arrived at Harima's room, her heavy breathing wracking her tiny frame. Looking around the room, she saw Yakumo on the floor and went to her side. I need to check her vital signs. She touched her pulse and closed her eyes.

1... 2... 3...

Nothing's wrong. Certain her pulse was normal she put an ear close to her best friend's face. Her breathing seems to be normal too, Sarah noted. She released a relieved sigh but was still worried.

Yakumo, not again.

The blonde heard footsteps behind her. She turned around and saw Harima standing by the doorway, looking gravely concerned. Having a chance to observe, she looked around the room. Papers were scattered on the floor next to Yakumo. Upon inspection, there were sketches of people on them. This is from Harima's manga.

"She just fainted, Sarah. I swear to you." Harima said with a slight strain in his voice, both his hands stretched in surrender. "I tried to wake her up but she didn't even respond."

Sarah looked up at him, a mellow expression on her face. "I know. This has happened before."

You're all alone now.

Your father left you and now your sister has left you too.

Why are you still being so selfless?

What are you getting from all these sacrifices?

Won't you think of your own good?

Can't you make decisions on your own?

Will you follow your heart just for once?

Why are you still denying yourself?

Didn't your sister want to make you happy too?

Didn't your father want you to meet someone you'll love someday?

Do you even have a heart for yourself?

Why are you hoping for love but willingly hand it to others?

Why are you wasting this chance?

Will you just let him go?

Just like them?

Yes.

Just like your father.

Just like your sister.

You're all alone.

You have nothing now.

You reap what you sow.

Someday you'll meet a person who will make you smile. Someone who will love you for who you really are.

Daddy, I don't want that! That's stupid! All I need is you, daddy!

Someday, you'll understand.

Why do they never visit us? Do they hate us? We've never done anything wrong so why are they avoiding us?

Don't think like that. They're just busy and besides, they live very far away.

I hate them, daddy. I hate them.

I don't want to go to school! My sister keeps embarrassing me in front of her friends! Besides, you teach better than most of the teachers there!

There is more to it than just lessons and playtime. Why don't you try and make some friends?

They're all immature! They know absolutely nothing in class!

Don't say things like that.

Daddy! Daddy! Please don't leave me! You promised me!

"What do you mean it happened before!?" Harima suddenly asked with more vehemence than he intended. Sarah was visibly startled. "I'm sorry," Harima quickly apologized and asked again in a controlled manner. "I mean, Yakumo has fainted before?"

Sarah replied, looking back at Yakumo. "Yakumo has a tendency to just... 'fall asleep'." She paused, clearly thinking what the right word to say. "I don't really know myself but it has happened multiple times before.

"The first time I saw Yakumo, she was sleeping alone on a bench. At first, I thought she was just tired. But when she kept doing this, I started to worry. She's even done it in the middle of class."

Harima listened intently. Yakumo had helped him in his manga multiple times before; even late into the night but he never saw her passing out. He couldn't help but worry about her even more now. He then asked in a confused manner, "Isn't that dangerous? Suddenly fainting at who knows where else?"

"Of course it is," Sarah answered back. "But I think Yakumo is still somewhat aware of her surroundings."

Harima's frown deepened even more. "What?"

Realizing she should probably elaborate, Sarah continued. "I mean, one time, I saw Hanai trying to kiss her on the cheek while she was asleep -"

"Why that sneaky, pervert four-eyed bastard!" Harima exclaimed. "I'm gonna ki-"He stopped. Seeing Sarah's eyes sharpening and remembering there's an unconscious girl in the room, he quickly shut his mouth.

"As I was saying," continued Sarah, "Hanai tried to land one on her. But before Hanai could reach her, she suddenly grabbed his arm and slammed him to the ground. I thought she just woke up and reacted quickly, but she went back to the bench and slept again as if nothing happened. Even stranger, was that other people say they saw Yakumo still had her eyes closed the entire time. I, myself find it hard to believe."

"Woah." Harima breathed out. Just like Tenma, huh? They really are sisters. "So she can protect herself even when asleep? Is that it?" he asked more incredulously than confused.

Sarah looked up thoughtfully. "I guess, but she doesn't fight back when I touch her. I think she'll only do it if someone was harming her, or at least has the intention of doing something to her. I'm not really sure about this, though."

Harima mentally cringed. He suddenly had a vision of Yakumo slamming him hard to the floor. He did shake her earlier. Boy that was a close one. Hey! Why should I think like that? I would never hurt Yakumo in a million years! "Couldn't we simply wake her up?" He asked again in the same tone from earlier.

"I've tried before but whatever I did she wouldn't wake up. I don't want to end up hurting her or anything so I just wait until she wakes up on her own."

Harima grunted, still processing all this strangeness in his mind.

"We should move Yakumo to her room. Her... 'sleep' usually lasts a long time."

"Yeah, I guess." Harima scratched his head. "Sarah, could you please prepare her bed while I carry her to her room? It doesn't make sense to let you carry her and I prepare the bed, does it?" He said and smiled.

Appreciating Harima's attempt to lighten the mood, Sarah nodded and stood up. "Sure." She then left the room.

Harima lifted Yakumo with an arm beneath her folded knees and another around her shoulders. She was incredibly light compared to Tenma, not trying to be rude or anything. He carried her to her room and along the way he felt a slight sense of déjà vu.

A memory flashed before his eyes before he even registered it. This had happened before, back when Yakumo got sick all of a sudden.

During the winter break, his animal friends had informed him someone with the name of Tsukamoto needed help. As usual, Harima thought it was Tenma and took off with all haste. Guided by his band of animals, they went to the Tsukamoto's residence. Upon his arrival, he found it was actually Yakumo who was in trouble. She had a high fever and was sprawled unconscious in the kitchen. There was also a kettle boiling on the stove. This alarmed him more than anything else did. If he had gotten there any later who knows what would have happened with the stove left on like that?

Tenma was at a ski resort and Harima had cursed every second for not being there. But with the present situation of having his assistant falling sick, he had to take care of her. He took care of her for a few days, tending to her needs whilst also drawing his manga. As long as Tenma didn't catch him in the house when she returned home, he should be fine.

The irony of where he was heading now wasn't lost on him. He was going to Yakumo's room, the same scene of the crime that got him thrown out the first time because he didn't check the bed first before lunging in recklessly. If Yakumo had been in the bed instead of Iori... Harima grimaced. Now having the knowledge of how lethal Yakumo could be in her sleep, he realized he could have received a broken rib or two as souvenirs to go along with his sudden departure.

Harima arrived in Yakumo's room just as Sarah was leaving. She had already finished preparing the futon. Sarah bid her housemates goodnight and went back to her own room. Harima went inside and gently placed Yakumo on the bed and covered her with the blanket.

Oh, man. This is such a disaster, Harima thought while sitting beside her, his palm going to his forehead. This is just bizarre. Hope she's all right. He stood up to leave but felt something tugging at the end of his pants. He looked down and saw Yakumo's outstretched hand holding onto him.

"Don't... leave... promise... me." Yakumo weakly murmured in her sleep. Harima was taken aback but resisted the urge to panic.

Feeling a little guilty that somehow this was all his fault, Harima sat down again by her side and held Yakumo's hand, tucking it back under the blanket. "Don't worry, Yakumo," he replied softly. "I won't leave you."

Harima's vision suddenly blurred and he found his eyes growing very heavy. Soon, his whole body seemed to collapse on him, all his day's activity had finally caught up to him. He sprawled to the ground and in a matter of seconds he had fallen asleep.

Light snores came out of Harima. He was lying on his side and one would think he was looking directly at Yakumo. His hand was still in Yakumo's and it would occasionally squeeze his hand back. A window opened and Iori crept inside the room. Finding enough space on the futon, the black cat curled his body and lay down.

Author's Corner: I didn't have Internet connection for weeks (weeks!) so this was posted sooooo late. I haven't given up on this, guys. Hopefully my internetz won't be an ass again.