"I'm a Hanamoto.. my brother runs the mob," she refused to meet his eyes, tears filling her own.
He inhaled sharply, the words repeating in his head. "You're a.."
She nodded quietly, tears streaking her cheeks.
He was silent for several minutes, his eyes locked on clenched fists. "You should leave."
She quickly slipped out of the room, then left the hospital, heading toward her apartment.
"ARYA! Goddammit, slow the fuck down, will ya?!"
She looked back at the voice.
Kaien stumbled to a halt, bending over and taking a deep breath. "You took off like the four horsemen were coming for you. I've been trying to catch up for ten minutes."
"You shouldn't have come after me. You need to rest," she said quietly.
"I need to make sure my friend is alright." He slowly straightened, keeping one hand on his side. "I'm guessing the reveal went badly?"
"He told me to leave, so I did."
"Did he throw things? Or threaten you?" Kaien's voice was soft.
She shook her head, "He was just really quiet."
"There's hope then. I'd have been worried if he had threatened you." The ex soldier cocked his head. "Willing to listen?"
She wiped her eyes and nodded.
"You want to find a bar or something?" He winced slightly. "Standing isn't a good idea right now."
"Alright. There's one around the corner."
He gave her a smirk. "Lead the way..Slowly."
She did, finding them a spot in a corner.
Kaien looked down at the table, trying to organize his thoughts. "What has Toya told you about himself and our family?"
"Not a lot, honestly."
Kaien gave a small snort. "Figures. Okay, here goes. I'm the baby of the family. Yuuto and Toya were born first, Toya by a minute. Our parents were cops, partners in everything. When I was eight, our lives came crashing down." He sighed, his eyes glittering in the low light.
She nodded slowly.
He exhaled slowly, then resumed speaking. "We had gone to our summer home early because our parents were worried. We didn't know that they had been receiving death threats because of their refusal to take bribes. We didn't know anything about their job. One night, we woke to my mother screaming and gunshots. Even then, Toya had more curiosity than brains. He went out and we heard more gunshots. Then the fire started. We barely escaped."
She was quiet a moment before speaking, "It was my parents fault, wasn't it?"
Kaien nodded slowly. "After he was released from the hospital, he said he was joining the force to catch the man who had killed our parents." He looked up, his eyes haunted. "Renji Hanamoto."
"The Ota's killed him.." she looked down with a shudder.
"I know. After he died, I tried to get Toya to leave the force. Told him it was over. But he won't listen. He's got a vendetta against everyone… I don't know what to do anymore. He's going to die, just like our parents. And for what? A fifteen year grudge?"
"I'd say I'd protect him, but I don't know if he'll want to work with me anymore." She sighed. "I'm sorry about your parents."
"Thanks. You know, we don't blame you. You're not your name. Want to hear something funny?"
"Hmm?"
"Haru called you Nee-chan while we were waiting for Toya to get out of surgery." Kaien chuckled as he struggled with a prescription bottle.
"Do you need help?"
"That would be appreciated. My eyes don't want to focus right now." He handed her the bottle as he shifted position slowly.
She opened it and handed it back over. "I might not be my name, but I was raised in such a different world. I envied those with normal childhoods."
Kaien paused. "Normal is overrated, Arya." He took a pill, chasing it with his drink. "Our parents loved us, but we were on our own a lot because they were always working. After, things weren't much different aside from Toya's emphasis on security."
"I always had bodyguards with me. Honestly, until you guys, I've never had any real friends before. They always wanted something." She sighed. "I know my parents loved us, but I wish they didn't bring kids into that environment.." She took a deep breath before taking a drink.
They were both quiet for a few minutes, then Kaien gave her a smile. "I noticed you laughing when I told Yuuto to check on him. The request was not hypothetical."
"I know. I just find it funny that Tomoya basically needs a babysitter."
"Why do you think Haru joined?" Kaien couldn't help the snicker. "What's amazing is that Toya could fit through one of those tiny bathroom windows."
Arya chuckled softly.
"Did Yuuto actually put his foot down this time? Haru said something about having Toya's pants?"
"Yuuto took all of Tomoya's clothes," she smiled.
Kaien began to laugh hard, tears streaking his face as he held his side. "About damn time. I always swore that just because they were twins did not mean Yuuto had to join Toya in being stupid."
She chuckled again before finishing her drink.
He quieted, swirling the liquid in his glass. "Don't judge Toya too harshly, alright? He and Yuuto had to grow up fast to take care of us. He's got demons." He looked up. "I think you could help him slay them."
"We'll start by seeing if he ever talks to me again," she said quietly before giving him a small smile.
Her cell rang, the noise loud.
"Hello?"
"Arya?" Tomoya's voice was heavy, the words slightly slurred. "T-trouble.. Find Ha..ru."
"Alright, what's happening?"
"Nurse..gave me something..hard to think. Mentioned traitor was going to die.. I can't move.." His voice was getting fainter.
"Don't worry. I'll find him." She hung up and looked at Kaien, "Toya's drugged and Haru's in trouble."
"Dammit. Let's go." He threw some money on the table and rose shakily.
"You go at your own speed, you need to rest. I'll run ahead and see what I can find out."
He grimaced, nodding slowly.
Arya ran back to the hospital, looking around in the halls to see if she spotted Haru.
An orderly was pushing a covered gurney, his pace rapid. Arya suddenly noticed the sheet was violently thrashing.
Arya stopped the gurney and quickly uncovered it.
Haru's bound and gagged form was revealed as the orderly raced toward the exit.
"Stop!" Arya ordered, pulling her gun out and pointing it at him.
He whirled, a pistol materializing in his hand.
Arya growled, "Put the gun down!"
"Kiss my ass, cop!" He aimed it at her and started to squeeze the trigger.
She pulled her trigger at the same time, hitting him in the chest as a bullet grazed her arm.
"Arya!" Kaien skidded to a stop beside her, quickly putting pressure on the wound.
"I'll be fine, untie Haru while I check on Tomoya," she grabbed her arm with a small hiss.
He nodded, quickly moving to his brother.
Arya entered Tomoya's room, shaking him gently.
He gave no reaction, laying completely still under her hand.
She looked around and found what he was given, doing a quick search on it before going to a cabinet and grabbing something else. She injected it into his arm and waited.
He began to cough, hazy eyes slowly opening. "Ar..ya. Haru?"
"Haru is alright. Kaien is with him. You should be okay once all the medicine has worn off." She headed to the door.
"Sorry..about earlier. Forgive me?" He dropped his eyes, his shoulders hunched depressively.
"You have nothing to be sorry about."
"I told you to leave. If I hadn't, none of this would have happened. It's all my fault." He tried to pull the blanket over his head.
"It's alright. You were upset and it's understandable. I'd have been upset at me too. Everything is alright, so it isn't a big deal."
"I didn't let you explain. You saved my life and almost got killed. I repay you by throwing you out and treating you like crap. Some partner I am." He reached for the IV, bunching it in a fist and starting to pull.
She went to him, moving her hand off her arm and taking his hand gently. "Stop."
He lifted his eyes, searching her face. "Why? Why do you even care after how I treated you?"
"You're one of the only people I've met who's shown me any kindness. And I expected you to be mad at me. I'd be surprised if you weren't."
His eyes began to tear up. "Still sorry.."
"It's fine," she said quietly. "Now just relax." She glanced at her arm for a moment, which was oozing blood.
"You're hurt!" Tomoya exclaimed, his eyes worried.
"It's just a graze. I'm going to go take care of it, then I'll be back to check on you."
He nodded, his exhaustion becoming evident as Kaien appeared at the door.
"He alright?"
"Yeah, he just needs to rest and let the drugs wear off."
"Good. Haru is being resettled, Yuuto is getting checked out for the goose egg on his head. Why don't we get your arm taken care of?"
She nodded and headed to the door, glancing back at Tomoya a moment before leaving the room.
"Don't let her out of your sight." Tomoya looked at Kaien, who nodded before disappearing.
Arya got bandaged up and given pain meds. After that, she headed back to check on Tomoya again.
He was sleeping now, his features relaxed. His hair curled around his face, moving slightly with his exhalations.
Arya quietly moved to one of the seats near a window, looking outside as she waited for him to wake.
Kaien leaned on the door, quietly watching her.
Her eyes wandered around outside, watching the birds fly freely. Eventually, the medicine began kicking in and her eyes slowly started to close.
Kaien smiled softly, pulling the extra blanket from the bed and moving to her side. He gently placed it over her.
After a while, she finally woke again, looking around quickly.
"Shhh. Everything's okay." Kaien's voice came from the chair next to her. "Toya's still out. How are you doing?"
"Alright," she nodded as she looked over at Tomoya. She watched him for a few moments, wondering if their friendship was really going to be okay.
"ARYA!" Tomoya awoke with a cry, his eyes panicked.
She stood, went to his side and spoke gently, "Calm down, everything is fine."
"Sorry. Must have been a nightmare." He flushed pink and shifted in embarrassment.
She gave him a small smile, "It's alright. How are you feeling?"
"Sore. When can I get out of here?"
"Not sure. I can check with the doctor if you want me to?"
"Better idea. Go threaten my brother with jail if he doesn't return my clothes."
She chuckled, "I'll see what I can do."
Kaien rolled his eyes. "Toya, you have more stitches than Frankenstein's monster and you want to leave? They should have checked you for brain damage."
Arya smiled before slipping out of the room.
Yuuto met her in the hall with a smile. "You trying to prevent murder?"
She laughed, "He wants his clothes back."
"And I want a hot girlfriend. Not going to happen today." He chuckled. "Haru is complaining as well. What are we going to do with them?"
"You could always put them in the same room so they complain to each other instead of us," she shrugged.
"Tempting, but the last time that happened, they ran and we found them at the local ramen shop in a pair of stolen doctor's coats."
Arya chuckled, "Sounds like them."
"Any idea why I'm the sane one?"
She shook her head.
"I want my clothes! Arya, arrest him already!" Tomoya's voice was annoyed.
"I don't think that's going to happen," she stuck her head back in the room.
"Fine. I'll go like this." He slowly climbed out of the bed as Kaien raised an eyebrow.
"It won't hurt you to stay and rest," she said quietly.
"What if they come after you?" He stopped and asked softly.
"It wouldn't be the first time," she answered. "And I am a cop. I'm not useless."
"Just don't want you hurt." He turned an annoyed look on her. "By the way, you were an idiot for trying to give yourself up."
She shrugged.
Kaien finally spoke. "She was trying to save your ass, bro. Have more gratitude."
Tomoya shot him a look, then carefully maneuvered back onto the bed. "I am not worth any of you getting killed over."
She shook her head quietly.
The doctor entered, his eyes narrowed. "Am I interrupting?"
"No, you're fine," Arya answered.
He nodded, then approached the bed. Consulting the chart, he gave Tomoya a smile. "Why don't we check you over, Detective?"
Kaien stood stiffly. "I'll go see Haru."
Arya nodded, "I'm going to grab a snack from the vending machines. I'll be back soon."
Tomoya's face fell slightly, then he nodded.
The doctor began to cut the bandages carefully.
Arya slipped out of the room, quickly going to grab a snack. She came back soon after, standing by the doorway quietly.
The doctor was carefully examining the rows of stitches crisscrossing Tomoya's back, probing certain spots before nodding. "Keep them bandaged and your movement to a minimum for the next week or so. I'll give you cream to apply to lessen the scarring. But I think you can be released." He started to apply new bandages. "You are not to go to work, understood?"
"Yeah, yeah." Tomoya rolled his eyes.
The doctor stopped, grabbing the cop's chin. "You came very close to dying this time, Toya. The last time it was this close, you were fifteen."
Tomoya froze for a moment, then nodded apologetically. "Sorry, Keisuke. I swear I'll stay home."
Arya watched quietly, wondering how bad it was when he was fifteen.
The doctor finished, giving her a smile as he moved past her.
Tomoya looked up in surprise. "You came back?"
"I said I was just getting a snack," she answered.
"Thought you were just being nice. Was sure you were heading to the station to start transfer paperwork." He sighed, absently fiddling with the IV.
"Why would I do that?" She moved back to the chair.
"Because I'm a pain in your ass?" He tried to joke, but his eyes stayed haunted.
"I'm not going anywhere, okay?"
"You're too good for me." He winced as he lay back. "I didn't realize it was that serious.."
"Just rest and heal up and let me worry about work."
"Just ask the question on your mind." His lips quirked upward at her surprised look. "I knew you were there."
"Though I am curious as to what exactly happened when you were fifteen, it's not my place to ask."
"You should know. Did Kaien tell you what happened to our parents?"
"A little," she admitted.
He gave her a small smile. "I told him to. I was shot eight times that night, along with smoke inhalation and flail chest. Spent six months here, the first one hovering between life and death."
"That's terrible," she said quietly.
"I want you to know that I don't hold anything against you. You are not your name. You are my partner. Someone who was brave enough to give herself up to probable torture and death when she barely knew me."
"No one's ever treated me so nice for just being me.. Everyone is always nice because they want things or they fear my name."
"Well, they are all idiots and I'd like to kick their asses."
"I always figured I'd do what I can to help others, but if I end up going down, it's alright, because it's just getting another Hanamoto off the streets.." she looked down, wiping her eyes.
"Don't you ever say that again!" The words were hissed, Tomoya's eyes blazing.
She looked up slightly.
"You are a detective. A damn good one. Your name does not define you. If I ever hear a statement like that from you again, I will kick your ass so hard cadets at the academy will feel it. Is that understood, Sato?"
She nodded slowly.
"Good." He gave her a wide smile. "Now since Keisuke has allowed me to leave, why don't you find my pants?"
She gave him a nod before slipping out of the room to find Yuuto.
"I know. Keisuke actually is releasing him. Did Toya bribe him?" Yuuto handed over the clothing sourly.
"Didn't seem like it," she chuckled.
"Not that he'd ever admit it anyway."
She gave him a small smile before taking the clothes to Tomoya.
He had removed the IV, his arm slightly oozing. He gave her another smile as he gingerly dressed.
She waited until he was dressed to gently wipe his arm off with a clean towel.
He chuckled and kissed her cheek. His face pinked and he busied himself with grabbing his shoes.
She blushed slightly and waited for him, "Tomorrow I should get back to work. Hopefully things will be slow while you're off."
"From your lips to the gods' ears. I hate making Kaien start running before learning to walk." He sighed, leaning on her slightly. "Glad he was with you though. Things would have gotten real ugly if I had to rescue you along with everything else going on."
She sighed softly, staying quiet.
"Can I ask for a favor?" Tomoya's voice was hesitant.
"Sure?"
"Need help getting settled at home. With Haru in here, I'm alone. Would you be willing? You don't have to stay, just make sure everything is where I can reach it. I can get Yuuto to apply the cream and everything else." He focused on breathing, wincing slightly as the stitches tugged with his movement.
"Sure," she answered. "Let's get you there first, okay? Just go slow."
"Trying to. Sorry for being such a hassle." He moved carefully to the door, then headed for the hospital exit. "This is not what I had in mind for the beginning of our partnership."
"It's alright, don't worry about it. It's not like I have anything else going on."
He snorted. "Bullshit. You have a lot going on. You don't need to be saddled by an idiot partner who can't keep himself safe as well." He stopped and leaned on a wall. "Maybe Kaien's right and I should quit. Make the beancounters in accounting and my brothers happy."
"You're not an idiot, things just happen. But if you really want to quit, I wouldn't blame you."
"I don't. I know Kaien thinks I have a vendetta, and maybe that is part of it. But this is the only thing I'm good at..well semi-good at anyway. Chief probably thinks differently, between the property damage and the eight other partners that quit within the first month." Tomoya gave a rueful chuckle.
She chuckled, "I think you're good at it. Things just happen. And having a vendetta makes sense after what you've been through."
He shook his head. "We're not supposed to have vendettas. Or grudges. Supposed to be impartial upholders of the law. Makes me a failure. Again." He pushed himself up and forced himself to walk faster.
"Just take it easy. And I know we're supposed to be impartial. It's just hard sometimes. I have quite a few issues with the Ota's after everything they've done to me.. At least we know they're the bad guys.."
He nodded silently, breathing a sigh of relief as they finally reached the car. He leaned on the passenger door a moment. "So it's not just the Ota's killing your parents that make you hate them, I'm guessing.. Not going to ask twenty questions, just surprised."
She looked down, "They took me when they killed my parents.. I was there for over a month.."
He paled, his eyes meeting hers. They were a mixture of furious and empathetic, his lips tightening.
She sighed again before asking, "Do you need help getting in the car?"
He shook his head, opening the door and sliding in smoothly. He buckled his belt, then looked up at her. "Maybe you should just drop me off."
"I don't mind helping you.. But if you don't want me to.."
"I'm bringing up things you probably want to keep buried. I don't want you to feel forced." He dropped his eyes to his hands.
"You're alright. Don't worry," she gave him a small smile before putting the car in drive and starting toward his house.
He gave her a half smile, resting his head back and closing his eyes.
She quietly drove to his house and pulled up in front. She got out and went to the passenger side, holding her hand out to help him out.
He blinked at her. "Here already?"
"Yeah, just take it slow and easy."
He took her hand, carefully rising to his feet. He swayed slightly, but recovered and made his way to the door. He fumbled with the lock a moment before pushing the door open.
She stayed close behind him, watching him in case he fell over.
He finally managed to get to his bed, trembling as he rested his arms on the mattress. His shirt had red spotting as he tried to catch his breath. "Fucking hell."
"What can I get you to help?"
"A glass of water and my pills?" He peeled the shirt off with a muffled cry. Several stitches had popped, blood oozing down his back. "Shit."
She got the medicine and water, as well as supplies to clean him up. She gently wiped his back clean and restitched the ones that had popped. "There you go. What else can I do to help?"
He turned his head to look at her. "Stay?" He shook his head as he saw her look. "Sorry. Pills make me blurt whatever's in my head out. You don't have to. Sure you have better things to do."
"I honestly don't have anything else to do, okay? Do you want to watch a movie or something or just sleep?"
"Whatever you want to do." He clasped her hand softly. "Thank you for not thinking me weak or stupid."
"Of course, I'd never do that." She looked around and noticed a movie shelf, "What's your favorite movie? I'll put it on."
He turned red. "Promise not to laugh?"
"Of course," she smiled.
He pointed to a movie, ducking his head in embarrassment.
She grinned when she saw what it was, "That's such a cute movie." She put it in the player and sat down.
"Haru says I never grew up. He might be right." Tomoya chuckled, shifting position slightly as the movie started.
She smiled, "That's alright. I never got to have much of a childhood, so I enjoy things like this now."
He bumped shoulders with her. "Can you believe I got reported to Internal Affairs because I invited my last partner to the premiere?"
"Seriously?"
He nodded. "Apparently I was, in her words, a sexist pig for wanting a date."
Arya raised an eyebrow, "Sounds crazy."
"Yeah. When both the Chief and IA told her so, she quit and threatened to sue the force. She backed down when our lawyers actually urged her to proceed."
She rolled her eyes then looked at the television.
They watched the movie in silence. The credits began to roll and she turned only to find him asleep.
She smiled and watched him for a few minutes before turning off the television. She got up and straightened the house a bit to try to help him out.
"Mom? Dad? No! Stop!" Tomoya's panicked voice broke the quiet.
Arya went to him, gently rubbing his arm, "Tomoya, it's alright. It's just a nightmare."
His head tossed back and forth, his breathing labored. "Have to save.."
She shook him a little, "Tomoya, wake up."
He jerked under her hand, his eyes darting rapidly around before focusing on her. He instantly dropped them, turning red.
"Hey, it's alright. Nightmares happen."
"Didn't mean to disturb the movie." His voice was soft and apologetic.
"The movie's been over for a while. I've been cleaning a bit. I hope you don't mind.. Just thought I'd help out more.."
He chuckled. "Yuuto would approve. He says Haru and I must have been raised by wolves because we are so messy."
She chuckled in response. "Do you need anything? I can throw together some food for you?"
"You don't have to feel sorry for me.."
"I'm not, I'm just trying to be helpful.." she looked down. "Sorry."
He shook his head. "I was out of line. I should be a better patient than this. Been hurt enough times." He hung his head to hide the tears pricking his eyes. "Kaien says I push people away too much."
She gently put a hand on his shoulder, "It's alright."
"Think there are leftovers in the fridge." He was quiet, then raised his eyes. "If you don't want to deal with me I understand."
"Would you rather have something fresh? I don't mind making you something."
His mouth dropped open. "You would do that?"
"Yeah," she smiled.
"I don't know how to repay you.."
"Don't worry about it." She went to the kitchen and looked through for ingredients. Twenty minutes later, she had a plate full of food ready for him and she carefully carried it back to his room.
He was dozing fitfully, his forehead furrowed as his eyes darted back and forth under the lids. His hands were clenched so tight she could see blood dripping onto the blankets.
She put the plate on the table and gently shook his shoulder, "Tomoya? Wake up. Everything is alright."
He jolted awake, almost tumbling off the bed. "Woah…"
"Hey, it's alright, just relax." She held him steady.
"Was hoping the pills would keep the nightmares at bay. Looks like that isn't happening." He scooted up against the headboard, eyes widening as he saw the food. "Wow…."
She made sure he was ready then set the plate on a tray and set it on his lap.
He gave her a grin as he tasted it. "You're amazing! You're going to make someone an amazing wife someday."
She blushed slightly, "It's nothing special." She then sighed softly, "You slightly sound like my brother. But he keeps trying to marry me off."
"Ouch. Sorry about that." He looked apologetic. "Not implying that's all you're good for or anything. I just meant that having someone who cares cook for you is rare. Take it from me."
She nodded and looked through the movie shelf, picking another one and putting it on.
"You sure I'm not monopolizing you?" He paused eating to cock his head at her.
"I don't have much of a life. I try to stay away from stuff my brother does, and I don't really have any friends, so... but if you want me to go, I can."
"Where did that come from? I am not trying to get rid of you. Aside from my brothers and one childhood friend, I pretty much stick to home myself. Just don't want you to feel you have to take care of my dumb ass."
She nodded, "I don't mind staying, I just want to make sure you actually want me here and that I'm not a bother. Like I said, I'm not used to having friends so I'm not the best at this kind of thing.."
He smiled. "Could have fooled me. You've treated me like a visiting guest."
She chuckled softly in response.
He placed the tray on the floor, then slowly stood. "Let me use the facilities and then we can watch more fun stuff." He disappeared into the bathroom and closed the door.
She checked her phone, making sure she hadn't missed anything.
Five minutes later, the door opened. He gave her a weak smile as he stumbled to the bed.
"Are you doing alright? Do you need more medicine or anything?"
"The pills are startingto wear off. My back is making its displeasure known. Wish I could have returned the favor to that jerk. Who uses sashimi knives on people, anyway?"
She shook her head and went to grab him more medicine and another drink. She held it out for him with a small smile.
"Thanks." He quickly downed both, then reclined on the pillows. "I was wondering something."
"Hmm?" she looked over at him.
"How is it you don't have a boyfriend? Or am I reading the situation wrong? Should that be a girlfriend?" He looked embarrassed.
She chuckled, "I go either way. But there's the whole issue of who my family is. If the person I'm with knows, they're afraid. If I don't tell them, I start feeling guilty I'm hiding things from them. So it's just easier to not date.."
He nodded in understanding. "I get that. I decided a cop's life isn't fair to another person. Especially a non cop. So I swore off dating anyone even though my brother's think I'm overreacting."
"Makes sense, things can go bad quickly. Never really thought of that aspect," she sighed before giving him a small smile, "Hopefully whenever you do quit or retire you'll find someone nice."
"Doubt I'll ever retire willingly. Plus with being on the task force, more than likely I'll get taken out by someone long before the brass could force me out." He watched the television absently, one hand picking at his bandages.
"Well, hopefully with me around to save you, you won't get taken out," she chuckled softly.
The front door opened quietly, Kaien soon appearing in the doorway. "Hey. He been behaving?"
Arya smiled, "Yeah, pretty much. Just been sleeping and watching movies."
Kaien grinned. "I brought food cause I figured you guys hadn't grabbed anything. Haru won't be released until the end of the week. So if you want, we can do a sleepover?"
Arya chuckled, "Sure. And I did cook him a little something earlier, but he might need more food."
"I want a beer, but with you two that won't happen." Tomoya mock growled.
"If it wouldn't cause issues with the meds, I'd let you have some," Arya smiled. "But until you're off them, no beer for you. Unless you like that non alcoholic stuff."
He shuddered. "Dear lord no. I'd rather drink sewer water. I'll just grab a soda." He eased himself off the bed, cursing softly.
"Do you need help?" She asked softly.
"Keep forgetting I'm held together by stitches and prayers. I probably shouldn't be moving so much." He sat down carefully, his eyes pained.
Kaien snorted. "Doc would have your ass back in the hospital if I called. Though I'm not supposed to be active either."
Arya chuckled, "Both of you just rest. I'll get the drinks and plate up the food."
"You're too good to us." Kaien chuckled as he eased himself onto the bed.
Arya went and got everything ready before bringing it in on trays.
Tomoya nudged Kaien who was rolling his prescription bottles like bowling balls. "You been taking them?"
Kaien shrugged. "Antibiotics? Yeah. Don't want a repeat of last year. Prefer not to take the pain meds."
Arya rolled her eyes, "You're hurt, you probably need them."
"Hate being out of it. Dangerous. Holdover from the military." Kaien took the tray from her with a sigh.
"Arya, hit him will you?" Tomoya growled.
She sighed, "Both of you just eat and take your meds. You'll sleep through any out-of-it feelings you have."
"If you weren't here, I'd argue." Tomoya grinned as he started eating.
Kaien rolled his eyes. "I'll consider it."
"I'll be around to make sure nothing bad happens," she smiled. "So try not to worry about anything."
The former soldier shrugged again, eating as he stared at the movie.
Arya sat down and picked at her plate, only half focused on the movie.
Tomoya managed half his plate before starting to snore lightly.
Arya chuckled quietly and moved his tray away.
Kaien snickered, then winced slightly. Seeing her eyes on him, he dutifully swallowed several pills, then gave her a peace sign.
She smiled and headed to the kitchen, washing up the few dishes they had used. She then returned to the room to see if Kaien was still awake.
He was dozing, one hand on his side.
She quietly turned the movie off and went to turn off the light.
"I should go." His deep voice was quiet as he began to stand.
"I was just going to let you two sleep. Figured I'd just crash on the couch so I'm here if you guys need anything."
"I don't want to be an extra hassle. Toya is going to be annoying enough. I'll just go home."
"Don't worry about it. Just rest. Unless you really want to go, then I can take you. But you shouldn't be out alone after taking those meds."
Kaien studied her quietly. "Why are you not annoyed?" He sighed. "I know what you'll say, that you're just a nice person. But how is it that you're nicer than the rest of the people we work with?"
"I don't see why I'd be annoyed.. and I don't know."
"Don't mind me. I get weird on medication." He gave her a small smile as he swayed. "Hate the damn things."
"I know, but they help." She put a hand out to steady him. "Where do you want to sleep?"
"I'll crash on the couch. You take Haru's bed, it's more comfortable."
"You're the one hurt, you take the comfier bed. Plus, I can hear better if I'm on the couch and you guys need something."
"Toya's been having them again, huh?" Kaien sighed heavily.
"Nightmares? Yeah."
"Dammit. I had hoped they'd stopped." He rubbed his face wearily. "We should all quit and go live on an island somewhere."
"Sounds nice," she chuckled. "And don't worry, I'll take care of him if he has more tonight. Just get some sleep."
He gave her a quiet nod, then slowly moved down the hall. He entered a room, closing the door behind him.
Arya moved to the couch and laid down, checking her phone and setting an alarm before going to sleep.