Author's Notes:

Alright, here goes. Things start to get a little intense, some drama I guess..

Ritsu has some stuff to get off his chest... Breathe in, Breathe out..

Chapter 3: Confrontation; Truth and Lies

Ritsu did just as Reigen had told him to do. Mob took the medicine with no complaints. Not that Shigeo would ever resist in the first place, his brother was really accepting of things for some reason. Ritsu was relieved to know that Reigen was well prepared for this. Although he would hate to admit, without his help Ritsu wasn't sure how he planned on helping his brother on his own.

"Your Master is really something else, Brother." Ritsu commented.

Shigeo took one last gulp from the water bottle, lifting his droopy eyes to his brother who was sitting on the chair next to him. It was rare for Ritsu to talk about Reigen. Although Ritsu's behavior was odd, Shigeo didn't find it necessary to question his brother's sudden interest in his Master. Instead he stood quiet, silently listening.

Ritsu took the empty bottle from his brother, placing it in the small trash by his desk then rolled his chair back in front of Shigeo.

"It was nice of him to come out of his way to check up on you, he must really care for you. Honestly, I didn't take him for that kind of guy," Ritsu continued. It was true, he always felt that Reigen was only using his brother.

"Ah, yes. Master is a good person," Shigeo replied. He laid back down staring up at the ceiling before closing his eyes. He was tired.

"You must trust him a lot, don't you Brother?"

"I do." Shigeo exhaled slowly, eyelids still rested shut.

"I mean," Ritsu hesitated, unsure whether it was a good idea to continue with his question. "Do you trust him more than... m-me..?" He felt selfish, instantly regretting his question.

"Huh…? W-What?" Shigeo's eyes fluttered open staring up at his younger brother but Ritsu's dark orbs blinked to the side, avoiding eye contact. This action troubled Shigeo who was unable to interpret his brother's behavior. "Ritsu, why would you think that?"

Ritsu's was quiet for a moment, reviewing the question in his head as he came up with the best way to reply. "Like you, um. Never really come to me for help... or advice. It's always Reigen. I feels as though he is somehow replacing me."

"O-oh." Shigeo was not sure how to respond.

They both fell silent, unable to look each other in the eye. It was not something Shigeo was used to and for the first time, Shigeo felt uncomfortable around his brother and it left him sad and empty. It hurt.

"I-I didn't know… that I made you feel that way..."

Ritsu knew this was selfish and perhaps unfair to Shigeo but before he had time to think this through, his lips sort of moved on its own, "It's not you, brother. It's him."

"No, wait Ritsu. It's not Master's fau-"

"Yes it is! Don't defend him!" Ritsu said abruptly. "Just what is it about him that always has you running back to him? What does he have that I don't?"

"I'm not. I don't really... I don't know… I can't explain." Mob was at a loss for words. He didn't quite understand why he came to Reigen, he just did.

"I'm here too." Ritsu's voice cracked, obviously holding back some kind of emotion.

"I know. But-"

Ritsu watched his brother closely, observing his nervous posture, eyes Averted. "Look at me."

Shigeo didn't look up at his brother. He was just so flustered at the moment that he wasn't really sure what he should do. But it was a completely misunderstood reaction from Ritsu's point of view, who saw it as a sigh of wariness and fear.

"You don't trust me." said Ritsu, eyes blank and out of focus.

"Huh?" Shigeo jolted his head up, finally facing his brother. "N-No! I never said that."

"Is that why you called your Master, instead of me?"

"Ritsu, that's not why I- "

"Why must you deny it?" There was a sudden build of anger in Ritsu and without warning, he had completely snapped "Stop hiding the truth from me Brother! I know it's true!" his interruption caused Shigeo to flinch at his sudden outburst.

Why can't his brother just admit it? Ritsu was tired of being pitied and lied to. He would always be Shigeo's second choice, when he should be the closest person to his brother, the one who his brother could lean on and come to for support. They're family, that's what family is all about. Trust.

"Do you find more comfort relying on Reigen than you do from your own brother? Is that it?" Ritsu stood up from the chair, his voice increasing in volume, causing their surroundings to shake and vibrate, threatening the stability of the room.

"That's NOT TRUE." Shigeo tensed, his pulse raced faster. He had never seen Ritsu this upset with him since that time with claw. It made him very nervous and he wasn't sure what to do about the raising panic building up in his nerves.

"It's alright, just say it... I need you to be honest with me. You don't trust me. Just say it!"

"No, no! You're wrong Ritsu! Please list-" Shigeo choked on his own words and began coughing harshly, the irritation in his sore throat reminded him that he shouldn't have raised his voice like he did.

Alarmed, it only took seconds for Ritsu to revert back to the caring and loving brother he normally was. He instinctively held up his brother into a sitting position. "Hey, Hey! Are you okay!?" Ritsu shouted as he rubbed his brother's back, soon realizing that this was definitely his fault.

Shigeo nodded his head, afraid to use his voice again. He shuddered with each cough, his eyes shut tightly, back arched forward to where his head reached his bent knees, wheezing desperately, feeling more tired and weaker than ever.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! Does it hurt brother? I didn't mean to..." Ritsu was truly sincere. Guilt washed over him, he was so selfish. So very selfish. God, so stupid! He should have known better than to upset Shigeo in his condition and now he once again caused his brother more pain. Why did it always turn out this way?

The room shook violently, Shigeo's power was losing stability as it swam through the air in bright colors. Shigeo started to panic becoming afraid he might hurt Ritsu. He held himself tighter, his nails digging in to his skin. He felt that maybe it'd help him calm down somehow but all it did was increase his brother's growing concern.

It was right around this point when Reigen and Dimple entered the room again, witnessing Shigeo's coughing fit in which they immediately intervened.

Reigen rushed to Mob's side. "What happened?" He asked Ritsu. The boy didn't answer, he was too concentrated on his brother at the moment to pay attention to anyone else.

"What do you block heads think you're doing? Give him some room!" Dimple commanded, sounding very annoyed. "Are you trying to suffocate the boy? He's heated enough!"

They didn't appreciate Dimple's mannerism, especially Ritsu, which found it both insulting and accusing. But it was more frustrating knowing that Dimple was right. Ritsu and Reigen both exchanged looks before backing off. They gave Shigeo some space, watching helplessly as he struggled for air.

Dimple flew towards Shigeo. "It's okay Shigeo. Listen, place one hand to your chest and the other pressed on your stomach. Now breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, slowly breathe. In and out, slowly. You're alright." Dimple coached the boy.

Shigeo complied with the spirit, taking slow and controlled breaths while holding his stomach. The air became lighter and his power slowly diminished.

"Good. You're doing alright, kid."

Dimple felt sorry for the boy, this was the worst he had ever seen him. Shigeo was already known for fainting due to anemia during his track run in the body improvement club but none were ever severe cases. Dimple wondered that maybe the reason Shigeo looked so drained was also due to the fact of how physically unfit he was and not just because he was sick with a fever. It could be possible. It would explain why his sickness progressed so fast. Shigeo's physical endurance just wasn't cut out for all the sudden stress added onto to him recently.

"Where did you learn those breathing exercises?" asked Reigen.

"Heh, you could say I've been around and I've seen a lot. Used to haunt a hospital in my early ghost days." Dimple said almost sounding proud of the fact.

After a few shaky breaths, Shigeo plopped back down into the bed, head spinning, completely exhausted. He wanted to sleep now more than ever. Being awake only meant more suffering. Shigeo shook his head in submission, "No more..."

"Unfortunately, we still need to bring down your temperature," Reigen said sadly, wishing to ease his student's discomfort.

There was a pained whine that came in response from the esper, which was very unlike Shigeo to complain about anything.

"Please Mob, just bear with me. It'll be alright. I promise."

Shigeo looked up at his teacher who gave him a reassured smile. It was a warm smile, one that made him feel safe for reasons he couldn't explain. Master had never let him down, sure there were times where Shigeo doubted his weird methods but in the end it always came out alright. This shouldn't be any different. It'll be alright. Shigeo held onto that thought.

"Don't worry, I'll have you fixed up in no time. You don't need to do anything, just relax." Reigen squeezed the water from the wet towel, folding it in a perfect rectangular shape, laying the dampened material over Mob's forehead.

Ritsu watch with growing frustration as Reigen handled the situation accordingly. At this point he couldn't even be jealous of the man, he only had himself to blame and he almost felt unworthy of watching Shigeo after what happened. He wanted to walk out the room but something told him that doing that will only make Shigeo worry, and he's done enough of that already. The only thing he could do is stand here uselessly and watch it all play out. Because that's what a good brother would do; be there with him until the end of it all.

Shigeo let out a weak gasp even though he tried his best to anticipate the cold touch but he still couldn't control the shakes that came with his body's reaction. Another towel was fixed under his neck, and more were placed between his armpits. This felt awkward. Reigen drained another wash cloth, then steadily wiped his warm skin with soft pats on his arms then slowly up to his face. Shigeo turned his head in embarrassment, his heart thumping faster through his ribcage, feeling slightly uneasy with how close his Master was handling him.

Shigeo didn't understand why he was feeling this way. It's not like Reigen would ever take advantage of him- No! His Master would never do such a heinous act. Plus, Ritsu was here. That's right, Ritsu. His brother, who had just revealed how he really felt about his Master.

Please don't be mad at Master Reigen, Ritsu.

Learning his brother true feelings about his Master really left Shigeo conflicted between the two. He didn't know what to do and Ritsu wouldn't listen to reason. He just wished he'd give Reigen a chance but it wasn't his master Ritsu should be blaming. No, Shigeo was very sure that it was his own fault for not realizing it sooner.

Please don't be mad, I'm sorry. I'm sorry…I'll try harder, I promise.

Shigeo tried to clear his thoughts, he needed to calm down. It'll be alright. It'll be alright…

Reigen stopped for a moment, heeding Mob's nervous behavior. "Mob? What's wrong, am I making you uncomfortable?" Reigen raised his hands cautiously away from the preteen. "I can stop if you want?" He prompted, waiting patiently for his answer.

Shigeo wasn't sure. "I-I'm okay. I was just… startled. That's all." he blinked once, averting his eyes from Reigen.

Reigen peered at his student doubtfully, Mob couldn't fool him, the kid was easy to read but Reigen didn't say anything. Talking about it would probably just make Mob more anxious. He rubbed the cloth down Mob's face once more and the esper tensed, clearly it bothered him. This didn't sit well with Reigen and he wondered whether it was wise to proceed; especially since he was being supervised by Mob's bodyguard over here.

Ritsu was leaned up against the closet door, across from the bed, arms crossed, he was standing there rather quietly, like a watchdog ready to bark at any suspicious activity from the man.

But nonetheless Reigen continued.

A few minutes passed and Shigeo had got used to strokes on his skin, they had become relaxing somehow and he was able to close his heavy eyes for once. He let out a long breath, tilting his head a little trying to find a comfortable position on the pillow.

Darkness covered Shigeo and the quiet atmosphere helped him mentally shut out everything around him. He wondered if things would get better after this. Well, as long as he wasn't alone, everything would be fine. Yes, as long as Master Reigen and Ritsu were here, they'd take care of him. He'd be alright. If he sleeps now, would the pain disappear? Yes, sleep was all Shigeo could think about at this point.

Everything will be alright, as long as they are here with him, it will get better. Those thoughts made him feel safe and secure. Without them, he might have not been able to drift quietly to sleep.

Author's Note:

This chapter felt really short, sorry. I hope my dialogue wasn't too cheesy. I know there are so many stories with jealous Ritsu right now but mind you, I wrote this in September when there was barely Fanfics for this series. Even though, I did a lot of revising since then. Anyway, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Tell me your thoughts. I look forward to it. 3