After a while, Mia woke and noticed the time. She shook Ryusei gently, "Hey, want some lunch?"
He blinked his eyes open, then smiled. "Sure. Sorry about this."
"You're fine. You're still healing, so you needed the rest."
"I guess. Have you seen Isao? He's been on the phone for a long time."
"Last I saw he went to the kitchen."
"Oh." Ryusei slowly stood and headed that direction. After a moment, he popped his head out. "He's not in here now."
She frowned, "I'll check around for him." She went to check the rooms, opening the door to the one they'd used.
Isao lay sprawled on the bed, sleeping fitfully. His face was flushed, his forehead furrowed as he winced.
She sat down beside him, shaking him lightly, "Isao?"
He jerked, his eyes flying open. He gave her an apologetic look as they focused on her. "Sorry. What's up?"
"Just was checking on you. Do you want some lunch?"
"No thanks." He sat up, then went a faint shade of green.
"Is there anything I can do to help you?"
He froze for a minute, then gave her a smile. "I'm fine. Think it's just after effects from what I was drugged with. Go have fun with Ryu."
"Are you sure? You were feeling alright earlier?"
"Positive." He kissed her cheek softly. "By the way, we may be having visitors."
"Visitors?"
"Don't worry, they're friendlies. Though Ryu may kick my ass." Isao gave a short laugh, then a cough.
She sighed and kissed him, "Please let me know if you need anything."
"I will, I promise." His eyes were soft as they looked at her. "Don't worry about me, okay?"
"I'm going to worry about you anyway, but I'll let you go back to sleep."
"Mother hen." Isao joked.
She smiled slightly, "Sleep well." She then headed back to the kitchen.
"You don't look happy." Ryusei put down his juice as he saw her.
"Isao doesn't seem to feel well, but he doesn't want me worrying about him," she sighed and sat down. "Also, he mentioned friendly visitors that you'll want to kick his ass for?"
Her brother scowled. "If he's called who I think he did, yeah I'm going to kick his ass."
"Who?"
"Probably my aide. And I'll never hear the end of it."
"Aide?"
"King, remember?"
"Right," she nodded. "Doesn't seem like you want to be though."
"Dealing with petty clan squabbles is not my idea of fun." He opened the fridge and surveyed the contents. "Sandwiches? Or do we want to do something elaborate?"
"Let's just stick with easy."
He nodded, retrieving several items and putting them on the counter. He looked thoughtful for a moment. "You said he seemed sick?"
"Yeah."
"I'm going to go talk to him." Ryusei headed for the bedroom.
Mia got up and made them both sandwiches, then sat down with hers and began eating quietly.
Isao answered the knock, scowling as he saw Ryusei. "Can't you come back when I'm feeling better?"
"Spill. Now. What's wrong?"
"Nothing." Isao turned away, going back to the bed and seating himself.
"Isao. Do I have to use truthtell?" The vampire king entered the room, closing the door and leaning against it.
Isao swore softly. "Swear you won't tell her."
Ryusei tensed. "Isao.."
"Swear. Or leave."
Ryusei scowled. "Fine. I swear. Now what's wrong?"
"It's back. And it's spread."
The other vampire went white. "I thought.."
Isao nodded sadly. "We all did. We were wrong. I've called her father to come get her and got a promise she won't get in trouble for the lab attack."
"Isao, you should tell her." Ryusei looked troubled.
"No. I want her safe and happy. She deserves it." Isao clasped his hands in his lap. "This is the best possible outcome. Not dragged any farther into the fight and not a fugitive."
Ryusei sighed. "Fine. But if she finds out, I'm letting her kick your ass."
Isao chuckled softly. "Understood."
Mia sat at the table, staring out the window lost in thought.
There was a knock at the front door.
She got up and opened it slightly to see who was there.
Her father stood there quietly, another man beside him. They both gave her smiles.
"Dad? Why are you here?"
"To take you home."
She froze, suddenly wondering if that's who Isao called. So he didn't want her here.. and after this morning.. Her mind raced for a moment before she took a deep breath and nodded. "Who are you?" She looked at the other man.
"Shiro. Is my wayward King here?"
She sighed, "He'd probably be happier if I said no."
Shiro laughed. "No doubt." His eyes flicked to someone behind her.
"Forget kicking his ass. I'm killing him." Ryusei growled.
She turned back to him, not meeting his eyes, "I guess Isao doesn't want me here.. so I guess I'm getting taken home.."
"Can we talk?" He motioned the two men inside, then turned to her.
"Yeah?"
He drew her into the kitchen. "I swore I wouldn't tell you, but frankly I'm more scared of you than him. It's not that he doesn't want you here.." Ryusei trailed off with a pained look.
"What's wrong?"
"He's dying. And he doesn't want you to see it."