Over the next week, nothing changed in Isao's condition. They took turns sitting beside him, reminiscing about past missions and vacations. But everyday their laughter became more strained and their eyes grew more hollow.
Mia had to be pulled away from him to eat because she didn't want to leave his side.
Ryon finally broached the subject, one hand clasping Isao's during a late visit. "Mia, we're being selfish."
She looked up at him, trying to process his words.
"We're holding on to a shell. It's not Izzy anymore." His green eyes glittered with tears.
She took a deep breath. "I just don't want to lose him.."
"He's already gone."
"How do you know?"
"Mia..I felt him go. Right before you passed out." The vampire's lip trembled. "He was the first turned not to be terrified of me. He treated me as an equal, even more he treated me as a brother. Even though he was younger, he always gave me good advice. He watched out for us, gave us somewhere to belong. A family. I want him back as much as you do, but we have to stop lying to ourselves."
She wiped her eyes and nodded slowly.
He rose, bent over and kissed Isao's forehead. "Goodbye Aniki." He straightened, then walked out without looking back.
Mia stared at Isao for a while, before finally standing. She kissed him lightly, tears dripping from her eyes onto his face. She was about to start unhooking the heart monitor when yellow light appeared around him. She was confused, since she hadn't consciously thought about trying to save him again, but she watched carefully in case something happened.
His eyelids began fluttering, one hand reaching toward her.
"I-Isao?"
The dark eyes finally opened and he spoke. "I love you."
"I love you too," she gave him a small smile, wiping the tears away.
"I'm hungry."
She laughed lightly, "Well, it has been a while since you've eaten."
He tried to sit up but didn't get far. "I feel as weak as when I was turned."
"I'll go get you some blood bags and a snack."
He gave her a bright smile as he dozed off.