"He 's going to be kind of out of it for a while,it's normal. He won't remember much of anything, but expect him to continue to sleep a lot." The doctor explained."Kazuto's vitals are stabilizing slower than I'd expect, it's enough of a concern for us to monitor him closely. It'll take time for the medication to work but once the fever comes down significantly, and he starts getting his strength back, it won't be so difficult."

Asuna soaked one of the cloths in the container of cool water that she had placed on the bedside table shortly before the doctor arrived. She squeezed out the extra water and gently wiped away the sweat from the ill teen's face. Kazuto stirred,opening his eyes slowly

"How are you feeling today?" She asked softly,using her free hand to stroke his hair.

" I don't really feel very good. I can't -"Kazuto said weakly.

" It's okay, you're very sick right now,but you've got your mom and your sister...and I'm here. We'll take care of you. " Kazuto allowed his eyes to wander around the room briefly before turning his attention back to his girlfriend.

"Asuna,when did you get here?" He asked in a confused tone. She offered a faint smile.

"I've been here for a while. You don't remember talking to me at all?"

"No. Sorry."

" that's okay,it's not your fault, it's just the medicine. "

"Where-'

" you're in the hospital. " the doctor interjected. "I'm Dr. Ishida. You had your appendix removed. It ruptured and led to a serious infection,that's why you're not feeling very well,you have a lot of meds to help but it'll take 'time. It's very important that you rest as much as possible. We'll do some imaging tests in a few days to make sure you're healing properly. Do any of you have questions for me?"

"How long will he be like this?" Sugu asked.

" Well, what you're seeing now is an effect of the meds he's getting and I think he's still struggling a little with the anesthetic. It sometimes takes people a little longer to get it out of their system. Some need a few hours, others can take days. He'll be on the meds for a while. We'll need to keep an eye on him. Typically patients in this situation need to stay at least a week,by then you should notice improvements. Keep in mind that everyone is different,recovery times can vary. When the medicine starts to wear off, he'll feel the pain coming back. Remind him that he has a button for the pain. "

"Thank you, we'll do that." Midori replied, she gazed at her son in concern.

Kazuto closed his eyes once again. She reached over to rest a hand on his shoulder. When the doctor exited the room, Midori drew in a breath.

"You girls must be exhausted." She said . "I appreciate you being here to help,but if you need a break,Kazuto would understand. go home and get some sleep,you can visit him a little later." Neither of the girls moved.

"If it's all right, , I'd like to stay. He was there for me when I was in the hospital,I can't leave him." Midori nodded.

"There was nothing in the world that could keep him from you. He was so adamant about staying with loves you so much." Asuna smiled faintly.

"I love him too,more than my own life." Though it was true that Asuna was exhausted, she couldn't leave him.

"He's my brother, there's no way I'm going anywhere." Sugu vowed. "You can't get rid of us that easy.

" S-sugu? " Kazuto called weakly,opening his eyes to meet her gaze.

"I'm right here,Brother." She soothed.

"I-I'm sorry."

" For what? "

"Pushing you away. All the times y-" tears filled his eyes as he spoke.

"Hey, it's okay."

"It's not,I'm supposed to be there for you and -"

" You are, all the time. It's just the medicine,try to sleep and we'll talk about it when you're feeling better. " she reached over to the bedside table and grabbed a tissue from the box,gently wiping away the tears.

"Su-"

"How many times did you do this for me, it's my turn to take care of you now. Just rest. Everything's going to be fine,I promise."

" But I -"

"I forgive you,Brother. Don't give it another thought. You're always going to be my brother and I'll always love you. Sleep,you'll feel better when you wake up." Kazuto seemed to find comfort in her words and drifted back into sleep, leaving Sugu to dry her own tears.