Chapter 18 up! Sorry it took me so long - I couldn't sleep, then I overslept. I give up! Not on the story, though - I'm still trying to make it to Valentine's Day. I think I might, too. I don't really know what everyone will think of this chapter, but I'm hoping for the best. I had a little writer's block, and I was trying to get out this chapter quickly so I could make it to the end of Valentine's Day. I've gotten over it, and I think it's a little bit better than when I initially wrote it (before I uploaded it). Still, it's up to the readers to decide how I did. With that, we'll go to the replies.

WindGoddess Rune: I couldn't understand what you meant at first because of the site, but I got your PM, so I was able to check it out. Thanks for the hint. :) I'm feeling okay, I guess - besides colds and the stuff people are usually plagued with, I got diagnosed with diabetes in October 2007, so I'm never at my best anymore. But otherwise, I'm feeling fine. :) I think he'll be okay... I hope he will, anyway. I know - Ah! I don't know if I'll make it! Thanks, though; chocolate and kisses to you, too. :)

Edward-Elric-in-red: Aw, thanks! :D Sorry the update took so long.

WindGoddess Rune: I know, I got it - thanks again. :) Yeah, she seemed to - not in a lot of words, but Noi seemed to get the message. ;) On a side note, I checked out your profile recently, and I see that you've been looking at mine. ;) Also, cool OCs - I'm really looking forward to seeing your stories! :D

ultimashadow: Yeah, I guess it was kinda obvious, huh? *scratches head sheepishly* Okay, let me see if I can answer your questions... Question one: Homeron is the information gatherer that helps the Shu-tachi in the anime. The two most notable things that he did was assist in the rescuing of Konrad and the Jibral soldiers, and he also collected impotant information about the Extra Seven. He was killed by Delphinium in Episode 24. Question two: I'm not entirely sure, since I haven't watched that episode yet - would you believe I haven't finished watching season one, even though I've watched a lot of season two? - but I believe it was Shu. Question three: If you give bananas to the monkey in the Lal Mountains Sheep Tribe Camp, he'll give you Prismatic Crystals. I haven't finished the game yet, so there might be another use for it, but I think the one I mentioned is the main one.

Prince of Tennis' Shaman: I don't know, but I thought it was better to be safe than sorry. *sweatdrops too* But I'm glad you'd get me down if they did. :) Aw... *blushes* Thanks. I know - I, myself, actually avoid pills at all costs, so I understand where he's coming from. But, if I had something as serious as SCI, I would probably take them. I know - she'd been a sort of "accidental OC" at first, but then I started developing her character and I started to like her! XD Yeah, it's hysterical - certain events from Episode 18 in Season 1 come to mind. They really do - their reunion in Episode 4 of Season 2 was so sweet. :) Here's the next chapter, so I hope you like it. Don't worry about reviewing fast; you're really nice, so I just notice when you're gone for a few days. And super happy when you're back. :D And I'll start looking out for the translations tomorrow (take your time, though). :) Also, I'd like to thank you for your last few reviews - I almost apologized for how this chapter was written, but you reviewed right when I was writing that, so I changed my mind. :)

Okay, there are the replies. I can't think of too much else to say, so I'll do the disclaimer and then we can get to the story.

Disclaimer: I didn't own Blue Dragon a second ago, and I don't think I'll own it a second from now.

Jiro had paced the room so much, he was starting to wonder if he'd made a hole in the floor. He was too worried to look. His eyes were open, but he was so caught up in his thoughts that he wasn't even seeing anything.

He didn't like to admit it, but he was worried about Bouquet and Shu. It hadn't been unusual about Bouquet, since it seemed like they'd (sort of) become friends during their stay in this place. But Shu had been a shock. They seemed to fight with each other enough for it to be considered hate, but when Jiro really thought about it, he didn't want Shu to die. And he seemed like he was running the risk of that now.

He wished Bouquet hadn't taken his book - he'd found out through personal experience that reading was a helpful stress buster.

The front door slammed open. "Jiro!" Bouquet staggered forward, an unconscious Shu hanging off her back.

Jiro rushed to her side, trying to help steady her, then taking Shu from her. Jiro almost fell over himself, but managed to get him over to a bed.

Shu hardly moved after being set down, save for the very small up-and-down motion of his chest, which Jiro and Bouquet found themselves to be incredibly grateful for. Still, the small amount of breath that was alternately coming out of his mouth and nose was raspy, and his face was flushed with fever. They absentmindedly noticed a small box clutched tightly in his hand, but with his current state, neither of them could bother to worry about it.

"H-he collapsed when I found him." Bouquet hiccuped, tears flowing down her face.

Jiro felt Shu's head, then pulled away, holding his hand like he'd been scalded. "He's burning up."

Bouquet sunk to her knees, her arms thrown on the bed next to Shu's form. "Shu..."

"Stay with him!" Jiro grabbed her shoulder, trying to put as much urgency into his voice as possible. "I'm going to get Zola!" He ran off, hoping that he would be fast enough.

Bouquet rubbed her eyes, sitting up - she must've fallen asleep. Looking around, she could see she was mostly alone, except for Shu, who was still unconscious.

Jiro had been quick about getting Zola, but they were a few minutes longer, since they stopped to get a doctor on the way. The delay hadn't been that long, but it was too long for Bouquet.

The doctor had said that it probably wouldn't be enough to kill Shu, but he was in a critical state. If it didn't get any better, that would change from "probably wouldn't" to "surely would".

They had all stayed up late, worriedly watching over him. Bouquet refused to leave his side, though she did relent at some point and agreed to sit in a chair. She supposed she'd fallen asleep a little while after; she didn't know who, but it seemed like someone had draped a blanket over her at some point.

Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Shu's box on the table next to the bed. She'd been too upset to really notice it before, but she was a little curious about it; he'd been holding onto it so tightly, the doctor had nearly toppled over trying to get it out of his hands. Bouquet had quickly retrieved it from him so it wouldn't be thrown away or something like that. That table was considered Shu's personal space, so no one would remove it now that it was there.

Bouquet bit her lip, trying not to cry as everything suddenly hit her again. Shu... He might die. He'd die, and it would be because of her. And if Shu was gone, who would she have? How long would the others put up with her before they left her all alone? She let her head fall on folded arms and sobbed.

She didn't know how long she cried for, though it felt like a long time to her. But she stopped a little when she felt someone grab her hand. When she saw who it was, she snapped upright. "Shu!"

"B-Bouquet..." His voice was weak. He tried to sit up, but the attempt was so small that it wasn't even noticeable.

"Shu!" she squeezed his hand in return, relief hitting her like a flood. "Hang on, I'll get-"

"Wait." Shu pulled her towards him as she started to stand, his eyes shining and desperate.

"What is it?" she felt a little impatient, wanting to go and get the others so they could see if he was alright.

"Did you... get my present?" His head was spinning, but he was so worried - he was sure he had been holding it when he passed out, but he hadn't been able to find it when he woke up.

"Do you mean that box?" she looked over at it.

He managed a nod. "Bouquet... I'm so sorry." A few tears slipped from his eyes.

She swallowed past the forming lump. "Y-you shouldn't be the one apologizing. It's my fault that you ran off. I've been treating you badly the last few days, and... Shu, I just want you to know that there's nothing between me and Jiro. I was only doing that so he would at least try my chocolate before he said he hated it. So... I'm sorry."

It was small, but Shu smiled, holding her hand close to himself. "I don't think it's your fault, but if it makes you feel better, I forgive you." he yawned, his eyes starting to slip close as exhaustion hit him. "I'm glad... you're still... my fiancée..."

"I know that maybe I shouldn't be blaming myself... but I can't help it. I can't help but feel that this wouldn't have happened if I'd been there." Kluke held his hand firmly in her own, her voice trembling.

"You need to stop worrying. If you keep worrying, you'll make yourself sick, and then you won't be able to do anything to help him." Besides, I'm starting to worry about you. Of course, Jiro didn't say this out loud. But he was worried that she would end up breaking down again - getting her out of the inn and away from Shu had been a nightmare, one that he wasn't eager to repeat.

She swung his hand forward a little as they walked. "I guess you're right."

"It'll help once you get to work. It's better to stay busy in a situation like this."

Kluke nodded. "Yeah," she glanced at him. "Jiro?"

"What's wrong?"

"We're here."

"We are?" he looked up, seeing the familiar sign. "Oh."

"I was just wondering... since you're still holding my hand."

"I- What?" he looked down and yelped, snatching his hand away and blushing.

She giggled a little. "It's okay, I don't mind. I just didn't want you to feel like you had to."

"Of course I wouldn't. I mean, we're... we're-"

"Whatever we are."

"Right. So, we're kind of supposed to do that anyway."

"I guess so."

"Yeah. Besides, I... I like holding your hand." Idiot... idiot...

She blushed. "I like holding your hand, too."

"I... I guess I should go. I don't want to make you late." he looked away, feeling a little bad for changing the subject so suddenly.

Kluke took advantage of the opportunity, giving him a quick peck on the cheek, before running inside. "See you after work!"

Jiro just stood there for a while, holding the place where Kluke had kissed him, noticing that the spot was warmer than anywhere else on his face.

"I knew she was gonna kiss you, maro!" Jiro spun around to see Marumaro jumping up and down.

"What... what... what are you doing here?!" was the only thing he could manage to sputter out.

Marumaro stopped jumping. "I followed you, 'course, maro! I knew something would happen between you two, and I had to see what it was, maro!"

Jiro folded his arms. "I would've thought you'd be a better friend to Shu, but instead you came out here to satisfy your own sick thrills."

"I can't help Shu right now, so there's no reason for me to be there, maro. Besides, aren't you one to talk, maro?"

"Whoever said we were friends?"

Marumaro snickered. "You seemed pretty worried when you came to get Zola last night, maro."

Jiro looked away. "I didn't say I wanted him to die."

"You sure act like it sometimes, maro. But I guess this says otherwise, huh, maro?"

He turned back to him, face still flaming. "Why are my relationships so interesting to you all of a sudden? What difference does it make to you if I'm in love with someone and friends with someone else?"

"So I guess that means you're in love with Kluke and friends with Shu, right, maro?"

Jiro started running towards him. "I'm going to kill you!!"

Bouquet held the bottle of SCI medicine, turning it over and examining it. She was starting to wonder if offering to do this had been such a good idea.

When Kluke got back from work, she'd been ecstatic to find out that Shu had woken up, even if she hadn't been able to see for herself. But the fact that he had woken up still brought up a problem.

The doctor had said that the only way Shu would get better was for him to continue the medicine without ceasing; most of his recovery would have to come from him fighting against it, but his chances would be little to none if he didn't take the pills.

It made sense for Bouquet to give it to him, since he'd responded the best to her. Shu woke up the first time because he heard her cry, and when everyone tried to get him awake again, he hadn't woken up until Bouquet tried. Since it was reasonable to assume he would wake up a third time if she roused him, she offered to give him the medicine.

She'd been through this song and dance before; her little sister had hated medicine with a passion, cough syrup in particular. But the way Shu hated it... Eri had never done anything as insane as spitting it into a cup and hiding it.

Bouquet glanced over at him. He looked so calm and peaceful... She hated to wake him up, especially for something like this. But she didn't want him to get worse, either.

Tentatively, she placed her hand on his shoulder and shook. "Shu."

He made a little noise, rolling around a little. She was going to try again when he yawned and started rubbing his eyes. "Bouquet, is that you...?"

"Yeah, it's me," she sat down in the chair, trying to keep the bottle out of his sight. "How are you feeling?"

"Like someone's been pounding my whole body with a meat tenderizer. What about you?"

"Worried."

"You shouldn't be worrying." he reached to take her hand, his voice gentle.

She took his hand, holding onto it tightly. "I can't help it."

He sighed. "Did you open my gift yet?"

"No. But I will, after you get a little better. That reminds me..." she moved her thumb around his palm in a circle.

"Hm?" Shu couldn't tilt his head, so he just moved it forward a little.

"... You're going to have to take some medicine." She winced as he visibly paled.

"You're kidding, right?"

"I'm sorry." she shrunk back, unable to shake feeling ashamed.

He closed his eyes, turning away from her. "No."

Marumaro jumped out from behind a potted plant, nearly knocking the thing over. "You'd better take that medicine, maro! Do you know what we went through to get her to agree, maro?!"

"I'm not taking it!"

"Where did you...? How did you...?" Bouquet pointed at him, at a loss for words.

"Shu, take the medicine, maro!"

"Leave me alone!"

Marumaro grumbled something unmentionable before leaving the room to get the others.

Fifteen minutes later found everyone, save for Bouquet, angrily yelling at Shu to take the medicine. To which he promptly refused every time.

"I don't see what the big deal is, maro! It's just a few pills, maro!" Marumaro threw his hands in the air.

"Shu, we can't afford for you to be sick. Once the weather is clear, we'll be ready to leave, but we won't be able to go if you aren't in condition for it." Zola glared at him.

"I worried about you so much that I broke all of the dishes at work! If Helen wasn't so nice, I would've been fired before the day was through! And now I come back, and you won't even take the stupid medicine!" Kluke was on the verge of tears.

"It isn't right for you to make everyone worry like this!" Jiro leaned on the bed.

"I don't care what you say to me - I'm not taking it!" Shu held his hands over his ears, squeezing his eyes shut.

"You're a selfish brat, you know that?!" Jiro yelled in his face.

Shu was about to counter, but was cut off as he choked. He clamped a hand over his mouth, suddenly breaking into a fit.

"Shu!" Bouquet pushed past everyone, grabbing Shu's free hand.

It stopped after a minute; he sighed in relief once he was sure it was over. "Bouquet..."

"Please, take the medicine," she pleaded with him. "It'll make you feel better."

He looked at her carefully for a minute, then closed his eyes, blushing a little. "Will... Will you give it to me?"

Bouquet was a little taken aback for a moment, but recovered and nodded. "Sure."

"Now wait just a- mmph!" Kluke was cut off as Jiro, Marumaro and Zola clamped their hands over her mouth, starting to drag her away.

Jiro turned to Bouquet, whispering harshly, "Hurry!"

She gave a quick nod, then turned back to Shu, taking the top off of the bottle. "Are you ready?"

"I'm going to need some water." he looked away from her.

"It's already here. And don't try and spit it out or anything."

"I wouldn't do that in front of you." Shu glanced at her.

"Thanks... I think. Come on, I'll help you sit up." In one hand, she took his hand and pulled. In the other hand, she put her hand under his head and tried to guide him upwards.

He bit his lip to keep from crying out when she touched his head; Bouquet was being as gentle as possible, but that didn't stop his head from feeling like it was being stuck with pins. It would've hurt if he was doing it himself, so it couldn't be helped. Still, he didn't want to yell and make her think she'd made it worse.

Once he was sitting up, she kept her arm around him for support. "You okay?"

"Aside from feeling like a helpless invalid, and the fact that I'd hit my head with something if that didn't make it hurt worse, I feel great."

"I'm sorry, Shu."

He sighed. "Bouquet, as soon as this is over, you can apologize as much as you want. But right now I'd just like to get this over with, if it's all the same to you."

"Oh, r-right," she grabbed the water in one hand, the pills in the hand that was on the same side as the arm holding him up. "Close your eyes."

He didn't really see how that was going to help, but he did it anyway. He was a little surprised when she gave him some water first, then had to keep from chucking the pills out of his mouth when he felt one touch his tongue. He felt her hand rubbing his back, and he relaxed a little, managing to swallow them with the help of some water. He downed the rest of the glass, then breathed out, saying, "Icky!"

Bouquet laughed, now hugging him loosely with both arms. "But it's over with now. Right?"

"Until tomorrow." Shu said flatly.

Bouquet winced, not wanting to think about it. "We'll worry about it later. For now, you should get some rest."

"Bouquet?" he started after he'd laid back down.

"Yeah?"

"I want you to promise me something."

"What is it?"

"If I take the pills tomorrow, I want you to open my gift."

She smiled. "Okay."

"When I get my hands on her, I'll strangle her!" Marumaro, who had received the brunt of Kluke's rage after they'd taken her out of the room, got another kick as she heard the end of the exchange between Shu and Bouquet.

"M-maro..." he twitched a little, only half conscious.

"Relax," Jiro was leaning against the wall, his eyes closed. "You heard what he said - tomorrow we won't even have to deal with it. It'll be Bouquet's problem."

"But that means that she'll be spending more time with him!"

Zola raised her eyebrows. "I thought there was something going on between the two of you." she gestured to Kluke and Jiro.

Jiro flushed, but Kluke was too angry to be bothered about it. "There is! But that's besides the point! We still have a competition going on, and I know she'll use this to her advantage."

Zola shrugged. "She's already using everything to her advantage. You can't beat her by trying to copy her - you have to use your own strategy and stick to it."

Kluke's anger deflated a little. "I guess you're right."

Marumaro mumbled something, but they could only catch the end: "... Kluke's skirt, maro..."

Jiro and Kluke simultaneously kicked him, sending him into full unconsciousness.

Okay, there's chapter eighteen. And it ended on a better note than I thought. ;) I have a note that's kind of important so...

A KIND OF IMPORTANT NOTE: NEXT CHAPTER MAY BE THE LAST CHAPTER.

I am not abandoning it, just in case someone got the wrong idea. But, save for the omake, the next chapter or the one after it will probably be the last one; I have to write it and see first. I'm tempted to do all the thanks and stuff now, but I'll save it for the end. Review if you get the chance, and I'll see you soon! :)