Disclaimer/Warnings/Summary/Etc: see previous chapter.

Three reviews, that's good enough for me! I've finished writing the next chapter. It's slightly shorter than the other one, but not too short. Following much contemplation, I have also decided to use the name 'Yuriy' instead of 'Tala'. I don't know; it just sounds better. I hope you guys like this.

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"Yuriy, something happened."

Yuriy didn't know what happened next. He wasn't even sure whether his mind processed the last statement properly. But at this point he didn't care. He suddenly found himself in Kai's face, trapping him against the wall. Kai merely looked on wearily as though the whole situation didn't interest him.

"You cheated on me," his voice was quivering, but he didn't care, "When we first got together? Five fucking years ago, and you have a son! I'm assuming you knew about him all along?" there was an unnecessary nod, and Yuriy closed his eyes. His teeth were clenched as he continued, "And then you come, and throw it in my face LIKE IT'S FUCKING NOTHING!"

To his absolute shock, Kai laughed; a dry, humorless laugh. Feeling his chest closing in on itself, he made a beeline for the door, but his wrist was caught and he was pulled back. Kai was staring him in the eyes, looking almost sad.

"I knew you'd be mad, but sit the fuck down. It gets better."

Before he could protest, he was pushed back and into a chair, feeling everything within him cracking. His mind was beginning to reel. Anger and pain were now fighting for dominance, clogging up his thinking. He stared up at Kai mutely, who sighed.

"You promised not to say anything until I'm done—I'm not done yet. You can do anything you want after."

Now it was Yuriy's turn to laugh. Kai watched apprehensively as he doubled over, the sound ending in a sob, "What is this, Kai, some kind of sick joke?"

He remained knelt over, not wanting the other to see his tears. But Kai pulled up a chair, setting it up before his and sitting down; he reached out a hand to brush the hair back from Yuriy's lowered face.

"This is been killing me since last night," he started, stroking the fiery locks, "She had full custody on the kid. But then—that phone call," he sighed, "Look at me, Yuriy. Please." When the other didn't oblige, his hand dropped, and silence stretched.

To Yuriy it was bliss. He couldn't understand why waves were rippling through his body, bringing floods of silent tears to run down his cheeks. He didn't know why he had reacted so fast; the whole thing had sunk in like a guillotine's blade. But he guessed it must have been everything: the stress of work, the strain in the relationship, Kai's lash out the previous night. These things just happened to pile up inconveniently, preventing him from finding a voice to speak. He had to control himself. Things weren't going to get anywhere if he acted irrationally about it. But god, it hurt. He loved Kai more than anyone he had in his life.

He suddenly found himself being pulled up, and his face was pressed onto a firm chest. Not knowing what else to do, he let his fingers tangle in the material of Kai's business suit as he continued.

"I have to tell you this now; I can't evade it any longer. I thought that as long as you didn't know, things would be fine. You wouldn't get hurt and—I don't know what I was thinking," he paused, "But that phone call changed everything. It was the hospital; there was a car accident yesterday. She died, the kid's now in the ICU. He might not make it," his voice held a resigned sadness, and Yuriy's grip tightened. Kai wrapped his arms around him protectively, resting his chin on his head, "I'm sorry, nothing I will say will make it better, but I'm responsible for him now. If he—pulls through, I can make arrangements for a foster home, I just—" his words were cut off when Yuriy pushed him back harshly, their contact breaking.

In his mind's eye, he could see himself. A small, scared child, sitting on a drab mattress. He felt the sting on the other orphans' words, the pain of the master's cruelty.

"You bastard!" he shouted, "The kid's fucking dying and all you can think about is sending him off, if he pulls through!"

Kai winced, his fists clenching and unclenching, "I don't want to lose you."

Yuriy felt his heart was about to burst, "He's a kid, he doesn't have to do with any of this. This is between you and me, Kai! Don't think you can make it better by trying to give up your kid for me!"

"I don't want what we have to end over something that had happened so long ago."

He shook his head incredulously, "How can you say that? It would've been better if you told me at the beginning, at least you would've been honest! We came so far, how can you say that?!"

Kai's calm demeanor began to take a turn towards uncertainty, "I don't know what to do," he admitted, "I've hurt you, and he's dying, Yuriy. I'm—," but he didn't continue.

Even though these words were said quietly, they brought forth everything that Kai was feeling; sadness and guilt, along with the fear of knowing that he didn't have control over the situation. Yuriy was now torn between his own emotions and comforting Kai. He shook his head once again, "I have to go. Thanks for taking me out." His voice was bitter.

As he made to leave, however, Kai grabbed his arm and looked into his eyes pleadingly, "I don't want to lose you," he repeated.

A sudden fatigue gave Yuriy the urge to lean for support on the other man, but he suppressed it. Instead he whispered, "I'm tired, I can't think this through properly. We'll talk later." There was no promise in his words.

Kai still didn't let go of him. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his car keys, pushing them into Yuriy's hand, "You don't have your car," was all he said before he left the kitchen and made his way up the stairs. Yuriy had a half mind to follow and embrace him and never let go. But he turned and exited the house, Kai's Mercedes feeling oddly foreign when he drove it back to his apartment complex.

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The sound of the alarm clock cut sharply through the haze of his sleep, and he groaned, turning around and reaching over to shut it off. Eyes closed, he made no move to get up. The previous night had been a string of frustrating restlessness, and he hadn't gotten much sleep. But in the place of the choking emotions that had swirled within him, numbness now resided. The lack of sleep was giving him a sick feeling; his whole body felt odd. He was just relaxing back into the mattress when his phone went off, the vibrations resounding on the wood of his bedside table. It bumped into his alarm clock in its movements and he sighed, cursing whoever it was that was calling him at this time before reaching over blindly and picking it up.

"Morning."

He shut his eyes tighter, "Hey."

"I—didn't want to call. But I forgot that the hummer's brakes are busted and I need to get to work," the voice was soft. When he didn't reply, it continued, "Sorry for waking you."

Yuriy ran a hand through his sleep mussed hair, "I was already awake, and I need to get to work anyway."

There was a sigh, "Can you bring the Mer over? I'll drive you to work on the way."

He nodded even though the other couldn't see him, "Yeah, but I still need to get ready," his voice sounded tight even to his own ears.

"I can manage to be a little late."

"I'll be there in 30," he replied and flipped the phone shut, letting himself slump back into bed for a couple more minutes. He really did not want to see Kai so quickly after what happened nor so early in the morning, but knew that he didn't have a choice. Cursing himself for taking the other's car the previous evening, he dragged himself up for a quick, refreshing shower.

Twenty-nine minutes later, hair still slightly wet and a cup of coffee in hand to compensate for breakfast, he realized that Kai hadn't had a much easier night than his. On the outside he looked as alert and stoic as ever, his black business suit ironed to perfection. But Yuriy noticed the little things that he had become familiar with over the years: the little twitch of his eyebrow, the constant hand running through his hair. But the biggest give-away was the travel mug of coffee he carried. Yuriy knew from experience that, quite amazingly, Kai didn't drink coffee unless overly stressed, much less in the morning. To his relief, however, Kai didn't mention their little conflict. As he drove Yuriy to work, the redhead having moved to the passenger seat when he got to Kai's house, they both remained silent. When the car pulled up before the MSRC and Yuriy made to get out with a muttered thanks, however, Kai finally spoke, effectively stopping him.

"I have to go see Yuki today."

Yuriy bit his lip, "That's his name?"

Kai gave a sharp nod, turning to look at him, "I know that things aren't exactly working out but can you come with me?"

He looked away, about to object.

"Yuriy," Kai pleaded, reaching out to hold his hand in a death grip, "I need you. Can we put yesterday behind us just for now? I—" he moved his other hand to stroke the still evident bruise on his cheek, but withdrew when Yuriy jerked under his touch, "You didn't sleep last night."

Sighing, Yuriy ran his free hand over his eyes and resisted the urge to throw the comment back at him, "I'll drive to the hospital after work." He pulled away from Kai's grip and got out, noting that he reached the front doors of the building before the other drove off.

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"You look like shit," Bryan observed from Yuriy's chair when he got to his office.

"Get off," he commanded, ignoring the comment. Bryan obliged, moving to let him take his rightful place.

"No need to get touchy," he said before peering closer at him, "Are you okay?"

"Peachy," was the sarcastic reply, "Don't you have work to do? You're always in my office like it's a popular hangout."

Bryan grinned, "It kind of is, in the mornings. You don't seem to mind everyone else dropping in." As if to prove his point, he indicated to the newcomer, who had waltzed through the doorway wearing a bright smile.

"Morning ladies," Yuriy rolled his eyes at Enrique Giancarlos' annoying tactics, "Lovely weather today."

"What are you, high?" Bryan scoffed.

The blond clucked his tongue, "Some of us appreciate the little things, unlike you."

Sensing a comeback, Yuriy spoke before his lilac-haired friend could, "What are you doing here Enrique?"

"Just thought I'd drop by," he replied with a shrug, perching on the corner of the desk across from Bryan. Yuriy looked from one figure to the other, but before he could open his mouth to kick them both out, Julia came in.

"What is this, a special meeting I wasn't told about?"

Enrique eyed her with a grin, "Hello there, sexy."

Rolling her eyes, she addressed him and Bryan, "Out, the both of you."

"And if I don't leave?" Bryan's voice was mocking.

"There's something I need to speak to Yuriy about," she replied, crossing her arms defiantly.

He raised an eyebrow, "Surely there are no secrets to be kept; we're in a work setting."

"Which reminds me that you need to get down to the labs," Yuriy said pointedly. Bryan glared but gave in, grabbing a pouting Enrique and shoving him out before himself. He stuck his middle finger out as a last gesture before they disappeared, the door closing behind them. Yuriy shook his head; some days that man didn't get along with anyone. Julia, however, was unfazed; she merely plopped down in the usually unused chair in front of his desk.

"I take it there isn't something you want to discuss?" he said after a while.

She grinned, "Nah, just thought you needed help ridding of those two."

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The hours that day seemed to fly by, and Yuriy found himself getting more and more tired as it progressed. He wasn't able to concentrate well, which resulted in him completing a dissatisfying amount of work. It did not help that a ticked off Bryan kept showing up, accusing him of siding against him. So it was a relief when five o'clock finally struck, signalling his freedom. He left the building at once, eager for some catching up on sleep only to remember that he had plans when he reached his car. The last thing he wanted to do right then was to meet up with Kai, much less at the hospital, but knew that he had to go. He had made a promise; Yuriy always kept his promises. He could take the easy way out, he knew, by excusing himself due to fatigue, but he also knew that his presence was crucial for Kai.

It was so that half an hour later, he found himself at the front desk of Tokyo hospital, asking for a Hiwatari Yuki. After mentioning that he was a family friend when asked his relation, he was informed that he was not allowed to visit him.

His brow furrowed, "But Ma'am, I am here with his father."

She shook her head, "Sorry, unless he is with you in person as to give permission, we cannot allow you a visit."

Exasperated, he pulled out his cell to call Kai but stopped when a hand was put on his shoulder and a deep voice said, "He's here with me, I'm Kai Hiwatari."

The woman's long-nailed fingers clanked on her computer screen for a moment before she looked up, "May I have a card of identification?"

Kai raised an eyebrow, "You doubt my words?"

"Sorry, hospital order," she replied unapologetically. Kai resignedly handed her his driver's license and waited until she verified him on her computer, "You only have to do this once," she said conversationally, handing the card back, "It's because you've never been here before."

"May I have the room number?"

"Third floor, intensive care section. Take a left to room 17."

Nodding, he turned and they both walked side by side to the elevators. As they waited for the lift, Kai moved his hand and entwined their fingers discreetly together. Yuriy tightened the grip, not having a heart to pull away. When they reached the assigned floor and found the ICS, Kai didn't go straight to his son's room. Still clutching the redhead's hand, he headed to the reception desk to speak to the nurse.

"Good evening," he said politely, and she looked up and smiled.

"Good evening, sir. Anything I can help you with?"

Kai shifted uncomfortably, "I'm Kai Hiwatari. My son Yuki was checked in yesterday of a car accident," he stopped talking until she checked the register, nodding. She wore a sympathetic look on her face as he continued, "I was wondering if I can speak to his doctor before I go see him."

"Certainly," she shuffled around and pulled out a few papers, "But first you must sign here and here, Mr. Hiwatari. I'm afraid the doctors had to take actions without your written consent," at his questioning look, she indicated down the hall, "Doctor Mizuhara's office is the second door to your right, she should be in. She'll explain everything."

"Thank you," he replied, leading Yuriy to the aforementioned office. When they got in, however, it was empty. Kai pushed him into one of the leather seats and rubbed his neck gently, opting to wait for the doctor to show up.

"You're really tired," he stated quietly after a few moments.

Yuriy sighed, the motion on his neck soothing him, "Kai…"

But their conversation was cut short when a blonde woman wearing a white doctor's coat stepped in, "Oh, hello. Sorry to keep you waiting, I stepped out for something," she approached and shook Kai's hand, "Doctor Judy Mizuhara."

He nodded in acknowledgement, "Kai Hiwatari."

"Yuriy Ivanov," Yuriy supplied when she shook his as well. She sidestepped the desk to her chair and sat down.

"Well, Mr. Hiwatari, take a seat," Kai did as told, though reluctantly, "First, I would like to say that I'm truly sorry about the accident. We regretfully could not save Ms. Yoshida, but little Yuki was rushed immediately to the emergency. Due to the nature of his injuries, we had to perform an operation instantly and so we weren't able to ask for your permission. He suffered from intense inner bleeding and several broken bones and fractures, but it was a success. I was not the doctor who operated, but I have been assigned to him."

Kai was tense in his chair, "How is he now?"

"I'm sorry, but he is in an unstable condition currently," she eyed Kai sympathetically as Yuriy reached over to hold his hand, "He is still in the critical 72 hour period after operation. I regret to say that these will be the defining hours as to the outcome," she paused, sighing, "It's always so hard telling parents."

"Do you think he'll make it?" Kai asked steadily, looking at her.

"We're doing our best. I cannot give you false hope but you should remain faithful. Yuki's already passed a phase of danger; he has a big chance to overcome this as well."

Yuriy's fingers were going numb from Kai's grip, and he stood up, pulling him up with him.

"Thank you, Doctor Mizuhara," he said, "We are allowed to pay him a visit?"

"Definitely, but be careful, he's hooked up pretty tight. If you need anything press the help button and a nurse will show up."

Nodding, he led a silent Kai across the hall and to a closed door with a small plate indicating the number 17. Pushing it open, the first thing they heard was the irregular sound of the heart monitor. The room itself was dim due to the drawn curtains and lack of lighting. He flipped the light switch and moved inside, letting the door close behind them. Kai left his side and walked slowly over to the small, fragile figure lying idly on the bed. Yuriy bit his lip at the sight: the boy, barely four, was covered up to his chest with a white blanket that matched everything else in the room. He had gauze around his head and visible right shoulder, and the skin that could be seen was an ugly swirl of multi-coloured bruises. On his face was a CPR mask, and a thick needle was in his left wrist, connected to IV therapy. The whole scene seemed wrong; it didn't fit for a child to look like that. Even so, Yuriy was still able to make out the many resemblances the boy had to Kai. Turning to the aforementioned man, he found him staring fixatedly at his son, hand stroking tiny fingers.

"Kai…"

Kai turned and engulfed him in a sudden embrace, "What if he dies?" he asked, his voice oddly choked.

Yuriy shook his head without conviction, "Don't say that," he whispered, "He's got a big chance to live."

For a long time after that, he held the other's hand for comfort and waited as Kai sat and watched his lifeless son.

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Please don't forget to review. It motivates me and lets me know that people are indeed reading this. It makes me want to update faster!