A/N: See, I promised a sooner update, and I actually delivered! I believe I deserve some cookies! Or at least some pie. . .No? Ok, well, I guess I'll just take what I can get. Please review and let me know what you think! Flames will be ridiculed, constructive criticism considered and open for discussion. Thank you all for sticking with me!

Disclaimer: Nope, not mine.

Chapter 18: Recovery

A blur of white, and a voice:

"Haru. . .Haru, can you hear me? Oh, god, he's gone to far this time. . .Don't worry Haru, I'm here to help. I'll, . . .I'll make you better."

A pair of strong arms wrap my bloody shell of a body, and the movement makes me scream out.

"DON'T TOUCH ME!" My voice scratchy and hoarse from my earlier pain-wracked shrieks.

"I have to move you, in order to treat your wounds."

"I, I don't d-deserve to be tr-treated. J-Just leave me." My voice turned into a coarse whisper, barely audible, full of phlegm and tears. The effort of my sobs tore every ounce of strength out of my wrecked body, and I slipped into unconsciousness. My cold tears still present on my cheeks.

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I awake, on my stomach, needles and bandages restraining me as much as the leather bonds did. It's hot. I'm boiling up and out of my body. I feel light as air, and yet immensely heavy, all twisted up together. I try to move, but my body doesn't listen to the commands of my brain. I can hear the beep, beep of the machines around me. I pry open my eyes, but everything's hazy and fuzzy and nothing makes any sense.

"Wh-Where am I?" My voice barely a whisper, so much so I can hardly hear it myself.

"You're safe Haru. You're in the hospital wing of the honke. With Akito's illnesses, we had this wing made so that I could have all of the necessary equipment to take care of him. . .and those around him. You need your rest. You're probably feeling the effects of the morphine I gave you. Just let it lead you into sleep. You need it."

So, I close my eyes it feels so good to have that reassuring hand on my head, pushing my hair back, that I can't help it. I do exactly as I am told.

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When I awake, nothing's changed. I am still lying on my stomach. I guess with the beating I took, that's only natural. I don't think I'll ever sleep on my back again. Everything is pristine and white, except for the blood covered bandages sitting next to me on counter. Like everything else, I've tainted the room, the atmosphere, the calm. The stain of my blood is evident almost everywhere I am able to turn my head and see.

Then, the physical washes away with the turmoil of the mind. My entire being, my whole life has been made absolutely meaningless. Amazing how you realize how good you had it when it's gone. Well, hindsight. . .What is there left for me now? Yuki is even more far away from me now than before, and Aya is not even an option anymore. Momiji gave up on me weeks ago. Heh, I've dug my self into my own hole. I don't have anyone. Why didn't he just kill me? Bring about the wrathful vengeance of God.

The door opens, and in walks a nurse I haven't ever seen before.

"Oh, good, you're awake. You have a visitor."

What! Who would care enough to come see me?

And then, there she is, all smiles and happiness and I despise her.

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I bet you weren't expecting that. HAHAHAHAHA! Wait until next chapter to find out why Tohru is here. . .and the chaos that ensues. . .