The next day, the doctor determined that Oishi could be released. His pain level was significantly less and he could even bear it without the help of the painkillers. His movement was still a bit stiff, but it was getting better. He was advised to still take it easy and not move too much more than necessary, but otherwise was doing good. Oishi would get to go home that afternoon.
Eiji, however, was going to be kept one more day. It was simply for precautionary reasons. They wanted to make absolutely sure that there was no risk for infection and that everything was healing as it should be. This, of course, was not sitting well with the redhead.
"Nya, Fuji, I want to go home too!" the acrobat complained to the tensai.
"I know Eiji, but there really isn't anything we can do about it," Fuji answered. He had been the one coming to visit the Golden Pair most often, aside from their families. He stayed with Eiji longer, though, knowing that his friend could get lonely and/or bored easily.
"The hospital is so boring though…" Eiji continued, pouting slightly. He didn't like being cooped up in the same room all day. He knew he had to rest, but at least at home he would have more of a sense of freedom and be more comfortable.
"Oishi promised to come see you before he leaves. That's something to look forward to, ne?" Fuji stated, trying to put some happiness back into Eiji's mood.
"Of course, nya," Eiji answered with a bright smile. Of course he was happy that nothing serious happened to Oishi and that he was able to go home. But that didn't make him like the fact that he had to stay in the hospital another day.
A knock at the door interrupted Eiji's thoughts. Momo and Echizen had come to visit. Momo complained that he had had to practically drag Echizen out of bed, but Fuji knew he had come of his own free will and he was sure Eiji knew that too.
They all talked and laughed for awhile, careful not to become too loud or they would get kicked out for rowdy behavior. Momo and Echizen promised to take their senpai out for hamburgers, their treat (for once), as soon as he was well enough. It made Eiji really happy to know that his two kouhai cared for him so much.
Soon, Momo and Echizen had to leave and it was just Eiji and Fuji again. They weren't alone for long, though, as Oishi came to visit, just as he'd promised. He was in a wheelchair, since it was hospital policy that a patient being discharged leave in one.
Fuji stood to leave as Oishi was coming over.
"Fuji, you don't have to leave," Oishi told him as he was passing by.
"I know," Fuji replied. He smiled at the two and then left the room. The nurse that had come with Oishi left as well, saying that she would come back in a few minutes.
"Nya, Oishi, you get to go home!" Eiji stated happily.
"Yes," Oishi said, smiling at his doubles partner. "How are you feeling?" he asked, ever the worrier.
"I really am fine, nya," Eiji answered. "They just like to keep me trapped here." They both chuckled at the comment.
"Eiji," Oishi said to get the redhead's attention. "Promise me something?" Eiji cocked his head curiously, waiting for Oishi to continue. "Promise me that you'll be more careful next time," Oishi said, never breaking eye contact with the acrobat.
Eiji didn't respond for a moment, but then his face broke into a wide grin. "Only if you promise me that you won't be so crazy next time," Eiji said.
Oishi couldn't help but smile at this. "It's a deal," he promised. He and Eiji clasped hands to make it official.
The nurse returned to take Oishi. His parents were waiting for him. He said his final goodbye to Eiji and then was gone.
Eiji put his hands behind his head and leaned against the bed, still smiling.
Oishi may always worry a lot, but it made him who he was and Eiji would never change that about him.
A/N: Ah, this story is coming to end. I actually had planned to end it at eight chapters, but I thought I might be able to stretch it out a little more and give it a more complete feeling. I'm going to try to go for ten, but no promises. It's possible the next chapter may be the last. I thank you all again for the reviews and for sticking with the story this far ^_^