"Zuki! You're here?" Soseki pulled his fishing rod out of the river and set it near the bank before walking towards me. I could see bags under his tired brown eyes and his hair was disheveled, "I've been wanting to visit you, but my leg had started hurting a bit back. But it really is nice to see your beautiful face. Makes me forget any fatigue I feel."

"Same to you," I smiled at him, "It's good to see you using those old bones of yours."

"I can still use them," he laughed deeply, "And it is such a nice day today, so I decided to go fishing. How about fishing with me?"

"I can do that. I've got all the time in the world."

"Alison's parents must be home then. I see that child with you all the time. You must be a second mother to the cute little thing. But I don't blame you. She must have gotten that charm from her parents. I can see that her father probably spoils her all the time."

"Isn't that what a father's suppose to do?" I replied, "I lived with my father and he gave me all the love I needed."

"You're right. I've always wanted to be a father one day. Maybe even the father of your kid some day in the future."

"There's no need to rush things."

"That's true. I like where things are, Zuki."

"So where's the rod for me to use?"

"Over there," Soseki pointed to where a pink-handle rod was resting in the grass, "I brought another one in case I lose the one I'm using. A strong fish could knock it away from me. Or the water just hates me."

"Should I hold onto you so that doesn't happen."

"You don't have to, but I'd like you to. Not today though. The water is gentle today."

"Alright," I gave a fake pout before grabbing the spare pole and settling in beside Soseki. It was a really nice day like he said. And being this close to him made me feel a bit more secure. If I got yanked in by a large fish, he'd be able to save me. It was a bit nice to do things like this with someone I cared about. I didn't exactly love Soseki, but maybe it will just take time. But who knows how long that will happen.

We were having a good old time when it happened. It was so unexpected that it was almost sad. I flinched as pain shot through my head. I put one of my hands to my forehead and rubbed the side of it. I guess I wasn't subtle enough because Soseki called my name.

"Hazuki? Are you alright? You are really pale."

"I'm fine," I huffed, clenching my teeth at the agony, "Just a headache. Nothing too serious."

"That's not too serious. You might be hurt."

"It's nothing," I denied the truth. It felt like someone was digging a knife into my head. I could still feel my heart beating hard like earlier, but it seemed a lot more intense this time. I dropped the fishing pole onto the ground and grabbed my head with a groan. Goddess, it fucking hurts!

"It is not nothing," Soseki must have dropped the other rod because I felt his hands wrap around me and lift me up. I wanted to warn him about his back, but I couldn't think with the pain.

"You won't be able to carry me to Klaus by yourself."

"I'll get some help. You stay here." He placed me down gently and ran into town. I've never seen him run so fast. It was kind of amusing. But my heart pounded in my skull as if it would break. I closed my eyes for a while, unsure of how much time is passing. I just want my head to stop hurting.

"Hazuki? She really is in bad shape." I recognized that voice. Soseki must have gotten Neil. I guess he was closer than Alex? But I couldn't concentrate on that.

"Neil? Soseki?" I whispered both of their names, feeling very dizzy. I wanted to stay up and explain, but it was too much. I let my eyes fall shut and my vision faded to a soft black.


"I see you're awake."

I woke up to the sound of Klaus's voice. I almost expected him to be upset, but he just looked very relaxed. It was almost creepy.

"I guess I am," I croaked, "What happened to me?"

"You collapsed. You've been asleep since yesterday. I would say that you've overworked yourself, but you don't have much fatigue. I would take it easy for the next few days."

"Where's Soseki?"

"He had to go home. His legs were starting to hurt him. He kept begging to stay with you, but that wouldn't have been good on him. Besides, what I'm going to discuss with you has nothing to do with him."

"Ok?" I was a bit confused at his words.

"Do you remember what your parents were?"

"Huh?" I frowned, "I was adopted. But my foster parents were a baker and a chef."

"I see," he adjusted his glasses with a gleam in his eye, "I think that will be all. You can leave now. Also Neil may still be waiting for you. He wants to talk to you about something."

"Ok," I shrugged, "Thank you Klaus."

"Just make sure to take care of yourself."


"Hazuki, are you alright?" Neil's voice greeted me as soon as I left the clinic. I was surprised by what I saw. The usual grumpy look was replace with a sadder looking one. I could see the concern in his wine colored eyes.

"I'm fine now. Maybe I overworked?"

"Is that so? I have something I need to tell you. Will you follow me?"

"Alright," I nodded, even though I knew I should probably talk to Soseki as soon as I can. I took a deep breath before following Neil into the trees.