Chapter 5:

Two days passed, and Akihito still hadn't woken up. Asami only left when visiting hours closed so he could continue his work. He made sure Kurishima though remained with Takaba. That way there was someone with him at all times. A lot of documents had piled up over the week, but he didn't care. As soon as the sun rose he would put his work away, wherever it be, and he went to be with Takaba. He had no energy to do anything else, and until Takaba woke up, Asami was not in the mood to deal with the man that was still in the hospital. He had his men keep an eye on him. There was no chance he was going to be able to leave the hospital, unless it was is Asami's custody. He had learned his name to be Arkedy. Besides his name, all he knew was that he was Russian and had worked with both Yuri and Mika, which with each passing day, Asami was sure that Mikhail must have at least known about his dear sister's ploy.

When Asami got to the hospital, he would sit next to Akihito, take his hand, and he rested his head against the bed side and would fall asleep.

Kurishima was now able to use a crutch and he knocked and went into Akihito's room. There was still no sign that he would wake. He went over to Asami and rested his hand on his shoulder.

"Asami, you really should get proper rest. The hospital will contact you as soon as he wakes," Kurishima said.

"I'm not leaving him," Asami's tired voice was muffled and he sat up. "Has there been any new developments?"

"Not yet." Asami sighed and looked at his watch, it was only noon.

"I need you to-" A sudden beep erupted Asami's sentence and he looked at Akihito, he started to twitch and his body started to convulse. Asami pushed the button on Akihito's wall and ran out into the hallway. "Nurse!"

The doctor that had first worked on Akihito, and a couple of nurses came rushing in. Asami stood back and watched as they worked. Akihito's body continued to shake before his eyes.

"Do something."

"Sir, you need to leave, now!" A nurse started to take his arm.

"I got him," Kurishima said, and started to lead Asami out of the door. Asami refused to sit down though and stood near the door. Not even a minute later another nurse moved pass him with a crash-cart. Again, Asami balled his hands into fists. He put one up, almost about to hit the wall when he stopped and instead rested it against it for support. Asami's men came so they were a bit closer to Asami, unable to provide any help for their boss.

It was about ten minutes later when a few nurses came back out. "You can go in now," one of them said.

Without hesitation, Asami did just that. The crash cart was put to the side, but Asami was glad to hear that the beeping on the monitor was back to being regular.

"What happened?" He said as the doctor came up to him. And he started to explain.

"-This is a good thing though."

"How so?"

"It is a sign that Takaba Akihito is having more brain activity. It means that he may be back to consciousness soon."

Asami was speechless, the only thing he could do was thank the doctor. His footsteps suddenly felt very heavy and he moved to sit next to Akihito again.

"Wake up, Akihito." He grabbed Akihito's hand once more. He didn't have the energy to sleep. The sudden adrenaline made him wide awake. He didn't leave until visiting hours were over again, and he went back to work.

He had received a call in the middle of the night from Kurishima, and although the doctor was encouraging him, a second spasm fell upon Akihito. When he hung up the phone, Asami rested his head in his hands. How could this have happened? If only Akihito wasn't so stubborn, Asami thought. But, no, this was all Asami's fault. He had brought Akihito into his world. He had no one to blame but himself.

Asami thought seriously whether or not he should let him go. There would be plenty more threats like this in the future. How was he going to keep Akihito safe? But then also, how was Asami supposed to live now without Akihito?

Asami sighed and poured himself a drink. He already knew that he couldn't.

It was a steady beep that interrupted Akihito's dream. It was getting sharper, and he wondered what it was. Unconsciously he opened his eyes. It was surprisingly not bright. All he could see before him was a plain, pale blue wall that hung a television right across from where he lay. It suddenly felt very aware of something intruding in his mouth and started to gag.

"Oh, be careful," a nurse said as she turned around from Akihito's cardiac monitor. "I will remove that for you. So, you finally decided to wake up huh," she said softly with a gentle smile across her face. This must be a dream, Akihito thought. It seemed too real for it to not be a dream though. She slowly removed the tube that went down his throat. "There. How are you feeling?"

Akihito just stared at her though for a second before turning his gaze away. He closed his eyes for one second and he remembered everything. Every last detail. His eyes started to water and he didn't stop the tears from falling.

"I am going to go get the doctor okay. I'll be right back." She patted his shoulder before leaving. Akihito flinched at the sudden touch. It wasn't even a minute later when the doctor came in.

"Hello, Takaba Akihito. My name is Dr. Akido. I am just going to do a quick check-up and make sure everything is all right, okay." Akihito looked at him when he introduced himself for just a second before he looked away once more. He didn't care what they did to him.

He saw then that the room was being lit with the lamp next to his bed. The room was quite spacious and even had a couch that rested against the window. There was a bag and a laptop out on the table that stood in front of the couch. Asami didn't carry a laptop, so he knew it wasn't him, which gave him bit of relief. He wasn't ready to see Asami yet. The curtains were drawn, but Akihito could tell that it was night fall.

The doctor set on the edge of the bed as he proceeded to do a few tests. He flashed a little pen light around his eyes, check his pulse, blood pressure, and even listened to his heart. Just then the door opened and Akihito looked up, his chest tightened, only to take a small breath when he noticed it was Kurishima. His body relaxed a little bit.

"Takaba! You're awake! But when? I was not in here but five minutes ago." Akihito noticed his casts and the crutch, and a felt a jolt of pain. He remembered hearing Kurishima calling out to him from the cell across from him. He had been captured as well. Akihito could only stare at his crutch for a second before looking down into his lap. He made to walk more into the room when the doctor stopped him.

"He just woke up. Would you mind stepping out for a bit while I finish my examination," the doctor also spoke softly and with kindness.

"Of course. My apologies. Have you contacted Asami yet?" At the sound of his name, Akihito's chest tightened again.

"Not yet. I will as soon as I am finished with this examination. If you could refrain from contacting him until then, I would appreciate it."

"Yes, certainly," Kurishima said and wobbled back out the door.

"I can see that you are very uncomfortable. As you have every right to be. Takaba, can you say your name for me?"

Akihito continued to pick at his thumb, the pulse oximeter slightly getting in the way.

"Can you hear me okay?" Again, Akihito made no move to acknowledge the man.

The doctor let out a slow breath. He made to grab Akihito's hand, but Akihito pulled away.

"You need to know what happened to you in order to better understand your own recovery, Takaba. Okay. I am not doing this to harm you in any way." Akihito knew this, and as much as he wanted to not accept, the harsh reality made him realize just how much in pain he still felt. "Do you remember what happened? Do you remember how you got here?" Akihito remembered only shadows and shapes. As well as Mika sitting on top of him. He remembered her showing him the syringe and that was it. He could guess though what happened next. "Asami brought you here four days ago. We were able to help you detox from the overdose. You almost died." Still Akihito didn't move. "The IV in your arm is still helping flush out the toxins in your body. In addition to that you're rectum-" Akihito knew, he knew all of this! He remembered everything! Why couldn't the doctor understand! Akihito lifted his hands suddenly to cover his ears. He shut his eyes for a second only to realize just how much that made him remember, made him remember the feelings, even more.

The doctor gave up speaking. He touched Akihito's arm in an effort to express that he wouldn't say another word, but Akihito didn't budge. His whole body was shivering. He looked unto this boy and could only imagine what he had gone through. No wonder he didn't want to listen. So, he stood up and walked to the door, only turning back to see that Akihito still hadn't moved. He closed the door behind him and went to his office, motioning for Kurishima to follow him.

"Is he alright?"

"No, I am afraid not."

"But he woke up."

"He may have woken up, but he is most certainly not fine. You can go back in the room if you choose. You may try to engage with him, perhaps since he knows you he might be more comfortable." He said and paused at his office door. "I will call Asami Ryuichi now. You haven't yet, correct."

"No, I have not."

"Good. Mr. Kurishima, I want you to know that as of right now, Takaba Akihito has not spoken a word, nor has he made eye contact with me yet. Do not be surprised if he does the same to you. Do not push him. Honestly, I would suggest for you to just stay with him, but give him some space, alright. He has been through more than you and I will ever know."

"Thank you doctor." The doctor nodded and headed into his office.

Kurishima knew more than the doctor as just how far the torment Takaba experienced. It even hurt him to see the boy in so much pain. He decided to knock the door before entering, not wanting to startle him.

"It's just me Takaba," he said softly. Takaba had only looked up for a second before turning his head back down to his lap. "Is there anything I can get for you?" He said and wobbled closer to the bed, but Akihito didn't respond. He must be at least thirsty, he thought. He went over to the little end table and poured some water into the cup that was provided for him, but then went back over to the couch to rest.

It was a few minutes before Akihito picked up the glass to take a sip of water. His hand was shaking as he held the glass to his lips. He was startled when he found he wasn't easily able to swallow and ended up spilling some of the water over himself. He leaned forward in an attempt to not spill too much on himself. The sudden act made his body scream with pain, especially his lower back, and bottom. His breath was stuck in his throat, and tears threatened to spill once more.

"Are you okay?" Kurishima made to get up, but Akihito quickly set the glass down and started to wipe himself with his hand. It hurt to move, even just those few inches. Kurishima sat back down, understanding Takaba.

All of a sudden Akihito had the urge to pee. The feeling happened so suddenly, he thought he was going to wet himself. He pulled the blankets off started to slowly push himself up and turn his legs over the edge of the bed when his leg was caught by something. He looked down and noticed that he had a catheter inserted up his urethra. Why? But he knew why. The doctor did tell him that he had been asleep for three days. Anger boiled in him and he lifted up his gown and started to pull at the tube.

"Takaba! I wouldn't do that," again Kurishima stood up and started to wobbled over to him. Akihito continued to pull. He winced at the sting of pulling it out. He let go of the breath he had been holding, threw the tube away from him and pushed himself so that his feet now touched the ground. Kurishima had stopped a few feet away from him.

"Let me at least call some help Takaba. Do you need to use the restroom?" Kurishima lifted his hand a bit, the one that wasn't holding the crutch. His brow furrowed. Takaba wasn't listening to him.

Akihito denied even looking at him and fiercely slid off the bed and stood up. In the midst of taking a step, the ground was becoming closer and he couldn't even put out his hands in front of himself fast enough to help catch his fall. Kurishima was unable to act faster do to his own condition.

"Takaba! Takaba are you okay?" Kurishima couldn't even bend over to help him up. "Just wait a second, I'll grab a nurse." He then wobbled as quickly as he could to the door, calling out for someone to come in.

Takaba was out of breath, and he hurt. His legs wouldn't move. The IV in his arm had pulled out and he was bleeding at the inner side of his elbow. Why? Takaba bit his bottom lip, and before he knew it, he had wet himself on the floor. He got up onto his elbow, and by then another nurse was by his side, helping him to stand up.

"It's okay Takaba. I'm here. Let me help you," the male nurse said. Akihito hung his head though and he wept. More shame. How could he be allowed to experience more shame!? "Can you grab another gown?" The nurse must have said this to another nurse.

While Kurishima stood in the corner his phone started to ring. He excused himself out of the room, knowing that Takaba would be taken care of.

"Asama-sama," he said, knowing it would be him.

"I'll be there at the hospital in 15 minutes."

"I will inform Takaba then."

"Good." Before Asami could hang up, Kurishima interrupted.

"Sir?"

"What is it?"

Kurishima knew that he had just gotten off the phone with the doctor, but he felt the need to inform the boss of the incident, and so told him what just happened. Someone with a mop went by then and into the room while they were talking.

"Thank you, Kurishima, for looking after him."

"But I was unable to do anything."

Asami gave a dry laugh, "I know but Takaba is also very stubborn. Probably he will be even more so now than before." And he hung up the phone.

The nurses came out of the room almost immediately after he hung up the phone.

"Is he alright?"

"Yes. I told him that if he needs to use the restroom again to push the button. Since he is awake now, there is no need for the catheter. I also re-inserted the IV. I had to wrap his arm a bit as when the needle was torn out through his fall, it gave a slash. But he should be alright. He is back in his bed."

"Did he say anything to you?" Kurishima asked, hoping that Akihito had at least said something to the nurse.

"No, he didn't."

"Alright, thank you for helping him." The nurse gave a nod and then left.

"Takaba," he was just as the nurse said and was lying back down in bed. His eyes were open, but he didn't look up when Kurishima entered the room once more. "Asami-sama will be arriving within the next 15 minutes." That got his attention a bit, and he noticed Takaba's chest rise a bit. "I will wait then until he arrives."

Akihito should have expected him to arrive soon, but the thought of seeing him, well he just didn't want to. He felt so ashamed of himself. He was less than garbage now, and wanted nothing more than to die.

As soon as Asami had received the call from the doctor he started to settle the last document in front of him and got up to leave. He felt such relief that Akihito had woken up, that he had tears in his eyes. The realization of just how much fear he had been holding in, all the negative thoughts, collapsed. He felt like his heart was going to burst from the pain. He felt light headed, almost dizzy. Akihito was going to be okay. They would get through this.