A/N Finally, I managed to write a decent chapter for once. I figured it was time to speed things up, regarding the story, seeing the load of plot twists and drama I want to write. But I must apologize for the long wait, I wanted to write sooner, but somewhow I never got to it. Hope you enjoy this part, because I certainly do.

Chapter 11

The drive to the hospital was a quiet one. Inside the car hung an awkward silence. Nobody dared to speak up, too afraid to say something that would put the others on edge. Marui had decided that looking through the window and seeing the houses and people pass by, was the best way to distract his thoughts. In the last 18 hours, more things had happened than he could recall from his past school year.

He had been taken in by the Fuji family after he presumably saved their son's life. Then he found out that Niou had been out and about all night looking for him. He himself started to feel a little guilty not having called his parents about his whereabouts.

Not only did Niou came to apologize to him, but he also poured his heart out. Marui never would have guessed that his best friend was in love with their sadistic captain. But he had to admit; they probably would make a fine pair. He regretted the promise he made a bit already. How on earth was he supposed to get those two opposites together?

He was woken up from his deep thoughts by a nudge in his side from Niou. He wanted to make a snarky reply, but he held back his words when he saw that they had arrived at their destination.

He got out of the car and followed the rest of the group into the big building. Once inside he released a breath he was unconsciously holding. Although he didn't like hospitals all that much – because of Yukimura's surgery and more recently, his flu shots - this one gave him a certain feeling of safety, at least, the reception did. Soft colours adorned the walls, instead of the usual cold white and the small paintings, from children who were hospitalized here, hanging around the room gave it all a more friendly look.

Fuji-san had asked the receptionist the number of the room her son was in and as soon as she got permission they went in its direction. Once again an eerie silence engulfed them. Niou fidgeted with his shirt. He was still figuring out what he was actually doing here. He was after all not the one who had an interest in the Seigaku tensei. But one look on Marui's face told him that he had to stay here. The pinkette was visibly struggling to keep his emotions in check. He was exited that he was going to see Fuji, but anxious about in what state he would face him.

"Here we are, room 269". Fuji-san had spoken in a soft voice and made both the boys look up to the door separating them from the room.

Fuji-san softly knocked on the door. When she got no responds, she opened the door slowly to peek inside. Apparently there were no visitors, because she pushed the door further open and let all three of them in.

There on a hospital bed, hooked on to several different machines, laid Fuji Shuusuke. His eyes were closed and his infamous smile, that used to be plastered on his face, was gone. Instead of that, his skin had attained a sickly pale colour and his hair had lost its usual shine.

'This isn't right', Marui thought. 'This is not how Fuji Shuusuke's life should be. He should be able to go outside and play tennis. Not confined in a hospital and hooked to a machine that helps him breath'. Without realizing it, he clenched his fists. Fuji-san, who realized this, put her hand on Niou shoulder. With a nod from her head he told him to follow her. Once outside the room they took their stand before the window. From there they could still see what was going on.

Marui didn't notice them leaving and even if he did, he probably wouldn't have cared. He walked towards the edge of the bed. For some reason he couldn't take his eyes of the person laying in front of him. He pulled up a chair and set down next to the bed. His fingers trailing Fuji's exposed arm. When he reached his hand Marui gently took a hold of it. It felt cold in his own warm ones. With his thumb he started to draw small circles on the back of the hand, in a soothing manner. Although it pained him to conclude that there wasn't anyone to sooth. One small tear started to trail his way down his cheek. 'Please Fuji, don't go away. Death is not worthy of your presence'.

Back in the hallway, Niou and Fuji's mother were watching the whole scene in quietly. "He really likes my son", Yoshiko suddenly spook up. Niou, startled by this sudden statement, had to take a moment before relying. "W…what makes you say that?".

"I've got two sons who found love and a lot of motherly intuition", she stated simply. "I just now when there is love involved and this practically screams 'love' to me". Niou stayed silent for a moment. For once he couldn't come up with a decent reply. She had seen right through him and when she would find out the truth behind all the lovers quarrels, who knew what would happen next.

"Tell me Niou, not to push you or anything, but are you two going home today?". Niou praised himself lucky he had already thought about that. He and Marui had been over it together and had come to a compromise. "No, we're not yet leaving Tokyo. Marui has phoned his relatives here in the city and asked if we could spend a couple of nights at their place. They said it was alright with them." Yoshiko looked clearly relieved. "Thank you, because if I have to bake that much pancakes every morning, I'll probably have no money left at the end of the week". Niou laughed quietly. He knew Marui could be difficult to handle sometimes.

"Fuji-san, what I wanted to ask you was, if you know what his diagnoses is?". Yoshiko nodded her head slowly, as a sign that she knew. "The doctors told us that he has a severe case of pneumonia, which is probably triggered by the storm yesterday". She stopped for a moment. "What were they actually doing out there in the rain, without a coat or umbrella?". She looked at Niou, hoping he could help her.

"If you really want to know, you should probably ask that guy over there". He pointed at Marui, who hadn't move from his spot once.

A/N Now everybody knows what's going on and so the drama can start all over again. See you next time

R&R