Yuki moaned in his sleep; feeling rather to warm then comfortable. Hatori had helped him take off his shirt to hopefully help with the heat- but still Yuki felt to warm. Yuki rolled to his right side placing his hand on what he thought was his other pillow stroked the cool fee of it's skin. Yuki moaned feeling some discomfort and moved slightly to get in a better position. Yuki frowned as what he thought was his cool pillow had a different feel. What he didn't expect made his eyes pop open. He felt a very masculine arm reach all the way around his body and rub his back; all the way up to his neck- squishing some of his hair. Yuki opened his eyes to find his face was up agents a man's chest. Yuki sat up and screamed- causing Ayame to bolt up right screaming, only to then feel Yuki push him off harshly; Ayame's body crashed to the floor as he and Yuki looked at each other panting wide eyed. Hatori looked up from his paper, and gently folded the paper nicely taking off his glasses. "Well looks you to finally woke up. How'd you sleep?" Yuki looked at him sill wide eyed panting deeply, then looked down at his exasperated brother.

"Why are you in my bed shirtless!" Yuki said completely horrified.

"Ummm aaa ummm." Yuki's eyes grew surprisingly wider.

"Please tell me you were wearing shorts!" Yuki said alarmed by the thought.

"Ummmm yea…. I am of course." Ayame said; apparently out of shock and back to his old self. He stood up revealing tight short, short pants that were very tight.

"AYAME HOW ON EARTH DO YOU THINK THAT'S COOL TO DO!?" Yuki said outraged.

"What?... I'm wearing pants." Ayame said seeing nothing wrong with what he was wearing.

"Honestly Ayame it's like your not wearing anything at all" Yuki said showing a frown covering is temple. Hatori on the other hand just watched moving his eyes back and forth at the two brothers.

"I'm covered aren't I?" Ayame questioned, then looking at Hatori. "Tell me. Am I not wearing pants?" Ayame said honestly thinking Hatori would take his side.

"Ayame-" Hatori said crossing his arms and legs; giving him the raised eyebrow. "Aya- I'm sorry but your not really wearing anything. If you took them off now it really wouldn't make a difference." At this Ayame pouted but then shrugged and looked back at Yuki.

"What does it matter to you anyways? Were both men and brothers. What's the problem?" Ayame said unamused by why Yuki was being so flustered. Yuki truly was speechless by this.

"Because- because it's- it's just wrong!" Yuki said gesturing his arm up and down the tall man.

"Aya." Hatori said in all seriousness. "It's like me in a way how Yuki feels. Just because I have seen you naked doesn't mean I want to see you naked. We are men; and very good friends but I by far don't want to see you naked- or even close to naked if at all possible." Hatori said crushing the words on Ayame.

"Ohhhh Harsh Har'i" Ayame said turning his head to Hatori with a frown. Just then the door opened reviling Shigure who had just come back with some snacks for everybody.

"WHaough now! What did I just walk in on!" Shigure said putting both hands to the side up high showing nothing but shock.

"Aya stopped by and saw Yuki asleep and striped down to what-" Hatori cleared his throat continuing. "To what he his wearing now; and at this Yuki woke up and screamed pushing him out of bed." Hatori said putting the story out just so.

"Aya- I love you man, but don't you think that's a little far?" Shigure said chuckling.

"By far- what do you mean?" Ayame said intrigued by the dogs words.

What I mean is…. Ummmmm.. I don't really know how to put it…." Shigure said putting down the bags putting his other hand behind his head griping his hair.

"Well then tell me the one way you know." Ayame said starting to get annoyed. It showed greatly.

"Well umm- ok here it goes…. You and Yuki have just made up and are starting a new time of being brothers. It took you guys such along time, and it's nice to see you guys getting to know and encourage each other- not to mention being there for one another. Yuki still likes what he does; and you like what you do. You two are putting down a lot of ground to make each other happy and bond, and it's working- but…." Shigure looked at the floor and back up at Ayame- who at this point was getting impatient of how slow the expiation was taking. "You see Yuki still in this aspect doesn't like that closeness. He loves you- but that kind of thing you just don't do- do that to someone who doesn't like it. Perhaps he will never like that, and that's ok. Hatori doesn't like to open up, and that's his problem of all things." Hatori looked up giving Shigure the what- why are you- look. Shigure not noticing continued. "You just can't; Yuki as let himself be very vulnerable around you and its- it's very rude and very- inconsiderate of you not to think of how Yuki would feel if he woke to that after what he has told and confided in you. I'm sure you had good intentions. I know you did. You striped down to make sure Yuki wouldn't to get to warm right? A good hug can go along way. Lets just leave it to that for now. You two can get on each others nerves- and it's kind of fun to see- - but there is a limit to a persons comport. I don't mind if you sleep like that by me because of how close we are, I know Hatori wouldn't be to keen if you did that; but he would put up with it. We have a bond; we have been friends for as long as we could remember and that's what makes us strong and comfortable in that aspect. Perhaps you and Yuki when you guys age a little more wont mind. He is still a teen, We were very distant in many ways from each other as teens, even though we grew up together. Do you understand?" Shigure looked at his friend wondering how he would take all that information. It didn't help that Yuki was in the room while this talk was taking place.

Ayame leaned his body back covering his face with one hand completely embarrassed, and feeling like such a fool of a brother. Yuki had calmed down now, looked at his brother feeling bed. His brother just wanted to be close to him and keep him warm. Even though Ayame had a lot of certain people skills; he knew that his brother had only- and only good intentions with what he just did. "Ayame- it's ok now- I know you only meant well." Yuki said reaching out his hand toward his brother.

"No Yuki." At Ayame's harsh voice; Yuki took back his arm slowly lowing his head lightly still looking up, like he was being yelled or disciplined by a parent. This Ayame did not see, only Shigure and Hatori saw this look of what looked like to be the look when Ayame turned his back on him when he was younger. Ayame took his hand away and slowly looked up walking slowly to Yuki. This Yuki found very uncomfortable and made his skin shiver, as he looked up in his brothers eyes. "I do what I think is right, I do what I do because I care. I still love you- but perhaps I need to step away and grow up a little more. I can't stand seeing us get close and then start to drift apart because of my actions. It as been a joy to be with you and get to know you again." Yuki held back his tears as he griped his sheets tightly. He felt like a child inside; like a child who's mother and father were leaving for some time- A family pet dying and never seeing it again- losing what you for so long secretly wished you had; only to find it crumbing in your hands as one lays in in a puddle of ones own tears. Yuki had never heard his brother look and sound so serious before. Don't leave- don't leave me to- Yuki said in his mind trying not to cry out like a young child. Ayame looked down at Yuki. "All I do is bring us farther apart. You might put up with it now; but you will soon become annoyed and will not love or except me like you did in the many days you have spent here. I believe leaving yo- leaving us here will be the best for both of us. I can't stand the tears anymore from us, I can't take this hate and love that continue with us here. Shigure and Hatori will be here for you. Don't you worry about that- I will always be here for you; but for now I have to leave." Ayame turned his back putting on his clothes, as Shigure and Hatori reviled truly raged faces at the sake the was seeing his brothers pained face. Yuki grabbed his pillow hugging it like a frightened child.

Hatori and Shigure got up and stood by the door with there arms crossed Rage still pinned to there faces. Ayame turned to them speechless of his fellow friends faces. "Don't frown you'll get wrinkles." Ayame said still in his serious voice. Shigure and Hatori stood exactly like statues not moving in the slightest. Ayame walked up to them with his head up, his hair swinging to the side as he turned his back to his brother. As Ayame got closer to the to statues, Shigure and Hatori extended there arms pushing the man back. "Move. This is not your decision to make." Ayame said unimused looking at both men in the eyes sneering. Ayame then felt Yuki's pillow strongly hit him; at this Ayame turned around about to lose his patience with his brother for real. Ayame face went from complete annoyance to complete gilt stricken with surprise. Yuki's face was wet with his tears rolling endlessly down his caressed face, his lip wavering as his body shock of still like a terrified child. "Yuk-" Ayame was caught off by Hatori and Shigure.

"Your no different from when you were then." Hatori said with disapproval.

"Your not a man or a brother if you can just get what you've always wanted, and leaving him like you did before. Leave now Ayame and you wont have a brother anymore. Everything you did and went through with him will only bring pain to his mind and heart; and you will be responsible for every bit of it. It will all mean nothing." Shigure said unmoved in the slightest.

"You can truly bring one down to there knees and not care." Hatori said adding to Shigure's words. Ayame walked slowly to the shaking Yuki. Ayame was right next to Yuki still standing, wondering what he was thinking leaving his brother. Ayame reached out his hand- but as he reached out, Yuki leaned back scooting away from his only brother.

"If you can do this so easily again to me- then- then I made a great mistake of allowing you back here." Yuki said in a voice the was shaky, but held nothing but truth from his voice. Ayame fell to his knees looking up at his brother. I- I truly killed what we have fixed after all these years…. And it will never be fixed. Ayame said in his mind as he saw many images; happy and sad images shatter like a mirror everywhere. "Leave and never cros- cross my path or spe- speak to me again!" Yuki yelled throwing his bedside tissue box at Ayame's face. " YOU WERE NEVER THERE FOR ME! YOU WANTED TO CLEAR YOUR GULT THAT'S WHAT YOU WANTED! NOW YOU CAN FORVER FORGET YOU EVEN HAD A BROTHER! I HOPE I NEVER HAVE TO SEE YOUR SMILING FACE AGAIN!" Yuki reached over to his bedside table; eyes unmoved from Ayame. "TAKE THIS BACK NOW! YOU WORTHLESS EXQUSE FOR A SNAKE!" Ayame covered his mouth and reached up still on his knees trying to stop Yuki from the scene before his eyes. Yuki folded and tore the picture of the smiling big brother holding his little brother for the first time. "THIS IS WHAT I THINK OF US, AND YOU CAN HAVE WHAT'S LEFT!" The peace's of paper fell slowly to the ground onto Ayame's knees. At this point Ayame was sobbing looking up Yuki who was still in a weeping rage himself. Ayame stood up and grabbed a hold of his brother's shoulders.

"PLEASE DON'T DO THIS YUKI- DON'T- ALL I WANTED WAS TO GIVE YOU-" Ayame's speech stopped abruptly as a strong hand smacked his face, Ayame felt multiple fits to his face over and over again; only to then have his body fly hitting the wall. Ayame looked up tears staining his face looking at his little brother. Ayame could feel his face start to swell up as the throbbing continued. Ayame looked up turning his head at Shigure and Hatori who were looking down still unmoved by the scene before them. They then moved from the door allowing medical staff to soon come in the room. No sooner had they done that; medical staff ran entering the room that was full of raging tears. What they saw made them stop in there tracks. Ayame stood up weakly and leaned on the wall for support.

"SHUT UP! MAYBE ONE DAY YOU WILL LOOK BACK AND SEE THAT I WAS TRYING TO DO WAS SAVE US FROM HEARTEACH! BUT IF YOU WANT ME OUT OF YOUR LIFE- I'LL GET OUT!" With that being said, Ayame ran stumbling out the door to the lounge room to continue to cry himself mad. Hatori then spoke up to the staff.

"He just needs to cry now. I'm right here. Not to worry" Hatori said stepping close to Yuki. The medical staff nodded and left the broken hearted Yuki to cry hugging both Shigure and Hatori in a tightly in there warm embrace. Yuki had cried and screamed so much; it wore him out and fell asleep with the last of his tears running down his face.

Shigure sighed as he looked at the torn picture of the once happy brothers. If he had just stayed at his home- this wouldn't have happened. Shigure said in his mind as he left the shards of paper on the floor. Also leaving Yuki to sleep, Shigure settled himself on a chair while Hatori himself went to the lounge room; knowing Ayame would be in there crying his green pathetic eyes out. Hatori entered the lounge to only find Ayame in the room laying on the couch in a balling; crying his eyes out completely. "How could you do that to your own brother? Why couldn't you have just stayed home doing your work? Instead of that you come to scare Yuki; and to do exactly what you did to him as a child. What gives you the right at all to hurt him they way you just did now?!" Hatori said standing looking down at the weeping man.

"DON'T YOU DARE TELL ME THAT! ALL I WANTED TO DO IS GIVE HIM SPACE SO WE DIDN'T HAVE TO GO THOUGH THE YELLING AND CRYING AGAIN-" Ayame stopped his as felt his collar being lifted, choking him slightly.

"DON'T YOU DARE GIVE ME THAT CRAP!" Hatori yelled holding Ayame's face close to his. "YOUR NO MORE OF A MAN THEN YOU WERE A TEEN. YOU THINK I'M GOING TO BY THAT?! YOU DIDN'T SEE YUKI'S FACE ABOUT TO CRY AS YOU SPOKE TO HIM?! I HAVE THE MIND TO DRAG YOU OUT OF THIS PLACE, AND BAN YOU FROM SEEING YUKI HERE AGAIN!" Hatori was truly blowing a fuse at this point; at his life long friend who he thought had grown up a lot being around Yuki. "YOU ARE UNBELIVEIBLE YOU KNOW THAT?!" Hatori said letting go of Ayame's collar and letting Ayame's body drop on the couch.

In Yuki's Room

Yuki didn't sleep long at all, he had only slept ten minutes before he noiced Shigure looking down at him with saddened eyes. "You are a blessing Yuki." He heard Shigure say in a quiet voice. Yuki turned reached his hand up slowly- to his surprise felt Shigure grasp his hand holding it tightly.

"Ay- Ayame…." Yuki said in a saddened voice. "He's gone…. gone…." Yuki said about to cry again.

"Yuki- Yuki please don't cry, Ayame cares about you; what he did was uncalled for- but I have an idea that will prove how much he cares. If you want to hear what I have to say that is." Shigure said hoping Yuki would give his idea a chance. Yuki nodded still holding tight to his older cousin's strong hand. "Ok, what do you think about this? I will call your phone and put you on mute so whatever you say wont be heard on my line, but you can hear whatever we say. You can hang up whenever you wish." Shigure said hoping would try the experiment, hoping it wouldn't backfire to horribly if it indeed backfired…

"I'll try it Shigure, but if what you say is lie- don't expect me to go on like nothing happened. I wont let this go." Yuki said looking up at the older man.

"Yes Yuki." Shigure bowed his head and stood up letting go of Yuki's hand. Shigure then called Yuki's phone and Shigure put the settings in place. "I'll be back." Shigure lifted up his phone for Yuki to see, and put the phone in his outside pocket. As Shigure walked out of the room, he hoped and prayed this would make things better, but something deep inside him told him that it might not be so.

As Shigure entered the lounge room, he saw Ayame still weeping curled in a ball while Hatori stood over him with his arms crossed. Hatori looked at Shigure and quickly looked back at the pathetic man. "So we're still crying?" Shigure said standing by Hatori.

"Seems so doesn't it." Hatori scoffed turning away. Shigure tapped his shoulder getting his attention. He took out his phone showing Yuki was on the other line. Hatori's face turned from Annoyed to surprised within seconds. Really? Hatori mouthed wondering if that was a good idea or not. Yes Shigure mouthed back putting the phone back in his pocket. Shigure cleared his thought hoping to get Ayame's attention. "What kind of brother are you? After all the tears and laughter you come back to abandon him. Your own blood." Shigure said in a scoff; hoping to get Ayame more upset to scream how he truly feels.

"I WANTED US TO BE APART SO WHAT JUST HAPPENED WOULDN'T HAPPIN AGAIN I-" Shigure interrupted him.

"And how did that go may I ask? You seem to think what you keep doing is ok. It's like you never give it a thought that Yuki is suffering, and you're here to clear your gilt!" Shigure leaned over again to get the most out of his words. At this Ayame stood up abruptly facing Shigure.

"SHUT THE HELL UP! YOU KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE HIM- I WOULD WITHOUT HESITAIN OR THOUGHT GIVE MY LIFE TO PROTECT HIM- I WOULD JUMP INFRONT OF A TRAIN OR GIVE MY BODY TO AKITO TO TORCHER! DON'T YOU DARE TEST ME!" Ayame yelled in Shigure's face. Shigure stood there; his expression unmoved. Yuki on the other line put his hand covering his face staring at the phone. He means that- he doesn't even know I'm listening…. Yuki said in a whisper. He heard more over the phone and listened intently.

"Really? Then show me!" Shigure pushed Ayame back on the couch as he took off his robe off, handing his phone to Hatori. Oh thank goodness he's wearing long shorts. Hatori said in his mind getting out his phone to record what was happening

"YOUR ON!" Ayame yelled - and jumped up attacking Shigure.

Shigure gave the first punch, and punched Ayame in the stomach; pushing his body on this down upon the ground. As this was happing Hatori without canceling the call, filmed the scene so Yuki could see over the phone. Yuki's eyes widened as he watched the two men fight. "COME ON! SHOW ME HOW YOU'LD PROTECT YUKI- SHOW ME!" Shigure screamed punching Ayame in the face. Ayame turned his head back in a flash spiting in Shigure's face; causing Shigure to let down his stance. Ayame stood up pushing Shigure on his side and landing hard on the dogs ribs. Shigure let out a loud cry as he swung Ayame off his side raping his legs around the snakes neck. "IF YUKI'S LIFE WAS AT STAKE YOU WOULD HAVE LOST BY NOW!" Shigure said taking both hands into a fist and about to hit Ayame's head; but Ayame took his hands off of his constricting neck and caught Shigure's fits.

"Th- that's wha- what you think." Ayame choked forcing Shigure's fits to hit himself instead of the man he was choking. Ayame finding the perfect moment flung Shigure off his back and slammed him into the wall. "YOU WANT ME TO PROTECT YUKI?! YOU WANT ME TO KILL YOU HERE AND NOW TO SHOW YOU WHAT I COULD DO?!" Ayame said ending his yelling, turning his head slightly with an evil grin pinning Shigure's sneering face back- pinning him to the wall.

"I won't give up that easily." Shigure said back kicking Ayame in the crotch. Ayame screamed falling down looking up with pained tears rolling down his face. "Your- you're a dead man Shigure-" Ayame slithered out. Yuki watching this over the phone realized what Ayame meant in the beginning. He didn't want to keep getting close and then crying again- but what he was trying to prevent happened all the same- he wasn't leaving me… he was freeing me.. Yuki thought to himself. Yuki continued to watch his older brother and Shigure fight on the floor like wild rabid animals. Yuki watched Shigure continue his move from kicking Ayame in the crouch. "Watch this move." Shigure said looking down at his opponent, grabbing Ayame's feet flinging him to the wall. Ayame's back landed so hard that he screamed out in agony. But Ayame seeing Shigure springing close to him jumped and started to squeeze Shigure's body; causing Shigure to land on the floor; The pain was so bad that it was cutting off most circulation to his body. Right when things were about to get out of hand- medical staff ran in and forced the man apart and forcing them to the ground. An older doctor walked to Shigure seeing he had major bruising on his chest and ribs. He pressed lightly on his side and Shigure screamed loudly, filling the room with his pained agony echo's.

"You have a light sprained rib, and many burses." The doctor said disappointed of the men. He walked to Ayame who's nose was running with blood, his lip swollen, Ayame looked at the doctor walking toward him; then looked down with shame. "You two are very close- what would Yuki do if he saw you two this way?" The doctor said getting a clean cloth to soak up the blood.

"We'll, we'll have to ask him wont we?" Hatori said showing the medical staff and the worn out men that Yuki was on the other line still listening. "We can't see him, but he can see you. He's been here since Shigure walked in, I wonder what he's thinking." Shigure looked at the phone still panting at this point shocked. He had forgotten the phone was recording, but Hatori had made it so Yuki could see the whole fight. "Are you happy now?" Hatori asked still facing the camera to the bruised men. Shigure was staring at the recording phone not knowing what to do. He then tasted blood from his upper lip drop into his mouth and down his chin. Hatori walked passed Shigure and walked toward Ayame. Ayame was shaking as Hatori got closer with the phone. "Is there something you want to say to Yuki over the phone?" Hatori asked, obviously disciplining his friend in the worst way Ayame could think of. Yuki looked in horror as his brothers body was harshly covered in burses and his noise still flowing blood down his mouth. Ayame bowed his head to the side so his hair could cover his face. "That's what I thought. You can't even face him over the phone can you? How do you feel that Yuki saw you punching a family member- Shigure of all people." Ayame kept his head down not wanting to even speak, even with his hair covering his face.

"Yuki- hang up the phone. We're all coming back to the room." Hatori said knowing Yuki couldn't reply. Before Yuki hung up the phone, he herd doctors restrain Ayame and Shigure both so they couldn't run or fight with each other or the staff.

"Get your- your hands off of me-"

"Hay I got it- Let go!" Yuki sighed and shut off his phone waiting for the men to return. The door nob turned and the doctors where holding the hands and shoulders of both Ayame and Shigure. What Yuki didn't expect was Ayame's out burst.

"Yuki no!- I'm sorry- I'm not a-" But before Ayame could continue his plead, the doctors forced him on his knees. While on his knees he looked up ashamed of himself. "Yuki- Yuki- I'm not a monster, please I'm not a monster." Ayame said leaning forward shaking his head, trying to extend his hand; which he found bound by the doctors hands.

"Release them. I will keep them in check . If you could bring in a spare bed so these two can rest; and for me to examine them, it would be well appreciated." Hatori said in a kind voice. But before the doctors could reply Hatori saw Ayame and Shigure both start to shake and start to take in a deep breaths; their heads leaning back; The signs of them about to transform.
"OK thank you so much by-" Hatori shoved the staff out fast and threw open the door kicking both Shigure and Ayame in; shutting the door. Within a minute to big poofs sounded. Hatori sighed in relief seeing the two very beat animals lying on the bathroom floor. Hatori leaned down picking up Ayame first gently and placing him on his pillow, he then gently picked up Shigure and placed him on the opposite side of Ayame's bed. He sighed and looked at Yuki with a tired face. Yuki sighed deeply and closed his eyes; turning his head away; gesturing for Hatori to bring Ayame over. Hatori smiled lightly and gently picked up his beaten friend and placed him in Yuki's arms. Aya opened his eyes weekly and gave a small smile.

"I believe we both didn't react, and heard what was meant to be heard. It's ok if you transform here- Just put on some pants ok? Then you can come back in…." Yuki said in a quiet voice; still feeling a little uncomfortable with the idea of someone that close to him.

"Thank you…" Ayame said in a very quiet voice, drifting off to sleep. Yuki twitched feeling Ayame's snake flash under his own finger tips.

"You ok?" Hatori whispered placing his hand on the bottom bedframe.

"Yea…. I just don't really care for the feeling of a snake skin touching my fingers." Yuki whispered back. Looking down at his sleeping brother.

"Yuki." Yuki looked up at Hatori. "I know you don't feel comfortable with what your doing, with Aya being so close to you like this- and what just happened. What I'm trying to say is that your more of a man then you may think, or think about it at all. Your meeting him way more than half way- You know what he was trying to do. You are truly amazing man. Just let me know if I can do anything for you Yuki." Hatori said giving Yuki a cup of fresh water. Yuki blushed but quickly drank the water covering up his embarrassment.

Yuki still holding his brother in his arms; lowered the bed and moved his third pillow to the side so his brother could sleep on. Yuki then rested his head on his pillow facing his brother pulling the blanket to shade them from the small chill in the room. I see now.. he didn't want us to bond and then cry all over again. I got the wrong idea because of the way he framed himself and the way he spoke. We are stronger now- I don't doubt he would risk his life for me. Yuki's thoughts were cut when a flash from his nightmare appeared in his eyes. No- No I wont let that happen. Why do I keep having nightmares of my brother suffering? Is something going to happen that I'm not aware yet? Well….. I can only pray for good dreams now. And with that- Yuki caved into sleep. And for him- may only good dreams come to his broken world.

As Yuki slept deeply, as Ayame transformed back to his old self again, his body close to Yuki's- peacefully content without knowing were he was. Hatori walked over and pulled off Ayame's sheet and carefully put on some lose pants on the naked man. Hatori then covered Ayame again; and walked over to Shigure putting some pants on him as well. Ayame turned his body so he was facing Yuki again, but what he didn't know was his head was right put against the young man's chest. Ayame stirred a little waking up. He heard a beating- a beating heart. He opened his eyes wide realizing his head was on Yuki's chest; his ear close to his heart. Ayame sighed deeply hearing Yuki's heart beet in a certain rhythm; Ayame took note every couple beats or so his heart beat would change the pattern of beats it would make. Ayame felt Yuki stirred slightly and felt Yuki pull himself closer, resting his head on his brother's. He doesn't know it's me. Ayame chuckled in his head. Yuki then flipped his body roughly to the other side moaning, and without even meaning to- kicked Ayame in the legs extremely hard. Ayame yelped slightly trying to keep his voice low for his sleeping family members. Ayame was now fully awake still watching Yuki sleep, even though Yuki's back was turned to him. Yuki was moving his head up and down in a panic as he turned on his back panting in his sleep. His eyes then shot open as he gasped for breath. "Oh- oh my goodness….. no…" Yuki whispered still catching his breath. Yuki turned his head slowly to see Ayame laying down next to him watching his every move he made. Yuki jumped slightly but knew right away it was his big brother beside him. "Oh hi. Your awake. How are you feeling?" Yuki asked in a quiet voice looking at his brother's beat up face.

"I'm all right now I think- Thank you." Ayame said looking at Yuki in the eyes. "Were you having another nightmare?" Ayame asked lightly reaching to touch his brother's shoulder.

"Yes… but its fine …. " Yuki said laying on his back again resting.

"Yuki I-"

"No- not now. Let's just rest." Yuki said hoping to keep the apologies aside for now. Ayame sat up pulling back the sheets to put on some pants as Yuki had requested. To his surprise found himself wearing pants."

"I- I'm wearing pants?..." Ayame said looking at Yuki confused.

"Don't look at me." Yuki said now siting up. They both simultaneously looked at Hatori in his arm chair watching the two bothers with his knees crossed with his hands together.

"Yes, I put the pants on Aya; Didn't want you to get out of bed and disturb both of your sleep, or have you get back in." Hatori said sitting up fixing his color on his doctor coat. Yuki looked at Hatori and looked at Ayame's bed were he herd a moan from Shigure. Shigure was laying on his back, a strong banged could be seen rapped around his bruised ribs and upper body.

"Shigure!" Ayame screamed loudly about to get up and run to his life long friend.

"Don't you dare get up." Hatori said causing Ayame to freeze. "He has many bruised ribs and is in great pain. Best let him rest." Hatori said more kindly. "I have given him some pain medication but I think I'll have to doss him up quite a bit more." Shigure moaned loudly almost about to cry in pain; Hatori walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I know your hurting, hang in there ok? I'll get you some more medication; you will stay here with me so I can see if your doing ok?" Hatori said checking the now noticeable IV stand. Yuki looked over at his brother who was truly heart broken. Yuki saw what Ayame did, He knew Ayame had greatly hurt him; but most of all their friendship- was hurting the most at this point. Or so he thought.

"Aya- I'm, I'm sorry for all this- I-" Shigure moaned in pain as he moved his hand to his hurting stomach.

"Stop." Yuki said in a whisper, knowing Ayame wanted to run and beg for forgiveness. Ayame nodded and continued to sit by his brother watching Shigure.

"You were in pain and I only added on to what you felt, I enforced the pain and took our problems out on each others pain. If any- anything I am to blame. And I am sorry. So sorry." Shigure laid there looking at the ceiling; closing his eyes-letting a signal tear drip down his cheek. Ayame sat there looking at his friend remembering one of his bad dreams. Ayame shook his head and slowly reached for his brother's hand, squeezing it tightly. Yuki turned his head and looking down at the larger hand holding his own, and deeply sighed. He squeezed Ayame's hand and looked at Hatori with a look of shame in his own eyes, reflecting sadness in the older man.

"Ok Shigure." Hatori said walking over, and cleaning part of Shigure's shoulder with a cleaning swab. "Relaxed. This is the extra pain medication, it'll will hurt for a moment." Hatori said drying the area of skin on Shigure's shoulder. He put the needle to his friend shoulder and inserted the needle, injected the liquid into his bruised body. Shigure screamed loudly lifting his head off the pillow, then slamming his head back on the bed. Hatori took the needle out of his friend's shoulder and placed his hand on Shigure's forehead and chest. "Done." Hatori said simply. Trying to calm down his life long friend.

"Ow…." Shigure said in pain unable to hold his shoulder.

"Your fine; give it a second to work though your body and take hold. You should be fine. Best rest your ribs and rest your body and mind." Hatori said lightly smiling down at his friend taking off his rubber gloves.

"Ok….." he replied closing his eyes lightly resting.

Yuki felt bad for Shigure. He went to help and got himself and Ayame hurt. Hatori then turned and disposed or the needle and syringe, then walking over to Ayame. Ayame thinking he was going to get scolded shut his eyes tight waiting for the yelling and hitting Hatori would do when he would cause so much trouble. He opened one eye wondering why Hatori hadn't done anything yet; He then opened both eyes wide seeing Hatori patiently waiting for him to act somewhat normal. "How's your back? I know you have back problems so don't lie when you say your fine. I know he slammed you hard to the wall." Hatori said acting like he had always done.

Ayame's eyes widened momentarily then went back to normal. "I'm fine Hatori. thank you" he said with a nod.

"You have back problems?" Yuki asked letting go of Ayame's hand. Ayame looked at him and nodded lightly.

"Yes, but it's not a big deal at all. Just get's to me once and a while. Just happens a lot if I strain my back; It bothers my back a whole lot. slouching and especially leaning over a table can do a lot to my back." Ayame said simply. "It's not like I can't get up or anything, just if I am in a certain position for to long; that's the main cause of the pain." Ayame said putting it simple contents. "I'm fine." He said giving his signature smile.

"Your lying" Hatori said mildly, causing Ayame to turn his head abruptly.

"I'm lying?" Aya said wondering how he could presume such a thing.

"Sit forward, then we'll see." Aya frowned at this but did as Hatori requested. Aya struggled to sit forward while Yuki watched as Hatori lightly put pressure in the middle of his back on the left side.

"OW!" Hatori at this raised his eyebrow, and continued to watch Ayame's face as he lightly touched his friends back. He then touched his upper back near his shoulders. He watched as Ayame grimace.

"How about here?" Hatori moved his finger tips to Aya's lower back in the middle.

"OWWWWCH- OUCH STOP STOP THAT HURTS!" Hatori quickly stopped; his face unmoved, as he helped his friend lay back on the bed.

"So I believe you were lying, would you like to defend yourself that it wasn't pain?" Hatori asked giving Ayame the unimused face.

"Fine….. I was…" Ayame said. Unknown to him Shigure had turned his head watching Hatori touch his back, and talk to him and Yuki. He turned his head pretending to be asleep.

"Brother, why would you lie to Hatori like that? You could of just told him you were having some pain couldn't you?" Yuki asked disappointed; and the look on his face showed.

"Yes, why couldn't you have just told me?" Hatori asked wondering that himself.

"I- I didn't want to worry or cause anymore trouble or worry then there already is. Pride more like it I suppose…." Ayame sighed giving a child smile to Hatori.

"Your forgiven. Don't do it again." Hatori said turning his back; walking away opening the door to get some pain medication for Ayame.

"Can't promise." Ayame said smiling brightly. At this Hatori showed a smile and nodded, leaving the room. Yuki looked at his brother.

"Is your friendship with Shigure still there? Is there any hope that you two will make up and be cool again? If anything? Yuki questioned looking at his brother with a worried expression.

"I- I think- or hope so….. That was one of our biggest that's for sure. I can't assume that we'll be ok like normal. I got out of hand, quite actually; I acted like a child and didn't stop the fight before it went to far." Ayame sighed deeply. "I have a lot of growing up to do still- a lot more. And a lot has to be based on you. I want to apolo-" Ayame fond himself being cut off harshly.

"Not now." Yuki said looking down at his twitching hands.

"Very well…." Aya sighed again deeply. Hoping he could say his apologies to Yuki soon. Ayame look at the wall before him. You would never think we would have to go through this would you…. Shigure, Hatori, Yuki…. I am selfish. And will never me as good- good as any of you.. Ayame said in his mind. Hatori came back in the room with the pain meds for Ayame, and settled down in his chair looking over some paper work putting on his glasses.

"So…"

"Hush and enjoy the moment." Hatori said not looking up from his reading. Aya pouted but relaxed as he turned his head to Yuki who was lifting his leg up and down in a certain rhythm.

"What – what- are you doing?" Aya said wondering why of all times his brother was doing odd leg movements.

"I'm exercising my leg trying to get some strength back, then when I stand my lower body will be used too the movement." Yuki said simply still doing the exercises.

"Dose that help any?"

"Oh it does a little. I have to really be persistent on this, otherwise it's all for nothing." Yuki explained again simply. Ayame sighed; then looked up seeing Shigure's head turned facing them; smiling still oh his back. Ayame leaned over, his hair falling to one side of his head. Shigure gently nodded his head with a small smile. Ayame leaned back wondering what to do.

5 days latter

Shigure was sitting up now, able to move a little more freely; only time to time he would feel pain in his ribs, which he would have to sit down for a moment. Ayame could easily stand and walk around like normal with very few pains. Shigure and Ayame had still not said there apology's, but got along as ever- but moments in time would be a little more strained then others. At this Hatori walked to Yuki placing a hand on his shoulder. "Come, you need to get out of this room. Let's go get a soda. Come on." Hatori helped Yuki up and placed him in a wheel chair before Yuki had a chance to say a word in edgewise. "We'll be out for a moment." Hatori said leaving very quickly so Ayame and Shigure could make up, so all this could be over with.

"Looks like Hatori got really tired of us not talking like we used to hu? Who would of thought." Ayame said chuckling

"Indeed. Poor Hatori, he doesn't show it much, but he worry's deep inside you know." Shigure said resting his back, sitting up agents the wall.

"I know the fight between us has changed us a little…." Ayame said unsure of how to go about the how to apology.

"Ayame- I know. I know what happened has made us a little uneasy around each other. I know, I just don't know how to say I am sorry. I truly am sorry for fighting with you in such a way that didn't need to happen. I- I guess I just got tired of all the tears, that I just took it out on you. I still love you- nothing will change that in the least. You can bug me, even drive me up all wall; but never get rid of me. I will admit your fighting is strong, and if you think of it- you did it for Yuki; to prove you would do anything. Even hurt me to save him. I know you didn't mean what you said that you would kill me. I know very well how you feel. And you are forgiven." Shigure said tilting his head with his Shigure touch. "I don't even want to here you try to apologize. I already know what you would say." Shigure continued shifting his shoulders to get more comfortable up agents the wall on Ayame's bed. Ayame stood up from Yuki's bed; walking over to his friend with a smile, his hair swishing from side to side. He leaned over embracing Shigure in a tight hug, burying his face in Shigure's shoulders.

"You are truly an amazing friend, but I can't stand up till I at least say I am sorry for everything. There, that's all I'll say." Ayame said pulling away from the hug.

"I know, and I love hearing it." Shigure said brushing the loosed bangs from his face Ayame and Shigure began to laugh like there old selves again. They didn't have to wait to long before Hatori was wheeling in Yuki who was drinking an orange soda pop.

"Good you two made up." Yuki said taking a sip of his juice. He then handed his juice to Hatori, Hatori placed the juice on the counter and put the wheel chair on lock. "Ok ready."

"Right, need the cane?" Hatori questioned as he helped Yuki stand up.

"No, but thank you. It's a short walk." Yuki said grunting slightly while he was trying to stand. Shigure and Ayame held worried looks on there faces watching the leg trembling Yuki.

"Stay close to the wall-"

"I know, I know stop nagging me." Yuki said annoyed of his family doctor. Hatori only smiled in return watching Yuki trying to walk to his older brother and Shigure. "Don't get up I'm coming." Yuki said looking at his brother and then down to his feet.

Yuki put the palm of his hands on the wall slowly but surely making his way to the bed. His legs began to wobble and he fell- but caught himself landing on his knee. "Don't help I got it." Yuki propped his body on the wall now standing. He then sighed deeply and made it right next to his brother, and his dog- like cousin. The two men made room to they could have Yuki sit between them.

"Good job Yuki." Hatori said as he lightly clapping his hands.

"My little brothers first real steps!" Ayame said enthusiastically hugging him tightly.

"Aya- Aye off-." Ayame let go of Yuki helping his brother sit up properly.

"That was very well done Yuki, soon you're me walking normally again in no time." Shigure said patting the young man's shoulder.

"I'll be walking more so I can start to use the bathroom without the tube, and get out of this place." Yuki replied to Shigure; looking him in the eyes. Yuki then looked at his older brother and smiled tilting his head lightly. "I'm happy two made up." What Ayame didn't expect then came out of Yuki's lips outright. "I would like to go on a walk sometime. Perhaps the next time I can walk." Yuki then stood up ignoring his brother's wide eyes staring in astonishment. Yuki taking a couple steps forward began to lose his balance, as he moved his arms like a roller-skater trying not to fall.

"Gotcha." Ayame said grabbing Yuki under his arms and pulling him upright.

"Umm thanks." Yuki said blushing deeply. Ayame helped Yuki to his bed and helped him onto it as well. "Thanks." Yuki said grabbing his light blanket and pulling it over his legs. "Still have to work on the walking part. " Yuki chuckled very, very lightly. But stopped when he noticed his brothers face in complete shock. "What's wrong? Everything ok?" Yuki's face became concerned when Ayame without a word stepped out of the room abruptly, his hand on his forehead.

That's my brother, my brother! Why does the image of him captivate my mind?! Why- how is he so strong! Why is it when I look and talk to him that I feel so incomplete? Why can't I be more like you- and less like me?... Ayame thought to himself. Why must I be jealous of you? I- I think it's because of everything you went thought, and everything I'm not….

Yuki sighed to himself thinking of his brother. Looks like he's overwhelmed, and I don't blame him. We have all changed quite a bit being in this place; far, far to long.