*~*~ At long last, I have finally come back to this story. Almost an entire year! I am probably the worst writer ever. I have thought about it much, but I always seem to have something else going on, and this gets pushed aside. I never realized how much people would like that first chapter! :) So, without further ado, I give you the next chapter. I plan to post more tomorrow, for sleep is something I should probably have right now. Thank you for all of your feedback and patience. I hope you enjoy! :) *~*~

Chapter 1: Sleepwalker

Three. Two. One.

Breathe. Just breathe. Count, and breathe.

"I can't. Something's wrong," he gasped. "It's worse this time."

"Shh, I'm here. I'm here. Just breathe."

He clutched tightly onto her robes, burying himself within the fabric. His breath shook as he forced it in and out of his lungs, over and over, as if he were trying desperately to meditate. She saw the words whispered on his lips as he purposely counted behind his heartbeat. Three. Two. One. Slower and slower with each count. Her fingers grasped under his chin and over his wrist as she measured his pulse, breathing steadily alongside him to ease his anxious mind.

"There you are, Mayonaka," she whispered as his body began to still. His fingers loosened their grip on her sleeve, and moved his fist to rest next to his open eyes. She stroked his cheek softly, the muscles of his mouth still forming the words under his breath. Three… Two… One… Three… Two… One…

A boy stood in the doorway, quieter than a ghost. The moonlight caught his pale skin as he watched. She motioned towards him sharply, and he disappeared from sight.

Mayonaka sighed. She looked down to see him glance away from the door. She shook her head slightly. "There is nothing to be ashamed of," she assured him, still holding his head in her lap. "The night is when we meet our greatest demons. Haru does not judge you."

"I don't even know what my demons are."

"That makes them even more frightening." She glanced at the clock on the bedside table. "Twelve forty eight. A personal record."

A moment passed. She watched him closely, waiting.

He took deep breath, and spoke upon the exhale: "I deserve a medal." His gaze slid up to hers, and he gave her a weak grin.

She returned his smile. "There he is."

Mayonaka shifted slightly as he looked away from her, focusing on the light that streamed softly through the window. The moon was bright tonight, almost full, and it bathed him in an unearthly glow. Her eyes didn't leave him.

"Do you... remember anything?" she asked hesitantly.

He just shook his head. His pulse had returned to normal, but his body was still tense.

"Do you think you'll need it?" she asked.

"It didn't hurt," he replied. "Maybe not tonight."

"How about just a sip? Just in case."

He shook his head. "I don't –"

He jerked violently, grabbing onto her robes.

"Okay, okay." She reached for the cup next to the clock.

"No!" he gasped, waving his hand. "I'm fine."

"Don't lie to me."

"I can handle it!"

Her eyebrows furrowed slightly, the only indication of her emotion. She kept her hand suspended over the cup a moment longer while Mayonaka flinched with each tremor that raked through his body. His absolute silence only confirmed his pain, but she did not offer for him to drink again. Her arm descended softly over his shoulder, and she held him there until he became still once more. She bit her cheek. Ten minutes. It was worse this time. Mayonaka took a few minutes to steady himself, making sure the pain had subsided. With strenuous movements he pushed himself from her lap, his feet resting on the edge of the bedframe as he glanced towards the clock, before placing his face within his hands. She leaned back against the bedpost at the foot of the bed, and watched the slight shaking of his arms. He should have taken the cup.

They stayed there for quite some time, listening to the songs of the crickets just outside the window. The peaceful sound calmed them, as did the cool night air that caressed their tired faces. Mayonaka slowly dropped his arms to his lap and looked over to her. "Now," he said quietly, "now I deserve a medal."

She scoffed, "What about me?"

He stared at her.

"These old bones don't belong to a night owl, you know. They aren't meant to stay up this late. They need their beauty sleep."

"Ha!" he grinned. "All the beauty sleep in the world wouldn't help you."

"Watch it you!" she exclaimed, throwing a soft punch at his shoulder. He rolled with it, chuckling. She stood up and grabbed the cup, heading towards the door. "You'd better treat me with some respect or you'll be making your own pain killers."

"In which case, Suzume is all yours tomor –today."

She turned around in the doorframe, her entire body rigid. "Suzume?"

"Today is Wednesday, remember?"

Her eyes closed and her body sagged. "Oh no, I forgot we were looking after her."

"Don't you worry," Mayonaka laughed. "I promise to stay around the house if you keep making my pain killers." He smiled wide.

She rolled her eyes and returned the cup to the bedside table. "Alright, then. You have me there. Just keep her away from anything fragile. And don't… be yourself."

"Well thanks for the inspirational talk, mum."

"You know what I mean," she said. "Be a good example, would you? Act your age."

"We don't know my age."

"Then act my age."

"That's boring."

She pointed a finger at him. "You're pushing it."

"Not while I have Suzume to threaten you with."

She pursed her lips, trying to hide her amusement. Mayonaka eased back into his bed covers and placed his hands behind his head, completely satisfied with himself.

She rolled her eyes. "Do you want some tea?"

"Nah," he shrugged, resting his hands on his stomach. "It'll keep me up."

"You need something. You're weak."

"Just a barrel of encouragement tonight, aren't you?"

She sighed. "Goodnight, Mayonaka. I'll see you in a few hours."

"Goodnight, Madame Himura."

The door closed quietly behind her. Mayonaka stared where she had been for a moment before shifting his gaze to the cup, his smile fading. He clenched his teeth and tore his gaze away, rolling to his side and pulling his blanket up to his neck, holding it tightly. It was going to be a long night.