I'm Missing You

Everything seems to be falling apart for the guy formerly known as Desarm, when his love decides to focus on running her father's company and leaves Japan for America. But is that all that's keeping Hitomiko Kira there? Hitomiko and Saginuma centric.

Disclaimer: I don't own Inazuma Eleven or any of the characters. They are solely the property of Level 5.

Italics- for thoughts, memories, emphasis or letters/emails.

Appointment

Dr Haruno was certainly not what Saginuma was expecting. She was not the scholarly, elderly lady just emanating wisdom from her very being as he had imagined she would be. Instead, Dr Sakura Haruno is a much, much younger woman, possibly around Hitomiko's age or younger, her long hot-pink hair held back with a red hair band. She wore a pair of stylish specs that seemed to highlight her light green eyes. Under the white coat she was wearing a red turtleneck over black skinny jeans. She looked less like a genes specialist and more like a first year med student. Strike that – she looked more like a high school student! Saginuma could barely keep himself from staring. It didn't help that she was also very attractive. However, the good doctor was very professional, a manner at odds with her appearance.

Just like Hitomiko, Saginuma sighed. He wondered what she was doing right; probably was immersed in her work, as was always her way.

Thankfully Hiroto did the talking, explaining the incident in the morning while Saginuma gazed aimlessly around the office, only occasionally adding his own details. The office was surprisingly normal and reminded him a little bit of the school doctor's office back home, only way bigger. And the school doctor didn't have the massive mahogany desk nor would he have the even more massive bookshelf behind the desk. Dr Haruno's desk was neat, 3 files stacked on her right, papers and pen lined before her, and a small framed photo of a happily grinning blond man. Saginuma looked intently at this picture while Hiroto talked. So even the doctor has someone she loves,he thought. And then a small pang of envy sprang up at the notion that everyone but himself seemed to be with someone; he managed to crush the thought before it could grow.

When finally Hiroto stopped speaking, Dr Haruno leaned back and sighed. "It's a very interesting case you have," she said. "However, it will not be as easy as you think. It'll be more than just locating the traces and then eliminating them- in fact that sort of method hasn't even been invented yet!"

Hiroto's face fell. Saginuma remained silent, but he felt sorry for his friend. Hiroto had pinned his hope entirely on this doctor; he meant well but it was naiv-

"However," Dr Haruno suddenly smiled, "there's always room for new improvements in the field." Both boys stared wide-eyed at her. Did she really mean...?

"S-so you'll really be able to help us?" Saginuma asked eagerly. The idea that there was still a cure within reach had buoyed his spirits. The doctor nodded.

"It'll be a challenge though," she added, replacing the smile with a more serious look. Hiroto and Saginuma gazed firmly back. "It'll probably take a long time, and there is the matter of funding - and that's even before we can begin researching." And there it is, the catch, Saginuma thought, depressed again. Time and money. He had seen the former Epsilon teammates and others from the other teams, who are like little brothers and sisters to him, fall ill within weeks. Midorikawa, Sumeragi, Segata were already stricken badly when he had left, and their condition was worsening each day. Who else would be sick by the time he comes back? If a cure couldn't be found soon... he didn't want to imagine it. He didn't care about himself, but for the others- what could happen would be unbearable.

As for money - ever since the Aliea Academy fiasco most of Father's finances had been frozen by the government. Sun Garden was nearly on the verge of bankruptcy. It was only the hard work of Hitomiko and the generosity of certain people that Sun Garden wasn't shut down, and even so their budget is tight.

So they have neither time nor money.

Saginuma glanced over nervously at Hiroto and blinked in surprise. The younger boy didn't look worried at all. It wasn't an act; he would tell if Hiroto was just pretending not to be worried but the boy really wasn't troubled. He wondered what his friend had in mind.

Then there was a knock at the door. They all stared at it; Saginuma and Dr Haruno in surprise, Hiroto with expectation.

"Come in," Dr Haruno called.

"Excuse me," a very, very familiar voice replied from behind the door. Saginuma immediately forgot how to breathe. No way! Did she really-? The door opened, and Hitomiko Kira stepped into the office. He stared at her, unable to believe that she was really here.

However Hitomiko studiously avoided even glancing at him, only nodding to Hiroto before introducing herself to the doctor. From that simple gesture Saginuma realized why Hiroto was not worried. Of course! There's still her company, Kira Industries! But it wasn't a cheery thought at all. The company had been behind the Aliea project 100 percent, and then abandoned the whole thing when their president was arrested. And they refused to take responsibility for the damages Aliea Academy had caused, instead leaving it to Sun Garden to deal with it. He may not know much about the place but he knew it was bad news. Why Hitomiko would want to run it is a mystery... but since she is the new president then maybe they will have a chance.

After listening to Dr Haruno' explanation, Hitomiko was silent. "So basically," she asked, "to get started on any research you'll need funding, am I correct?"

Saginuma shut his eyes and tried to focus on the discussion between the two women but his ears only wanted to hear Hitomiko. Ah, her voice is possibly one of Saginuma's favourite things about the woman. Usually people say her voice is monotone, but then they never really listen to it, they don't hear the undercurrents of emotion, like he does.

"Yes, so that's it then!" Dr Haruno's voice suddenly shattered his consciousness, reminding him that they have serious business to attend to. He gazed at Hitomiko, who was shaking hands with Dr Haruno. Obviously the meeting was over. Dammit! I missed what was happening! Saginuma cursed himself. He seriously needs to get his act together.

Hiroto also shook the doctor's hand, and then it was his turn. He grasped the hand briefly and then quickly turned to the exit. Hitomiko and Hiroto were already outside. "Don't forget; next week Monday, and I want all the documents," Dr Haruno called before he could leave. He nodded, despite not knowing what she meant, and shut the door behind him. He scanned the corridor for the siblings, finally spotting them standing next to the sliding doors.

"What took you so long?" Hitomiko mumbled edgily. Without even waiting for an answer, she whirled around and strode through the doors, past the receptionist's desk and right out the building.

Saginuma simply stood still, staring after her, just like he did that day when she left him in the alley. He bowed his head and clenched his fists. Dammit, I promised I would make her see that we belong together, he thought, gritting his teeth in frustration. But I can't even talk to her!

He felt a light pressure on his back, and he looked at the source, puzzled. "Saginuma," Hiroto smiled as he gave him another encouraging push towards the door. "It'll take her some time to find a cab. Go after her now!"

"Hiroto...," Saginuma still had the bemused look on his face until what Hiroto's suggestion finally sunk in. He then grinned and nodded, and then briskly strode away; soon he was outside the hospital, where it was raining cats and dogs. He immediately found Hitomiko standing under the eaves, her back to him. This is his second chance, and this time he'll do it right.

"Alright! No more hesitating!" he muttered. Saginuma marched up to her, calling her name as he approached. A couple of other people also hiding from the rain glanced at him briefly, but Hitomiko didn't appear to have heard him; maybe he wasn't loud enough? "Hitomiko, can I talk to you?" he said once he was closer. She did not reply. Okay, now she seemed to be totally ignoring him! "Uh, H-Hitomiko?" Saginuma tried not to be discouraged. Oh, so you're going to give me the silent treatment. Loudly he said, "Hitomiko, look at me please!" At last, she slowly turned to face him; upon seeing her face Saginuma knew something was wrong. Her face was slack, her cheeks were too red for comfort, and her eyes seemed vacant. Then suddenly she collapsed; it happened so fast Saginuma barely had time to catch her before she could hit the ground. He stared wide-eyed at the woman in his arms, watching her laboured breathing. "H-Hitomiko?" She only made an incoherent sound in reply. Saginuma stood up carrying her, ignoring the strain in his arms from Hitomiko's dead weight. "Okay, hang in there, please, Hitomiko!" he said as he turned and headed back into the hospital while the surprised bystanders just stared. At last the rain stopped.

At last, chapter 7 is done! So sorry for the wait, the dastardly Writer's Block had returned, accompanied by the awful Extremely Full Schedule, who both conspired to delay me. But I beat them (ahahahaahahaha)... for now...

Anyway, thanks to everyone who reviewed and have been waiting for the next chapter, I hope you enjoyed it! And again, all reviews are welcome!