I apologize for the long wait between this chapter and the last. I know it's short, but I do hope chapter four will be longer as I'm finally falling into the middle of the story. I have several ideas I'm trying to work with at the moment and I'm hoping I'll be able to sort them out as I go. I doubt I'll be able to update again soon as I'm testing but I am writing down ideas as they come to sort out my thoughts.

Regardless, I'd like to thank my partner, Fiyerna for helping me with this chapter when I hit a wall. Be sure to give him thanks, won't you?

Do remember, reviews encourage me to write more.

Chapter Three

"Are you—please tell me this is a joke." Naoto muttered, shakily raising herself to her feet. "Th-there must be some mistake. Souji-kun can't be…" She struggled to finish the sentence as a soft hand fell on her shoulder, slowly forcing her back down onto the bench.

Ikeda sighed softly, giving Naoto a sympathetic look. "I wish I was, dear. There is always a chance he'll be able to recover from this but… the chances are fairly low."

"B-but… Isn't there anything we could-"

Ikeda shook her head. "I'm afraid all we can do is wait until he's stronger, Shirogane-san. Doing anything now would risk sending him back into a coma or worsen his condition to a point in which we can't help him." Naoto's eyes widened, but she no longer protested, falling back against the wall in shock as Ikeda continued.

"He's able to take visitors now, but… because of his current condition, we ask that only one person go in at a time. It will be hard enough for him to register a conversation with just one person. Should multiple people talk at once… We just do not wish to push such strain on his mind right now. The doctor was hesitant to let any of you in at all."

"Just… one? But…" Rise began, trailing off when Yosuke shook his head.

"Nevermind that, Rise-san. Let Naoto go in tonight. We can always see him—"

"No." The group turned in shock, staring at Naoto.

"You two… take your time. Go in and see him… I've been at his side for several weeks." The sleuth stood up, staring at the floor. "Yakushiji-san, Grandpa… you two should return to your hotel. I'm… going to get something to drink."

"Shouldn't we go after her?" Rise muttered softly as Naoto turned the corner, glancing uneasily at the others in the hallway.

"I imagine right now… she just needs some time to herself to think." Ikeda muttered softly, staring after Naoto. "She's probably gone down to the nurse's station to get something warm to drink. We told her she was always welcome there… I'll go check on her. Visiting hours will be over shortly, so you should all go see Seta-san while you have the chance."

"But…"

"Rise-san, you go in first. I have to call Chie anyway." Yosuke smiled, pushing Rise towards Souji's door before turning and starting at a slow jog. "I'll be back soon! So don't hog up all his time, eh?" He laughed before turning the corner and disappearing from view, leaving Rise standing awkwardly by the door.

"Um… I…"

"Go ahead, Kujikawa-san." Misanori stood up, smiling kindly. "I do believe I will take my granddaughter's advice and head back to the hotel with Yakushiji after we see to it that she's alright. Please, go and see Seta-san. Let him know that everything is…" The old man hesitated. As much as he wanted to say 'alright', he knew very well that things were far from it. Not only in Souji's case, but Naoto's as well. "…that everything is working itself out as best it can."

"I'm sure he'll be happy to see you; you're friends after all, aren't you?" Yakushiji spoke up, smiling softly. "It's quite alright. I know what you're thinking… as long as he's able to hear Naoto's voice before the night ends, I'm sure it will not matter if he hears another's voice first."

Rise hesitated before nodding slowly, offering Yakushiji a small smile.

"R-right. I'll need to leave soon anyway, so tell Naoto-kun I'll see her later, alright?" Taking in a deep breath, the idol slipped into the room, shutting her eyes as she prepared herself for the sight that was soon to come. Despite the many visits she had paid Souji in recent days, the sight of him in the hospital bed only seemed to leave her in worse condition than before.

"H-hey, Senpai," she called softly. "It's Rise. How are you feeling?" The pig-tailed girl opened her eyes as Souji's eyes slowly moved towards the sound of her voice, looking several feet to her right. He blinked twice, frowning slightly as his eyes moved around slowly, trying to pin-point the source of the voice.

Noticing Souji's troubles, Rise quickly pulled a chair up beside the bed, slipping into it before reaching for Souji's hand and taking it lightly in her own. The idol winced as she ran a finger over the back of his hand, noting that she was able to feel far too many bones for her liking. His hand is just as frail as Naoto's… But Senpai has an excuse. He hasn't been able to control what food and nutrients were put into him… but Naoto-kun… I need to tell Senpai…

"You must be tired…" Rise finally spoke, a sad smile on her face. "I know… I'm probably not who you want to have here right now—I mean, I'm not saying you don't want me here at all, I'm just saying…I mean I'm not… Naoto-kun." Souji blinked slowly, most of his face covered from the oxygen mask. "She's really missed you, you know. Probably more-so then anyone else. She… she was the first to get here. Just a few hours after you did… Since your parents are stuck overseas—they call almost every day, by the way. Naoto-kun and your mother sound like they get along really well—the hospital called Naoto since she was in your emergency contacts…" The idol trailed off, realizing how awkward she sounded.

Sighing, she slowly pulling her hand away from Souji's, biting her lip as she struggled to find the words she needed to stay. I need to let him know about Naoto-kun. If anyone can help her… "U-um… a-anyway… I'm really glad to see your eyes open, Senpai." She paused hesitantly, "They're… only letting one of us in at a time. Naoto-kun insisted that Yosuke-kun and I go first… since she's been with you since you got here. I… really wish I could stay, but my agent is probably getting worried, so I have to leave really soon."

Rise stood slowly, taking a step back from the bed as she eyed Souji, a pitiful look on her face. I can't tell him… I'm sure he's stressed enough as it is. I don't need to make it worse… Forcing a cheery grin, Rise waved—despite the fact her motions went unnoticed—as she slowly started stepping backward, reaching behind her for the door.

"I'll… send Yosuke in, okay? I'm sure you two have a lot of catching up to do. And besides, visiting hours are almost over… Naoto-kun is able to stay the night with you, but Chie will murder Yosuke-kun if he gets back to their hotel and he hasn't talked to you at all. So I'll… um… See you later then." Opening the door quickly, Rise slipped out, gasping in surprise as she crashed into a solid chest, saved from tumbling backward by an arm wrapping around her waist.

"Oops! Sorry, you okay?"

"Yosuke-kun… Oh I'm… fine."

"You sure…?" Yosuke frowned, helping Rise straighten herself, stepping back as he eyed Souji's door. "Did something happen?"

"No… It's not that. It's nothing." The idol forced a smile as she waved her hands in front of her face, side-stepping Yosuke as she started down the hall. "It's just… I'm thinking about a lot right now. Senpai and Naoto-kun… This is going to be really hard for them both."

"Did you… tell him about her?"

Rise paused, shaking her head slowly. "N-no. I couldn't… He's going to be stressed enough as it is right now. He can't see anything that's going on… We know that the nurses are going to run tests on him day and night for a few weeks… If he's worried about Naoto, he's going to end up doing exactly what she's doing. He'll neglect his own health while he tries to…" Her voice began to waver as she trailed of, gulping down the lump she felt rising in her throat. "I… couldn't say anything."

"Do you want me to?" Yosuke asked quietly, walking up behind Rise, digging into his pocket, retrieving a faded white handkerchief which he offered to Rise, who shook her head, smiling gratefully.

"No… We should at least wait until he's able to sit up on his own before we tell him anything.

"Do we have enough time…? No… rather, does Naoto have enough time?"

Rise winced, turning to face Yosuke, eyes shining as she spoke. "D-don't say things like that!" she hiccuped, looking pale. "D-don't you d-dare s-say stuff like that! N-Naoto-kun is going to be just fine! And so is Senpai! So don't… don't… Y-you jerk!"

Turning on her heel, the idol ran down the hallway, nearly crashing into a nurse as she rounded the corner, leaving a baffled Yosuke standing with his hand on the doorknob. W-what the hell…? I wasn't trying to… Sighing, the brunette turned back to the door, opening it and stepping inside, a pained look on his face. I'm going to have to find her and apologize before I head back to the hotel… Man, Chie is gonna kill me for being late.

Pushing his thoughts aside, Yosuke plopped himself into the chair beside the bed loudly, causing Souji to raise an eyebrow.

"Hey partner, how's it going?" He paused, laughing nervously as he scratched the back of his head. "Sorry, I guess your voice isn't going to be working for a day or two, huh? Man… You're always listening to me talk. One of these days, I owe it to you to just sit down and let you rant about… whatever you want, I guess. Haha… ah…"

The brunette sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair slowly as he nibbled his lower lip. If I don't tell him… He'd never forgive me for hiding it from him. Rise-san… I'm sorry, but he needs to know. Glancing up, he winced, noticing the smile on Souji's face as the other listened to his—somewhat—ridiculous rant. He's smiling again… Damn it, why do I have to be the one to drop the bomb?

"…Okay, partner, listen carefully, alright? You've always been honest with me, even when I haven't always wanted to hear what you had to say, but you need to know this. Heh, yet somehow I think you already have a feeling about that's going on." He gulped, shifting around uneasily his seat, glancing towards the door to insure no one was going to come inside. "It's… about Naoto."

The smile slowly faded from Souji's face and despite the tube in his throat and mask on his face. It was obvious how serious his expression had become, the look urging Yosuke to continue.

"W-well, you see—She was the first to get here, you know… After the accident. She left in the middle of the night, from what I heard, she gave her secretary Ash—sorry, Yakushiji a real scare. She was really scared and she's been so worried about you, partner. I've never seen her this panicked before and—Rise-san has been visiting her to make sure that—Argh! D-damn it! She's killing herself, Souji!"

The brunette was panicking now, and Souji could easily tell. He'd been best friends with the other long enough that—despite his lack of vision—he could tell from the other's tone, the headphone clad boy was upset and even scared. Wincing, Souji slowly moved his arm—taking care not to pull harshly on any of the IVs—and reached out, finding Yosuke's knee and giving it a weak squeeze, hoping the gesture would help the brunette calm down.

"You… you suck, you know that?" Yosuke muttered in a defeated tone, slumping back in his chair. "Even when you're practically a cripple and can't see jack-shit, you're still as calm as ever! You're—I mean, how can you…!? Man… I wish I were like you. I really do… Heh, maybe if I were, Chie wouldn't have to worry about me as much as she does. I… finally asked her out, you know." Despite the serious aura in the room, Yosuke couldn't help but blush as Souji gave him a small smile.

"Man, aren't you scared at all…?" Yosuke muttered, leaning his arms against the bed, as if it were a desk. "If I were you, I'd be horrified if it were Chie—of course, that girl almost never stops eating her steak so—"

"…ske…"

"H-huh? Whoa, man! Don't talk if—"

"…No. I… am scared… but… if… if I'm… strong…" Souji coughed, struggling to force his voice over the tube and hum of the oxygen mask. "If… I'm … strong… then she… will be too."

"I hope you're right," Yosuke sighed, leaning back again. "Just be glad you can't see her. She… She hasn't eaten in days—I mean, Rise-san has forced small bits of food down her throat, but she's running on less than a single full meet a week. Maybe now that you're awake, you can talk her into eating more often as soon as they take that tube out, huh?"

Souji nodded, looking serious again. "I…I can try."

Yosuke nodded. "You… gotta talk to her, man. 'Cause right now… you're the only one she's gonna listen to. You're her world, dude. Her world. After you left… She was even more distant than before she joined the investigation team. She just… closed herself off. Only Rise-san and Kanji could get her to talk for more than a few minutes, and that only lasted for about a year. You're the only reason she's still alive, man. If you… if you hadn't made it, she would have ended it all weeks ago. So… help her get her act together, okay? She needs you now, more than ever. Just… just like you need her." Like it or not, partner, without your sight… You're going to have to depend on us for a while now.

Souji nodded slowly, allowing his eyes to slip shut as he coughed weakly, pushing forward the will to talk, despite the feeling of needing to throw up the tube gave him with each word.

"…Alright. Send… her in… Please." Yosuke stood up, nodding at Souji's words, forgetting for a moment that his actions couldn't be seen.

"I'll see if Ikeda-sama has found her yet. She—Ah, she's your nurse by the way. Ikeda, I mean. I'll see if she's found Naoto-kun, she said she might know where our little detective ran off to." The brunette hesitated, hovering near Souji's bed briefly before leaning down, quickly wrapping his arms around Souji loosely, lingering for only a few seconds before pulling back, blushing a deep crimson.

"D-don't get the wrong idea! I just—I mean… You… did the same thing when I—Argh… D-damn it! Look, we're best friends; we're… allowed to hug so—damn. I'm just… going to go get her then. Feel better soon dude, for all our sakes. Rise's worrying herself into a fit over you and Naoto. I'm probably already on Chie's shit-list for not giving her hourly updates. I'll stop by tomorrow… Stay strong, partner..."

Turning quickly on his heel, Yosuke darted for the door of the room, glancing over his shoulder in time to see the grateful nod Souji gave him. A faint smile graced the brunette's lips as he slipped out into the hall, closing the door silently behind him. He sighed heavily, running a hand through his hair slowly, fidgeting with his headphones with the other hand as he looked down the hallway.

"Guess I'd better find her quickly. The later I am, the more pissed Chie—Oh! Naoto-kun… Hey. You feeling alright?"

The brunette offered the sleuth a kind smile as she stepped out of a room several feet ahead of him, followed closely by a smiling Ikeda, who was holding what appeared to be an empty mug. The nurse pushed Naoto forward, urging her towards Souji's room, pushing a blanket that she'd been holding in her other hand into the sleuth's arm with a small wink.

"You'll know why I gave it to you when you need it." Was all the nurse said before opening Souji's door and forcing Naoto inside, closing the barrier with a loud 'click'. "…Hopefully she'll at least get a full night's sleep tonight, now that he's better... and she's had a drink of this." Ikeda glanced at the mug in her hand, looking slightly guilty as she turned to Yosuke. "Keep this a secret, alright? I'm… not supposed to do something like this, but I crushed a few sleeping pills and slipped them into her tea. She didn't notice but… I could lose my job if anyone found out…"

"You're just trying to help her out," Yosuke cut the nurse off, smiling oddly. "As long as she doesn't suddenly die in her sleep or something, I won't tell anyone."

"You'll keep the pills a secret?"

"What pills?" Yosuke grinned, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Thanks for all your hard work Ikeda-sama. Really… For helping Souji and Naoto-kun. They're both still with us thanks to you."

"You're a kind boy…" Ikeda muttered softly, unusual cherry-wine eyes meeting Yosuke's brown ones. "A loyal friend as well… I heard Shirogane-san talking about all the phone calls you'd make until you were able to get here yourself. I'm sure Seta-san will pull through one-hundred percent. After all… he has friends like you cheering him on."

Glancing at the door, Ikeda chuckled. "I'll stop by again in an hour or so to make sure they're both asleep." She turned back to Yosuke. "The other girl, Rise-san, is in the lobby. Another nurse is speaking with her, waiting for you. You'd better hurry along if you wish to speak with her before heading off to the hotel."

"Wha-? How…?" Yosuke's eyes widened in shock. Ikeda hadn't been the hall when he was talking about that.

"I'm a nurse, Hanamura-san. It's my job to know these things and help our patients and visitors as best I can.

"Oh… R-right. Thanks. Have a good evening.

"You as well, Hanamura-kun."

Yosuke smiled faintly before slipping around Ikeda and darting own the hall, frowning faintly. That's… really weird, he thought, stepping into the elevator. I… don't remember giving her my name. Man, she must be really good.

Souji's head turned, blank eyes facing the doorway as he heard it open and shut. Silence fell between the two occupants of the room, both scarcely daring to breathe as their eyes met—despite one's lack of sight, their eyes never broke from the others.

"…Naoto." The silverette's voice was soft and raspy, weaker than it had been when he'd spoken to Yosuke, but it held a warm, welcoming tone. The detective lingered by the doorway, feeling a lump rising quickly in her throat for what must have been the thousandth time since she'd come to the hospital.

Silently, she slowly made her way across the room, stopping beside the bed, a hand closely raising itself to her mouth. She gasped sharply, making Souji's gaze snap towards her, the silver eyes meeting her own, blinking slowly. Even without sight, Souji's eyes remained as strong and expressive as ever and Naoto could read every message he said with them.

'Naoto, I'm home…'

"Senpai-!" Naoto choked, throwing herself as gently as possible against Souji's chest, wrapping her arms around the other as tightly as she could without hurting him. "S-Senpai… Y-you fool! You're… such a fool! You're always acting like this. I could have made you another watch; I could have fixed yours! Don't you ever do something like this again! I-I was so worried! I-I…"

Two arms, one harder and heavier than the other, wrapped around her waist, only causing the sleuth's outpouring to double in intensity as she pressed herself closer to Souji's chest, choking on her own tears as she tilted her head upward to meet Souji's.

'Don't cry, Naoto… I'm alright. It's going to be alright… Please don't cry anymore.'

The sleuth sniffled sputtered wordlessly, pressing her lips against Souji's neck, unable to meet his lips. The arms around her waist tightened their grip weakly, trying to pull her closer. Yosuke wasn't kidding… He thought sadly. She's always been small, but this… Her ribs and shoulders… I can feel too many of her bones. She shouldn't be like this. Naoto… What have you been doing to yourself?

The silverette's eyes began to droop, a sudden wave of exhaustion sweeping over him. As if feeling the sudden change, Naoto pulled back, rubbing her eyes clumsily with the back of her sleeve. She sniffed, fumbling with one of the flimsy hospital tissues as she wiped her nose.

"You… must be tired," she hiccupped, forcing a small smile. "I…I'll leave the room for a while. Until you're able to-" The sleuth stopped, blinking as she felt a hand tugging on her own. Her gaze moved down, raising an eyebrow as she glanced between Souji and their joint hands. "Senpai…?"

He tugged on her hand, his eyes moving around slowly until they finally met her own, continuing upward before moving back town, locking their gazes.

'Don't go. Stay here… please.' Naoto hesitated, glancing over her shoulder at the door.

"W-wait. Senpai, I-" His hand pulled hers again, a pleading look on his face.

'Stay…'

"Souji-kun…" Naoto sighed softly, shaking her head as she slowly removed her hat, setting it on the table next to the bed. "…I'll return shortly."

Standing up, the sleuth hurried over to her duffel bag, digging through the clothes that had been washed numerous times over the past few weeks, producing her pajamas. Glancing once more at Souji, she slipped into the bathroom, emerging several minutes later with her toothbrush, brush and clothes clumsily shoved into her bag.

Shoving the stuffed duffel into an empty corner of the room, Naoto approached the bed again. Her cheeks slowly darkened as she reached out toward Souji, touching his hand lightly, instantly feeling his fingers close around her own.

"Naoto…" his voice rasped a second time, the warm look still sparkling in his eyes. "Naoto… st...ay…"

"…I know, Senpai."

With a final look towards the door, Naoto swallowed her nervousness and slowly sat down on the edge of the bed, her cheeks flushing more darkly as she slowly raised her legs onto the bed, situating herself comfortably before lying her head back. Souji shifted sideways, moving his body as best he could to allow her more room, but Naoto touched his arm gently, indicating that she was alright.

Even with a cast, tubes and several IVs, Naoto's frail form still fit perfectly against Souji's. His arms wrapped around her waist again, as one of her own loosely draped over his side, allowing them to close the remaining space between them.

"Nao…to—"

"—Don't talk, Senpai. You're… going to exhaust yourself again."

"…o…to… I…ou…"

"…Senpai?"

"…I… love you."

Naoto inhaled sharply, blinking her eyes rapidly as they began to sting. Gulping, she pressed her face to Souji's chest, her free hand finding one of his own and grasping it tightly.

"…I love you too, Senpai. I… w-welcome home."

The door to Souji's room opened and a tall figure stepped inside, followed quickly by another.

"Misanori? Are you sure she's in here? She could still—"

"I'm sure, Yakushiji."

"Huh? How can you—"

"Just look around, my dear friend. Look at the bed."

"The b—oh!"

Yakushiji's eyes widened as they fell on the two figures laying in the bed, wrapped in one another's warm embrace, their breathing soft and quiet as sleep consumed them, slowly healing the effects of the long day they'd both gone through. Naoto shifted in her sleep, making her Grandpa and his secretary wince, expecting her to sit up in a flustered mess when she realized they'd seen her lying in bed with another.

"…I suppose this means she won't be coming home with us then?"

Misanori chuckled, shaking his head. "It would seem so." The elderly Shirogane smiled softly, walking over to the bed, reaching out with a gentle hand, brushing several strands of hair from his granddaughter's face, bending down, pressing his lips to her forehead briefly, backing away when she shifted in her sleep again.

"We should let them be. Come on, old friend, we shall head back to our hotel for the night. I'm sure these two will be just fine."

"Are you su—"

"—Quite sure, thank you." Misanori smiled, gripping Yakushiji's elbow as he pulled the faintly flustered secretary from the room, shutting the door quietly behind him.

"They've both been having a very trying time. Let them rest for now—enjoy one another's embrace. From here… things are only going to get harder—for both of them… and they're going to need the other for strength much more desperately then they now realize… but for now… let them sleep. Let them rest and embrace the world of their dreams, where no one is sick… where there is no blindness, and they only have each other and the beautiful worlds they create in their minds."

"…Sir?"

"Yes, Ashley?" The secretary winced at the use of his middle name, but pressed onward anyway.

"…That was terribly cliché'."

"…Ashley?"

"Yes, Misanori?"

"I mean this with only the highest regard of respect that I have for you."

"…?"

"Shut up."