Nobody likes storms. They can be scary, and they can make you shudder with every sound of thunder. They can bring so much damage too, depending on how big they are. When those storm clouds are gathering in the sky, we run away and try to find a shelter.
But once the downpour has passed you won't even remember how you survived. Actually you won't even be sure if it really has ended, since it could only be that the rain has stopped for now. No, you won't sure untill the sun comes out. But in the end one thing will surely happen.

Once you survive the storm-you'll never be the same as before. And that's the reason storms exist.

And Teru wasn't sure that the storm has passed. She was afraid to open her eyes. Afraid of what could be waiting for her. So she didn't open her eyes at first- she wasn't ready. But no matter how scared she was, the other part of her wanted to open her eyes. She wanted to look at the mess she made and fix it, but more importantly she wanted to fix one person. To be precise she needed to see Kurosaki. She wanted to do so much, but her body wouldn't let her.

So when she slowly opened her eyes after a long war with herself, she thought she was still in her dreamworld. The faint beeping noise became louder and clearer and she realised she was awake. Her mind slowly started to register the orange and yellow lights giving colour to the white walls and ceiling. Strange shadows danced over the wall and she slowly turned her head to her left. With her eyelids still half closed she saw light and the sky coloured in burgundy, dark orange and familiar goldenrod colour. His goldenrod hair. She recognized a tree by its silhouette, its thin branches dancing on the gentle wind. The sun was setting, already low in the sky. A see-trough curtain was swaying in the wind next to the heart monitor.
She realised she was in the hospital room with an oxygen tube in her nose, taped on her face. She first tried moving her fingers slowly, than her arms and the pain striked her left shoulder making her groan hoarsely. She turned her head and saw the IV cannula taped to her right hand.

" Why am I...Oh right, the bullet." she thought and she started to faintly remember the things that happened that day. "Wait. How long was I sleeping?"
Her thoughts were everywhere yet nowhere. She was thinking aimlessly and dully. She rubbed her tired eyes with her healthy hand and then tried to prop herself up a bit when she heard footsteps and voices coming from outside the door.

"Riko?" she recognized the woman she loved like a sister. The door opened and she saw a nurse coming in, followed by a familiar woman with a frown. She looked at her, and when their eyes met Riko's eyes widened and she rushed forward.
"Teru!" she hugged her tightly "My Goodness you...you're awake. When did you...Are you okay?" the woman cupped Teru's cheeks and scanned her weak body and face. She was worried and scared for the girl and Teru could easily read that from her watery eyes. She wanted to tell her to stop rambling and calm down but when she tried to, her words came up as a whisper. Riko helped the girl sit straight and the nurse gave her some water while explaining what happened to her. The wound on her shoulder was a minor one, although she lost a considerable amount of blood. She she also was exhausted from lack of sleep and food, dehydrated, had a concussion and a mild fever when they admitted her to the hospital. "Probably because I was wet from the rain when they caught me. And that room was cold." she thought, not that she cared about herself that much.

...

Fifteen minutes later, that seemed like eternity to her, Teru was standing at the foot of Kurosaki's bed in his hospital room holding her IV bag pole. Her face was blank and emotionless as she stared at Kurosaki's sleeping face. Riko was leaning on the wall behind her, next to the door, watching the silent girl. Teru was allowed to visit him but only if she promised not to push herself, but somehow Riko felt that Teru would visit him even if they didn't let her get out of her bed in her poor state. They told her about his condition, and how he was stable now, which of course made Teru nervous and more eager to see him.
"He barely made it, but he is okay now" the nurse's words rang in her head as she walked down the white corridor. Her mind rebelled as she tried to recall what happened after she pushed that guy away from Kurosaki. Will Kurosaki be okay? Is he really stable? How long untill he wakes up? These were some questions she couldn't bring herself to ask. She was afraid of the truth.

"Tasuku" She whispered as she slowly stepped forward. Tears began forming in her worried eyes, and her once calm face began to express all of her emotions she learnt how to hide very well. She bit her lip as she gently put her free hand over his left. She looked at his pale hand, and then up to his scratched face. She realised both his and her hands were scraped, even though she had smaller and shallower scratches. He had a gauze on the right side of his head, oxygen nose-tube helped him breathe, the IV was in hi his right hand, his chest was bandaged up and his right arm was in a sling.

She stared sobbing quietly. "Wake up Tasuku. You have to." she whispered as she took the seat on his right side, still holding onto his injured hand. "I'm sorry" she thought to herself.
"This is a serious deja-vu. And again I can only blame myself again. I could have tried to take the gun away. He probably ended up like this just because he tried to save me. Hell, I don't even remember what happened." she furrowed her brows, crying and still holding his hand. She raised her other arm and trailed a gash he had on his right cheek, from his temple down to the underside of his cheekbones. "I'm so sorry" she whispered just for him to hear, even though she knew he couldn't.

"Teru you know it's not your fault, please understand that" Riko said as she hugged the crying girl "If you have to blame anyone, then I'm to blame. I didn't let you come with us to New York, and left you unprotected here. I was a fool." the woman frowned, trying not to let tears escape her own eyes. It hurt her to see these two, both of them like the part of her family, hurt. And she knew she could have prevented this.

"In that case Riko, we both messed up. I just hope he wakes up soon" Teru wiped her tears and her eyebrows twitched as if she remembered something.
"Where are Aki and Taro? And their boss? What happened?" she said with a shaky voice. Riko took a breath before she started explaining everything. She told her that the two assistants were put in jail and were awaiting trail. After a few minutes more passed Teru's eyes widened in shock of what she heard.

"Wait. W-What do you mean we fell from the window?" Teru whimpered. Even though she couldn't remember where that building was, nor which floor was that apartment on, she remembered briefly the sight from the window in that computer room. And she didn't even want to guess how far was that window from the ground. She quickly looked at Kurosaki and bit her lip while Riko kept talking.
"Well exactly that. Master and I just drove in front of the building when we heard a gunshot". The moment Riko finished her thought, Teru's eyes widened as fragments of her memory flashed in front of her eyes. She remembered the gun pointing at Kurosaki, then at her, his voice calling her and then a loud noise. But after that nothing. Still she had a hint of what happened but didn't want to believe in it. She heard a gunshot, but she had only a bandage on her wasn't the one with bandaged chest. "Tasuku" she thought as her shoulders stiffened and her eyes fought against the tears. She thought about the worst before Riko continued.

"After that there was a crash, and we ran out to find you two in the alley on the right side of the building. He held you with one arm and you were weirdly atop of him. There was glass shattered all over the place. He was shot in the back, suffered a mild contusion, a wound from the fall on his head and a fracture of his shoulder." Riko paused for a second trying to block the picture from her mind. "They thought he hurt his neck or spine too, but that wasn't the case. It seems you two flew together trough the window on the third floor, landed on a parked car and then in some bushes. God, we were so scared. The chances for you both to survive were small, it's a miracle you're alive. I am so grateful you are."
The woman glanced at the girl who had a blank expression. She couldn't believe what happened to them. "He saved me again" she whispered, more to herself but Riko heard her and rubbed her shoulder. "He should wake up soon you know." Riko smiled at her as she got up to leave.

"Wait Riko" Teru stopped her with an unusually strong voice "What happened to that politician?"
Riko turned to her, and looked down at the floor "He's dead" she whispered "Master called the police when we heard the gunshot. They couldn't escape that quickly. Thanks to Tasuku the police were already on their way. They came in two minutes and caught them, but that guy took the gun and killed himself. Also I explained to the police what was going on, and there were evidences that they kidnapped you, so you two are safe."

When Teru didn't say anything Riko slowly walked out and closed the door, leaving the two alone.

Teru continued to watch Kurosaki's damaged face. She folded her arms beside his head and leaned her chin on them.
"Wake up soon." she whispered to him as she moved a strand of his messy hair behind his ear. "I'll kill you for doing that, and being reckless as you are. But I miss you Tasuku...a lot. So please wake up". Her eyes teared up again after a few seconds, but she didn't allow herself to. He was okay and he was going to wake up soon.
She laid there beside him, gently caressing his cheek with the back of her right forefinger. She watched his manly profile and his tousled hair that was illuminated by dark yellow light. Sun was minutes away from setting it seemed, but the low light in the room was on. She was there for half an hour already, listening to the steady beat of his heart.
Then she decided to talk to him, it was easier. She felt less alone.

"You know, I'm mad that you did that. Really, how could you? Taking the bullet for me, and flying trough the window like that. I'm pissed at you." Her tone didn't change, it stayed the same. A bit louder than a whisper.
"What if that car wasn't parked there, or if the bushes weren't in that place? What if that bullet hit your neck...or spine...or if you hit your head harder? If that happened, I probably wouldn't hear you calling me names again... I wouldn't get to say 'Go bald'..."

She stopped to think about it. Really, if he wasn't here...where would she be? She knew the answer- Nowhere.

She couldn't imagine life without him. She would be...Alone. Her life would be empty. All these years he was her everything. As Daisy and Kurosaki. Sure she had friends, but they would part soon. Their lives would go separate ways.

Kurosaki and her weren't really looking for each other. Cruel and two-faced faith brought them together. And now that they found each other she knew...she couldn't let him go. She leaned forward as far as she could, lightly leaning her forehead on his temple. She watched his closed eyes from close up as tear stung her eyes again. She stopped counting how many times that happened for now, but now she couldn't stop them.
"I almost lost you" she sobbed painfully and shut her eyes "And because you wanted to save me again. I'm sorry. Don't ever do that...don't leave me alone" she whispered as she let more silent tears find their way trough her closed eyelids and run down her cheeks.

"I'll never leave you alone"

Her head shot streight up, her watery eyes wide in shock and her stomach did a backflip. Tired, warm eyes she loved so much were looking back at hers.

"Tasuku" she managed to whisper before smiling lightly and wiping her tears.
"Hey princess" he smiled back before trying to prop himself up and wincing in pain. Teru quickly stood up and helped him steady himself. When she placed the pillow comfortably behind his head, carefull not to touch the wound too much, she sat on the edge of the bed, close to him, and let her hand brush his cheek.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine, but my head hurts" he said before noticing her hospital gown and bandaged upper arm "And you?"
"Me? Are you for real? I'm fine, you are the one who recklessly took the bullet, fell trough the window, and then hurt himself trying to break the fall for me." she looked at him with her moist, worried eyes and a frown on her face.

She knew he saw trough her. He knew she was worried for him and scared, and he knew she needed some kind of confirmation that he is really fine. That he will stay fine. That he won't leave.
So when he motioned her to come closer, she didn't think twice and she leaned into the embrace. He laid there with her laying on his left shoulder, her hand on his chest. He stroked her hair as she buried her face into the curve of his neck, calming her senses down.
"I won't leave you, don't worry" he said, and in response she clutched the fabric of his hospital gown.
He sighed. It wasn't from annoyance or weariness. It was just a long breath. One that he held from the moment he found out Teru was in danger. And he could finally feel relieved. The sun went down and he closed her eyes thinking about nothing, just inhaling her warming scent and savouring the moment.
Teru just laid there, on his chest thinking about how she could have lost him. Thinking about how close she was to never feeling his arms around her made her press the bridge of her nose a bit harder in his neck.

"They said you barely made it" she whispered with a lump in her throat and her voice wavering. Kurosaki's ayes widened and he looked down at her, but couldn't see her face. He kissed her forehead and laid his chin on her head.
"Shhh, it's okay" he shushed her "I made it, didn't I. I couldn't leave you alone, right?" He felt her shake her head before she raised up looking him in the eyes."No. Absolutely not. I would bring you back here just to kill you." she said glaring at him and he rolled his eyes. A bad move, he realised. His head throbbed and he had to shut his eyes tightly for a second before he looked up and smiled at her.

She willed her tears not to come, even though they were visible, as she looked at him. She laid her head and hands back on his chest, careful not to disrupt the wire connecting him to the monitor or the IV, or to press against his wounds much. He put his hand over her shoulders, reaching for her hand, clutching and holding it tightly against his chest while the other one found its way around her waist. He held her as tight as wires and pain let him before he kissed the top of her head, than her temple and finally her lips. They both missed that feeling.

When they parted his head throbbed again and he finally realised he was really hurt. Teru looked at him worriedly as he closed his eyes again for a moment, trying to chase away the pain, before he returned her gaze.
"How bad am I?"
"A concussion, fractured right shoulder, bullet wound in your back, rib contusion, bruises and a lot of scarps. Oh, and blood loss"
"Oh...and what happened to those three?"
"Well, Aki and Taro are awaiting trail." she gulped before continuing "And their boss killed himself when he heard the police"
"He what?" he said in shock and Teru just nodded "And what about us? Did the police..."
"No you are not suspected, don't worry. Neither am I." she sighed "They found evidences that I was kidnapped."
"Evidences?"
"Well...Umm...I'm not sure. Probably some hair strands on the pillow. Maybe the piece of my torn jacket, schoolbag and...they probably saw my bruises" she looked away, whispering the last part
"Her what?!" he thought for a second as the words sank in "Bruises?! Teru did they hurt you?!"
Looking back at him she saw terror and anger in his frowned eyes as he scanned her body. She cupped his cheeks with her hands, trying to sooth him and keep him steady. He calmed down, but the anger never left his eyes.
"Relax Tasuku. They didn't hurt me badly." that is when he saw the bruise above her elbow and reached to touch it gently as she continued
"Aki made some bruises on my wrists because I struggled, and also I have one on my leg. But it doesn't hurt. True, they tried but I fought them so they didn't hurt me. You saved me didn't you."

"I'm so glad I saved you at least that much" he sighed. "Those bastards." he was angry as hell.

She looked at him and her eyes softened "But please don't do things like that anymore. It's just...You broke my heart...When I saw you like this, here, it broke my heart. I was so scared! I'm so sorry. If I was stronger you wouldn't be here."

"Nothing is your fault Teru!" he couldn't believe she thought it was her fault "I couldn't let you take the bullet, I just...I had to protect you. It's my own decision. If I haven't stepped in front of you, then you...you wouldn't be alive. And I could never forgive myself for that. If it's anyone's fault, then it's mine for not taking you with me. I should've know something like this would happen. In the end, I was the one who hurt you the most. I'm sorry." he said, his voice tormented.

"Only thing you should be apologizing about is that you almost killed yourself for my sake. I was reckless, with my guard down, and you saved my life"
"But I also got you involved into all of this. You're here because of me. You have people wanting to hurt you. And you could have had a perfect life if it wasn't for me"
"Who said I want a perfect life?" she said and he looked at her confused "Perfect life, and a happy life are not the same thing. I want a happy life...And I can't have it without you. From the first text as a Daisy, and up till now you were the one who made my day complete. So you mustn't leave me."

"That won't happen." he said with a smile and caressed her cheek "I'm to selfish to ever let you go now that I got you. So if I'm gonna stick around, I have to protect you. My strength is your strength, remember?"

"I remember" she smiled "So it's decided. If you leave me again, I will cut your hair off. I'm noo good without you"

"Yes I see that." he snorted "And I can't be without you. I won't leave, I want to keep living with you." she blushed at that
" But I guess the deal is fair. And if you leave me?"

"Then I'll be your servant for the rest of my life. You know...cooking, massaging, cleaning...stuff I already do." she grinned at him.

As he laughed at the agreement they made, the door slowly opened, and Riko and that same nurse walked in.
"Hi Riko"
"Tasuku." she smiled before glaring at him "You crazy idiot!"
The three of them talked about what happened while the nurse checked all his tubes, wires and the readout on the heart monitor. Soon the nurse left and came back with a doctor. First he checked Kurosaki's wounds, arm, ribs and back while Teru's eyes saddened at the sight of his injured body, and then decided to check Teru's wound.
"We'll keep you both here untill Monday. Mr. Kurosaki will have to rest for a week, and wear the sling for two weeks." the doctor said as he put down the X-ray scan he was looking at "This kind of fracture doesn't require a cast, but be careful. You will get antibiotics, and when you come for the checkup we'll se how everything is healing. Your wounds are healing great. you should go rest, the nurse will come to draw your blood and run some tests"

"Can't I stay here?" She asked. The nurse and doctor agreed, got her a bed and placed to Kurosaki's right side . Riko had to go, but promised to come tomorrow with Master and Andou, which Kurosaki and Teru happily agreed to. Teru looked away as the nurse drew her's and Kurosaki's blood, and then laid down on the bed relaxing. Suddenly she was dizzy and her head throbbed.

"Time for sedatives right?" the nurse smiled at her as she gave Kurosaki his. The girl laughed and gave her a nod, and the nurse walked to her giving her her own dose "After a concussion, dehydration, fever and blood loss you should rest right Teru? Both of you should. See you in the morning."
As soon as she closed the door Teru felt the sedatives kicking in slowly
"Are you really fine as you told me?" Came the worried voice from her right
"I'll be fine. Relax." She returned his gaze. "I won't hide it from you I promise."
"I'm worried as hell." he said, reaching for her hand and putting his over hers. He saw her eyes closing slowly. "She must be tired." he thought "I could've lost her. But I'll never let her go"
Soon he felt his lids getting heavier, his medication was kicking in.
"Tasuku" she tried her best to pronounce his name
"Yeah?"
"I love you." she mumbled "Don't leave"
"Never" he whispered back, clutching her hand, even though he wasn't sure she heard him "I Love you too."

And with that the night came over them.

...

It was early morning when the door of the hospital room opened slowly. The nurse and a doctor came in slowly, not to disturb the two patients that was sleeping. The doctor walked quietly to the heart monitor and checked the readout while the nurse changed both Kurosaki's and Teru's infusion bags. That's when she noticed that they were holding hands while facing each other in their sleep.
The doctor finished reading and walked to the nurse. When he noticed her gentle smile she motioned to the pair before them. They both smiled as they walked out of the room.
"He'll propose in a year." she said in a whisper, closing the door behind them
"Make it ten months" he smiled
"Deal." she giggled as they walked down the white corridor.

So...that would be it...I can't believe it's finally done...it took me a year and a month. Well I hoped you enjoyed, stay tuned for a short epilogue I will upload untill next weekend.
Review please, and thank you for sticking around long enough to read this, sorry for being slow :3 But I did make it the longest chapter in the story, and I hope I met your expectations
Forgive me my grammar mistakes! If you remember, note me about them :)

Note: next one I'll be writing will be is Kaichou wa maid-sama. It's the manga I absolutely love, and Misa-chan is the one character I can compare myself to (and that some friends compared me to), so if you have any ideas, or any story line you would like to read with them in the picture, note me :D