Sooooo sorry for the late update. School has been crazy for my co-author and I and we literally finished this chapter between Saturday and Sunday of Comic Con. We hope you enjoy it and we're going to try to be faster with updates. To everyone commenting and favoriting and following...wow! It really is amazing to read all the feedback and it makes us so happy to hear that people like to read our fic, even if it's still angsty. Thank you all for all the support!

Saruhiko wakes the next day at early dawn, seeing the light slowly begin to creep through the blinds. His head hurt, and he felt groggy and exhausted still. He rolls from one side to the other, only to come face to face with a sleeping Misaki. It didn't surprise him—after all he remembers what happened last night…the nightmare…asking Misaki to stay. His sleeping face looks so peaceful, and Saruhiko can't bring himself to disturb that. Not after all the help he'd received. Misaki deserves the peaceful sleep.

He really was thankful for the other's help. After waking up so disoriented—and though he wouldn't admit it, afraid— Misaki's comfort and support was what he needed. He could only imagine how awful he must have looked the night before. The piercing scream never really registered with him, but he knew it was what called Misaki to the bedroom. It had all felt so real, and even after waking up it was hard to distinguish the reality from the dream, but having Misaki there…well it started to make the bad things go away.

Of course there were holes in his memory of last night's nightmare, but he remembers enough for it to make him shudder. He remembers getting stabbed, feeling that awful pain in his torso. It makes him nauseous to think about it now, and his arms instinctively hold his stomach. He wants to remember all of it—he really wants to put all the pieces together—but he also doesn't. It's all frightening to be completely honest. Saruhiko really was terrified to learn what really happened to him that day.

His eyes start to shut again, just wanting to rid himself of this stress and exhaustion. Pulling the blankets further up to cover himself and Misaki, he rolls onto his other side again and tries to return to his slumber. It wasn't long before he began to doze off again, but just as he was falling asleep he saw something…or rather someone. It was a figure, although he couldn't make out the face, but he did see the blade in the figure's hand…and the blood that dripped off the tip.

In an instant he shot up into a sitting position. His heart was pounding in his chest and there was a sharp pain in his head again. That was definitely…

He is brought from his thoughts when he feels the bed shift and sees Yata stir beside him. "Saru?" Misaki's hand reaches out sleepily, touching one of Saruhiko's own on the bed. "Hey, you okay?" His eyes sleepily open, and he looks bleary.

The Blue tries to calm himself, not wanting to worry Misaki further. "Yeah. I'm okay."

He feels the other's fingers smooth over his hand, and Misaki smiles sleepily. "That's good. I was worried."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. I'm fine…really." He moves his hand away and pulls his knees to his chest instead.

Misaki yawns big and rubs his eyes, and Saruhiko can see bits of his old middle school self as he sits up, tufts of hair sticking up. "You sure? It sounded like a bad nightmare."

The last thing Saruhiko wants to do is talk about it. He doesn't want to explain things when he doesn't understand them to begin with. It's easier if he just tries to forget about it for now. "Misaki I'm fine. Stop asking."

"Okay, okay, sorry…" He mumbles, looking away awkwardly. "Ummm…you hungry? I can make breakfast if you want. Bet it would be better than the shitty hospital food they gave you. What does that shit taste like anyway?"

The comment pulls a snort out of him. It was enough to lift his spirits just slightly, even if he hadn't exactly enjoyed his stay in the hospital. "It didn't taste like anything. It was pretty nasty… Like the stuff you'd imagine they give to patients in nursing homes."

It's more amusing when he sees the disgusted face Misaki pulls. "That's gross. Like hell would I ever eat that garbage. How does an omelet sound? Better than hospital good?"

"Anything's fine." He responds, once again not wanting to be any more trouble than he already is. He had decided upon coming here that he would leave the decisions up to Misaki. Whatever got him out on his own again the quickest.

He hears Misaki yawn again and watches as he pushes himself out of bed. "Omelet it is then! Do you…still like them the same way?" He hears the hesitation in his voice as he asks.

"Yeah. That hasn't changed." He assures.

There's a short pause before Misaki smiles slightly, and Saruhiko can only catch a glimpse of it before he turns away to hide it. "Right. I'm on it."

He leaves to go start on breakfast, and that gives Saruhiko the time he needs to get out of bed and stretch his muscles. Movement became much easier over the course of the few days spent here with Misaki. It's a slow process, but Saruhiko can feel himself gaining that strength back. He moves around the room and changes into regular day clothes before he joins Misaki out in the kitchen. "Munakata is coming by today." He mumbles silently, seating himself at a chair.

He sees Misaki stiffen, but he doesn't turn around as he works on the food. "…Why? Have I…done something wrong?"

Saruhiko should have seen a question like that coming. He shakes his head, though Misaki can't see it. "It's not like that. I just…need to go out today." He's being vague on purpose, and he really hopes that Misaki won't try to push for further detail. "I'll be back in the evening."

There's another short pause, and right when he thinks Misaki's about to ask about it he answers with, "Okay." Saruhiko blinks, somewhat shocked but thankful nonetheless.

Truth was that he had to go back to the hospital for physical therapy. The doctors were requiring it, and Munakata definitely wouldn't let him out of it. It was forced upon him and he refuses to let Misaki tag along and see him like that. Not in a weakened state like that. It was humiliating.

"…But…" Misaki finally continues after another long pause. "Remember…if you need anything…I'm here to help. I said I'd handle everything and I meant it."

Saruhiko looks to the floor, unable to look towards the other. Yata did promise, and Saruhiko did say he would lean on the other, but the physical therapy was where he drew the line. He had already done so a few days ago when Munakata had discussed taking him. "I know…I will when I need to."

He hears a sigh from Misaki, who goes back to looking at the eggs. "You're still the same." He hears him mutter.

"Huh?"

"You still don't take me seriously. Same as when we were in middle school."

"That's not true." He defends. "If it were I wouldn't be here." He would be at Scepter4, being looked over by the Captain and his other co-workers. Misaki had been serious this whole time about being the one to take care of Saruhiko. That's why he let him. That's why he was here.

"If that's how you really see things then you still don't understand why I chose to stay here." He retorts back, slightly irritated.

"You don't tell me much so why would I?" Misaki mutters. "Never mind…forget it. Here." Saruhiko can see the way he pulls a small smile onto his face as he places an omelet in front of him. "Guess I'll go to work while you're out."

He hadn't meant for the conversation to take a turn like that. A sigh escapes him and he turns to his food, eating so that he can prevent himself from contributing any further to the conversation.

Misaki speaks up again. "I'm gonna go shower and get ready, okay? You can just leave your plate in the sink and I'll take care of it."

He nods to acknowledge the comment. Once Misaki is out of the room he allows himself to just sit there in silence. He used to be so good at reading Misaki, and now it was like it was nearly impossible. The other still seemed to wear his heart on his sleeve, but Saruhiko couldn't understand his motive for being so helpful. It had been bugging him ever since he woke from his coma to find the other trying to be by his side.

He finishes his food and rinses off his plate before setting it in the sink. Once that's finished he moves to go sit on the couch, pulling his phone out and calling the Captain to have him come pick him up. The sooner he left and got this taken care of, the better.

Misaki comes out from the shower in fresh clothes, his hair still wet. "Is…Munakata coming soon?"

He nods and pockets his phone. "Should be pretty soon."

"Oh…um, okay." Misaki sits on the other end of the couch and looks at Saruhiko. He looks uncomfortable, and Saruhiko thinks he might know why. "Um…can I…ask you something?" He wipes wet hair from his face.

Saruhiko's somewhat curious at that. "Ask me what?" He responds, but even though he's curious he's not sure if he really wants to know where this is going.

Misaki clasps and unclasps his hands a few times before he finally speaks. "Um…I just…" He's interrupted when the doorbell of his apartment rings, startling them both, though Misaki jumps slightly. "Dammit…Must be Munakata." He hears him mumble. "I'll get it." He grumbles as he gets up to open the door. Saruhiko watches him head towards the door, wondering what that could have possibly been about. He'll be sure to ask later if he gets the opportunity.

Figuring that it is Munakata, although a bit early, he gets up and finds his shoes, putting them on before he makes his way to the door. He hears Munakata greeting Misaki, and before his Captain can say too much Saruhiko pushes his way out the door. "Let's go. I'll be back later, Misaki."

The two start down the hallway and Saruhiko shoves his hands into his pockets. Munakata notices, and by the way he states his next question, Saruhiko can tell he's put the pieces together. "Does he not know your plans for today?"

The Third in Command clicks his tongue in response. It's clear he doesn't want Misaki there, and he wouldn't allow him to join. No matter how much Misaki wants to be there and wants to help, Saruhiko has to draw the line somewhere.

They leave the apartment building and take a car back towards the hospital. His physical therapy would last a couple hours—the compromise for him only needing to come once a week—and there was no doubt he'll be exhausted once it ends. He knows Misaki will be curious and Saruhiko doesn't want to answer questions. He especially won't answer if he's as exhausted as he imagines he will be. He can already tell it'll be another awkward night between the two, and it makes him sigh again.

The ride to the hospital is spent with awkward talk between Saruhiko and Munakata. His superior asks him how his stay with Misaki is, and the answers he receives are more positive than negative. Misaki does treat him well, and he offers his help for every little thing. It's annoying sometimes, but Saruhiko knows that Misaki is just worried.

The next topic is the harder one. For the sake of Scepter4's investigation, Munakata has to ask if Saruhiko's remembered anything about the culprit. As awful as it is, and as bad as the memories are, it's his job to give reports when he has information. So he starts to tell him about the dream:

He was in that alleyway—the one Misaki had found him left for dead in. He remembers chasing someone, and he assumes that someone to be the culprit. He doesn't remember how he got to that area or why he was chasing someone, but his dream just seemed to happen that way. But that's where the gaps start, so he has to skip to the next part, still unsure of just how much information is missing in that hole.

The next thing he remembers is the stabbing pain in his stomach. It had come as a surprise. After all, Saruhiko would never let himself be attacked so easily. He couldn't remember the fight, but knowing himself it had to be a struggle. Thinking about it makes him nauseous, and he's silent for a while to gather himself again before he continues. It's obviously a Strain—one that isn't to be taken so lightly if he could nearly take out Saruhiko.

Of course this was all a dream, and none of it could be taken as actual proof of his missing memories, but Munakata thanks him for the information anyways, telling him that it's a better lead than nothing. They pull up to the hospital, and Munakata tells him that he'll stay in the car, confirming this new information with Awashima and beginning a new search for the possible Strain. It's sort of a blessing in disguise, seeing as how Saruhiko prefers to do this thing alone if he has to do it.

He heads in and checks himself in, and after that it's four long hours of physical therapy. They give him a check-up of sorts just to see how he's feeling and he's asked about how he has been recovering over the past week. He answers honestly, because if he doesn't there's a chance he'll be in therapy longer than he wants to be. Saruhiko is still aiming to be able to live on his own again, and he wants to reach that goal as quickly as possible.

Once the check-up is done he's instructed to do everyday tasks. It seems mundane and pointless to him, but when he realizes just how hard it really is to simply write a few sentences or walk up and down the stairs a few times he realizes that it's worse than he expected still.

He works hard, and it just feels like a long period of exercise. He wonders why he can't just go and do this on his own, but he knows that his progress needs to be monitored every now and then. The nurses always encourage him to do these things at home as well, but he feels awkward doing any of this in front of Misaki. It makes him look weak, and he doesn't like that.

He was right to assume he would be exhausted at the end. The return trip to Misaki's apartment was much quieter than the first, simply because Saruhiko is tired and is in no mood to talk. Munakata tells him that there are four leads to follow, but they're small and may not amount to much. He mumbles to acknowledge that he heard, but he's too tired to really care for now.

They arrive back at Misaki's apartment building and Saruhiko swears he can make it up on his own, and that Munakata doesn't need to escort him. He promises to call if he ever remembers any more information and leaves him. He enters the building only to realize he doesn't have a key to Misaki's place, and he's stuck knocking on the door, waiting to be let in.

But the person who answers isn't who he was expecting. Anna stands in the doorway, a red cloak pulled around her, and her eyes stare up at Saruhiko. It's that gaze that always made him feel slightly uncomfortable. "Welcome back."

He blinks in shock, regarding the small girl in front of him. "What are you doing here?"

"Welcome back Saru." He hears Misaki call from inside the house.

"Yata-san is cooking dinner." Anna adds before turning and walking back towards the kitchen, not answering his question. He grumbles and follows her in, taking off his shoes before heading into the kitchen. He takes a seat at the table and still isn't willing to talk.

Misaki turns to him with a slight smile. "Hey, how was your outing?" He can tell Misaki's studying him, and he knows the question is coming when his smile drops a little. "Hey…are you okay? You look tired."

"It was fine." He responds. "I'm…Yeah, I'm just tired. That's all."

Anna sits in the seat next to him and looks up at him with knowing eyes. It's that gaze that says she knows exactly what's going on, and Saruhiko hates it. "Saru—" Yata starts, but Anna quickly interrupts him.

"How are you feeling?" She asks.

Saruhiko watches her for a moment, and he hates that she practically looks through him. He narrows his eyes slightly, hoping she doesn't say a word. "I'm fine." He repeats.

"You don't look fine." Misaki growls at him. "He didn't make you do anything while you're still recovering, did he?"

He sighs and shakes his head. "No. It's nothing like that. I told you I'm just tired."

Misaki looks at him with disbelief and Anna glances between the both of them. "How is Munakata-san?" She finally pipes up and he hears Misaki sigh as he turns back to the stove.

"He's fine. Same as ever."

Anna nods thoughtfully. "I should probably see him soon."

He's silent for a moment, his face softening. That's right, she was the new Red King—or Queen, maybe… "There's no rush. Scepter4 kind of has their hands busy right now anyways…"

"Yes. Same with Homra. Right Yata-san?" Misaki stiffens at the stove and nods, not saying anything. Saruhiko finds it odd and rather suspicious and Anna continues. "Yata-san is running the search for the person who attacked you. He's making everyone work hard."

He blinks in shock, and Misaki speaks before he gets the chance to say something. "A—Anna! That stuff…doesn't matter. Come on…" he mumbles. "Can you grab the stack of plates on the counter? I'm bringing the food over now."

He's obviously trying to change the subject and Saruhiko isn't about to allow that. "You're doing what?" He asks, and though he's surprised, he's not exactly happy about it. "Misaki that's… It's too dangerous."

"Just forget about it Saru. It's nothing." He starts putting food on plates and passes them out.

Misaki may be able to act all nonchalant about this, but Saruhiko can't. "It's not nothing! Don't play it off like it is. Why are you doing this? Just leave it to Scepter4."

"Drop it, okay!? If you're not going to be open with me then why should I?!" He finally looks at Saruhiko and there's a look of hurt in his eyes.

Saruhiko stares back at him with utter disbelief. These are two completely different subjects they're dealing with. Misaki has no right to look at him like that. "I'm not hungry." He finally answers, pushing himself away from the table. "I'm going to bed." He gets up and is quickly out of the kitchen.

He hears Misaki snap after him. "Fine!"

He makes his way to the bedroom and shuts the door before allowing himself to fall onto the sheets. It feels nice to lay down and relax his muscles after the long day of exercise. He really is tired, and coming to bed was probably the better idea anyways.

A long sigh escapes his lips and he allows himself to slowly fall asleep. Or he would have, had there not been a knock at the door a moment later. "Go away." He grumbles, assuming it to be Misaki.

"Fushimi?" He hears the soft voice, and can't believe he nearly forgot Anna was visiting. "Can I come in?"

He really contemplates saying no, just wanting to get some sleep after the long day, but he doesn't. He gets up and opens the door for her, letting her in. "What do you want?"

"To talk." She replies simply. "It's why I came over." Anna hops up and sits on the edge of the bed.

Saruhiko joins her, sitting on the edge beside her, and he gives her a confused look. "Misaki is out there. You came to talk to him, didn't you?"

She shakes her head, which still leaves him quite confused. "Besides, Yata-san doesn't talk much when he's upset."

"So why me? Why do you want to talk to me?"

She turns towards him and cocks her head to the side. "Do you dislike me?"

The question comes out of nowhere and he's too shocked to respond for a moment. "I didn't say that." He frowns, feeling like he's being set up. "What's this about?"

"Why are you lying to Yata-san?" The question is so blunt he almost winces.

"Lying? About what?"

"You won't tell him where you went."

"I didn't lie." He clarifies. "He just doesn't need to know." And neither did Anna. He would prefer if she chose to not get involved like this.

"Kusanagi-san said Yata-san was going to take you." He has no idea how Kusanagi heard about these plans, but they weren't exactly right.

"I told Misaki he didn't need to do that. It's not his responsibility." Misaki is trying too hard. He wants to do everything for Saruhiko, when he doesn't need to. Saruhiko is learning to manage on his own, and it's Scepter4's responsibility to help him out—not Misaki's.

"He thinks it is." She says before getting up and walking to the door again. "Feel better Fushimi."

Before she can leave he calls out to her. "If you know then why haven't you told him?" She should understand just as well as he does that Misaki's desperate to know, simply out of concern. And with the way Saruhiko had returned today, it wasn't all too big a surprise.

"It's none of my business." She turns to him again with her bright eyes. "Right?"

"Right…" he responds, looking down at the floor. He hates looking at those eyes that can read his mind. It's like he can't hide a damn thing from her.

"Goodnight." She opens the door and leaves him to his own. Once she's gone he allows himself to lay down again. His body instantly relaxes onto the bed again, and he has no time to spare to think about the events that just occurred before he drifts off to sleep.