Disclaimer: Still do not own Uraboku.

Updated March 14, 2012

Chapter 2: Relapse

'Who is calling me? Hotsuma is that you?' Shusei thought, as he saw nothing but pitch-blackness. He heard his name being called and he slowly felt his own eyelids flicker. His head still felt heavy as he slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry at first as his eyes slowly adjusted to the surroundings. Shusei was staring up at the ceiling and he realized that he was not in his own room. He felt something warm on his left hand and he turned his head towards it.

Next to him, he saw his partner sitting on the floor, his head facing downwards onto the bed and his arms folded across as support to his head. Hotsuma's hand was still clasped onto Shusei's although he was asleep. Shusei gave a tiny smile and lifted his other hand and patted the blond head gently.

Hotsuma's eyelids flickered and he was awakened by the pat.

"Oops. Sorry did I wake you up?" Shusei said in a soft voice.

"Shusei! How are you feeling?" Hotsuma straightened himself up and sat down on the side of the bed.

"Oh! That's right! The medicine!" Hotsuma then got up again, went to the table and poured a glass of water from the jug and took out two tablets of medicine. He helped Shusei to sit up and placed the tablets onto Shusei's hand and Shusei swallowed the medicine with the glass of water.

Hotsuma then insisted that he lied down again. Shusei obeyed without argument and Hotsuma then rinsed the towel with cold water and placed it back onto his forehead.

"Shusei, are you alright? How are you feeling?" Hotsuma asked, his expression filled of concern.

"I'm alright. Sorry to worry you, Hotsuma," Shusei returned a weak smile.

Hotsuma looked over at the digital clock on the mantelpiece and saw that it was only 5.32am.

"You know that you are not stepping out of this bed till you get better right? For goodness sake Shusei, please look after yourself!" scolded Hotsuma.

"Sorry, Hotsuma. I didn't mean to worry you," Shusei said solemnly. He hated it when Hotsuma starts to worry about him unnecessarily.

"I-It's alright. It's not completely your fault," Hotsuma waved away the apology.

"Are you feeling cold? It's quite cold this morning." Hotsuma said and he looked around for another extra blanket. He opened one of the dressers and found another thinner blanket but it was better than nothing. He then covered Shusei with it.

"Thanks, Hotsuma," Shusei smiled as he settled back onto the bed.

"Go back to sleep Shusei. It's still early," Hotsuma said as he sat down on the chair.

"But I'm not tired anymore. You should get some sleep too Hotsuma," Shusei then shifted his body to make room for his partner.

"Come, there is enough space for two," Shusei smiled.

"Idiot! You are the ill one here. I'm alright, I'm more worried about you, Shusei!" Hotsuma said gruffly.

"Hot-su-ma," Shusei gave that 'just-shut-up-and-come-here look'. Hotsuma stared at him for a short while and then gave in and climbed onto the bed. He then lay down next to Shusei and both of them faced each other. Hotsuma then placed a palm onto the nape of his partner's neck.

"You are still having a fever, but it is not as bad as yesterday," Hotsuma said as he wrapped an arm around Shusei and gently brought him closer. Shusei blinked in surprise but he felt himself melting into Hotsuma. It was the best feeling in the world and he wanted to be in that position forever.

"H-Hotsuma…" he whispered.

"The temperature from my body might help to reduce your body temperature. Just get well soon, Shusei!" Hotsuma brought Shusei even closer to him, his hand threading into the soft brown hair. Shusei sighed in content, feeling at ease and then closed his eyes, his headache subsiding a little.

"Thank you," he whispered to his partner before falling asleep again.

"No problem," He thought he heard his partner said before drifting back into sleep again.

.

After Shusei had fallen asleep, Hotsuma just stared at his sleeping partner, admiring the long lashes on his eyes that would even make girls jealous, to the slightly chapped yet irresistible lips. Hotsuma couldn't take his gaze off him, and he slowly traced his fingers on the chapped lips. Shusei didn't stir, as he was too tired to notice it. Hotsuma went closer to the sleeping face and paused, their lips only inches apart. A few seconds later, Hotsuma realized what he was doing and immediately withdrew himself.

'Shit! What the hell am I doing? I was going to kiss him!' Hotsuma flushed and he cursed himself for having these kinds of thoughts about Shusei. He then quietly got out from the bed and went to lie down on the sofa opposite the room.

'If I stay anymore closer to him, I'm going to become a pervert!' Hotsuma then placed his palms behind his head and close his eyes. Knowing that Shusei was feeling better, he was in relief and his mind took over his exhaustion from staying up all night.

.

Dr Isuzu came in around 7am to find both the Zweilts sleeping soundly. He smiled, went over to Shusei, checked his condition and temperature. Then, he shook Hotsuma gently to wake him up.

"Hotsuma…..time to wake up. You have school today."

Hotsuma stirred and he forced his sleepy eyes open. He stared at the doctor lazily and closed his eyes again.

"Not going today since Shusei is not," he replied groggily.

"Takashiro is not going to allow that. Besides, Shusei is already fine. His fever have dropped significantly and his condition looks better now."

"…" (zzzzzzz)

"Come on! Get up, Hotsuma. You have to get ready for school!"

"Alright alright!" Hotsuma grumbled but he lowered his voice as Shusei was still resting. He then got up and went into his room to get ready for school. He yawned loudly and gave a loud sigh, due to lack of sleep from the previous night. Above his study table was a calendar and he saw a large red circle circled on one of the days of this month. He looked closely and saw that he had written there in red, 'Shusei's Birthday'. He gave another yawn.

'Shusei's birthday is coming soon in a weeks time! What should I get him?' Hotsuma thought as he wore his grey school blazer and purple tie. He was cracking his brain on what would be suitable for his best friend but he couldn't come up with any ideas.

'Crap! Can't think of anything...' he thought. He took his schoolbag, which was on his tabletop and then went back downstairs for breakfast.

Everyone was already seated at the dining table, except for Shusei. Hotsuma entered in and slumped into his usual seat. He covered his mouth with his hand gave another yawn.

"Hotsuma, did you sleep well last night?" Tsukumo asked in a worried voice.

"I suppose, but I'm still dead tired." Hotsuma replied lazily.

"Shouldn't you take the day off?" asked Tsukumo as he munched onto his usual snack.

"I wanted to, but I don't the adults are going to permit that!" Hotsuma scowled as he poked his fork into two sausages.

"I'm glad that Shusei-kun is alright," Yuki said in a relieved voice.

Hotsuma ate his breakfast and shortly left the dining room. He went back into the medical room and saw that Shusei was already awake, a tray of breakfast on top of his lap.

"Shusei! You're awake…"

"Good morning, Hotsuma."

"Morning, how are you feeling?" he asked worriedly, before settling himself onto his usual seat.

"Fine. Just fine. I suppose I'm stuck here for today," Shusei smiled casually.

"Of course! You are still recovering! Don't even think of going to school!" Hotsuma said firmly.

"Haha…"

"Don't 'haha' me, mister! Make sure you get some more rest while I'm in school! I don't want you to have a relapse!"

"Yes, yes. I got it." Shusei exhaled and smirked at Hotsuma's over protectiveness.

"Alright then…" Hotsuma seemed satisfied with his partner's answer.

"Shouldn't you be going soon?" Shusei asked as he stared at the clock on the mantelpiece.

"I'll go only five minutes before the bell rings. After all, it only takes five minutes to walk there," he shrugged his shoulders.

"I'm alright, Hotsuma. Really," Shusei smiled again to his partner.

"Whatever… I didn't even want to go today! I'm only going cause the adults are forcing me to," Hotsuma growled in annoyance as he crossed his arms over his chest. Shusei gave a soft chuckle, amused by Hotsuma.

"Anyway, your birthday is coming up. What do you want?" Hotsuma asked his best friend.

"Hmmmm…nothing in particular…."

"Can't think of what to buy. Crap, you are the hardest person to buy a present for…despite the fact that you are my best friend and partner," grumbled Hotsuma.

"I will be happy with anything that you choose," Shusei smiled sweetly.

"Alright," Hotsuma finally said. He then placed his palm onto Shusei's forehead. Shusei felt his heart race as their skin made contact. He closed his eyes and enjoyed the warmth from his partner's calloused palm.

"You still feel a little warm. Make sure you don't go walking around aimlessly. I'll be back soon!" Hotsuma said and he stood up from the chair.

"Sure. Have a safe trip," said Shusei and waved at his partner.

"I'll be going then," Hotsuma replied and left the medical room.

.

After Shusei had eaten his breakfast, Dr Isuzu came to check on him once more. He was then allowed to move around and do whatever he wants in the Twilight Mansion. Shusei felt his strength returning and he went up to his room to change and wash his face. He brushed his teeth and wiped his face after that. He put on a long sleeved T-shirt, a thick white sweater and a pair of dark blue jeans and sat down on the sofa next to his window. He opened the window a little wider and a cool breeze blew into the room.

After a while, Shusei got bored and went for a little walk around the mansion. He went inside the reading room, took a book from one of the shelves and headed out to the back garden where the fresh air and scenery was the best. He sat down on one of the benches outside and opened his book to read. It was a very relaxing day for him, as he would occasionally look up from the book to admire the scenery and breathe in more fresh air.

He had his lunch around noon and he went back outside. It was a cloudy day so it wasn't very sunny. It was the perfect weather to be out now. He took another book and read it.

He wasn't sure how long he was there for until he heard his name being called.

"Shusei! Where are you?" he heard a familiar voice calling.

Shusei blinked. Was it already late afternoon? After all, school only ends at around 3.00pm. He looked at his wristwatch and saw that it was 2.35pm. Time really does fly. He then heard his name being called again and he turned around. Hotsuma was standing a few meters away from him.

"There you are! I was wondering where you went off to!" said Hotsuma.

"Welcome back. How come you are back so early?" Shusei asked.

"Classes ended early, and I ran back here," said Hotsuma.

"Hotsuma," Shusei whispered and shook his head lightly.

Hotsuma walked over to Shusei and gently placed his palm onto Shusei's forehead.

"I think it's gone up a little again." Hotsuma said softly.

"Maybe…" Shusei replied simply.

"Better get yourself indoors for now. You shouldn't have stayed out here for so long. The weather is getting chillier now."

With that said, Hotsuma took one of Shusei's hands and slowly lead him back indoors.

.

In the evening, Shusei's fever took a turn for the worst. His face was pale but his cheeks were flushed and Dr Isuzu gave him another painkiller for his headache.

"A relapse…it seems." Dr Isuzu said after examining him.

"What is going on? I've never seen Shusei so sick before…" said Hotsuma shakily.

"I'm not too sure as well… I guess I really have to look into this, probably get a diagnosis," Dr Isuzu said and walked out of the room.

Hotsuma just nodded his head. He couldn't even speak. Seeing Shusei suffering really pains him. He just sat at the usual spot beside Shusei's bed and frowned slightly. Shusei was letting our short breaths. Hotsuma held the elegant hands in his.

"Shusei…. can you hear me? Well I guess you should be able to…..or you might not be able to….." He paused for a while before continuing.

"You know, You really captivated me, Shusei. Even though you can be a little stubborn at times. I guess I really am useless without you."

Hotsuma exhaled loudly, and continued gazing fondly at Shusei. Very gently, he caressed Shusei's cheeks with the back of his fingers, brushing his long brown fringe away from his face. He stared at Shusei for a long while and gave a light peck on his forehead.

"Get well soon, partner. I love you…." Hotsuma whispered softly into his ears.