Getting worse

T.W. Death

Kuroo was fucking seething; he felt absolutely furious- if he knew it was easy as asking her to be his girlfriend the whole time, he would've done it already. All of his petty tricks to make people think she was his girlfriend, with word plays and even a flash of a ring- oh, how he reveled in that snakes shocked face when he saw that fancy ring on her finger… he hadn't put it there, but he planned on adding his own ring to it. He was mad- he was jealous of Toru, he was mad at himself and- he was fucking hurt. Why did she say yes so easily to Toru when Kuroo offered her his heart and soul on a platter? She was supposed to be his- he could deal with Kozu and Suna, they loved her as much as he did, he knew she loved them and they were all essential to her happiness. But for her to start dating Toru just like that, when she had all three of them wrapped tightly around her finger? It hurt, not only cause he saw Kozu break down, but because he saw how happy she looked to have a boyfriend. Her answer to 'why' had been so simple as well- you don't just date someone because 'they asked'. She was wearing his shirt, for fucks sake- she had a huge mess with his name on it between her legs.

She had crumpled to his knees as he felt like grabbing her and showing everyone- including her- who she fucking belonged to, who she screamed and begged for. Suna acted before he could, getting her out and disappearing with her. He took away Kuroo's one chance of venting his frustrations in a somewhat healthy way- so he pointed his anger at Toru. Deep down he knew it wasn't right, that he shouldn't be so hurt- but hypothetically speaking she would be his fiance. Bokuto had seen his intentions before Kuroo could act, grabbing him and having Daichi help keep him from beating the boy's face in. Kuroo fought against them, Iwai putting himself between them though he gave Toru a confused and betrayed look. It was endearing how despite the situation, their friendship came first to Iwai. Meanwhile Kozu meandered outside, seeming lost and needing air to breath- it was Kimiko's second boyfriend. He had hoped for so long he would take that position, that he would do right by her and stay by her side for the rest of their lives. For her to so easily say yes, after she had finally gotten over Yuki's words- he wanted to be selfish, to tell her no and demand she choose him instead.

He could be her third- but he couldn't stand the thought of Toru being her second boyfriend at that time. He simply didn't understand why she made such a decision- he wished he could find her, to talk to her- but all Suna had taken was her keys. His phone rang and he looked- it was Suna. He clicked the answer in a heartbeat, putting the phone to his ear and not knowing what to expect. When Suna explained it made sense- Toru wasn't officially dating anyone, they were just pretending. The thought made him laugh from the pure joy- they weren't dating at all! He could still be her second, he could keep it from everyone and no one would dare ask her out- but they knew. They knew- he wanted to talk to Kimiko, but Suna hung up before he could ask. It was probably better that he told Kuroo first, goodness knew he was ready to tear out Toru's jugular. Kozu walked back into the house, seeing Kuroo trying desperately to yank out of Daichi and Bokuto's firm grasp. "Kuroo." Kozu says firmly, calmly- Kuroo immediately turned, his gaze finding his childhood friend. "Let's talk for a moment, privately." Kozu says, Kuroo stopping as he stares at his friend, fighting himself internally.

Kozu never asked him to talk privately- it clicked in his head that maybe Suna had gotten a hold of him, told him where he was taking Kimiko. Kuroo immediately let go of his animosity towards Toru- at least for now. His only thought was Kimiko now, needing answers, needing to claim her as his. "Let him go." Kozu says, Bokuto and Daichi reluctantly letting go- Kuroo doesn't hesitate, walking out the front door with Kozu hot on his tail. Kozu pulls the door shut behind him, both of them walking to the sidewalk so they wouldn't be overheard. Kozu waved Kuroo down and he leaned over, Kozu cupping his mouth to Kuroo's ear. "Kimiko is only secretly pretending to date Toru to get his fangirls off his back." Kozu whispers, the words taking a moment to process in Kuroo's mind. "Oh." Kuroo says at first, feeling greatly relieved- that was more like their Kimiko, always putting others first. It genuinely seemed like something she'd devote herself too and happily help with. "That makes sense." Kuroo says simply, letting go of all of his bad feelings as he relaxes. "Do we know where she is?" Kuroo asks though Kozu grimaces, shaking his head- he had absolutely no clue.

The two stay outside for a second, breathing in the fresh air and just processing the words and meanings. They were both greatly relieved, though Kozu came up with a distraction plan- he told Kuroo to pretend he gave him a lecture about how Kimiko's feelings came first, that Kuroo accepted that Toru made her happy- after all, Toru was actually close to her. Not as much as the three- but he was still close to her. Somehow Kuroo could tell that Toru cared for Kimiko as a dear beloved friend, someone he felt comfortable with- he didn't know if it went beyond that on either side. The two finally went inside with cool, calm and collected heads- though Arthur was on the phone, seeming shocked. "She what?" Arthur asks, Kozu and Kuroo immediately freezing at Arthur's voice. They had never heard Arthur scared- but he was, they could tell as his eyes widened and he clenched his fist. "Fuck. Get her to the nearest airport- I'll get her flown to her doctor. Be careful… shit. I'll meet you at the hospital." Arthur says, Kuroo and Kozu's hearts sinking in their chests- they had just talked to Suna, what had happened in those moments that was sending her to the hospital?

It was so hot- fuck, it was so hot- I was burning up, but at the same time I felt really cold. It felt like I couldn't catch my breath, my head constantly spinning. Was I sick? I think I was sick- shoot, I should've taken more care of myself when I was working on the house and everything, I probably overdid it by stressing myself out and trying to do multiple projects at once. There's only so much I can do with one arm- did I even dry my hair once I got out of the shower? I don't think I did- I was so stupid, but I had been so occupied by Kuroo after that. I should've known better, I'm usually so good about it but I must've been slipping with all the excitement… "Luckily it's just a common cold, but… with her condition, if she doesn't pick back up it could get worse. She's usually so good about keeping up with herself…" a familiar voice says, drawing me from my groggy state as I groan. "Doctor… Hermann…" I mumble, my eyes too heavy to even open as I let my head lull to the side. "Well hello to you too, Kimiko. Gave us quite the fright this time, passing out so suddenly like that. How are you feeling?" The doctor asks as he comes over, putting the thermometer into my mouth.

"Mm… hot, cold… hard to breathe… head spinning…" I croak, slowly prying my heavy eyelids open as he pulls the thermometer from my mouth. "I see, would you like your inhaler?" He asks and I shrug, though he helps me sit up. "I'll get you on some fresh oxygen, taking your inhaler will help you breathe. You're probably dizzy because you're not getting enough oxygen, it's vital to your health that you get as much oxygen as possible." The doctor says and I hum softly, my eyes falling back shut as I lazily slump forward- so tired. "Any other symptoms?" The doctor says, putting his hand to my ribs as he puts his stethoscope to my back, listening to my breathing. "Fatigue; I overworked myself…" I croak, the doctor humming as he pulls away his stethoscope, laying me back down. "Not an easy feat with you, goodness knows you can work yourself to the bone and somehow manage to keep up with yourself." The doctor jokes and I crack a small smile, relaxing into the bed. "Needless to say I think you went a little too far this time, so make sure to get plenty of rest during your stay okay? I'll get you fever reducers, oxygen and your inhaler." The doctor says and I hum, beginning to doze back off.

"Here you go… one round of fever reducers, coming right up." The doctor says, drawing me from my half asleep state; He was injecting the fever reducer into my IV. "Do you think you can take your inhaler by yourself, or should I take an alternate method?" The doctor says and I hum, lethargically lifting up my arm. He takes it, gently sitting me up and helping me settle as he grabs my inhaler from the tray, shaking it. "You know the drill, deep breath." He says, popping it open and putting it to my lips- he pressed on the dispenser and I suck in a deep breath, feeling the refreshment come in. "Need another?" He asks though I pull away, shaking my head. "Okay. I'll leave it here in case you change your mind- go ahead and lay down, I'll hook you up to the oxygen. You should be up and running in no time with some proper rest." The doctor says and I lay down, feeling him slide the oxygen mask in place. Ah- nothing like a fresh oxygen supply and the lungs to breath it in. I greedily suck in the air, already feeling slightly better as I slowly relax. "Better?" He asks and I hum softly, beginning to daze off. "Good news for your friends, then." The doctor says, though I drift off before I could question.

I stir- I felt better, though I was still tired. I pry my eyes open, slowly and lethargically sitting up. "Good morning, Kimiko. Your fever's gone; you just need a good proper rest." The doctor says and I hum, slowly looking around- I was in the quarantine room, the doctor dressed in disposable scrubs and a mask. It was empty other than us which was to be expected. Nobody was allowed in without disposable scrubs to prevent any pathogens from coming in and putting me at risk. I glanced over at the clock as I pulled down my oxygen mask- it was early, 4 A.M.. "Am I in America?" I croak, the doctor nodding as he keeps tapping on the computer. "You've been here for 3 days, you were brought by your friend. You're at my hospital." The doctor says and I hum, my mind wandering back to an old friend. "Is Felix still here?" I croak, the doctor glancing back at me with a small smile. "Yes, yes he is. Would you like to go see him?" He asks and I hum, so he takes out his own and scribbles something on a note. "Alright, I'll take you. I think an old friend will do him some good as well." The doctor says, coming over and fixing my oxygen mask before heading out of the room.

He comes back with a wheelchair, taking the oxygen tank and attaching it, also putting my iodine on the attachment. He helps me onto the wheelchair, getting me settled before pushing me out of the room. I take steady breaths, not looking into the rooms as we pass by. It was painful to look at- this was the place where children came to slowly die. Doctor Hermann was an expert, he did everything he could to make them better, to give them peace in their difficult times. I don't know how he did it, day in and day out with the hurting parents and dying children. He was mine and Akira's doctor, he had taken over for my dad when he had passed. I admired his commitment however- it was only second to my father. When my father came here, the sad and dreary veil was lifted if only for a moment. When he came, he brought hope and happiness with him- even if there was no hope. My family helped many families and children get through, even if that meant telling them to say goodbye. My father loved his job- he loved it with a burning passion, having been a sickly child himself. There were times when even he would come home after a tough day, tears in his eyes and somber words on his lips.

My mother had been his support- even when he felt like quitting, when he lost a child on the road to recovery; my mother was right there with her arms open and words of encouragement. She helped him so much, she made it so he could go back to work the next day with a smile, with enough hope and happiness to spare. I admired that love so much, I aspired to have the same with my own love someday. Even in the darkest times, when he felt he could have done so much more, when he felt that the world wasn't fair to the children- she'd give him comfort. She always seemed to know what to say- and when to not say anything. I remember plenty of times seeing them just curled up on the couch together, holding each other tight and stuffed into a blanket. I had done my best as a kid to comfort him as well, giving him all the hugs and kisses full of love as a little girl could give. He'd give me the brightest smiles, ruffling my hair and thanking me. Of course, I took care of Akira when he was younger as much as I could. We were a wonderful family, it felt like no matter what, my father was on the frontline for saving others. When he got sick… we did our best to comfort him.

"We're here." The doctor says, pushing open the door and sliding me inside. My eyes automatically found Felix on the bed with all kinds of equipment attached to him, his eyes wandering over to me- he was a small, frail boy of about 9 years. He had a mask on his face, giving him a fresh supply of oxygen- but his eyes spoke more than he ever could. His eyes were curious, looking over me as the doctor moved me over beside his bed. "Hello, Felix. Long time no see." I signed- his hearing was fine, but he couldn't speak because of his illness. He spoke through sign language- he was the reason why I decided to learn ASL, even though it wasn't necessary. His face lit up with a bright smile, his eyes lighting with recognition as he lifted up his frail hands. "Kiko! It's been forever, what are you doing here?" He signs, his eyes growing concerned as I offer him a comforting smile. "I pushed myself too hard and got sick; how have you been?" I sign and the doctor goes about checking on Felix as we talk. "Tired. Always tired." Felix signs- he looked tired, completely exhausted. "Oh, and your parents?" I sign, tilting my head and gesturing around- I hadn't seen them.

"They're in the waiting room, they've been arguing. I told them that I wanted to go, that god is calling me. They don't want to let me go; they won't let me leave." Felix signs and I pause, searching his eyes. "Do you want to go?" I sign slowly, searching his eyes as he takes a deep breath. "I'm scared, but I'm even more tired. I just want to sleep, but I can't sleep because they won't let me." Felix signs- I realize that by sleep, he means die- his parents wouldn't let him die. I swallow a thick lump in my throat as the doctor lays him on his back, getting him settled. "I want to go because I heard you won't be tired or sick there, god told me that." Felix signs and I slowly nod, fiddling lightly with my fingers. "Want me to talk to your parents?" I sign and he shrugs, taking another deep raggidy breath. "They won't listen, not even to me. I tried telling them that god is calling to me, but they just turned away." Felix signs and I slowly nod, not knowing what to say. "I'm tired." Felix signs and I reach over, gently squeezing his hand as I pull my mask down. "Rest." I say and he closes his eyes, weakly squeezing my hand. I sing 'revelation' softly- Felix was baptized, his family were devoted christians.

I wait for him to fall asleep before setting his hand down, gently running my hand through his hair. Even that felt sickly, stringy- it was sad, I know that he was hurting deep down. "Shall we go?" The doctor asks as I just look over him- he looked so peaceful when he was sleeping. "I want to speak to his parents if I can." I say, setting my mask back in place- Hermann looked over me. He slowly nods, finishing what he was doing on the laptop before coming up behind me. He pushes me out of the room, heading over to a waiting room and opening the door. My eyes found Felix's parents- they looked as exhausted as Felix, their eyes red and puffy. They had somber looks on their faces; Felix's father has his elbows perched on his knees, his chin resting on his hands. Felix's mother's hands lay limp in her hands, staring blankly at the floor as her head hung. "You've got a visitor." The doctor says, drawing their blank gazes over to me as he pushes me over. I wave lightly, offering them a half-hearted smile- they look up at the doctor, confused. "This is Kimiko Suzuki, your son's friend from years ago." The doctor says, their eyes lighting with recognition as they look back at me.

"Well, look at you. You sure have grown." Felix's father says, looking over at me with a sad smile. "Last thing we expected was to see you here again. We weren't sure if we should be happy or not, but you never even visited." Felix's mother says and I glance up at the doctor, pulling off my mask. "We moved to Japan, I've been living there 5 years now." I say and they nod, seeming to accept my answer. "I see. Akira? I half expected to see him before we saw you again." Felix's father chuckles softly and I can't help but crack a smile. "He's doing great." I say simply- I don't say anything else, knowing it would only hurt them. They nod, seeming to appreciate the sentiment and leaving it at that. "So, what are you doing here then?" Felix's mother asks and I give them a sheepish smile. "I overworked myself." I say and they hum, cracking their own faint smiles. "Take better care of yourself, okay?" Felix's father says and I nod, lightly fiddling with my fingers. "I… talked to Felix. He told me that God is calling to him." I say, their smiles faltering as they drop their gazes. "It's silly what children say sometimes, isn't it?" Felix's mother laughs awkwardly, trying to dismiss it though I gently take her hand.

"I know it probably isn't my place to say this, I don't expect you to listen… if I may please speak my mind. I wouldn't wish this upon anyone, I could never ask anyone to make this decision. I've seen Felix… that isn't a life to live. It's… it's painfully obvious." I whisper, seeing them deflate as tears gather in their eyes. "If God is calling… Then who are we to deny? Felix wants to go… holding on is only hurting him more." I say, though Felix's father lifts his head and glares at me. "How could you say that? How could you ask us to let go of our son? How could you ever know what it's like?" He spits- I know he was only in pain, I don't hold his bitterness against him. "I have my own son. I would never, ever wish this fate upon anyone. If it was my son… I would be utterly destroyed. I could never make that decision on my own… I thank God every day for giving me a healthy baby boy, even when I suffered a very difficult pregnancy and delivery, knocking on death's door myself." I say, their eyes widening as they seem in shock. "He's 5, he's the child out of wedlock… a child born of rape. But he is my pride and joy. I love him with all of my heart." I say and they press their lips together, dropping their gazes.

"If it was my son on that hospital bed… exhausted, unable to be a boy like he should with god calling to him… who am I to deny? That's not the life of a child. I've seen Akira in that position… I've been in that situation… it's no life. It's simply not dying." I say, Felix's mother beginning to silently cry as she squeezes my hand- she knew that. She knew full well that her son deserved to be free. "I've… I had a near death experience. I saw… I think I saw… heaven." I say, their eyes finding mine as I pull my hand back. "It's a vast field, it goes on forever with lush green grass. The people there are happy… healthy, even if they died sick or hurt." I say and Felix's father swallows thickly, nodding his head. "It's absolutely beautiful. The sun was shining bright, not a cloud in sight… it's a place a boy could run and play in till the end of time itself. He can watch over us, too." I whisper, Felix's mother sobbing softly. "I didn't meet the man himself but… if he's calling Felix home, who are we to deny? He's giving us time to say goodbye, to give all the love we can offer to see him on his way. He's calling… but he's not taking, he's giving you this time to say goodbye." I say, Felix's parents beginning to sob.

"I would never wish this upon anyone… but God works in mysterious ways. Heaven needs it's angel… Felix… he doesn't deserve to be sick and tired in that bed." I whisper, tears gathering in my eyes as I watch them accept their fate, no matter how much it hurts. Hermann sets his hand on my shoulder, giving me a half-hearted smile and a light squeeze. "I'd say God sent you here as well, to pass on this message… from Japan, from the daughter of his old doctor. A message that it's time to say goodbye." Hermann says and I press my lips together, dropping my head. "I… I don't know if God sent me. I don't even know why I went to that place in the first place… but… if he saw me fit, then… I guess I'll see it through. I know better than anyone how to say goodbye." I say softly, taking Felix's parents hands and squeezing them lightly. "He's… he's resting now, but he's ready to go… I think it's best you spend these moments with him. If not for him… for yourself. Now is the time to hold him, to say everything you can… to be with him." I say and they both nod, still sobbing softly as his mother gently squeezes my hand. "Please… come." She croaks and I nod, swallowing thickly. 

Hermann sets me back beside Felix who's still fast asleep, taking his spot beside me. Felix's parents are on the other side of the bed, staring down at their boy with sad, hurt and resigned eyes. I reach over, gently brushing my hand through his sickly hair, tucking it behind his ear. He stirs lightly, prying his eyes open and looking around. "Hi baby, how are you feeling?" His mother asks, gently sitting beside him as he looks over at her. "Tired." He signs, his eyes dazed as she offers him a half hearted smile. "I know baby… I know…" She croaks, tears gathering in her eyes as she caresses his cheek. "You're a strong boy, champ. More than I ever could be…" His father says, his voice trembling as he reaches over, patting his shoulder. "Are you ready to say goodbye?" I sign slowly and he pauses, seeming to think about it as he takes a deep breath. "Yes. I'm tired… he's calling." Felix signs, Felix's parents sobbing softly as I reach over and squeeze his hand lightly. "Then let's say goodbye." I say, Felix slowly nodding as he musters up his strength to sit up. Hermann helps him, gently stroking his back as he holds him up, gently taking the oxygen mask off of Felix.

"Let's pray…" Felix's mother says, holding her hands out- I slide my hands into hers, putting my other hand in Hermann's as I bow my head and close my eyes. "Dear lord… we understand now that you wish to take our son to a better place… we ask that you please take care of him, watch over him in our place… let him be a boy in your embrace, that he may be free from all sickness. We ask that you watch over us in our difficult times, to give us strength…" Felix's mother says, her voice trembling and watery. "May our faith in you help us through this… please watch over my boy, give him more in his eternal rest than we ever could in his life." Felix's father says, his voice breaking as I slowly take a breath. "May all your angels watch and care over him, may they be his friends and guide him through the valley. May he rest into your eternal embrace and may we be at peace with your call, sending him to you with our love." I whisper, his parents beginning to cry softly. "Sing?" Felix croaks, his voice ragid and weak, barely a hoarse whisper. I sing 'savior', feeling him slowly drift off in an all too familiar way. Felix leaves with a gentle embrace, warming the room and making it peaceful.

Doctor Hermann calls it, gently laying Felix's body down and unattaching all the equipment. "Goodbye, Felix. Rest in peace." I whisper softly, as his parents tightly embrace him. They cry, bringing tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. "Let's give them space to say a proper goodbye." Hermann says and I nod, blinking the tears from my eyes. He pushes me out of the room as I silently cry, pressing my lips together. "Oh, hello." Hermann says and I drag my gaze up, seeing Arthur in front of us. "Is Felix…" Arthur asks softly and I swallow thickly, nodding my head. "Just now." I croak through my tears and Arthur falls to his knees in front of me, wrapping his arms around me. "I'll tell Akira…" Arthur whispers as I wrap my arms around him, squeezing him tight. "He… he went peaceful. They said goodbye." I croak and Arthur nods as I bury my head into his neck. I squeeze him tightly as I cry, Doctor Hermann stroking my back. "It's okay…" Arthur mumbles softly as he squeezes me back, though I feel an itch in my throat. I cover my mouth, beginning to cough as I choke lightly for air. "Here, let's get you back." Hermann says, sliding the oxygen mask on my face as I take deep breaths.

"Come on, up you go." Hermann says, helping me up onto the bed as I gasp lightly for air. "Alright… here you go." He says, taking my inhaler and shaking it. I pull my mask out of the way and he puts it to my lips, dispensing it. I suck in a deep breath, feeling the relief it offers before fixing the mask. "Thanks." I croak, laying back on the bed- Arthur was outside, looking through the glass. His arms were crossed, his lips pressed tightly together as I gave him a weak wave. He was worried- but he had also seen me far worse. He seemed to relax a little, blowing out a long breath and taking my small reassurance for what it was. I wasn't going to die soon, considering I was able to breath and move on my own, albeit weak and tired. "I'd like to keep an eye on you tonight to make sure you're doing better. It seems like you're going to be just fine with some proper rest and relaxation, your fever is gone. Of course the cold is still affecting your asthma, you'll have to carry your inhaler just in case. I'd like you to stay in town for at least a week and I'll check on you to see if you're safe to travel; take it easy and don't push yourself." The doctor says and I hum affirmatively, settling into the bed.

Arthur lingered outside the room, watching the girl sleep peacefully- she really had given him a scare. Arthur hadn't really been caught in his head when her legs had given out on her. He felt really horrible- his first thought when Toru announced that the two were dating was 'does that mean I can go for Kuroo'? Then Suna had rushed her away and Kuroo had tried fighting Toru; he wondered if he could be Kuroo's rebound. That kiss- it had shocked him, surprised him really- it was just… wonderful. He was a great kisser, but deep down Arthur knew that Kuroo probably wouldn't want him. He was in love with Kiki after all, and Kiki loved him- but Toru was her boyfriend now. He was caught in a dilemma, unsure if it was okay or not to try and get Kuroo's attention. He loved Kiki with all of his heart, he did- but that kiss, his words… it changed something. Of course Arthur was attracted to Kuroo, he was a sensible handsome man. He had seen how Kuroo loved Kiki fully, irreversibly. When he kissed, he already categorized him as a can't have- and he felt jealous of Kiki for once. He was jealous that she had him in her grips, wrapped tightly around his finger with all the other boys she attracted.

She was a fly trap, she always had been one to attract all kinds of people. When she so easily kissed Kita after being kissed by Kuroo… he actually felt frustrated. How could any other kiss compare to his? She had called him out on it and he knew he was being a shitty friend- it was obvious the two were passionately in love, that Arthur had no place getting between those two. He knew Kiki loved him dearly, that she truly loved him and cared for him. He knew that she loved Arthur just as much, that if he asked she would draw the line- no matter how much it hurt her. It hurt because he was tempted to put that line there- even if it meant hurting Kuroo and Kiki. He felt so shitty in those moments, not knowing what to say or do- she had Suna, she had Kozu, she had all those boys to love- if he asked for Kuroo, if he asked her to draw that line… would it be okay? Would Kuroo accept that? Would he get his chance or would Kuroo just… not care? He had Aran, sure, that was his first friend and benefits buddy from Japan. They had drawn a line in their relationship, the first thing they did- they weren't serious, they were fwb. Of course he cared for Aran, but in the end… they could never be.

He could never be the way he wanted- he could never marry a man he loved, show them off proudly and claim them like he wanted to. His family and status wouldn't allow it- he was constantly being berated about finding a girl and settling down. Aran wanted to settle down, to love and be loved openly and freely- Arthur couldn't give that to him. They both knew that the day would come when Arthur was forced into a marriage and he'd have to say goodbye. Arthur considered making it work- he thought that if he did marry Kiki, he could make it work. But then she told him that Kuroo had proposed- he knew Kiki wanted to marry for love, to have a big happy family and to live happily ever after. She wanted to completely devote her life to love, to be happy and free just like him- and he couldn't drag her down. He couldn't take away her dream, she deserved that love, that dream. He knew what it was like to be denied that pleasure- and he couldn't do that to his best friend. It would've been so much easier if he was actually attracted to Kiki, but his instincts simply wouldn't allow it. He was full gay, he had never been sexually or physically attracted to a woman- often times he was actually repulsed by them.

Arthur knew that Kuroo wanted a life with Kimiko; he wouldn't have proposed if he didn't. At first he had been mad at him for proposing to her for Kiki's sake- after all, how could you just spring that on her when she's not ready? He saw how much it had hurt Kuroo, how much he meant the words and how he wouldn't take them back. Kuroo loved Kimiko- it was as simple as that. After the kiss the proposal hurt him on a new level- Kuroo, affectionate and just… so Kuroo. He didn't want to force someone into something they didn't want, he was kind and considerate in all aspects. He was an honorable man who protected his loved ones, who so easily teased them and openly loved them. Arthur was of course attracted, but with Kiki there he drew his line and set his sights on Arthur's. Kuroo knocked him out, could easily kick his ass but only when he felt that Arthur had truly fucked up. He had seen her protect Kiki, he had seen him save her life, save their lives- that kiss really awoke the want inside of him. He was forced to look at Kuroo as he was- an amazing guy, a one of a kind and unattainable. He could see why Kiki loved him- she could also see why she was struggling, loving three people.

But she agreed to date Toru without even considering the three- that shocked Arthur, but even more… he felt like it just wasn't right. He couldn't agree with her decision to just dismiss the three and choose someone she didn't love. Of course Arthur knew that Toru cared for her, that they were close- but there was no love there. He saw Kuroo mad- he saw Kuroo hurting, he saw the pain and betrayal in his eyes the second Toru announced it. He saw it in all three of their eyes- Suna was the first to act, swooping her away and taking her god knows where. Then Kuroo tried fighting Toru, though Daichi and Bokuto held him back. He felt for him, he did- because it hurt seeing him so hurt too. Kozu just walked outside, seeming completely out of it- he didn't believe it either. Arthur didn't know what to say, lost in his thoughts- was it his place to comfort Kuroo? Was he right for getting hope from this, would it be okay even if he knew that Kiki still loved him? She had a boyfriend, she had the others- would he be selfish for asking for a chance with the one? Kozu came back not long after, calling Kuroo away privately- he lost his chance to comfort him. He didn't have much time to think about it before Suna called him.

Suna's first words jumbled in his busy mind- all he heard was 'Kimiko' 'fever' and 'passes out'. Kuroo and Kozu had come back as he asked him to clarify, Suna explaining to him that Kimiko had a high fever and passed out. It scared Arthur- Kimiko had just collapsed and he was wondering if he could flirt with Kuroo? He felt absolutely horrible at that moment, knowing if she had a fever then there was reason to worry. She needed to go to the hospital immediately to be seen, to be taken care of before she got worse- so he had Suna take her to an airport, rushing there so he could get her on the first flight back to America, to her doctor. Kuroo and Kozu demanded on coming along- Arthur didn't say anything, they had forced themselves into his car and onto the plane the whole time. Arthur had forced them to stay on the front of the plane, watching Kiki in the back seat- she had a bad fever, she was sweating and unable to catch her breath. It was obvious that she was sick- and sick meant vulnerable, possible downfall and death. Her cheeks were so red, her body burning, slick with sweat- she was sick and he had been wondering if he could flirt with Kuroo; what a horrible friend he was.

"Good morning." Hermann says as I slowly opened my eyes- I felt better, though I still felt tired. "No sign of a fever, you're looking much better… I'd say you're good to leave the hospital. Of course, as I said, stay in town for a week. I'll check you at the end of the week to see if you're clear to fly home; when you get back I'd quarantine for another week for Akira, that way we know there's no chance of transmitting it. It should be fine, but better safe than sorry. No exerting yourself, you hear me? Rest and relaxation, if I hear you're putting yourself to work, I will make you stay another week. You need to recover so you don't go putting yourself at risk again." Hermann says and I hum, nodding my head as he pulls my mask off. "Of course, you'll need your inhaler just in case. You've been having flare ups, but they've been manageable with the oxygen. I'll lend you a wheelchair- you should refrain from excessive movement, your body is still weak. Wear masks, wash often, eat healthy- you know the whole spiel." Hermann says and I nod as he writes something down. "I already notified your mother- she made arrangements with your grandparents." He says and I hum, nodding my head.

"Up we go." Hermann says, helping me into the wheelchair and getting me settled. "Alright, do you have your inhaler?" He asks and I hum, showing it to him as he smiles at me. "Good, let's get you down to your friends. Remember the rules, no excessive movement, take care and when you're outdoors, wear a mask." He says and I hum, beginning to push me down to the lobby. I already had a mask on, dressed in sweats, a long sleeve shirt and tennis shoes. "That means no extreme sex for the week." Hermann says and I feel my face burning as I turn to look at him with wide eyes. "You came in wearing a shirt that obviously wasn't yours with four boys in tow. I'm your doctor- I was your age too once, I can tell." Hermann says and I drop my gaze, my face feeling like it was on fire. "Yes sir…" I mumble, covering my face- Hermann used to be my father's work colleague, one of his friends. It was weird to think that he knew I was intimate- "Wait, four people?" I ask, furrowing my eyebrows- I had only seen Arthur. "There's one of them now." Hermann says as we exit the elevator to the lobby, Arthur standing in the lobby. "Hey." Arthur says, coming over and taking Hermann's place pushing me.

"Oh… thank you. I'll see you in a week Dr. Hermann." I call as he waves, heading back to the elevator. "So… what's the verdict?" Arthur says, beginning to push me out of the hospital with my small bag of things in my lap. "I need to properly rest and relax, I'll be keeping my inhaler on hand for a while…" I say as he pushes me out the doors, seeing the trio waiting outside. "Eh? Ah… what are you guys doing here?" I ask, genuinely concerned and confused- the trio was in America, at a pediatric hospital. "Why else would they be here, dummy. They came for you; we're going to be taking you home now." Arthur says and I pause, looking up at him. "Actually, about that…" I say shyly, though I hear a car pull up and people step out. "Oh my sweet, sweet baby! Look at you!" My grandmother coos as she jogs over, leaning down and hugging me tight. "Mamma! Thank you for picking me up!" I say, hugging her back just as tight- she gave the best warm comfy hugs that smelled like freshly baked pastries. "Nonsense my dear! I'm your grandma, I could never leave you stranded!" She coos, pulling back and gently pinching my cheek as she gives me her signature beaming smile.

"It's so good to see you two. Gosh, I missed you so much!" I say, offering her my own beaming smile as I see my grandpa walking over. "Pappy! Oh my gosh, it's been so long!" I chime, opening up my arms as he gives me a sweet smile. "Long time no see, Butterfly. It's nice to see you're doing well, Dragonfly." He chuckles as he gives me a hug, pulling away and shaking hands with Arthur. "I see you're still up and kicking, old man." Arthur chuckles, my grandfather's eyes sparkling with mischief as he grins. "I can still kick your ass, too boy. You better watch what you call me, or else… Butterfly wasn't the only one disciplining your ass around here." My grandfather says, making Arthur laugh heartily as he pats the older man's back. "Oh, I know. You two were the kick-Arthur's-ass duo, always teaching me my manners." Arthur jokes, making me laugh at the fond memories of the lectures my gramps used to give us. "You seem to have turned out alright, so it must've been good for something." My grandfather chimes, making me giggle as my grandmother notices the other three. "And who are these three fine gentlemen?" She says in perfect japanese, gesturing to the three.

"These are precious friends of mine from Japan; You've heard of Kozume Kenma; this is his friend Kuroo Tetsuro and my own personal friend, Suna Rintaro." I say, the three shaking hands with my grandparents. "It's an honor to meet you." Kozu says, his cheeks pink as my grands look over the three. "I see. Quite the lookers, aren't they? I remember at your age, I was the talk of the town! All the boys wanted me; Of course, your gramps already had my heart by then." My grandma chimes, my grandpa chuckling as he wraps his arm around her waist. "And I still do, you old coot." My grandpa teases, placing a small kiss on her lips and making her giggle. "Oh, you." She chimes, gently shoving him and making him laugh. I giggle at the sight of the two old love birds, still madly in love with each other. "Ah! Enough about us, you must be absolutely exhausted dear! Come, let's get you settled at home." My grandma chimes, bumping Arthur with her hip. "Oh, Arthur. Doctor Hermann told me I've got to stay a week before he clears me to fly, I'll be staying with my grandparents until then." I say, Arthur's eyes widening. "What? A week?!" Arthur asks and I hum, my grandma pushing me towards her van.

"You guys can go back to Japan, I'm not going anywhere." I say, my grandma helping me into the van as the trio blinks. "Wait, what?! Not going anywhere?!" Kuroo asks, coming over as my grandpa takes the wheelchair. "Well, at least not right now. The doctor told me I need to stay here for a week, you guys have school. I mean, unless you came to America for a reason." I say, putting my seatbelt on as my grandma turns to the boys. "Oh, yeah, uh, totally! We came here for a reason, right Arthur?" Kuroo says, turning to Arthur and giving him a pleading look. "Oh- well, I came for you. If you're staying I'm staying- but these guys uh… came to explore America I guess?" Arthur says, Kuroo slapping a hand over his face. "We came for the vlog, we're going to do a 'trip to America' segment." Kozu says, Kuroo snapping his fingers and pointing at Kozu. "Yes! The vlog! For our channel! Mhm! We're all here for that! Can you give us a tour of your hometown?" Kuroo says, turning to me and beaming a smile at me. "Oh, I see; I don't know if I'll be able to… I'm supposed to be resting and relaxing. No excessive movement or exercise." I say, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear.

"We can just push you around in your wheelchair." Suna mumbles, stuffing his hands in his pockets and dropping his gaze. "We could take them to all our old hang outs for some R&R." Arthur chimes helpfully and I hum, though my grandma claps her hands. "Oh, that sounds absolutely wonderful! Do you boys have a place to stay during your trip?" My grandma asks, smiling sweetly at the boys. "We've just been renting a hotel day by day." Arthur says when Kuroo shoves his elbow into his ribs. "Oh, that's a shame! Why don't you come stay with us? I'll prepare the guest house, it'd be so nice having a lively house again!" My grandma chimes- she mentioned being lonely without us there, that she missed how the house was always bustling. She was a sweet old lady who loved the idea of having a big happy family like me, having all kinds of family events and just being a close knit family in general. "That's a very generous offer of you, Ma'am. I hope it will be alright with you, we don't want to be a bother." Kuroo chimes, offering her a big smile of his own. "Not at all! Come, come. Follow us back! Arthur knows the way." My grandma chimes, hopping into the car with a big smile.

"Mamma, I hope you don't mind but I'm going to go ahead and go to my room." I say as she wheeled me up to the house, offering me a small smile. "Of course sweetie, I'm sure you're exhausted. Everything is just as you left it." She says and I hum, prying myself out of the wheelchair. I wobble lightly, a wave of dizziness washing over me. "You stubborn girl, if you can't stand on your own then ask for help." My grandfather scolds, coming over and supporting me by my arm. "I get it from you, Pappy." I tease, making him chuckle as he slowly eases me up to the house. "You boys can go on ahead and make yourself comfortable in the main house while I prepare the guest house for you." My grandmother says, unlocking the door and pushing my wheelchair in and to the side. I take a deep breath, my eyes falling closed at the familiar smell. "Home." I whisper as my grandpa helps me into the house, a faint smile on his face. "Home." He says, slowly helping me to the door in the far corner of the hallway. "Your room, just as you left it." He says, opening the door for me as I slowly look around. It had been years since I had been in this room- the last time I had been here, I was pregnant.

The bed was covered in pillows and stuffies, ranging from a humongous octopus to small squids- I had an obsession with them at one point. The walls had all kinds of posters hanging, a big blackout curtain covering the window. My grandpa helped me to the bed, sitting me down as I set my things to the side. "That's where your hoard went!" Arthur laughs from the doorway, leaning in the frame as I grab a big old Teddy Bear set apart from the rest, hugging it tight. It has been a gift from mom not long after dad passed; we had gone out on a girl's date for Valentine's day. She had picked me up from school with flowers, chocolates and that Teddy Bear- it was a precious memory to me and a precious Teddy that had been there for me when I needed comfort most. "There wasn't enough room or time to bring them…" I mumble, burying my head into the familiar Teddy Bear and smiling faintly. It really felt like I was home; the familiar room, the familiar love of my grandparents, all of the things I hadn't seen in over 5 years. "Welcome home, Sweetie." My grandma says, coming over and giving my forehead a kiss. "It's good to be back." I say, offering her a smile before I lay down.

Kimiko falls fast asleep, a sweet smile on her face as she holds tightly onto the Teddy Bear. Kurimi, her grandmother, pulls the comforter over the girl, tucking her in. "Goodnight, Butterfly." Eiji, her grandfather says, gently stroking the girl's shoulder. Kozu peaks into the room, looking over it- this is the room she was raised in? It was a queen bed covered in stuffies with a sheer black canopy pressed into one corner, a wall with posters- a walking dead poster, an alien which was holding a joint poster, a rick and morty poster. There were also drawings and pictures scattered along another wall- he slowly walked in, looking over all the things pinned on the wall. There were all kinds of pictures and drawings of people, places, things- doodles and sketches of characters from shows. "Wow…" Kozu mumbles, stopping in front of the old oak desk pressed in the middle of the art wall. Suna was the next to appear in the doorway, his eyes wandering the room as well. "Oh yes, she always was one for her art. Goodness knows she was always the creative and imaginative type, always doing anything she could to express herself." Kurimi says, noticing Suna joining Kozu to look over the wall.

They were both amazed by the art- it was almost as if they could see into Kimiko's mind, having it plastered on the wall before them. Her thoughts, her memories, her goofy doodles with short comics of characters from shows. There was all kinds of art on the wall- but it was all hers. Kuroo comes into the room last, seeing the girl curled up around a Teddy Bear and surrounded by other stuffies. "Wow, that Teddy Bear looks really old." Kuroo says, slowly walking over by Kurimi and taking a closer look- the closer he got, the more he could see the wear on it. It was still in one piece, not even a broken stitch- but the brown fur was all displaced. "It is. That Teddy Bear was a Valentine's gift from Sayuri I'd say… 8 years ago? It was a good day for those two, well needed since Katsuki had passed the year before. It was the first time in a long time that we saw the two smile without him around…" Kurimi says, gently pulling on the red heart the bear held- it was loose, easily moving with the stitches worn. Kimiko squeezes the bear's waist tighter, burying her nose deeper inside. "It's her favorite stuffy; it gives her comfort, she takes the most care of it." Kurimi says, letting go of the heart and letting it settle.

"Katsuki?" Kuroo asks though Arthur slides past him, picking up a fox stuffy. "Her father." Arthur says- the fox stuffy was the most worn of all the stuffies, though they were all well taken care of. The fox looked a little ratty, it was small and a tad deflated- Arthur gently sets it back down. "I was wondering what happened to them… she left them all behind. These were her comforts… I thought she threw them away, but she just left them at home." Arthur says, Kurimi giggling softly as she brushes a hand through her hair. "She always wanted to come back when she grew older. America is all she ever knew, after all. She felt so out of place in Japan, she didn't make friends as easy as she did in America." Kurimi says, drawing everyone's attention to the grandmother. "Now Akira's better, Sayuri's getting married and my sweet baby Kimiko is making great friends with some very wonderful people…" Kurimi says as she gently pulls her hand away, a sweet smile on her face. "It's becoming a place she can call home, even if America is her home." Kurimi says, Arthur crawling behind Kimiko, collapsing onto the bed between her and the stuffies. He wraps an arm around her, laying down and curling into her.