Kazuto lay quietly as the nurse examined the thermometer and took notes. The medication forced him to fight to stay awake. His vision was slightly blurred and the room seemed to spin around him.

"The doctor wants to order a few tests to rule out any complications,don't worry,we'll get you feeling better soon. The medicine I just added will help shortly." She offered a reassuring smile. "For the moment, just relax. Can I get you anything?" Kazuto shook his head.

"I'm good." He replied feebly.

"Well,if you do need anything,don't hesitate to use your call button." She turned ,exiting the room and leaving the teen alone. Kazuto knew his visitors would start arriving soon, giving him a short time in which he could rest quietly. Though he loved his family and friends, the teen needed the break. The past few days had been difficult for him.

Asuna had made up her mind to stay another night, but after a lengthy argument over the phone with her parents and encouragement from Kazuto,a compromise was now in place. This allowed the girl shortened daily visits and the opportunity to stay from Friday to Sunday night. Asuna hated the idea of cutting back on their time together,but refused to accept the alternative.

Asuna laid down beside the ill teen,her head resting on his chest.

"It's not like I didn't have a good reason." She said softly. "I could've lost you, do they even understand that. I needed to be here. I can't believe you're siding with them."

" I'm not. I'd rather see you for a small amount of time each day than not at all. Friday isn't that far away. I'll be getting out of here soon,then it won't be too long after that, I'll be able to come back to school and spend lunch break with you,we'll-"

"Don't push yourself too much,you'll have take it slow for a while. Just get better first and then we can make plans." It was clear that Asuna was upset with him,but didn't want to add to his recovery time with the stress of arguing.

Kazuto briefly thought about reading the articles Klein had dropped off that morning, but decided against it,i in favor of saving what little energy he did have for when Asuna arrived. Sugu would more than likely accompany her. He found it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep up his attempt at being more himself than he felt in his current condition.

Kazuto closed his eyes, but before he could sleep,he was interrupted by yet another nurse. He opened them to see the older woman set several vials on the overbed table.

"I'm sorry,dear, but the doctor wants to get a little blood sample. I promise I won't take long. How are feeling,Kazuto?"

" Tired. " he answered. He watched her pull on a pair of gloves.

"I can imagine. You probably don't get much sleep,with everyone here poking and prodding you all hours of the day and night."

"Yeah, I kind of gave up on the whole get plenty of rest part." He felt the rubber band being tied onto his arm.

"I need you to-"

"I know." Kazuto attempted to make a tight fist. After a moment of prodding his arm, he felt the cold wet alcohol swab brush against his skin.

"All right, just a little pinch." The boy didn't flinch as the needle was inserted.

Kazuto felt himself slipping slowly into quiet darkness.

"Kazuto?" The voice called.

"Hm?"

" are you doing okay? "

"Yeah. Just feeling a little dizzy."

" I'm going to send in the doctor,just to check in,okay? " the woman said. Kazuto didn't reply,he knew that there wasn't a choice.

He didn't know how much time had passed,but he became aware of the soft voices around him.

"I'm sorry,Mrs. Kirigaya I know it must have been frightening for you to have received the call. I assure you,I will be replacing the medication and Kazuto will be monitored closely. It was most likely caused by the med change. His blood pressure should be stabilizing. We'll have him back on track soon." Midori nodded, turning from the doctor without a word, clearly she had been feeling distressed.

"Mom?" Kazuto attempted to push himself up. " Midori reached out,preventing him from doing so.

"Just lie down. Are you feeling better?"

" a little bit.I feel kind of..weird. "

"Your new medicine made your blood pressure drop, everything will be all right. I'm sorry."

" You didn't do anything. " Midori kissed her son's head.

"You've been through a lot. Your appendix,the infection,all the pain and now this. I'm so sorry baby."

" It's okay,mom. Yeah,I feel like crap right now,but I'm getting there. "

"I'm so proud of you,you're so brave,you always have been.'

" sorry you had to leave work. "

"You and your sister are more important. I love you,Kazuto. Always remember that."

" love you too,mom. "Sugu hurried into the room, Asuna followed close behind.

"Is everything okay, are you-" Sugu began.

"I'm fine, what are you two-"

"I was talking to mom when the hospital called her, I came right from school and ran into Asuna on the way. You don't look like you're-"

"Everything's fine." Kazuto insisted weakly.

"They don't just call to ask how your day is. What happened?" Asuna moved to his bedside, taking his hand.

"It's not a big deal, don't freak out. My blood pressure's just a little lower than it should be. I'm okay." Asuna rested her head on his chest.

"I was so worried. I thought I was losing you."

"I'm not gonna leave you, I'll be out of here soon. You don't need to be worried."

"Sorry, is this a bad time?" A young dark haired girl asked from the doorway.

"No. Come on in, Sinon." Kazuto invited. The girl moved closer to the group, offering a warm greeting. Midori excused herself, promising to return shortly.

Having been left alone, Asuna and Sugu sat down on the edge of the bed, offering the chair to their friend. Between Asuna and Sugu worrying,and Simon's visit, Kazuto knew he would have a long day and night ahead of him.