This chapter is really short, I know, but I had pretty much nothing else. Oh well. Enjoy this!

It was a few days before Herakles got the chance to see Kiku again, and when he finally did, Kiku had been freed from his straightjacket. Kiku looked up as he walked in, and Herakles swore he saw something akin to a childish expression there, but he shook it off.
"Good morning." Herakles said, seating himself in the chair across from Kiku, studying his posture and expression, careful to note the dark circles under his eyes and the slouch.
"To you as well," Kiku replied. His voice was a part mumble, as if his thoughts were elsewhere.
"You haven't been sleeping." It was a fact, not a question.
Kiku nodded vaguely, his hand then coming up, rubbing his temple as if he had a headache. "I'd rather not. Recurring nightmare.." he trailed off, giving a visible shudder. He kept silent for several moments, waiting to see if Herakles would say anything, before speaking again. "Doctor Herakles?"
"Yes, Kiku?"
"Will I ever be discharged?" His voice held no emotion, expression giving nothing away either.
"It depends. I know you don't want to be here, but.."
"You have to make sure I'm not crazy." Kiku stated, his voice full of bitterness, eyes coming up to meet Herakles' in a defiant stare.
Herakles returned the stare for several moments, saying nothing, before dropping his gaze to the floor. "That's the gist of it," he said quietly. He paused, before adding, "I'm here to help you, Kiku, that's my job. I'm here to make you better."
Herakles' words didn't seem to comfort or convince Kiku. "I don't need to be made better." he said, turning away from the taller man, as if not acknowledging him.
"..I'm here to help," Herakles repeated, moving closer to gently put a hand on Kiku's shoulder. He hesitated. "I care."
Kiku kept still, not saying or doing anything, stiff as a board. He stayed like that for several minutes, long enough that Herakles was about to move away, but then he felt Kiku visibly relax, his hand coming up to hold Herakles' in place for a moment, before moving it away. "Please go.."
Herakles hesitated again, before nodding, standing. "I'll be back tomorrow," he stated, not expecting an answer, before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.