Hiro groaned silently as his pencil eraser ran invisible lines through his textbook. Taking a glance on the far wall across the room, it was evident that he would need to suffer another couple of painful hours, listening to what he claimed was the most pointless and painful lecture he had been forced to sit through. His mind whirled with all the other possible things he could be doing right now that didn't involve wanting to blow his brains out as his professor continued droning on about the basics of robotics.

As the new, and youngest, student started his first year at SFIT with a bang, Hiro soon found that his heart was absolutely not into the mandatory classes he was required to take as a first year student. He had spent hours arguing with his older brother about how pointless it was to be taking these classes, let alone something ridiculous like Robotics 101 when he clearly had the skills and understanding to be pushed way ahead into much more advanced classes like his older sibling. Tadashi would have none of it though. He insisted that Hiro start at the beginning , like everyone else. Through much persuasion and silent tantrums, he surrendered.

As painful and droning as they could be, It was almost a relief to not be burdened with such a heavy workload right in the beginning of his first year at SFIT. Hell, seeing all the work Tadashi came home with each night made him savor all the free time he currently had. As much as he craved to be pushed and tested, a few months of being the smart and brightest kid in his first year at SFIT wasn't so bad. Not like high school where it was constant bullying and being reprimanded by teachers who saw nothing but a show off. At least in college, the kid had respect from his professors and fellow students. Sure, some weren't taken with Hiro, but for the most part, these kids were blooming into adulthood and sought to focus on their own tasks at hand and futures, not pay any attention to the brainiac in the back of the class. That, and being the well known little brother to Tadashi, it was best to hate silently and move on.

Hiro always had a knack for making it known that class just was not interesting. He would normally roll his eyes, grunt loudly and purposefully make loud yawns to draw attention that this just wasn't worth his time. At that moment one of two things would happen. One, the teacher would stop all lessons and ask the simple question, "Am I boring you, Mr. Hamada?". Hiro would then pose a rather large, toothless grin and with his nose in the air state that he knew the material and was anxious to finish the lesson so he could get a head start on the days projects. Normally most professors would then tell the student to finish the lesson if he knew it so well, but knowing Hiro, he defiantly knew the lesson damn well. At that point it was futile to argue and waste anymore class time, so he was excused from class and allowed to head to the library to get started on the classes project. Since he always turned things in on time with flawless material, no one questioned it ( or rather didn't want to bother with it).

Tadashi was not always thrilled with Hiro's way of getting out of the boring classes, but he too , knew that Hiro knew his stuff. He won the argument over Hiro taking the classes in the first place, and as long as he was passing them, thats all the mattered. Tadashi did however make sure to tell Hiro that if he were to ever disrespect his professors by doing so, he would regret it. Hiro never bothered to push it to the point of seeing just how far Tadashi was will to go with his threats. The second thing that could happen would be that the professor reprimand Hiro for lazing about in class and causing a disruption, therefore giving him a warning to pay attention or to saddle him with extra work tasks. However, this second option really didn't happen too much, if any at all. Most teachers were understanding of his position and sure while some didn't like that his damn head was so big that if could roll right off his petite shoulders, he was still respected for his genius. He is a bright kid after all, and he was never a troublemaker. As long as he didn't disrupt classes and prevent the students from learning, Hiro did really as he pleased. It wouldn't last long anyways, and it wasn't all classes. Just the basics.

Hiro wasn't just groaning cause he was stuck in this mandatory lecture. If fact, he didn't even realize he was groaning until the young women next to him took a few passing glances his way and did a double take. This brought attention from a couple more surrounding students and only then did Hiro realize that he was being stared at. He straightened his slouching back and put his pencil down, determine to draw away their gazes. The truth of the matter was that Hiro felt off. More…gross off. He could feel his insides moving around, his stomach slightly tightening, his heart beating, his blood pumping. His head felt heavy and eyes droopy, though he swore he didn't feel tired, but more just plain exhausted. He felt like he had been side swept by a bus and was now feeling the repercussions. His body was growing a dull ache and he really just wanted this lecture to be over so he could go home. This morning he was a little off, but he figured it was from oversleeping.

The past couple nights, Hiro had been up late working on new upgrades for his megabot and had managed a good solid 3 hours before classes the next day. Tadashi, seeing the results of his actions first hand, single handedly pulled Hiro aside and had a long talk about how it was bad for his health and growth if he did not manage a full 8 hours of sleep every night. Even Tadashi knew that as a college student, well that just wasn't really in the cards, but Hiro had easy classes right now and should use that time wisely while he still had the chance. Not wanted to hear it again, Hiro managed to get the full 8 hours that night which he desperately needed, and then some the next night when he crashed early and got 10.

- - - Lets just go back to this morning - - -

Tadashi had a hell of a time getting Hiro out of bed this morning. After letting the alarm ring twice and successfully pulling the covers off, Hiro still refused to leave his warm bed. Tadashi considered just leaving the decision to Hiro and letting him be late to his classes, but he just couldn't. He was proud of his little brother for going to the same school as he did and while it would make Tadashi's life 10 times easier to let Hiro reap the consequences, Tadashi wasn't that type of brother, especially since Hiro had just freshly started. If it had been late in the year or even his second year in, then he would have let him live with his decisions, but not when its only been 2 months since he's started and Tadashi wanted him to make a good name for himself despite him being a smart ass.

After literally dragging Hiro out of bed, he threw him in the bathroom and all the whining in the world couldn't stop him. They were gonna be late at this rate, and Tadashi would have none of that. After being ripped from his warm nest and thrown into what everyone can agree on is the coldest room in any house at 7am, Hiro was understandably a little grumpy. Convinced it wasn't his fault, he stood in the bathroom and growled as he pulled on the clothes that Tadashi so rudely shoved in his arms and slowly got ready for his day. It was at that moment that it clicked with him that he just didn't feel right. He ran a cold hand through his black hair and back over his face and looked in the mirror. Maybe he was getting sick? Nothing looked wrong with him. His skin was the same color its always been and although riddled with morning bags and crust under his eyes, his face looked that of a healthy 14 year old boy. Signing deeply, Hiro splashed some cold water on his face, brushed his teeth, and made a beeline for the door.

Standing on the top stairs of their home had great benefits. Not only was the living space kept neat and clean, it also carried the aroma of fresh breads, buns, cookies, coffees, and other delicious treats made fresh from right downstairs in the Lucky Cat Cafe, all homemade by none other then the boy's Aunt Cass. As caretaker of the boys since Hiro was at the tender age of 3, Cass took more pleasure in ensuring that her boys grew up the best and most fun way possible..that she could provide anyways. Aunt Cass has worked hard to be the very best mother she could be for the boys after their parents passed away, and that included also balancing her own business. Busy women? I think so. But she wouldn't change anything for the world.

Mornings were always hectic in the cafe. Everyone needing their morning pastries and coffees before they all start their work days, Cass was hard at work. However, she always made sure to provide a well balanced breakfast for her college men..and that breakfast consisted usually of heavy pancakes, caked in syrup and butter with fresh fruit and toast.

Breathing in the aroma at the top of the stairs, usually Hiro would be drooling by now. But this morning, he really just wanted away from all smells. The thought of eating the feast that Aunt Cass usually provided for them, actually sickened him alttle. Gingerly making his way downstairs and into the kitchen area of their home, Tadashi had already cleaned his plate and was now sipping on coffee, catching up with a newspaper. Hiro shuffled around the table, saw his plate, and carefully snagged just a piece of toast from it. There was no way he was going to eat all that food this morning. Usually, he would have half the food in his mouth before he could even sit down. Today though, he really didn't like the idea of eating at all. Of course, Tadashi would not like that and probably hound him as to why he's skipping the most important meal of the day. Of course, Hiro wasn't up to any of that. His sat down with a thud and with toast in mouth, began to chew while slipping on his socks. Tadashi looked up from his paper and smirked.

" You know, you wouldn't need to multitask like this is you had just gotten up when you were suppose too, bonehead"

"yeah yeah…" Hiro mumbled through his toast. Slipping on his last sock, he shoved the last bit in his mouth. Chewing his food, Hiro began to really focus on the flavor in his mouth. The warm butter, soaked into the wheat bread with a hint of a burnt flavor, and it made his stomach churn. He swallowed quickly, not giving any hints of the distaste that was probably written all over his face and ended up inhaling it. Hiro covered his mouth quickly and a cough soon erupted from him, constricting his throat making him feel even more uncomfortable. That small coughing fit was deep, and very horse. Tadashi, noticing this sudden action, put his coffee and paper down.

" You okay bud? This is what happens when you eat too fast" Hiro continued to cough, trying to catch his breath in the process. He wasn't choking on his food anymore, but the first cough started this underlying strain of coughs he didn't even knew he had sitting in his chest. Coughing harder, he pushed himself up from the table and stumbled over to the sink, reaching for a glass.

"….Hiro? Hey, are you okay?" Concerned, Tadashi got up out of his chair and walked over to Hiro. By the time he got there, the coughing had slowed and the boy was chugging down a glass of water. Tadashi instinctively began to rub Hiro's back when Hiro pulled away and set his glass down on the counter.

" 'm fine Tadashi, I just swallowed too fast."

"..You sure? That sounded a little harsher then that…" Tadashi began to pry. Before he could say any more on the matter, Hiro quickly crossed the room, picked up his shoes and began to slip them on.

" I'm fine, really! … just ate too fast thats all. Come on, or we're gonna be late."

" Wait, you're not even going to have breakfast?" Tadashi questioned.

" I just had toast didn't I? But there's no time, we gotta go!"

" One piece of toast isn't breakfast Hiro, that's not really a hea-"

" Well whatever! I was late okay? Sorry, I'll eat when we get to school. Now lets go! or we're gonna be late and its gonna be your fault" Hiro grabbed his bag at the foot of the stairs and made his way into the Cafe. Tadashi rolled his eyes at the ridiculous comment that it was his fault they would be late, and picking up his plate, slipping it in the sink. He picked up his book bag, grabbed his keys, and followed his brother down the stairs.

Aunt Cass was busy serving customers by the time Tadashi had reached the floor. Hiro had already made his way past the counter, completely passing by the warm plate of fresh cinnamon rolls, which was unusual. Hiro usually always managed to swipe one, shove it in his mouth, then another for his hand. Too preoccupied to even think about it, Tadashi said hello to the regulars in the cafe as he made his way to the door. Hiro on the other hand, had done everything in his power to slip by unnoticed. Of course, his sly movements weren't enough to slip by Aunt Cass, who had her nephew wrangled in a bear hug.

" OHH my boys! have a great day today! I can feel it's a good day for you!"

" T..Thanks Aunt Cass…We will " Hiro gasped as he wriggled out of his aunts death grip. She quickly moved to give Tadashi a hug and straightened the hat on his head.

" Okay you two! Have a great day! Tadashi, don't forget that I need you to pick up some more baking powder and eggs after school please. Hiro, good luck on that test today sweetie!"

Tadashi scanned the back wall, looking for the clock. They were pushing it.

" Sure, Aunt Cass. We'll see you later" Tadashi placed his hand on Hiro's shoulder, and gently pushed him towards the door. A second ago, Hiro was racing to leave asap, but Tadashi found he was dragging his feet as they left the Lucky Cat Cafe and headed towards the moped. On a nice day like this, Tadashi preferred they walk. However, thanks to Hiro, they would just make it in time. Tadashi pulled his keys out and turned to hand Hiro his helmet..only to be surprised he wasn't there.

" … Hiro? Hiro! C'mon, seriously we're going to be late!" Tadashi rolled the moped up on the street, looking towards the road to school to see the younger Hamada gingerly making his way down the road. Sighing, Tadashi turned on the bike and followed him.

Hiro, not wanting to get on the moped, decided to walk to school after leaving the cafe. The smells in the cafe were too much for his stomach at the time, and the thought of speeding down the road quite frankly made him feel nauseated. He just wanted to breathe in the cool air and forget about the grossness he felt in his body., not caring if he was going to be late. Hearing the hum of a motor, it wasn't long before Tadashi had pulled up beside him and pushed the bike helmet into his arms.

" Helmet, now. Get on please I'm not going to be late because of you"

" Then go without me! I don't care if i'm a few minutes late Tadashi, I would rather walk." Hiro ignored the look of confusion on Tadashi's face and still carrying the helmet, continued towards the school. Tadashi on the other hand, and not knowing any better, refused to leave Hiro behind.

" Hiro, is there something wrong? Look, we don't have time for this. And i'm not letting you be late this early in the year, I don't care what you say. Please, just get on so we can-"

"Tadashi, stop! I'm fine, everything fine! I just want to walk, theres nothing wrong with that."

Sighs. " Hiro-" Before Tadashi could say another word, he was left with his mouth gaped open.
I don't have time for this. Tadashi had had enough. Pulling forward on his bike, he crossed in front of Hiro, blocking his path, and ripped the helmet from Hiro's arms.

" Tadashi! what the-" He didn't complete his sentence as his brother threw the helmet on his head, and grabbed a hold of his brothers wrist.

" Lets go, Bonehead. I'm not playing games with you. Your riding whether you want too or not. Lets go!"

Hiro attempted to wrestle free, for the sake of his stomach. "Tadashi, I don't want-"

" Hiro.." Tadashi said in a warning tone.

" Can't I just-"

" HIRO!"

Hiro winced at the strong tone, and reluctantly climbed on the back of Tadashi's moped. As soon as Hiro was on the bike, Tadashi turned to face the road and drove right off, missing the nervousness in his brothers face. The boys road quickly to school in silence.

Once arrived, Hiro climbed off the moped and wished he had listened to his gut and refused Tadashi's ride. That drive to school had upset Hiro's stomach, and he found now that he was feeling worse. Tadashi replaced his helmet with his hat and rubbed his hands together.

" See! What did I tell you, we made it on time! " Looking back towards Hiro, he noticed a scowl on his face and watched him shuffle forward slowly with a look of discomfort. Tadashi's face fell and wondered if maybe Hiro had a reason he wanted to be late. " Hiro, hold up a sec…" Tadashi reached out and grasped his brother's arm. Hiro, obviously annoyed with this action, sighed. Determine to get him off his case, Hiro straightened up, fighting his bodies plead for being hunched over, and turned to look at Tadashi with his ever so famous smirk.

" Tadashi, you were the one saying how late we are, and now you want to talk? *tsk* No time Bro, I gotta get to class."

Tadashi refusing to let go, attempted to look past Hiro's act and instead, returned his smirk with a serious look. " Hiro, we have a few minutes. Is there something bothering you? I mean, you wouldn't get up this morning, hardly had breakfast, and you were determined to be late to school". Tadashi took a breathe and studied Hiro's face for any reaction, but found none. " Look, I know we don't usually talk about it, and haven't had to in a while, but is there some reason you don't want to go to school today? … are… are there people who bully you here? Or are you nervous for something? Is there something going on that I should know about?"

Wrong. You're so wrong.

Hiro shook his head and chuckled a little. He reached up to release his arm from Tadashi's hand.

" Seriously Tadashi? I'm fine. Just a little overtired this morning and would rather wake up slowly with a walk, not speeding down the road. You worry way too much bro~ chill out! " Hiro gave a quick bound backwards and attempted to change the mood completely. " Now lets go! I want to get these classes over with so I can get home and finally have that cinnamon roll!" Peeking back at Tadashi, his worried look was replaced with a look of relief, and shook his head.

" Alright alright, sorry for worrying so much…and for making you get on the bike. But if you weren't such a knucklehead then I wouldn't have too!" He playfully nudged Hiro's head with his hand, and made his way inside. " Get to class, I'll meet you right here at 3. And don't be late! I've got to get to the store before it closes for Aunt Cass, so keep your eye on the clock"

Hiro playfully pushed Tadashi's hand away and made his way inside towards his class. Once out of Tadashi's view, Hiro released a breath he didn't know he was holding, and leaned his back against the wall. He really was starting to feel worse. His head was producing a dull ache, and his body still felt achy and exhausted. Not to mention that the still felt gross on the inside and that drive didn't help. He was happy though, that he successfully got Tadashi off his case. He felt slightly bad for not telling him the truth, but it wasn't like he was blatantly lying to him. He really was overtired, and blamed what he felt on that. Besides, he was sure that as the day progressed, he would feel back to normal.

Taking a deep breath, Hiro walked towards his first class.

- - - Now, back to the present - - -

After successfully averting all his fellow students looks, Hiro made a point to look more awake then what he felt. He managed through his other classes fine, then on his free time, he took a quick nap in hopes of relieving his headache and churning stomach. When lunch hour arrived, Hiro made sure to try to eat something, figuring that having an empty stomach was just making it feel worse, and after eating half a sandwich and some soup, he actually did feel a little better. Now though, during this lecture that was suppose to go one for another hour, his sluggish feeling returned and now he felt worse this he did this morning.
One more hour, He thought, Then I can get home and sleep this away properly. Hiro, as smart as he was, wasn't the best at knowing what his body needed. He thought sleep was the best medicine, and while correct in some cases, it doesn't fix everything.

The lecture droned on for another 30 min and Hiro reached his breaking point. He couldn't sit there any longer. He couldn't. There was no way. He needed to move, and he needed to move now. After this lecture, he had one hour left of working in the lab and he was home free. He debated asking to leave, but how? Ask to go to the infirmary? No. Out of the question. The last thing he needed was Tadashi somehow finding out he was there. Make a scene and just walk out? Maybe play it really bad and run to the bathroom? no…Running out of options, and too groggy to care anymore, Hiro let his exhaustion take the better of him, and ended up falling asleep for the rest of the class.