Written by Miyu, Vampire Princess

AUTHOR'S NOTE:
This is for Merrow's challenge! *ties headband tighter* Following events from the manga, Chapter 75, I present here, a Kureno X Uo story. This part is told from Kureno's POV.

Part Five - Complications

I awake the next morning feeling much better than I have in a long time. I'm actually...cheerful. Smiling. Heck, I think even giddy applies. There's a spring in my step and my thoughts are nothing but happy.

But this is all to be short lived.

Walking through the Honke, I force myself to remain calm, although all I want to do is shout. My appearance in front of the other family members must be kept. But even though I force myself not to show it, my meeting with Arisa had been the best day of my life without a doubt. And the kiss? Let's just say that when the opportunity arises again, I won't hesitate to take it.

I simply must figure out a way to thank Honda Tohru for her trouble.

All expression fades from my face as I enter Akito's room for breakfast. This has become a habit over the last few months. Before, he preferred not to be disturbed during meals, unless it was something he considered extremely important. Even Hatori was not allowed to sit with him unless asked.

"Ohayo, Akito-san." The words flow seamlessly from my lips, as if I had memorized the line for a play.

This morning he is already awake, bathed, dressed and sitting by an open window. I don't know why he likes sitting there. Perhaps it is the birds that draw his attention. Their song is rather lovely at this time of the morning. Their happy chirps are an echo of my inner feelings.

Without lifting his head to look at me, he motions for me to join him. I do so without hesitation. I notice, as I approach, that breakfast has already been delivered and another pillow has been set out for me. I wonder, briefly, if I've arrived late. But Akito says nothing to indicate my tardiness.

"Kureno, ohayo," he says, slumping further into the window as a bird lands on his outstretched finger. It chirps a few times before taking off again.

"You haven't touched your breakfast," I verbally note, looking over the tray. Indeed nothing has been touched, not even the coverlets.

"I was waiting for you," he answers almost wistfully.

My earlier thoughts get the better of me. "I did not mean to be late...."

"You are not late, Kureno. I simply wanted to wait for you to arrive to eat. That is all."

He's rather docile this morning. Perhaps he is still tired. His movements are rather slow as he turns from the window, his hands shaking slightly as he reaches for his breakfast tray. My eyes widen as he pauses, withdrawing his hand and hiding it in his yukata sleeve.

"Akito...san...?"

"Please, eat. I...do not have an appetite this morning."

"But--?"

"EAT!" The word is said with such force that I have to force myself not to jump. It's odd that such a loud, commanding voice can come from one so frail. His face twists in a silent moment of pain before relaxing. He offers me a small smile. "Tell me, did you enjoy your day in town yesterday, Kureno?"

Carefully removing the coverlet from my breakfast, I do as asked. After a bite of grilled fish I respond, "It was all right."

"Did you not do anything worthwhile?"

Yes! Lots! I shrugged. "Not really. I did a bit of window shopping and ate at the Aoiyoka."

"Has the food improved much since we were there last...what has it been, more than a year, I think?"

"Hai." Of course, I didn't eat anything there, but I know the help had definitely improved. It had been a horrible experience when we were there. Funny that I didn't think of it yesterday. I have to keep myself from smiling, filling my mouth with rice instead.

"Perhaps we should go back in the future," Akito says, his voice getting softer.

"I think you would enjoy that," I answer, trying to keep my focus on the food before and the man in front of me, rather than on my thoughts of Arisa in her uniform.

My eyes dare a look at Akito through my bangs. His head is starting to fall forward and his eyes look like they're closed. If he's sleepy, perhaps he should go back to bed. I open my mouth to suggest such when he startles me with another question.

"How is the merger coming?"

Ah, business. Something I can drown myself in. My thoughts of Arisa float in the background of my mind as I start running through the itineraries for the next meeting. The merger had occurred last week. Most of the preliminaries had been taken care of, but there was still a lot to be done.

I finish my breakfast as I finish my explanations. Akito seems reatively pleased with the progress, but it's a wonder he's been paying attention at all. His face has gone pale and I can see him shaking. Is he could or is it exhaustion? In any case, I sternly suggest that he goes back to bed. To my surprise, he does just that without so much as a word besides, "Arigato."

As he naps, I clear away breakfast and take it to the kitchen. The cook thanks me one too many times for taking the trouble. It's really no bother. This isn't the first time this has happened, but it has been a while. I hope that Akito will be well to go over the paperwork in the afternoon as I make my way to his home office. I stay there behind the desk, staring blankly at a pile of paperwork until a nearby clock chimes the hour of one.

The pile of papers that should've been read, the deeds that should've been signed, remained untouched for nearly four hours.

All I could think about was Arisa.

Gathering the things I'd need to go over with Akito, I walk down the corridor and back into Akito's room. He should be up eating lunch, but instead he's still asleep in bed, a tray of fresh fruit and water sitting beside him. Hatori is also present, his worried gaze turning to me as I enter the room. I stop in mid-step. His gaze is so intense that it's almost frightening.

"Business will have to wait for today, I'm afraid."

Something turns in my stomach. Nerves? Something worse? "Is he...all right?"

"He should be fine," Hatori replies with a sigh. "I'll have to monitor him throughout the day. It seems he's picked up a touch of the flu."

"That's not good," I say. Akito is susceptible to so much in his condition that even a sniffle is dangerous.

"No," Hatori affirms. "But with rest and care he should be well by tomorrow morning." He nods towards the paperwork in my hands. "It seems you should have plenty to keep busy with until then."

"These are for Akito's review," I state, holding up the folder. "I can't do much more until he reads through these and signs a few other documents."

"Then take a day off. Leave the Honke for a little while." I may be mistaken, but it looks as if Hatori is smiling at me. It's hard to tell. "You're always by his side. I think a little time away would do you some good."

You have no idea. "I'll be in the office if he should awaken," I say, turning to leave. "I'll check on him later."

As I walked back to the office I realized something very important. I'm forcing myself to stay. I must say that this is a first. Usually I have no reservation about staying with Akito until he is well. It's my duty to look after him and the business after all.

But I want to take Hatori up on his words. I know the doctor will take good care of Akito. He always has despite what he may truly feel towards the man who nearly blinded him. I've always felt for my cousin, but I've never admitted it. Probably never will.

I take lunch in the office and return to Akito's room sometime before four. I've managed to get a few things squared away and a few phone calls put to rest. I was hoping one of those calls would've been Arisa, but I wasn't holding my breath. Besides, she has my cell number and not the office line, which is for the best.

As Akito lies in bed, his chest constricting and his breathing radical, I have to wonder if what happened yesterday should've happened at all. Was I a fool? Should I have arrested Honda Tohru when I had the chance?

What am I thinking? Of course it should have happened! I'm just being impractical.

Am I worried about Akito? Yes, I am worried. His illness could lead to serious complications. But I'm also feeling very strongly towards Arisa. Oh what I wouldn't give to hear her voice right now. It has such a calming effect on me. I want to see her again.

I HAVE to see her again.

Kami but what is happening to me?!

Am I...in love with her?

"Is he any better?" I ask, entering Akito's room.

"No yet," Hatori says, rubbing his temples. He looks seriously frustrated and overworked. "But his blood pressure is much better and his breathing isn't as erratic."

"That's good, I--!"

I jump, startled, as my cell phone starts vibrating in my pocket. I mutter an apology to Hatori, bowing slightly before taking my leave. As I step outside, I take a look at the phone display. Recognizing the number and unable to stop a small smile from passing my lips, I answer the call.

"Moshi moshi."

"Ah, Kureno, it's Arisa."

"Konban wa."

"Konban wa," she replies, her voice a tad confused. "I'm not disturbing you am I? I know you might be busy and I don't want to interrupt."

"You're not interrupting anything," I tell her, although it's only partially true. "Actually you've caught me at a good time."

"Great," she says, her voice less confused and more relieved at my confirmation. "I just got my schedule for next week and it looks pretty busy, but I do have one night off during the week if you're still interested in getting together."

How could I possibly explain that I'm MORE than interested in getting together?

"Are you free tonight?"

There's a pause on the other end of the line and I have to pause myself. Did I just ASK that? I should stay here and help take care of Akito. What if he wakes up and I'm not here? It wouldn't be the first time, but I couldn't use the excuse of work. Well, perhaps I could. There was still a lot of paperwork to be done from last week's merger.

"I'm not doing anything tonight. Why?"

"Would you mind...I mean...we could...get together this evening for a bit, if that's all right." I want to kick myself for stuttering through those words, but at least it came out as I had wanted. Then out of nowhere I add, "I'd really like to see you again."

She's quiet for a another moment, and when she replies I can hear the wide smile I know is on her face. "Sure. I'd...really like that. Do you want to meet somewhere or--"

"Your place is fine," I say quickly.

"Do you remember how to get here?"

"Hai." I glance at my watch. It's already after four. "Is six too late?"

"No! Six is just fine. I'll see you then?"

"Hai."

"You do have my number in case you get lost, right?"

I chuckle, nodding although she can't see me. "Hai. I'll be there by six."

"All right. See you then. Ja ne."

"Ja." I click my phone shut, an idiotic smile on my face. This is wrong. So very, very wrong.

But it feels so damn right.

Akito can do without me for an evening. I have a valid excuse and Hatori's blessing for back up.

I'm going to see Arisa again.

In less than two hours!

Is that even enough time to get ready?

~TO BE CONTINUED~