go lengths, however, for family. And her nephew's the only family she's got.

over by the entrance to the porch, standing just outside, smoking a cigarette.

came over as soon as Romario called her. She's let the old man take her place at her nephew's bedside.

remarkably calm the whole time he explained what had happened, but that doesn't mean that she wasn't rearing to kill something.

...Or someone.

out loud, "How long has he been out so far, Romario?"

Around 3 hours. He's been stable in during the last 2. His blood pressure's to normal and his palpitations have stopped.

Ah.

lights up another cigarette.

stands far from where Hibari lays, as he had been ever since the boy started his panic attack.

keeps quiet, eyes focused only on Hibari while Romario monitored the boy's pulse.

Mr. Hibari will be fine. He just needs to rest. He has been very exhausted as of late.

I think that rest isn't the *only* thing he needs.

that was a straight jab at him. He keeps his calm either way and leans by his door, watching Hibari.

wakes up a little after Kaoko spoke; he comes out of the blackout slowly, and with visible effort.

Nn.

to know why he's staring up at the ceiling of the bedroom. He can't really remember anything beyond the sight of the kitchen floor.

snaps his fingers to catch Hibari's attention. "Mr. Hibari, how are you feeling?"

straightens up at the sight of Hibari waking. He'd rush beside the boy but he might trigger another panic attack.

decides to keep his place, head down just listening to Romario talk to Hibari. This is very frustrating for Dino but what could he do?

A little dizzy. What happened...?

trails off when he notices his aunt just behind Romario.

straightens up, tossing her cigarette.

We're going home as soon as you're well enough to stand.

...What?

purses her lips. She knows that look that Kyouya's got only too well.

Do I need to repeat myself?

I don't want to stay here any more than necessary, and from the looks of it, neither do you.

forces himself up, ignoring the way his head spins the moment he's sitting.

cannot believe this is happening -- then again, this week has just been full of surprises.

hands a pill and a glass of water to Hibari. "Drink this up first, Mr. Hibari. This will help with your dizziness."

watches the boy obediently take his medicine from the door, a little relieved that he's somewhat fine. Although that doesn't catch it.

, in a hushed tone, "Kyouya's entitled to stay wherever he wants, Kaoko-san. Let him choose where he wants to stay....

This home doesn't fall short of taking care of him anyway. If I'm such a bother for him...

pauses, calming his nerves as he continues his resolve "... I'll keep a distance from him until his panic attacks become controllable."

listens to Dino with narrowed eyes and pursed lips. She only speaks after he's said his piece, and doesn't even address him.

I'm waiting, Kyouya.

looks down.

I don't want to go.

...Excuse me?

"I said I don't want to go." the boy finally forces himself to look up at his aunt.

...*Please*. I... I think I can handle this. Or, I want to try to, at least.

a cigarette all over again. She sniffs, turning away.

Then you can stay here until you rot. You'll have learned your lesson by then, I hope.

stalks out without waiting for a response.

watches his aunt leave. He doesn't bother speaking up. He knows it's useless.

looks at Hibari and then looks at Dino. "You heard it Boss, he's staying."

clenches his arm as he keeps his head low. He does't get it. After doing all that he still wanted to stay!?

what this means and if it means anything, was this the very thing he was hoping for?

Are you sure you're okay with this Kyouya?

...Un.

that this is his fault anyway. Leaving isn't an option.

"Well, if he's staying, you can't stay here, Boss. You're triggering his panic attacks. I might as well book you a hotel or something."

Please don't do that. ._.

This was your home to begin with. I'll just... keep my head low.

tired and miserable. The boy tries not to think too much about what his aunt just said to him. That'll make it worse.

looks at his boss... Him staying isn't a good idea. AT ALL The earlier attack was bad enough already. Dino's presence will cause more stress

what Hibari means by that. "Don't do that.... This is your home..." The words ring in Dino's ear and he just doesn't get it.

Why are you doing this Kyouya?

I could suffocate you just by being in this room, yet you still want me here...

stares down at his hands. He wonders when they had clenched into fists, when they had started shaking.

...I want to fix this.

Even if it kills me.

Arigatou...

steps out of the room and heads to his study, his knees shaking as he walked in skipped steps.

a bit of hope is better than none. He can work from there. Slowly and surely.

waits until Dino's gone before lying back down.

... ._.

rustles the boy's hair with a smile on his face. "Don't worry, I'll make sure I'm here when he's around. "

Just take it easy and take deep breaths when you feel your chest tightening. It's going to take some while, but relax when you can.

I'm cooking dinner in a second, do you want me to cook something for you?

curls up into a little ball.

M'not really hungry.

Well, I'll have some soup ready for you in a second and leave the food by the bedside. Feel free to eat it as you wish.

I'm glad you chose to stay here Mr. Hibari but do know that if you don't make efforts to fix this, I'll force the boss to leave.

His presence remains a threat to you Mr. Hibari. For your sake, I would prefer that the Boss remain in a different place.

...Okay.

pats the boy's shoulder before putting a blanket over him. "I'll leave you here for now. If you need me, call me."

stands up and heads to the kitchen to start cooking dinner.

waits until Romario's gone before he shuts his eyes and tries to fight off another sob.

that this is beyond ridiculous, and beyond frustrating.