As an apology for taking so long on my other stories here is a cute short story for you all *he he* XD Enjoy!

Cherishthesewords xx

A Brother In Need

"What?" Hatori sighed picking up the phone.

"Oh, Hari how could you be so mean! What if it was Tohru on the phone?" chimed Shigure.

Rolling his eyes the doctor placed the receiver down on his desk.

"How can you be so heartless and to your own cousin too..."

Hatori drifted off and continued his paperwork with the sound of Shigure droning on in the background.

"Hari! Hari! Are you listening to me? I'm being serious. Have you heard from Ayame?"

Hatori's focus was broken as he heard the change in Shigure's voice. He picked up the phone, "What was that about Ayame?"

"I'm being serious. Have you heard from Aya? It's been over a week since we last talked and for him…"

"That's unusual," finished Hatori.

"I've tried ringing the shop, but there's no answer," Shigure went on.

"Hm, let's pay him a visit. I'll come pick you up," said Hatori and hung up.

'

'

"When was the last time you heard from Ayame?" asked Hatori as he drove to Ayame's shop with Shigure.

"I think it was the week before last. What about you?"

"Mm," grunted Hatori in agreeance.

The doctor parked the car and two of them made their way to the shop front and were surprised to find the lights off and sign in the door saying Closed.

"You don't think he's gone away and forgot to mention it?" questioned the dog.

The doctor was peering through one of the windows. "No, there's a light on out the back. Let's go round, I've got a spare key."

Ayame and Mine's home backed on to the shop and was a quaint set up with a small kitchen, separate living, two bedrooms and a bathroom.

Hatori pushed open the door and the two of them walked into what seemed like an empty house.

"Perhaps he just left the light on. But it still doesn't explain why we haven't heard from him."

Shigure and Hatori went on to search the rest of the rooms and came back to the kitchen.

"Anything?"

"No, nothing. I'll check the shop," said the doctor pushing aside the curtain that led through to the business.

Shigure went back to have a second look through the other rooms, perhaps they had missed something?

"Shigure. I've found the problem," called out Hatori.

Shigure came back into the kitchen to find Hatori holding a limp white snake in his hands. "Here, hold him. Take him into the living room and turn the kotatsu on," instructed the doctor as he headed for the kitchen.

"He's cold!" gasped Shigure as he took hold of the snake in his hands. He went and placed Ayame under the blanket of the table as he heard Hatori rummaging for something followed by running water.

The doctor retuned holding a hot water bottle, wrapping it in a rug he placed it under the white snake.

"Where was he? Will he be alright?"

"I found him in the shop. We need to get him warm and to transform back before I know anymore," said Hatori with a slight look of concern over his face. "All we can do is wait for the moment. Where's Mine?"

"I'm not sure, she's normally always here," replied Shigure.

"Mm," grunted the doctor, heading for the kitchen. "I'll make some calls, perhaps you could go and get some food. He'll need something to eat when he wakes."

"Right," said the dog heading for the door. "Ah," he hesitated. "Hari, do you have any money? I seem to have mis-"

The doctor held a few notes in his face before he could finish as held a phone in his other hand.

"Thanks," grinned the dog.

'

'

"Yuki, have you seen Shigure? I was just about to start making dinner," Tohru called out to Yuki who was in the garden.

"I think he left some time ago with Hatori, I saw his car here earlier."

"Oh, I see. Well Hatori-san might want to stay for dinner. I'll make some extra," Tohru smiled heading back inside.

Yuki smiled as he watched her go, she always thought of others.

'

'

"Well?" asked Shigure as he came back through the door.

"He hasn't woken up if that's what you're asking," replied Hatori. "But, he has warmed up and appears to be resting better."

Shigure smirked as he heard the slight sound of relief in Hari's voice. He unpacked some soup and came to sit with him and the snake.

"I've looked around but I couldn't find a number or address for Mine. I talked to the shopkeeper next door as well and apparently Ayame's shop hasn't been open all week."

"What? You don't think he's been like this all week?" Shigure asked, shocked.

"I don't know," was all Hari could say.

*Poof* A big cloud of smoke suddenly filled the room and left the two men spluttering.

"Ugh, every time," coughed Hartori as he waved his hand in front of his face.

They both looked down to see a naked Ayame laying under the kotatsu, his long white hair sprawled everywhere.

"Here, help me dress him and grab that pillow," said Hari grabbing a yukata that had been sitting on the table.

"Hari, he doesn't look so good," said Shigure with concern.

Ayame's breathing was laboured and a mist of sweat covered his forehead. He was pale, even with his light complexion.

"Stay here, I'm going to get my bag from the car."

Shigure placed his hand on the snake's brow and was shocked to still find it cold. He was in a cold sweat!? He went to the bathroom and came back with a towel to dry his cousin's forehead.

"Hari, he's still cold," said Shigure as the doctor set himself up next to Ayame.

"Like all of us, his symptoms and illnesses are different to that of normal people," replied the doctor placing a stethoscope on Ayame's chest.

Shigure watched as Hari methodically did his check-up. He then sat back and closed his bag.

"What is it?" Shigure was more worried than before as Hatori had a deep crease in his brow.

"It's… the flu," said the doctor through gritted teeth.

"You're angry?" cried Shigure.

"Yes, because he would have known he was sick before getting to this state," grunted Hatori. Pulling out a cigarette and drawing on it furiously. "He's lucky we found him now. You better go home and let the others know, it's getting late. I'll watch him."

"Yes, I should get back," agreed Shigure with hesitation. Hari seemed so angry that he might try killing the snake while he was gone.

"I won't do anything…" anticipated Hatori.

"I'll come back later. Oh… and-"

Hatori was holding out money again before the dog could beg. "For a taxi?"

"Thanks, Hari!"

'

'

"I'm home," called Shigure, coming through the door and taking off his shoes.

"Shigure, welcome home," smiled Tohru coming out to greet him. "I've just finished cooking dinner if you would like some?"

"Smells wonderful," said Shigure lifting his nose to the air and making his way to the table. Kyo and Yuki were already seated in silence, as usual.

Tohru brought a pot out and placed it in the middle of table before bringing out a large bowl of rice. "Bon appetite," Tohru giggled.

"Thank you, Miss Honda," said Yuki taking his full bowl from her and looking down at the steaming stew that melted over his rice.

"I thought that Hatori might be with you Shigure? Yuki said that you went out with him today?" asked Tohru, sitting down to her own meal.

"Ah yes, that reminds me. I hope you don't mind Tohru but could you please make a meal up for Hartori? I'll take it to him later."

"Where did you go today?" asked Yuki.

"That's what I came to tell you. Hari and I hadn't heard from Aya in a while, so we went to pay him a visit. We found he had collapsed into his snake form at the shop," said Shigure with a sigh.

Yuki stopped eating to suddenly look up at the dog.

"Oh no! That's terrible! What happened? Is he going to be okay?" cried Tohru.

"Hari said he'll be alright but Aya really isn't in a good way. I've haven't seen him this ill before," replied Shigure, a crease in his brow as he stared at his stew.

Yuki didn't say anything and looked down at his own meal.

"Hari and I will look after him until he is better. I'll be heading back there after dinner. I hope that you can manage here without breaking too many things?" Shigure raised an eyebrow towards the rat and the cat who quickly exchanged a glance.

"Yeah, of course. We're not little kids," grumbled Kyo.

"Oh, you might not look it but…" started Shigure.

"Hey!" yelled Kyo raising a fist to the dog.

"Kidding, kidding," called Shigure holding out his hands in defence.

"I'll make soup!" cried Tohru standing up and rushing into the kitchen.

"Tohru, you really don't… ah, alright," sighed Shigure, changing his mind. It would definitely be better than what he or Hatori could cook.

"I'll help," added Yuki heading to the kitchen as Shigure watched him go with a raised brow. "Well, well…" he remarked to himself.

As Shigure put his shoes on Yuki came to the door holding a bag with a meal for Hatori and a container of soup for Ayame.

"Here," he said holding it out.

"Tohru, really is too good to us."

"She always cares about others," said Yuki, almost more to himself than Shigure.

"Yuki, you should come and visit Aya. He is your brother."

Yuki looked down at his feet, his hands curled into fists at his sides, "I'll think about it."

"Mm," was all Shigure could say. He knew this was something he wouldn't easily be able to persuade Yuki on.

'

'

"Hari, I'm back. How's our patient?"

"Resting," replied the doctor who was sitting reading a book and drinking tea.

Ayame still lay under the kotatsu. He looked pale and exhausted as he slept.

"I have a meal from my wife for you!" Shigure sang pulling the container out of the bag and holding it out to Hatori. The doctor raised an eyebrow, looking over his glasses at the dog.

"Must you?" he asked with a glare.

The dog grinned from ear to ear. "She really is a good cook and she's made soup for Ayame as well."

"That is good," said the doctor without smiling.

"Gure? Hari? What are you doing here?" croaked Ayame looking between the two with confusion.

"Aya, how are you feeling?" asked Shigure.

Ayame tried pushing himself up into a sitting position before his arms gave out sending him back into the pillow. "Urgh, terrible…" he groaned placing a hand over his eyes.

"Don't try getting up," instructed Hatori, coming over to him and placing his stethoscope around his neck. But before he could reach Ayame the snake fell into a coughing fit.

"Shigure grab him some water," called the doctor as he rolled Ayame onto his side. "Deep breaths, you're very ill Aya. How did you let it get this far?'

'I transform with the change of weather… you know…' Ayame struggled to finish his words through the coughing, his chest hurting from the strain.

'Not like this. We found you collapsed in the shop and you are fortunate we came looking for you," the anger noticeable in Hatori's voice. "Here, drink this."

With a shaky hand Ayame sipped at the water and muffled his coughs. "Indelibly helpful as always," he said falling back onto the pillow. His breathing laboured again.

'It came about rather suddenly,' he said between breaths. 'I remember feeling a bit unwell and knew I was at my limit of transforming, especially with this change of season. But I was running the shop by myself and working so diligently, my health seemed to… go by the wayside," said Ayame, weakly flourishing his hand like it was no big deal.

"Why are you running the shop by yourself? Where's Mine?" asked Shigure.

"She requested to have a few weeks off some months ago to visit family. I believe they live quite far away."

Hatori placed his stethoscope on the snake's chest.

"Hari, you really must warn me before you…get so intimate!" Ayame's attempt at modesty was ruined by the weakness in his voice.

Ignoring the immature remark Hatori asked, "Did you have any symptoms before collapsing?"

"I… uh. Well to tell you the truth I had been getting occasionally dizzy and a few moments of fever in the days before," said Ayame in a more serious tone.

"Hmph," was all Hari could say. He grabbed his bag and pulled out a bottle of pills. "You'll need to take a couple of these, but you have to eat something first. Shigure could you heat up the soup and don't burnt it."

"Oh no, I couldn't possible eat," protested Ayame.

Hatori sighed and leant back. "Aya," his tone changed. "When did you collapse?"

"I'm not sure…" Ayame looked confused. "What day is it?"

"Wednesday."

"I - It must have been yesterday morning then. I did wake feeling terribly ill. Mine… she left last week."

"Good thing we came when we did then," Shigure said coming back in.

"You are hopeless," Hatori got up and went to the kitchen.

Ayame sank into his pillow further and closed his eyes, muffling another cough.

"You can't fall asleep until you eat this," said Hatori placing a small bowl of soup on the table in front of him. "Here," he knelt down and helped the snake into a sitting position. They sat in silence as Ayame slowly got through the soup. "Take these," said Hatori placing two pills and a glass of water in front of him.

"Now you can get some rest," Shigure helped the snake to lie back down.

"I'm going to give you this as well," said Hatori pulling a syringe from his bag. Ayame didn't even make a sound as Hari placed the needle in his arm. Sitting up to eat had taken all his energy and he fell into a deep sleep.

"Aya really isn't good, is he?" asked Shigure, seeing how quickly the snake had fallen asleep.

"It would be worse if he were to transform again," said Hatori. "I'm not sure what would have happened if we had come any later…" he trailed off. The doctor rarely showed his concern for how things might have been.

The next day was much the same as the night before. Ayame would wake for short intervals to eat and take medication before falling asleep again or occasionally waking in a coughing fit. Shigure and Hatori spent the day watching over him and chatting occasionally about the latest news of the Sohma estate.

"I rang the house earlier and Tohru has already made another batch of soup for Ayame. I'll go and get it soon and bring you back dinner again Hari," said Shigure.

"Thank you," said the doctor not looking up from his book.

'

'

"Shigure, welcome back. How's Ayame?" asked Tohru coming to the door again to greet Shigure.

"Hello Tohru. Ah, much the same I'm afraid. He's been resting all day and Hari has been watching over him," Shigure raised his voice slightly so Yuki could hear him. "Hari was quite angry when we found him which means he's more worried than usual. But we won't tell him that I told you that," Shigure winked at Tohru.

"Is it serious?" asked Yuki, coming out from behind the door of the next room.

"Ah Yuki, well he is in the best care with Hari. But I've never seen Ayame this ill before, even as children."

Yuki just nodded in silence. "I just came to collect Tohru's wonderful cooking, which smells delicious, but you could come and visit tomorrow?" Shigure asked, turning to the silver-haired boy.

Yuki didn't meet his gaze and turned back into the other room. Tohru watch with wide eyes. "Would I be able to visit tomorrow, Shigure? I'll bring more soup," offered Tohru.

"That's a wonderful idea Tohru. Don't come alone though, it's quite a trip."

Tohru nodded and smiled, "Okay. I'll go grab the soup for you. I also made you and Hatori a bento each."

"Oh, you really are a good little wife," sighed Shigure.

"Hey!" called Kyo out in anger. "Don't call her you wife!"

'

'

'Aya, you're awake,' Shigure stated, blearily coming into the room and rubbing his eyes the next morning.

'I'm feeling much better,' Ayame weakly smiled. He was sitting up against the wall, blankets over his legs and cradling a cup of tea in his lap.

'Yes, but you still can't get up and you haven't touched that tea since I left,' said Hatori coming in behind Shigure.

'Guilty,' laughed the snake weakly. A sad smile crossed his face, he looked down at the tea that had now gone cold. His messy locks fell to cover his face.

'Where have you been Hari?' asked Shigure.

'Running errands while you were sleeping.'

'Oh?' said Shigure. He saw Hatori held a few books in his hand and smirked.

'Give that here, Aya. I'll make some more,' said Hatori, placing the books on the table and kneeling down next to Ayame to take the tea.

Ayame went to hand him the cup but he had no grip and the motion caught him off-balance. The tea spilled to the floor and Ayame followed, falling to his side. Hatori put his arm out and caught the weak man.

'Steady Aya, it's alright. Here, sit back up. That's it,' Hatori guided him back into a sitting position. 'I'll go make that tea.' Ayame nodded as he got up and went out the room.

Shigure came back in and placed a towel on the floor where the tea had spilled. He looked up to see Aya looking the other way, his hair covering his face again.

'Aya, is everything alright?'

'I'm sorry, Shigure. You and Hatori having to do this. It really was foolish of me to get this ill.'

'It can't be helped now,' said Hatori handing him another cup of tea, a rare gentle smirk crossed his face which relieved Ayame.

'You should let us know when you need help though,' said Shigure.

'Yes, thank you. Thank you both. I must thank Tohru too for her cooking.'

The doorbell chimed and a boy's voice called out 'Hello, we're here!'

'Ah, well I think you might find that is her now Aya,' smiled Shigure heading for the door and opening it for Momiji and Tohru.

'Hello Momiji, Tohru. Come in.'

'Aya! How are you? Are you feeling better?' called Momiji running in to see the snake.

'Hello, Momiji. I'm doing perfectly well,' smiled the snake.

Momiji looked to Hatori who was reading one of his books. 'Is that true Hari? Has he recovered?'

'I wouldn't say recovered,' said the doctor, raising an eyebrow to Ayame's pallor.

'Hello, Ayame-san, Hatori-san. I hope my soup helps at least a little for you to get better quickly,' said Tohru coming in with Shigure. 'Shigure said you haven't eaten. I am heating up some porridge for everyone,' she smiled.

'Hello Tohru, thank you for your cooking. It has been very helpful, despite Shigure's best efforts to burn it.'

'Hari! I'm hurt,' cried the dog and continued to bicker with the doctor.

'I'm very grateful Tohru. I was just saying to Momiji how much better I am doing,' smiled Ayame as she came to sit next to him.

'I am glad. I would like to help in anyway I can though. No really!' she cried before he could protest. 'I know! The laundry. I'll do your laundry. Shigure mentioned that Mine is away?'

'I…ah, yes, it can't be helped. She had to visit her fami–' Ayame suddenly broke into another coughing fit. Hatori quickly moved to take the cup out of his hands before he could spill it again. Ayame's coughing continued and became more violent, his body shook as he gasped for air. He put his hand across him mouth as the coughs turned to choking and specks of blood covered his palm. Ayame looked at it in shock.

'Out, now,' Hatori quipped. His words were emotionless as he looked to Tohru and Momiji. They nodded in silence and were led out by Shigure. 'Calm down Ayame, it's alright,' they heard the doctor say before Shigure closed the door. He had a crease across his brow and he looked deeply concerned. Seeing Tohru's and Momiji's faces he quickly whipped it into a smirk. 'Don't worry, he's in the best care with Hari. Let's have some tea.'

It was a while before Hatori came out of the living room. Closing the door behind him and coming into the kitchen. Tohru and Momiji looked at him with wide worried eyes and Shigure searched his face for a sign. 'He's sleeping now. There is no need to worry.'

'Hari, the blood?' Shigure's face was hard. He didn't want the truth kept from him.

The doctor sat down at the table and Tohru quickly rose to pour him some tea.

'Thank you, Torhu. That is no need for concern. It looks alarming however his throat is merely raw and violent coughing can cause the blood,' he sighed.

'H-Hatori-san, your shirt. I-I'll wash it for you,' stammered Tohru. The doctor followed her gaze and saw the small splatters of red on the front of his white shirt and on the cuff of his sleeve. He looked up to her and a gentle smile crossed his face. 'That's alright, Tohru. I won't make you do something like that. Excuse me, I'll go change.'

'Come on you two, I'm sorry you just got here but it's probably best you get going now,' said Shigure rising from the table. 'Thank you again Tohru for bringing the food and you too Momiji for coming.'

'Oh, that's alright. I wanted to see Ayame and Tohru asked me to come along.'

Then Yuki didn't want to come, thought Shigure.

'

'

Shigure and Hatori were back to sitting in silent company while Ayame slept.

'Hari,' said Shigure putting his book down and looking to his cousin. The doctor didn't respond. 'Hari, Aya will be alright, won't he?'

Hatori sighed and looked at the dog over his glasses. He saw the worry plaguing Shigure's face and sighed, putting his own book down. 'Shigure, you know I can't say for certain but it is just the flu.'

'Really, I've never seen you two this worried. It really does pull on one's heartstrings.' Hatori and Shigure whipped around to see Ayame weakly smiling at the two of them. 'How are you feeling now? How's your chest?' asked Hatori leaning over to place a hand on his forehead. 'Your fever has gone down a bit.'

'I do feel terribly weak but much better than earlier'

'Mm, well get some more sleep.'

'I…'

'What is it Aya?' asked Shigure.

'I…I suppose I was surprised when Momiji came with Torhu today. I did believe that Yuki and I had started to become closer. He must think I'm an incompetent older brother to become this ill,' his voice was barely more than a whisper.

Shigure exchanged a glance with Hatori. 'I can say something to him if you like, Aya?'

'Thank you Shigure, but…'

'I don't think this is something we can force him on,' finished Hatori.

'Can you blame him?' said Ayame

'

'

'Miss Honda, welcome home,' said Yuki.

'Hello, Yuki-kun,' she gave him a fleeting smile.

'Is everything alright? My brother didn't say anything to you?'

'Oh no! Not at all,' Tohru protested, shaking her head. 'It's just…'

'What is it?'

'Well it's … Ayame-san h-he's really sick,' she looked up at Yuki with tears in her eyes. He was shocked, 'Oh...' he didn't know what to say.

'Hatori-san said it isn't serious but he looked so pale and he had a terrible cough,' she sniffed. 'I'm sorry, it was just a shock to see him like that and the blood…'

'Blood!?'

She nodded, 'Mm-hm, h-he coughed blood. Hatori said not to w-worry.'

Yuki's jaw tightened, 'Then you shouldn't worry if Hatori said not too. Please don't cry Miss Honda. Sit down, I'll make us some tea.'

After calming down Tohru and Yuki talked a little while longer before heading to bed.

Yuki, struggled to sleep that night.

'

'

Shigure and Hatori looked to each other. It was the next evening and they had sat down to another of Tohru's meals. Ayame had definitely begun to look better with a bit of colour coming to his cheeks and the coughing less frequent. But he had spent most of the day in silence and when the doorbell had rung earlier, his disappointment at a deliveryman was all too clear.

Hatori stood at the sink cleaning the dishes. Shigure brought in the last of the plates closing the door to the lounge behind him. 'Hari, what do we do?' whispered Shigure.

'About what?'

'Aya. It's clear he wants to see Yuki. I did think he may have come today.'

'It's not something we can get involved with.'

'But-'

'Shigure. We are no better than Ayame. The only difference is that we are not his brother. We never helped Yuki when… Which is why we cannot get involved and especially asking him to see Aya.'

'I suppose you are right.'

'

'

'That's much better,' said Hatori holding up the thermometer to see the reading. 'Well Aya, I would say you are through the worst. Move about more when you feel up to it and go outside for some fresh air but not long walks.'

'That's good news Aya!' said Shigure. 'Do you feel better?'

'Much better, thank you Gure and you too Hari. I really… do owe you both.'

'We'll move you back to your room and I will call on you in the mornings and evenings, but call me if you suddenly get worse,' said Hatori packing up his things. 'It's up to you if you want Shigure to stay. I've been away from the estate for too long and I don't doubt that Akito will need my attention.'

'

'

'Miss Honda. Um… did you have another meal for Ayame?'

'Yuki-kun, yes. Hatori-san was just about to come pick it up on his way to see him.'

'Oh…I see.'

'Here,' she grabbed the dish out of the fridge and placed it in a bag. 'Why don't you go with Hatori-san and give it to him?' Tohru put on her biggest smile.

'Mm,' nodded Yuki.

'

'

'Ayame, how are you? I brought Yuki with me,' said Hatori coming in to find Ayame asleep in his bed. 'Yuki, just wait out here while I check him over.'

'Aya, wake up. Yuki has come to see you.'

'Yu-Yuki… he has?'

'Hold this and deep breaths,' said the doctor placing a thermometer in his mouth and placing his stethoscope on Ayame's chest. 'Any more coughing? No? Good. I'll only come back in the evening tomorrow, but you should be fine now. I'll tell Yuki to come in.'

'Hari!... I-' called Ayame but he was already gone.

Yuki came to stand in the doorway and looked at his brother. He was propped up on a mountain of pillows and covered in an array on glary coloured blankets while wearing a silk purple robe… of course. He couldn't deny though that he did have the look of someone who had been very ill.

'Hello.'

'Yuki, is that you? Come in,' said Ayame holding out a shaky hand to his brother. Yuki didn't take it and came to sit at the edge of his bed.

'How are you feeling?'

'Ghastly…and really very weak,' he said with a small cough at the end. 'The fever…and coughing…' Ayame murmured, his eyes drifting shut.

'Should I get Hatori?'

'No, please stay. Y-Yuki, I'm sorry I haven't been a very good brother. Rather terrible really. But I…'

'It's alright. I'm sorry I didn't…come sooner… that wasn't very good of me,' said Yuki looking away. 'What did Hatori say, are you… going to be okay?'

'Well… dear Yuki, that's the thing…' he didn't finish the sentence and Yuki was silent. 'I... I wanted to ask. It may not help much but it would make me feel better if…'

'Yes, what?' said Yuki.

'If I could have a hug from my only brother?' he said with a slight smile.

Yuki didn't say anything for a moment and then nodded, leaning forward slightly. Ayame suddenly lurched forward and wrapped himself completely around Yuki, squeezing much tighter than someone who was meant to be on his deathbed.

'Just kidding! Hari said I'm practically all better!' squealed Ayame.

'What!?'

Fin XD