"-sama, are you up for a challenge?"
looked up as she heard her name and noticed that it was the head doctor that had called on her. Curiously, she stared at the old man that rarely spoke and wondered why he had addressed her like that. "Sensei?"
The older man gently took off his glasses and cleaned them in a slow pace. After being satisfied with his cleaning, he looked through the glass to ensure there were no specs and then lifted them back onto his nose. He squinted for a second and then looked at who stood there patiently. "Are you up for a challenge?"
frowned, but didn’t show any resistance. "A challenge is always fun," she said with a confident smile. "However, I do need to know what I'm getting myself into."
Daisuke sensei nodded and showed her the file he had under his arm. "This man was brought in today," he said, handing her the file. "He got into a bad car accident and his legs are very weak now."
"Oh."
"However, -sama, please treat this with delicacy, for he was an alcoholic as well. The result of his drinking is what caused his accident in the first place," he explained, moving to one of the chairs by the wall and sitting down on it. "He is in great denial and he has been fighting the nurses all day. I kindly ask you to handle his case. This is solely your responsibility."
frowned again and opened the file in her hands. She scanned it quickly and almost gasped when she noticed that the man was only in his late twenties. Ignoring that for a second, she quickly read the doctor’s conclusions and finally looked at him. "You want me to put him through a drinking program?"
"No, because he’s fine regarding that. You will see what I mean. All he will need are long sessions' of physiotherapy1 for his legs. He is still a healthy young man, but he has no willingness to get better, so it will take time."
nodded as she stood up. She hesitated for a second, but asked the question on her mind. "Why me?"
The doctor crossed his arms and thought about her question for a minute. Finally, he relaxed and looked at her with a rare smile. "I think this one will do you good," he said mysteriously, walking back to his own office.
Sensei never makes any sense, groaned, opening the file again. She skimmed it more properly this time and studied the case. However, every time she looked at the age, she shook her head sadly. So young! she thought, standing up. She decided to check him out now.
As walked through the rehabilitation2 center, she let out a sigh. After six months she was still here. Every time she had wanted to leave, she just didn’t have the heart to let go of the people that needed help. Usually, the rehab centers revolved around a specific program, but the one she worked at was an exclusive one and concentrated on several programs.
Just as reached the patient’s door, she stopped when she realized that this was the VIP area of the hospital. Frowning, she groaned inwardly again and let out a sigh, for she always tried to avoid the really spoilt ones. She was about to walk in, but stopped.
"GET OUT!"
froze at the rough voice. She noticed a shadow increasing below the door and took a step back just as a nurse ran outside and slammed the door shut behind her. "What an ass…' she whispered.
blinked.
The nurse looked up and blinked as well when she noticed standing there. "-chan," she whispered, hugging her. "He is horrendous! I don’t think I can take it anymore."
smiled at her melodramatic colleague and patted her head. "It can't be that bad."
She looked up at her, clutching the collar of her outfit. "It's worse!" she exclaimed, shaking her. "He doesn’t want to do anything with this place, but we have to keep him here because his father forced him to be here."
"Aya, relax," said softly, pushing her away gently. "Daisuki sensei asked me to handle him, so you can go to your other patients now."
"But…'
"I'm going in," said, interrupting her.
-------------------
Atobe Keigo looked up sharply the minute he heard the door open with a click. Why can't these idiots leave me alone? He thought, resisting the urge to throw something at the door.
He was still trying to figure out what the hell happened. It was bad enough that he totaled his brand new expensive car, but now he couldn’t even move his legs. He rubbed a weary hand through his hair and remembered what his father had told or rather shouted at him. At least you're sober enough to understand what you got yourself into now?!
Atobe clutched his fist angrily and gritted his teeth as he tried moving his legs, but it was no use. They were out of his control now and he was not able to accept it. However, at the moment, instead of directing his anger at himself, his eyes shifted to the person that had just walked in. Not another one, he thought bitterly, noticing that another nurse had walked in. "What do you want?" he snapped.
"Good afternoon, Atobe-sama," she said with a bright smile. "I am , your nurse on call."
"I did not ask for your name."
"It's alright," she said, ignoring his tone as she walked towards his bed and took his file clipping. "I have a bad habit of telling everyone my name when I first meet them."
Atobe held his hand and shook it slightly. "Get out."
The nurse ignored him and opened the curtains. "You need light in this room."
"I said get out," he repeated, looking up and narrowing his eyes at her. "I order you to get out.'
"Well, I can't do that," said, looking at him. "I'll lose my job."
Atobe was going to speak again, but held his throbbing head again. Why isn’t this pain going away? He thought, holding it tightly. "I will not repeat myself… I… Get…" he breathed slightly.
rushed to his side. "Are you alright?" she asked, holding his arm.
He slapped her hand roughly and swore softly, for his sudden move increased the throbbing in his head.
touched her hand and noticed that it was already swollen red. She frowned at that and then her eyes fell on his file. "Oh… you're having headaches because you haven’t had a drink in nine days."
'And what is it to you?!" he snarled angrily. "Look! Go away! You're pissing me off."
held his hand and pushed him back onto the bed.
"What the…'
"Deep breaths," she said softly. "Breathe in… and breathe out…"
"Oy!"
"Stop arguing and start listening to me!" snapped, tightening her grip on his hand. "Now close your eyes and BREATHE."
Atobe clutched his fist, but did close his eyes. He listened to her voice as she instructed him what to do and somehow he was able to relax. When he couldn’t hear her voice anymore, he opened his eyes and looked at her. "Are you happy now?" he demanded, pushing her hand away and trying to sit up.
ignored his comment. "Tomorrow we will be beginning physical therapy for your legs," she announced, writing something on his pad. "I am not worried about your drinking because you have managed not to touch one for nine days already, but I will still keep an eye on you and put you on the program."
"Forget it."
put her hands on her hips, for he was beginning to make her angry. "You've been here for nine days just lying around! Do you realize how much time you could've saved by going into therapy immediately?"
"Che… it doesn’t matter," he muttered, holding onto his head. "Didn't I tell you to get out?"
"I didn't hear you," she muttered, walking over to his tray. She picked up the cover and realized that his food had not been touched either nor his medications. picked up the tray and placed it next to him. "Eat," she said simply, taking off the cover.
Atobe looked up at her and scowled. "You're starting to get on my nerves."
"Half of the nurses are afraid of you,' she lied, looking back at him.”The doctor told me to watch over you alone, so kindly make my life easier."
"I'm not eating," he said stubbornly, wrapping the covers around him and closing his eyes.
looked at him infuriated. What the…? Why is he acting like a child? She thought annoyed. "Atobe Keigo!" she began. 'You can sleep if you want, but we are starting therapy tomorrow whether you like it or not, understood."
Silence.
"I'll take your silence as a blessed yes," she snapped, walking out of the room. The minute she left his room, she leaned against the door. "Unbelievable," she whispered, shaking her head.
-------------------
Next Day
was dreading her day before she even walked into the rehab center. Now she understood why she was assigned to him. The head doctor knew that she was tough and stubborn. But that doesn’t mean I'll allow someone to torture me! She thought wryly, walking to the reception's desk. She let out a sigh and looked at the schedule list. She had to shift a lot of appointments around so she could accommodate Atobe, and she needed to get him to start whether he liked it or not. I wonder why he is resisting it. Is he trying to get away from something?
reached his room and knocked on the door. She knew she wasn't going to get an answer, so she knocked again and walked in. However, she stopped when she saw a man standing next to Atobe's bed. 'I'm sorry.'
The man turned around and looked at with steely eyes. He had an aura of pride and arrogance that surrounded him, but was not easily shaken as the man said, "yes?"
straightened herself up and marched in. 'I am here for Atobe-sama's therapy session.'
The man sneered at her and turned to look at Atobe. "You get a cute nurse for therapy?"
Atobe scowled, narrowing his eyes at him. 'I did not ask for therapy… or THE nurse."
ignored his comment and pulled out a wheelchair from behind the door. She wheeled it towards his bed and stood still. She put one hand on her hip and ignored the stares she was getting from the other man. "We can do this in two ways," she said, looking at him. "You be a good boy and let me assist you or I ask this nice gentleman to hurl you onto the chair with my assistance."
Atobe stared at her ludicrously. "You're definitely insane."
"Maybe, but I am also very serious."
", please leave and escort her with you."
looked sharply at him. "Will you stop fighting me?!" she demanded, grabbing his hand. 'I am trying to help you."
"Nurse, are you supposed to be shouting?" asked.
"Shut up," whispered at , infuriated by their antics. She turned her head to look at Atobe. "You're not paralyzed."
Atobe turned his face away.
wanted to say something else, but she was surprised when held her upper arm. "You heard the man," he said, pulling her with him towards the door. "We're leaving.'
"But…"
"We're leaving," he said firmly, taking her outside and closing the door.
moved roughly away from him when they were outside. "Do you mind letting me do my job?!" she snapped angrily at him.
He looked unmoved by her fury. "-sama," he said, reading the name on her nametag. "The only reason he is resisting is because when he crashed his car, he also killed the passenger in his driver's seat."
bit her lip, looking down. "Still…"
"The woman with him was his best friend and she was the only girl in her family, so you can imagine the burden he has to go through now because of his stupid mistake," he explained. "If you think he doesn’t regret drinking, then think again because he clearly knows that he messed up."
went quiet for a second and then looked up. “What you say is true, but that doesn’t give him a reason to give up. I’ve been asked to help him with his therapy and that’s what I’m going to do,’ she said determinedly.
looked at her with a perturbed look. “Nurse, you should let him be.”
“No,” said firmly. “You should let him be and allow me to do MY job! What kind of a friend or whatever would give up on his friend?” she demanded, looking at him.
laughed. “-sama, if you seriously think that I’m a friend of his then you are truly wrong,” he added with another sarcastic laugh as he patted her head. ‘Be a good girl and listen to what I told you earlier,” he said, walking away from her with his hands in his pockets.
frowned at his last statement. She turned around, took a deep breath and walked straight into the room. “I am banning him from your room next time,” she said, clearly bothered by ’s behavior.
“You can’t choose your family, ,” Atobe muttered bitterly, leaning against the bed frame.
grimaced. “Oh my god! He’s your brother?” she asked shocked at the thought.
Atobe smirked slightly. “God no… he wouldn’t have lasted a day with me if we were siblings. Unfortunately that piece of ass is my first cousin. He is the only first cousin in the family.”
let out a sigh as she approached his bed. “You seem more relaxed now,” she remarked quietly. She moved to the wheelchair and pulled it. “Can we please…?” she pleaded, moving to his bed. “I don’t know what’s keeping you glued to your bed, but I want to help and I can’t help you if you don’t cooperate.”
“Forget it.”
looked at him and then back at his tray. “You haven’t eaten either.”
“I’m not hungry.”
“But…”
He rubbed a hand through his hair. “I really am not hungry,” he said quietly.
crossed her arms. “Is it the food?” she asked. “Is it that bad? Do you want me to get you something else?”
“It’s not the food.”
gritted her teeth and walked towards his bed. She held the corner of his bed sheet and flung it away. Without thinking, she picked up the pitcher of cold water and splashed it over his legs.
“Son of…” he swore, glaring at her. “That’s freaking cold!!!”
“How do you know that?” she demanded.
Atobe stopped for a second and looked at her. “Eh?”
“How do you know it is cold?” she repeated, looking at him. “It could’ve been hot. You said your legs don’t work, how do you know how they feel?”
Atobe clenched his jaw and narrowed his eyes.
“If you admit to me that you didn’t feel that then I will walk away and never bother you again,” she stated, picking up a towel from a shelf and placing it on his legs.
Atobe clutched his fists and threw the towel away from his legs. “I don’t have to answer you,” he said stiffly, moving his body a bit so that he can change the position of his legs.
“Look! It’s not your fault that she died!”
Without thinking, Atobe moved his arm and grabbed her neck.
Cough.
held his arm and wheezed.
“Don’t talk about something you don’t know anything about!” he said angrily, shaking her. “Don’t… talk…” he began, but his voice trailed off and he covered his face after letting go of ’s neck.
fell onto the floor at his sudden release and regretted her move. She hit the floor so hard that it affected her breathing; she was actually choking for a second. “Ah…” she breathed, placing a hand on her chest.
Atobe noticed that she was having some difficulty in breathing. “Oy…’
wasn’t listening, for her head was down and her hand was still on her chest. “I…” wheeze. “breathe.”
Atobe panicked and swore at the same time. He looked at her and the buzzer button. He knew if he took his time trying to get the button then the nurse would’ve been long blue by now. “Argh…’ he swore again, moving his upper body and throwing himself on the floor. He moved slightly and held her up as he struggled to lean against the bed stand. Without thinking, he hugged her and rubbed her back. “Deep breaths, ,” he murmured, moving his hand across her back. “This is only a panic attack.”
coughed, breathed in and out, trying to stabilize her breathing. She finally let out a sigh and looked at him. “Thank you,” she said quietly, obviously embarrassed.
He didn’t say anything, he simply let go off her and inhaled deeply. The movement had tired him out and he needed to relax.
“So you’re alright with this?”
Atobe looked at her sharply. He hated being here and putting up with her. He just wanted to be left alone with his thoughts. “What’s your point?”
“Are you okay with being left helpless when someone needs your help?”
Atobe didn’t say anything.
stood up shakily and extended her hand to him. “Let me help you onto the chair, Atobe-sama. We’re starting physiotherapy today.”
Atobe looked at her and then at her hand. Finally, after debating with himself, he extended his hand and took hers.
--------------------
Two Weeks Later
walked into Atobe’s room and stopped half way. She frowned when she saw him doing sit-ups. “Please stop,” she pleaded, running in. “You have to follow the program.”
“I hate not having anything to do,” he muttered, wiping the sweat off his brow.
“True, but if you stress out your body then all the therapy we’ve been doing will not have any effect anymore.”
“Che… spoilsport.”
ignored his comment and sat down on the bed. She took out a stethoscope3 from the drawer and leaned closer. “Let’s make sure your heart is fine, ok?”
He unbuttoned his shirt and allowed her to check his heartbeat. He studied and let out a sigh. “Why were you so stubborn?’ he asked quietly, as she listened carefully.
“I guess you reminded me a lot of myself,” she admitted, taking the stethoscope off his chest. She stood up and put it away. “Since you’ve tolerated me, I booked the pool for swimming as your reward.”
‘Che…”
smiled and pulled the wheelchair again. “At the rate we’re going, we might not need this in a couple of weeks,” she said cheerfully. “Shall we?”
Atobe nodded and moved slightly.
held his upper arm and helped him move slightly. Every time she did this, she felt bad because she could feel the strain on his face and how his muscles stiffened as he tried standing up on his legs. “Mi… ,” he muttered, his veins obvious from the strain on his arms. “You need to make it quick.”
put her arms around his waist and supported him. “I’m sorry, does it hurt?” she asked, as she helped him sit down.
He exhaled deeply and rubbed a hand on his face. “I’m fine,” he whispered, sweat forming on his forehead.
frowned and walked to his closet. She pulled out his things and placed it gently on his lap. “I have assigned one of the swimming instructors to be with you for this session.”
“Why not you?” he asked as she wheeled him out of the room.
“It’s not my specialty,” she answered.
He looked back for a second. “Will you be around?”
hesitated. “If you want me to be.”
‘Stick around, ,” he said firmly. “You’re the only one who can challenge my temper these days.”
“Ok,” said, surprised at his comment.
--------------------
stayed by the poolside as the pool therapist helped Atobe with his legs. She studied him carefully as he tried and felt sad because he was trying so hard, but she could still see his pained expression. Therapy is still not enough, she thought, hugging her knees. I will need to make him talk about his best friend, for if he doesn’t do that than therapy is useless.
“Don’t fall in love with him.”
looked up surprised and scowled at the person who stood above her. She let go of her knees and stood up. “Can I help you?” she asked, not hiding the fact that she didn’t like Atobe .
“Don’t fall in love with him,” he repeated, watching Atobe seriously as he did his sessions.
“I think you’re out of line with your remark,” said, crossing her arms.
He chuckled sarcastically. “We we’ll see,” said, looking at her. ‘I’m surprised you managed to get him to start therapy.”
“Unlike his family, I do not lose faith in people.”
“So you know we’re family?”
“Yes,’ she answered, not looking at him.
“Interesting,” he said with a grin. “Well, a person can never choose his family right?”
looked at him. “Why are you here?” she asked suddenly. “You clearly don’t visit out of love, so why are you here?”
“I am only here because my aunt wants to make sure that her one and only son is doing fine,” he answered.
looked annoyed. “Why can’t they visit?” she asked, realizing that no one had really visited him in the past weeks except for .
“Our family is very powerful, -sama,” he answered. “Do you seriously think my aunt wants people to know that her only son is in rehab?”
“That’s cruel,” she said, obviously pained by that remark.
“No, that’s life.”
frowned.
“You shouldn’t care,” he remarked, glancing at her. “Atobe needs to lie low especially after that girl died.”
“Do you mind not feeding your bull, .”
turned to see Atobe being helped by the therapist and he was placed on the pool chairs. grabbed his towel and handed it to him. She took another towel and placed it on his head. “It’s alright.”
Atobe ignored her and looked at . “Satisfied that I’m not dying?”
smirked. “A lot of people are asking about you.”
“You can tell them whatever you want,” he said, gritting his teeth.
laughed. “I might just do that,” he said, waving. “-sama, kindly remember what I told you,” he said, leaving the two alone.
’s mouth turned upside down. I hate that man, she thought aggravated, watching him walk away. turned to Atobe and realized that he probably had the same thing on his mind. “How was that?” she asked, changing the subject.
“What did he tell you?” he asked, ignoring her question.
“He told me something stupid and not worth repeating,” she answered immediately.
Atobe didn’t like her answer, but shrugged. “Let’s go then,” he said, picking up his shirt and putting it on.
Once they were back in his room, Atobe lay on his bed, after the pool session. As much as refreshing it had been, but it had taken a toll on him as well.
“I don’t know why you are frowning?” said looking at him indifferently. “You should be used to that idiot by now.” She moved towards him and lifted the back of the bed slightly so he would be more comfortable. “And you look tired,” she remarked, noticing the strains on his face.
“An idiot he is,” he muttered. “Did I give you permission to call a member of my family an idiot?” he said sarcastically, but then let out a sigh. “Forget what I said. is an idiot and only he can tire me out.”
left the remote control on the bed and fixed the pillows for him. “You know, I can ban him from visiting if you want.” She crossed her arms looking at him through mischievous eyes.
Atobe smirked. He steadied himself on the pillow and then swore a bit. “These are not comfortable,” he said, throwing it on the floor.
sighed and picked up the pillow; she walked up to him and placed the pillow in its place. However Atobe pulled the pillow again to throw it, but grabbed his arm to stop him. “Don’t take your frustration out on a pillow!”
Atobe snatched his arm away from ’s hold and she almost tripped, but he grabbed her wrist and pulled her closer. ended up falling close beside him and she tried to stable herself, only to realize that her hand was on his leg. “I’m sorry,” she said, flustered.
“It’s alright,” he muttered and looked at the mess of hair in front of her face. He lifted his hand and pushed ’s hair off her face. “Are you ok?” he asked worried as she hadn’t moved from her position.
She lifted her head and looked at him. “Yes. I am sorry,” she whispered.
They were very close, their noses almost touching. Both were looking into each others eyes. blushed from the intensity of his gaze and she knew she had to move, but she couldn’t. She felt rooted to her place. Atobe felt the closeness between them and something moved within. He hadn’t really looked at her as a woman, but he had to admit that she was exceptionally cute and different.
He lifted one of his hands and brushed her hair away from her face. He cupped her cheek and lifted his head slowly. didn’t move as he moved her head and lowered it towards him.
Magnetize by each other’s gazes; both could not stop themselves from moving close to each other. Atobe’s lips touched her lips lightly. He could feel her velvety lips against his own and felt something different. He moved his other hand to the back of her head and deepened the kiss.
leaned as forward as she possibly could, wanting to feel more of his lips on hers. She closed her eyes and responded to his kiss. Atobe moved his lips over ’s sensually; his tongue licked her lower lip asking for entrance. opened her mouth slightly and let his tongue enter her.
Their tongues battled with each other in a sensual but at the same time fierce dance of highly erotic pleasure. opened her eyes and looked at him. After realization came to her, she pulled away awkwardly feeling utterly and totally embarrassed. She stood up in a rush and looked away from him, her face flushed. “I… I’m so sorry,” she said, dashing out of the room.
Why are you sorry when I’m the one who initiated it? He thought sarcastically. Atobe unconsciously moved his fingers to his lip. How the hell did that happen? He fell onto his back and closed his eyes.
--------------------
Next Day
walked back and forth in the locker room. She had been sitting there for the past hour trying to gather the courage to face him, but she just couldn’t. I so have managed to violate my practices with that move. What possessed me to kiss him back? Oh my god…
“? Are you alright?”
looked up and saw Aya. She immediately stood up and nodded. “I’m just taking a rest,” she fibbed, fixing her pants.
“You were dazed.”
“Really? Then maybe I’m really tired,” she admitted, opening her locker and taking her brush out and brushing her hair.
Aya frowned. “Is that Atobe patient giving you problems?”
“No,” she said quietly. “He…” he just kissed me? shook her head. “No, he’s behaved so far.”
Aya nodded. “I am glad.’
didn’t want to be here anymore; she pulled out her jacket and put it on. Whether you like it or not, you have to go to him, she thought with a defeated sigh. “I have to go now,” she said, walking out.
She walked to his room and froze in front of his door. “Now or never, ,” she whispered, knocking on the door and walking in. “Good morning.”
Atobe looked up from the bed. “You’re late.”
“I’m sorry,” she said with a bow.
He nodded and flung the covers away. “I already had breakfast, so let’s start therapy.”
“Yes.” She nodded, walking towards him. “Right away.” She helped him stand up and tried to ignore how close he was. After struggling a bit, she helped him sit down and wheeled him out.
“Forget about what happened yesterday, ok? It was a frustrated and stupid moment from my end,” he said out of the blue.
felt relieved because she was worried that her sessions with him would be awkward. ‘It’s okay… I’m sorry as well.”
“Good,” he said with a nod. “Let’s do this.”
smiled feeling a lot better now. She wheeled him to the gym and they started training on some weights. His legs were more accommodating these days and she knew if he trained more then he would be able to support himself on his legs for a short time.
Atobe sat on the bench with a towel over his shoulders.
leaned down and held his foot. “Can you try and lift your leg for me?” she asked, studying his leg. She admired the toned muscle and figured that he probably was an athlete sometime ago.
‘I’ll try,” he said, using his hands to grasp the sides of the bench he was sitting on and slowly he tried lifting his left leg.
watched him as he gritted his teeth and did what he was told. At some point, she noticed that it was harder for him because he was sweating a lot. “Atobe-sama…”
“Don’t… stop… me when…” he said, breathing hard as he lifted it half way. “Not when I’m almost there,” he whispered, managing to lift it. “Hold it.”
held his leg and looked astounded. “You didn’t have to put pressure on yourself.”
“Who cares…” he whispered, falling onto his back. “I needed to see how far I could go.”
smiled as she stood up. She went to the cooler and pulled out a bottle of cold water for him. Walking towards him, she held it in front of his sleeping form. “Here you go,”
He sat up and took it from her. “Thank you.”
sat next to him as he drank his water. She looked around the place and saw all different types of people getting help. It made her feel content to be part of a place that helped people get back on with their lives.
“Shall we continue?”
looked at him startled. “We’re done for the day.”
He shook his head. “I’d like to continue. My blood is on fire and I want to continue.”
frowned. “We can’t, I’m sorry, but if you’re in the mood for something different, I can take you outside for a stroll.”
“I want to continue,” he said stubbornly.
“And I said no because it will stress you out,” she answered back with the same stubbornness.
Atobe kept his mouth in a tight rim and let out a sigh. “Fine, let’s go outside.”