Odd Jobs

Chapter 12 - Mika's Hand

TW /// mention of self-harm

"Are you sure you don't wanna grab dinner with us?", Kimizuki said as Yuu got out of the car. They were at the parking lot of his school.

"No, but thanks for the offer. I'm a little worried about Mika, he's not answering any of my texts or calls."

"Didn't he mention he was gonna study?", Mitsuba said. "He probably has his phone turned off to do so."

"You're probably right..." Yuu felt a strong, nauseating feeling in his stomach. "Still, I... I have a bad feeling about all of this. He didn't have lunch, either... I'm gonna force him to eat with me." The car door opened, and he felt himself getting engulfed in a warm hug.

"That was why you called me, huh?", Yoichi whispered. Yuu nodded. He pulled away, sending the ravenette a soft smile. "Don't push him too much. If he only wants to eat half a sandwhich, don't force him to eat more, okay? It could upset his stomach a lot. Take good care of him. Let him know he's not alone."

"Thanks, Yoichi... I should be heading to the dorm now. I'll see you guys next weekend." They all said their goodbyes, and once Yoichi was back in the car, they drove off. Yuu sighed, and made his way inside the ginormous entrance hall. Walking over to the elevator, he checked his phone. Still no responses from Mika. The brick in his stomach grew heavier and heavier. Did something bad happen? He pressed the button of the 11th floor, and waited for the elevator to go up. As he waited, he dialed the blonde's number again. It didn't even ring. Had Mika turned off his phone? Maybe Yuu really was overthinking this. If Mika turned off his phone, it was probably because he didn't want to be disturbed during his studying, right? But why wouldn't he send Yuu a quick text he was fine? As the questions stormed around in his head, Yuu arrived at their dorm room. In front of the door, was a familiar face.

"Lacus?", Yuu recalled. The older turned his attention him.

"Good, you're here. Let's go.", he said as he walked away, grabbing Yuu by the arm and taking him with him.

"W-What's going on? Where are we going?"

"The hospital, Mika needs you." Yuu felt everything collapse around him.

~~

Crowley glanced at the unconscious boy in the hospital bed. He sighed, resting his hand on his forehead. Mika's temperature was incredibly high, and his skin felt clammy. Crowley wiped his hand on the bedsheet, checking his phone. Lacus was on his way with the raven haired boy.

"Your little boyfriend will be here soon.", he whispered, smiling. "God, how did you end up here again? You're making me take extra shifts." He grabbed hold of Mika's limp hand. "I'm sorry, little bird. I failed you again. Wake up soon, okay?" Crowley heard footsteps frantically run down the hallway. It seems his brother and the boy were here. The two smaller figures entered the room.

"Mika!!", Yuu yelled, running over to his side. "What happened to you? What happened to him?", he asked as tears started to sting his eyes. Lacus pushed a chair closer to Mika's bed, so Yuu could take a seat.

"Hypoglycaemia.", Lacus said as he dragged a seat next to the black haired boy.

"Hypo-what-ia?"

"Basically fainting from very low blood sugar levels. Meaning the little bastard hasn't eaten in a while." Lacus glanced at the other guy. "You know he'll be super pissed at you?"

"Right before being relieved that Yuu is here, yes."

"I-I'm sorry, this is all a little overwhelming...", the youngest said as he took hold of one of Mika's hands. "I don't believe we've met?"

"The name is Crowley Eusford, Lacus' older brother. Well, half brother, but still." He held out his hand to Yuu. "Nice to meet you, Yuichiro."

"You know my name?" He nodded, shaking the boy's hand.

"Mika and I work at the same place. He also lived with us for a long while, so he's... He's like a second little brother to me." Yuu smiled.

"Does that mean he talks about me?"

"He doesn't shut up.", Crowley chuckled. Yuu's thumb caressed the back of Mika's hands. It was only then he noticed the faint red stripes covering the blonde's wrist. He gently took hold of his forearms, having a good look at the scars. While some looked old and healed, some were a bit too fresh for Yuu to be comfortable with. He sighed, grabbing Mika's hand in his again.

"This is my fault, isn't it? I should have just forced you to come with me.", he muttered, sincerely hoping Mika could hear him. "I'm so sorry, Mika..." He placed a soft kiss on his hand, as tears started to pool in his eyes again.

"He should wake up in a couple of hours. It's nothing too bad.", Lacus said. "He'll be fine, Yuu." The purple haired boy laid his hand on the raven's shoulder.

"He'll be a bitch to deal with when he wakes up though.", Crowley laughed.

"How so?"

"He's gonna be annoyed that you're here. Well, he'll be happy, but he'll find it annoying we've met." Yuu raised an eyebrow, glancing back to Mika. He shot him a bittersweet smile.

"There's still a lot you're hiding from me, huh, Mika?" He brought the blonde's hand to his face again. "That's alright. I don't blame you. You've been through a lot, huh pal?"

"We'll give you two lovebirds some privacy.", Lacus said as he and Crowley left the room. Yuu couldn't find the effort to tell them they were wrong about that. He just wanted to focus on Mika, and making him feel safe. For as much aware of his surroundings as he could be, ofcourse. So, Yuu talked to him. He talked to him about his day. What food he ate, what drinks he drank... He talked about the bowling, and how Yoichi was the only one who liked bowling because of his insane accuracy. He talked about the wedding of his uncle, Guren, and Shinoa's brother, Shinya. He gave some extra backstory on his friends and the people around them. Yoichi was a kind boy, who actually had a quite messed up and sadistic side. Shinoa was a happy girl, who tended to hide her true emotions behind playful banter. Mitsuba was a hotheaded force to be reckoned with, but cared a lot for them. Kimizuki was an ass, but Yuu's personal therapist.

"A great cook, really. Once you get out of here you should come to my place.", he smiled. "Sheesh, I don't like how you're not telling me to shut up. I miss your annoyance." Yuu rested his head at Mika's knees, holding his hand tight. "Wake up soon. I don't want to be alone." Slowly, the ravenette felt himself drift off to sleep.