STORM

When You Think Nobody Is Listening

 Denki has not slept in well over 72 hours.

It was decided that the rest of the group would go back to America early, as the media had gone into a tizzy. The only time Denki left Chase's side was to see them off at the airport while under the watch of a bodyguard, it had been Tsu's turn. When the two returned to the hospital, Denki cried into Tsu's neck.

The ambulance ride, the seven surgeries because Chase kept crashing and coding, the agonizing days in the recovery bay, Denki was there to witness all of it. His mind was blank as he sat in the waiting area each surgery after being forcibly tossed out. Through the first two surgeries, his clothes were soaked in his boyfriend's blood. Pearson, Thomas, Ariel, and Vanessa all tried to get him to go back to the hotel to shower and change. But, none of them could get him to budge.

When Chase was out of his latest surgery, Denki ran to his room and stayed by his side. He refused to leave, even when the doctor insisted it was a fruitless act. Chase was in a coma, Denki's presence may help bring him out, but it wasn't worth spending every waking moment over. Denki's health was a cause for worry too, as the doctor noticed how little he ate and slept while at his boyfriend's bedside. The doctor eventually ordered a spare cot to be put in the room so Denki could get fitful rest, as well as meals for Denki to eat.

It was at the 90 hour mark that Denki finally crashed, not even charging himself was keeping him awake anymore. His bodyguard for the day, Ojiro, scooped him up and bathed him in the staff showers. He put the bloody clothing in a plastic bag to be washed and draped him in a pair of sweats and a tee that Thomas had given Denki the second day of this whole ordeal, when they tried to get him to shower and rest. He then laid Denki in his cot and covered him with a blanket, brushing his head with a sad look on his face.

After ten hours of sleeping, Denki woke up with a jolt, effectively startling the hell out of Shoji. Denki looked at his surroundings in a panic before Shoji gestured to Chase. Denki shot out of his bed, but collapsed to his knees. Shoji knelt by his side as he began to cry again, adding more arms to the embrace and giving Denki a feeling of comfort. Shoji's many arms blanketed him, the hug was secure and warm. Denki was about to drift off again before the door opened, and a nurse came in with dinner.

"Mr. Kaminari, I understand you have not eaten in a while. It is starting to worry the doctor and nurses, we may have to start an IV soon if you continue. We tried to make a meal similar to what Americans may like, and asked a few of your friends about your favorite foods. So, we have rice, which is standard. A hamburg steak with eel sauce, diced pineapples and strawberries, blanched spinach, miso soup, and orange juice," She placed the tray on the side table, "please enjoy," she bowed and walked out. Shoji lifted Denki from the floor and gently laid him on the cot. He rolled the side table over so it was closer to Denki. Shoji noticed how Denki's robotic hand shook as he tried to lift it, even the mechanical appendage acknowledged his exhaustion. Shoji placed his main hand on top of Denki's, lowering it down.

"Sh-Shoji, what-" Denki's eyes widened when Shoji placed the tray closer to him.

"You should eat the fruits and protein first," Shoji took the chopsticks and picked up some pineapple, "they'll restore your energy quicker. Then the protein will help restore your muscles," Denki smiled weakly at that.

"Wow, it's not everyday I get told to eat my dessert first," Shoji chuckled quietly and held the fruit to Denki's mouth. Denki accepted the food, which felt so foreign going down his throat. He could tell he needed it though, as his stomach rumbled when he swallowed. It felt like a rock was hitting his stomach, he had been truly running on empty.

Denki began to tear as he was fed, this tenderness was what he missed from his class. To finally feel like they wanted him back was such a nice feeling. But, it soon turned to guilt, because he knew that feeling is what led to Chase being here. Shoji didn't comment on his tears, he assumed they were caused by Denki's empty stomach. When Denki finished the meal, Shoji sat on the edge of the cot and cradled him back to sleep.