〔Dawning Memories〕[Hibari Kyoya] (KHR)

Chapter 34

Without a single goodbye to the hospitable Cavallone family, you had taken the red eye flight home. The whole time on the plane you did not let go of Kyoya's hand, and he had no complaints due to your shaken form. You were also in no mood for his antics, only wanting to get home as soon as possible.

"Your grandfather had a heart attack." Just thinking back on those words made you shiver with anticipation.

At the dead of night, you had to call Nana to take care of Lambo, and you couldn't help but feel awful that Lambo had to experience such a thing at his age. It must have come as a fright to see your grandfather fall to the floor in pain, but somehow, they were able to find help, though you didn't know how. You might feel pity for the kid, but truthfully, all you cared about was the well-being of your grandfather.

You had asked several times over the phone if he was alright, but they told you that they had no clue as of yet. Now rushing towards the hospital after hours on the plane, you were in hysterics at the front desk. Even asking for the room number was a hassle, causing Kyoya to swoop in since he was the only calm one.

"Right this way," the nurse instructed as she guided you through the halls and into the ICU.

Arriving at your grandfather's bed, your eyes watered at the sight of him; there were machines hooked up to him, and his skin was as pale as can be. He looked so weak, and it broke your heart into a million pieces. The very man who brought you up was now lying on bed without any of that strength. You clenched your teeth as hard as you could to hold back the waterfall of tears.

"They operated on him, and he isn't out of the woods yet. We have to watch over him for the first 24 hours. From there, we will move onto the next step," his doctor stated; it was the usual doctor you took him to for his monthly check-ups, so he knew the both of you well. "[Name], I know you want to stay, but I really can't have you at the ICU."

"I NEED--"

"You are more than welcomed to stay by the waiting room outside. I'll be sure to have a nurse bring you some blankets and pillows for you and your...friend."

You glanced up to see Kyoya glaring fiercely at the man; he probably wanted to intimidate him into allowing you to stay. It was futile though as the doctor turned to ask the nurse to help you. Kyoya's glance lowered to you, analyzing your every move. When you finally gave in, you traveled over to the waiting area and slumped into one of the cushioned chairs.

You had been motionless in the chair for several hours, forgoing any meals or conversations. Kyoya wasn't complaining about the lack of silence, but he was certainly being protective. Whenever a nurse came to ask you something, he would glare them away, and whenever someone tried to sit on your other side, he would make sure they would regret it. It wasn't until later that day that your friends began to arrive at the hospital.

"[Name]?" Kyoko hesitantly called out as she moved towards you; she was followed by Haru and Bianchi, who had a gift basket in her hand. She could ask the typical "are you alright" question, but your lack of emotions clearly showed your state of mind. Without a single word, she sat beside you and held onto your shaking hand.

"Tsuna and the others should be here soon," Haru whispered to Kyoko when you began to drift off.

"Should we get her something to drink?" Kyoko answered back.

Kyoya eyed the two girls as he felt your head rest on his shoulder, napping in peace. When they noted your apparent exhaustion, they nodded to each other and left for the cafeteria. You had only slept for half an hour, but when you awoke, you were greeted with a hot meal and water along with the rest of your friend group.

"She's awake," Yamamoto commented as he sat in the chair adjacent to you.

"[Name], please eat. We brought you some food," Haru urged with a look of worry on her face. You realized that everyone surrounding you were on edge, worried as to what you would do next. You gasped, eyes watering at the amount of people supporting you.

"You guys came?" your voice broke out as you were in near tears. You couldn't believe that you had made that many amazing friends, and only discovered it at this very moment. "Would you be proud, grandpa?"

"Of course we did," Tsuna took over, "we just came late since we were finding Dr. Shamal so he can help your grandpa out. We should have been here sooner."

"I-Is grandpa gonna be ok?" Lambo asked as he tugged on your dress, tears rolling down his chubby cheeks.

Your expression softened, a small smile forming at the sight. You reached down and picked him up, placing him on your lap, "I hope so."

"Eat."

You became startled at the sound of Kyoya's voice. You knew he had been next to you the whole time, but you didn't expect him to outwardly worry in front of others. You nodded fiercely and extended your arms to grasp the plate of food. Grabbing a fork, you began to chow down slowly, but it eased the others to know that you were at least eating.

After you finished your meal, you heard footsteps coming closer, "[Full Name], is it?"

You turned your head to see a older looking man with shaggy dark brown hair; he wore a suit underneath his lab coat, which meant that he clearly was a physician of some type. "Yes?"

"What a cute girl," he smiled, "I'm so lucky to be treating you."

"I thought you were treating my grandpa."

He looked horrified by the statement, but when he noticed Kyoya glaring daggers at him, he replaced his expression with a fake smile. "Ah, well, let's see how he's doing."

You stood to follow him into the ICU unit, and as you two walked by his bed, your eyes widened at the miracle. Though your grandfather looked slightly frail, he was awake and eating normally. "Oh! My granddaughter is here!"

"Grandpa!" you cried out as you ran towards him and embraced him. You were already sobbing onto his hospital gown as he pat your back and smoothed your hair. It took a few minutes to calm you down along with Lambo (as he joined seconds after you), but once all the commotion was over, Dr. Shamal took over.

"Well, it seems that your heart has weakened immensely, so I might have to prescribe some medicine... but ask your cardio specialist what he thinks."

"Who's he?" your grandfather questioned quietly.

"Ah, he's Vongola's top doctor!" you exclaimed.

"Isn't that the company Kyoya works for?"

Everyone remained silent.

"Uhhh, I guess," you shrugged, worried the mafia secret might be out.

"How nice of Kyoya to recommend the best doctor!"

"Right," Dr. Shamal nodded, obviously confused as to what was happening. As he read over the chart, he began to speak, "Well, I don't know if he'll make it through the winter, but if he rests and takes medicine, I believe he can strengthen up."

Your solemn expression lifted with the good news, and you turned to smile at your group of friends as they supported you in the background. Your system flooded with relief, and you couldn't help but be thankful that everything was going to be alright; however, there was slight gnawing feeling at the back of your mind that this would not be the end of things.