[He won't protest, he will only take his spot on the opposite end of the cough. Yes, that's right, his spot. When Hifumi came along there was an arrangement. For all of them. They all had a place, and they all had their own thing.

Doppo resided a little closer, though. Sometimes he would dare to take the spot in bed next to Sensei. Sometimes he would lean comfortably if they decided to watch television. This was the trust the that other man had earned from him already.]

Nothing in particular today? Work is still hell, my life is still a series of unfortunate mishaps....

[A bitter laugh.] I don't know what to do about this tight, empty feeling in my chest.