Thatch parked in the hospital after stopping to get food, and the two of you sat at one of the break benches the staff and some of the patients used. A couple minutes later Marco showed up, and came over to where you were.

"Stopped for food and still beat me here." He says by way of greeting, catching the wrap that Thatch tosses him. "Oh, thanks."

"Sure thing, brother." Thatch says.

Marco peels the wrapping off and practically inhales the wrap in three bites. You thought you'd seen everything when it came to how people eat, with all the different functions your parents had dragged you to, but you couldn't stop the look of shock on your face at the feat.

Thatch laughs, and Marco grins after he swallows the last of it.

"Eat fast, or eat last." Marco says. "Usually I slow down in the company of others, but I'm going to go in ahead of you two and grab Hongo, yoi." He steps away and then turns back. "Actually, just wait out here, if I can I'll just have him come out."

You look from Marco as he dashes into the hospital and look over at Thatch. You tilt your head a little and he smiles.

"Hospital admission means paperwork. Paperwork means dealing with questions. Marco's friend can keep it minimal, but I think it's best we keep this out of the system until we decide what we're doing tonight." Thatch explains. "If we have to admit you, then we will. It won't be a big deal either way."

You nod. "I see, thank you."

"You're welcome, doll." He says with a smile. "I know it'll take time, but you can ask me anything you want. Anytime. Even if I look busy. You don't have to stay in the dark anymore."

"No I-." You stop, pressing your lips together and look down at the picnic table for a long moment. "I'll try."

Thatch smiles and you look up, and then past him, and see Marco coming back with someone in tow. The man's just a little shorter than Marco, with his muted blonde hair pulled back into a short ponytail. He's wearing a long white coat and scrubs under that, certainly the doctor.

He gives you a warm smile as Marco introduces him. "This is Dr. Hongo, a good friend of ours." He steps back, letting Hongo step closer. "Doc, Thatch's match, Miss Kakusho."

"Not a bad patch job for a cook." Hongo says, teasing Thatch a little before he looks at you more directly. "May I see your wrist, miss?"

You hold your arm out and Hongo kneels down and takes it carefully. His fingers are warm, and the grip is firm, but he's being careful not to press any more than he needs to where it's bruised or swollen. "When did this happen?"

"This morning." You answer flatly and automatically. "I fell."

Thatch and Marco exchange looks, and even Hongo looks over at them. There's an unease among the three of them, but it takes a moment more for you to realize it. You put your other hand to your mouth, your eyes going wide.

"No I... I'm sorry." You feel your stomach knot. "I... said that without thinking."

Thatch says something in a language you don't know. He's turned away from you so you can't see the look on his face, but his tone is pretty universal. For a second you worry that he's angry with you for lying, and you can feel yourself start to panic.

"Oi!" Marco admonishes. He looks over at you. "That wasn't directed at you." Marco clarifies for you, before smacking Thatch upside the back of his head.

"But it did happen this morning?" Hongo prompts, pulling your attention back to him, and you nod.

"Sometime after nine."

Hongo carefully turns your arm and presses on the swell, looking at your face as he does it. After a moment he stands up and gives you what you've come to know as The Doctor Look™. Something was wrong, and you weren't going to be released with instructions to ice it or keep it wrapped.

"I know you wanted to avoid getting admitted, but I need to x-ray it." He says. "Whether a learned behavior, or an unlucky turn of events, Miss Kakusho, you do not react visibly to pain. I can't tell the severity of that injury without an x-ray. I doubt it's broken, but there could be stress fractures."

"I'm sorry." You say and Hongo shakes his head.

"Regardless of the cause, there's nothing for you to apologize for. If you want to give Thatch your ID, he can get you signed in while I get you x-rayed." He explains and you nod, reaching into your pocket and pulling out your ID. "Hey, Elvis."

Thatch looks up at Hongo, giving him a bit of a face.

"You better tell her what you said later. It's rude to talk in that babble y'all invented unless you mean to teach her." There's a teasing tone of the edges of his words and Thatch sticks his tongue out.

The four of you head into the hospital, and while Hongo guides you into the interior, Marco stays with Thatch at the front desk to get you signed in. The doctor walks straight to an empty room for the x-rays, and between the two of you, you got through them easily enough.

"You're used to hospitals." He says and you nod. There's a moment of silence and you look up to see a pained expression on his face. "I'm sorry, no one should have to be used to a hospital."

You aren't sure what to say to that, and Hongo ends up escorting you to a room without much else said. Once he gets you settled in he marks the room occupied and lets you know that he'll send Marco and Thatch in soon as he sees them. He's going to get the x-rays sorted and either way he'll be back in a few minutes.

Out of habit you're sitting on the bed, but since you don't feel dizzy or sleepy you haven't laid down. You think that you should probably feel exhausted by this point, it's been a long day already.

True to Hongo's words, however, you barely get a chance to let your mind wander when there's a light knock on the door, and Marco and Thatch come into the room. Marco has a smile on his face, and Thatch is trying his best, but the taller man is struggling.

"Hanging in there?" Marco asks and you nod. He looks from you to Thatch and back and pats the top of your head softly. "I'll leave you two alone until the doc gets back."

Thatch sits down next to you on the bed.

"I'm... not mad at you." Thatch says quietly. He holds his hand out and you set your hand in it. "I really, really hate your parents, though."

Your eyes go wide. You'd come across plenty of people who were visibly put off by your parents, and plenty more who knew they were charlatans of a sort, even if they didn't know the details. Plenty of people disliked your parents - Tashigi and Smoker came to mind immediately, but Thatch was the first person you'd known to say it so plainly.

You don't say anything. You're not going to defend them, but speaking ill of them is difficult.

"And don't apologize." Thatch adds, looking over at you. The expression on his face isn't harsh, but more concerned. "Don't apologize for them. They... they don't deserve it."

After a moment you put your hands in your lap, looking down at them and trying to collect your thoughts. Thatch stays still, giving you a chance to speak.

"...My... My parents are," you press your lips together, making fists with your hands despite the pain that zings up your arm. "They raised me, so it would stand to reason that I am... just the same."

"Huh? No, that's-." Thatch slips off the bed and faces you, bending down and making sure you're looking at him. "Even if you picked up bad habits from them, or even if you acted just like them - and by the seas you absolutely do not - you're still your own person. You get to choose who you are, and if that means you want to act like them, then so be it. But you don't, and if you're worried that you eventually will, or that you already do, I'll help you, okay?"

"You'll..." You words stutter as your breath hitches. You can feel yourself getting ready to cry. You're becoming tired of crying so much lately, but every time you turn around it seems like something's causing turmoil for better or worse.

"I'll help. I won't let you become like your parents, even if I think it's impossible, it doesn't matter. I promise." He says, reaching up and wiping the back of his knuckles against your cheek. "If that's what you're worried about, I won't let it happen."

Marco clears his throat, stepping back into the room with Hongo. He's carrying splints, gauze and wrapping, and Marco has a box in his hands that looks like a care package.

"Hairline fractures." Hongo explains. "There's just a couple and they're minor. But I don't want you to move that wrist for at least a week, at least no more than you have to." He pulls up a rolling stool, as Thatch moves out of his way and sits across from you. "Casts can be a real pain, and I'm sending you off with two weeks of materials for this. You're going to need help, but I have a feeling you'll be surrounded by a bunch of people happy to help."

You smile as Hongo walks you, Thatch, and Marco through the process of setting the splints and how to wrap them correctly. He even wraps Thatch and Marco's wrists to show them the kind of tension they'll need to use, since it won't be easy to see if you're in pain or not.

"Keep an eye on your fingers." Hongo adds. "If they turn red or blue or just look weird, take the splint off. It might be too tight and cutting off circulation." He pauses for a moment and then looks at you. You can almost see the gears spinning behind his eyes.

"Miss Kakusho, can you feel pain?"

You tilt your head at the question and then nod. "Of course."

"On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your wrist?" You furrow your brows and Hongo continues. "You know when you stub your toe, and it hurts really bad for a second, but then it's not too bad?" You nod and he smiles. "Okay, if we say that initial pain is a three or four, and the dull ache after is more of a one or two, how's your wrist feel compared to that?"

"... A four or five. It's that initial pain, but constant." You answer.

Hongo smiles. "Alright, that's what I expected. There are some pain pills in the kit Marco has. If the pain gets worse, or if you just want a break from the pain you're feeling now, take one. Even half of one. If the pain gets to where it you're concerned, let someone know so they can get you back here. I'll be in your file as your attending."

"Does this place even have another doctor?" Marco teases.

"Humph. The new kid's doing good," he waves the conversation away. "Listen, doctor's orders, don't suffer in silence. Use these bastards like the work horses they are, and let the big oaf-."

"He's not an oaf." You don't yell, but you raise your voice and all three of them are looking at you. "Or.. Or a brute. He's very kind, so please don't call him an oaf."

Thatch is looking up at the ceiling and Marco looks like it's his birthday. His wide grin turns mischievous as he looks over at Thatch, who is pointedly trying to ignore everyone as he desperately attempts to regain his composure.

Hongo blinks in shock, and then smiles. "Noted, my apologies Miss Kakusho. Still, let Thatch pamper you while your wrist heals. He'll be more than happy to attend you." Hongo turns toward the others. "Marco, give that to Thatch, help me with this closing paperwork so these two can go to your dad's house."

"Sure, sure, yoi." Marco smiles at you as he hands off the care package to Thatch. "See you at the house later, little firecracker."

Thatch tucks the care package under one arm when Hongo and Thatch leave and holds his other hand out to you.

"Shall we?" He prompts and you smile softly.

"Yes, let's shall." Taking Thatch's offered hand the two of you head out of the hospital.

Hongo wasn't kidding when he said Thatch would be delighted to attend you. Every chance that presented itself was a sweet "Allow me," from him as he opened every door that didn't already open on its own for you. He even offered to buckle you in if you were having difficulties with it, and since you were struggling you accepted the offered help.

Despite how easy he seemed to blush and fluster, he was at ease as he reached over and buckled you in, giving you an easy smile when your eyes met for a brief moment.

"Thank you," you say softly as he puts the car in gear.

"Of course. It's probably cheesy to say, but I've always wanted to be able to, I don't know, I guess pamper is the right word, but I've always wanted to pamper a pretty girl." He admits, his cheeks dusting pink. "Pops says if I'da been born before the match program I'da been a womanizer."

"I can't imagine you treating someone that poorly." You reply and Thatch coughs before he laughs.

"Thanks, doll." He flinches and goes quiet for a moment after the words leave his mouth. "You know... I asked before, but I think I understand a lot more now, and I want to ask you something again, but don't tell me the answer you think I want to hear, okay?"

You tilt your head, unsure of where he's going with this. "I... will do my best."

"I can live with that." He clears his throat. "When we first met I asked if I could call you doll, and you'd said something about it being fitting."

"I did." You admit.

"I -." Thatch stops and goes silent for a long moment. You sit quietly as he drives and eventually he sighs. "Are you really okay with me callin' you doll?"

"Yes." You answer quickly.

"... Can I ask why?"

You can feel the heat at the back of your neck, but you do your best to answer. "Because when you say it... it feels warm... and I think I like hearing you say it."

"Then, I'll keep saying it."

The rest of the car ride was mostly silent. Thatch pointed out some places he worked when he was a kid as he drove by them. He talked a little bit about his high school years and how none of the other kids probably ever knew him and his brothers lived in a manor of all things. It was enjoyable to just listen to him, the timber and cadence of his voice was relaxing, and you were sure he was keeping his volume down for your sake.

You'd heard him bellow, even if it was only once, you were certain he could easily speak louder.

"Huh?" Thatch questions as he pulls clear of the tree line, bringing the manor proper into view. "There's company?"

There was a black SUV car parked by the central fountain, and two men in black suits were standing at the bottom of the steps leading up to the main entrance. Pops was standing at the doors, with Izou and Haruta on either side of him. They looked relaxed, but there was something off about it that made you nervous.

"The hell is the NWO doing here?" Thatch grumbles, parking the car. "Hang on, I'll come around and help you out."

You nod, and Thatch comes around to your side, opening the door and undoing the seatbelt for you. He grabs the care package and then offers a hand to help you step out. The two of you walk up to the front doors and the two men in black turn toward you both.

One has a severe expression on his face, a striking stylized goatee, and - you must be imagining it - a pigeon on his shoulder. Long black hair gave him an ominous air, and you already decided you weren't going to like him. The other was far friendlier looking, his short blonde hair and demeanor was in jarring contrast to his partner's.

"You must be Miss Kakusho." The blonde man says, giving you a bright smile. "My name is Kaku, and my associate's name is Lucci. We were hoping for a moment of your time."

You look from Kaku to Edward Newgate. The older man's expression softens, and he nods.

"We will welcome them if you want, Miss Kakusho, but you are not legally obligated to entertain them." He explains, and you see Lucci's expression twist for a second.

"I've... I've had a long day." You begin and catch the barest flinch in Kaku's smile. "Perhaps tomorrow? I'll be at Thatch's... at my home."

"You feel safe here then?" Kaku questions and you nod. He lets a small sigh slip, and then smiles. "Very well Miss Kakusho, we'll be by tomorrow."

"Thank you for your understanding." You say carefully, and Kaku gives you a cheerful wave as Lucci stalks away.

You stand in silence with everyone else as the car starts and the two pull away from the fountain. You don't have to watch them leave, the eyes of everyone on the porch and Thatch are already on them.

"Are they gone?" You question so softly only Thatch hears you.

"Almost." He answers going quiet for a few more seconds. "They're past the tree line now they, whoa!" Thatch almost drops to his knees, catching you with an arm around your waist as your legs buckle. He tosses the care package up to Izou, and holds you steady as you try to stand on shaky legs.

You're almost crying in relief, but it's been too much for a single day. Your mom coming over on the heels of your father the day before. Spilling everything to Thatch, and you still weren't sure that was the right call, but you didn't have a choice, and then the trip to the hospital. You were grateful you had lunch, but now it was sitting uneasily in your stomach.

The NWO agents had been entirely too intense, and you had no idea why they had been here.

"You've faced down a lot today, Doll." He says reassuringly. "It's okay, I got you."

"I can't," you try to put weight on your legs again but they just crumple again. "I can't seem to stand." There's an edge in your voice, a fear that if you can't walk you'll be a burden, but the rising concern breaks as you let out a surprised yelp. Without a word, Thatch turns you easily and picks you up just as effortlessly.

One arm under your thighs, he has your good arm against his chest, and his hand against your other shoulder, steadying you as he stands. It takes you a second to catch up to what's happened, but you look over at Thatch, who is close, very close, of course he's close he's carrying you right now, and feel the heat rise in your face.

"Hang in there. I'm just going to get you inside." He says quietly, and you swear you can feel the heat rolling off him as much as yourself.

You decide to focus on the yellow scarf around his neck as he steps into the house, so you don't really see anyone else, you just feel the sensation of Thatch walking. You don't notice the expressions on anyone else's face, so you don't know if they've noticed your injuries or your embarrassment, but no one says anything until you get settled in.

"Put her in my chair." Newgate instructs as Thatch heads to the living room.

"Sure, Pops." He shifts you carefully, setting you in a large leather chair that is every bit as comfortable as it is imposing. You feel a bit like you're doing something wrong, but the fact that you were effectively ordered to sit here makes it easier.

"Why were the NWO here?" Thatch asks as the other three file into the living room and sit down. He stays standing, one arm resting on the back of the large leather chair.

Pops waves the question away. "Pointless reasons. It seems Miss Kakusho's parents have little else better to do than to lie to the government."

Izou catches your gaze for a moment, a dark look on his face before he banishes it with a smile. "Seems we should've risked poisoning the gardens after all."

"Huh?" You tilt your head, but Izou just continues to smile politely until his father clears his throat.

"Miss Kakusho," he hesitates even as you look toward him. The look on his face reminds you of how Thatch was looking at you when he found you under the dining table earlier that day. "What happened, child?"

You start from the beginning. How you found the phone in your things, and the note attached to it. You were exhausted from the long day, but you didn't have the energy to be emotional about any of it, so it made it easier to talk through, step by step. Haruta got up and made everyone something to drink as soon as you mentioned the rogue phone.

You could feel Thatch tense beside you when you got into detail about your father's threat in the warehouse. Marco came into the living room when you started talking about your mother's visit that morning, the smile, and greeting on his lips fading into a dark expression.

They all listened silently as you reached the point when Thatch came home. He took over at that point, telling them about the conversation you two had, the hospital stop and then ending up here.

"With the agents showing up, I'm betting your mother told your father what she'd done and they reacted in a panic." Haruta offers. Out of everyone else in the room he seems to be managing his emotions the best. He's neutral, but even Izou looks visibly angry.

"We can adjust easily enough." Newgate says, looking down at you. "Miss Kakusho, I think it would be wise if you rested before dinner. Afterward we'll discuss some things and decide on what to do going forward."

You nod, the offer of rest, and the weight of the day, already making your eyes heavy. The large chair was very comfortable, and you wondered idly as sleep took you, if that was why Mr. Edward had insisted you sit in it.