While I did tell Nowaki that he didn't have to surpass me, sometimes I wish I hadn't. Especially on cold nights like these when he's working the night shift yet again as low man on the totem pole. At these times, I silently urge him to become a great doctor that can choose his own damn hours and work in the daylight like the rest of us. I miss him more than I'd ever let on; I couldn't bear it if he found me too clingy. Though, knowing Nowaki, I doubt that would ever be a problem. It took me a while, years, to finally understand, to believe, that he genuinely liked me, despite, well, me.
I tossed in bed while the walls periodically creaked as the wind and snow beat against the apartment. Just an hour till Nowaki was off for the night. I knew I'd be awake then, when he stumbles in dead on his feet. I'll want to tell him about my day, but I won't. He puts so much of himself into his work . . . sometimes I wonder if it's too much, even if he is still young and strong. From time to time, a small voice in my head whispers that he's too good for me, too good for the world, so it'd be wise if I didn't get too attached. I tell that voice, "shut the hell up," and do more than my fair share of housework, cooking, whatever I can do to lighten his load.
I give up on sleep, find my book light, and pull out the manga hidden under the mattress on Nowaki's side of the bed. It didn't surprise me he read Shojo manga; I was surprised, and not a little amused, that he tried to hide this from me. I'd been reading along with him secretly, planning to make veiled references to the series in casual conversation to see if I could get a reaction or trick him into revealing himself. I know, I know: you'd never think that Kamijou the Devil would ever, ever tease his boyfriend about something like this. Nowaki needs a good teasing; he's too damn nice. I huddled under the covers and sleepily turned the pages. The phone rang.
I bolted up out of bed, ran into the living room and grabbed my cell off the coffee table, ignoring the cold snatching at my bare ankles. It was 2 am, that meant I was about to receive some bad news.
"Hiroki?" a familiar voice said calmly.
"Akihiko?" I was surprised. "Are you alright? It's two in the morning," I groused. It would be like him to ignore the fact.
"I heard the power was out in your district," he said.
"Huh?" I flipped a light switch and nothing happened. "Oh, so it is." I noticed it was colder than it should be, too.
"If you don't want to freeze to death in your sleep, come on over."
"Ah." I thought about it a moment. While there was a very short list of people Nowaki didn't like, Akihiko definitely topped it. However, there was no way I was taking an ice cold shower in the morning. "Thanks. I'll pick up Nowaki from the hospital on my way," I replied in a tone that dared him to make a smart comment about my boyfriend. He didn't.
"Alright, take care," he said before hanging up. I sighed and sent a text to Nowaki. Our power is out; Akihiko is letting us crash with him for the night. Meet me at the convenience store when you get off.
I packed the clothes I needed for work tomorrow, pajamas for both of us, and an outfit for Nowaki. He had tomorrow off, so I chose a pair of jeans I never could see him in enough, and a dark blue shirt that matched his eyes. Not that I wanted to show him off . . . well, okay, I did. I really did. Besides, he's probably going to act like an idiot and embarrass me at some point, so he might as well look good. Nowaki texted back:
Wait for me at the apartment; I'll come get you.
I fired back a response. No, you're already halfway there.
I tossed our toothbrushes in the bag then bundled myself up to face the bitter night.