Lunch break, after morning classes. Usually it was the moment Yi could check on his phone, see if he had any messages. A sort of principle. As teacher, he wouldn't go check and answer during classes. This would be too disrespectful.
So once he went out for lunch he could indeed notice a message from Yasuo.
[bby ? u gonna laugh]
[i feel like shit, think i caught something yesterday]
Oh no. Yi wasn't laughing, not for this. Instead, he hoped it was nothing serious. At least it seemed that Yasuo could still text him, not passed out.
The message was during the morning, about 10 AM so it had been some time since. Sort of annoyance for this lack of luck, not able to hear about Yasuo's problem before lunch.
[How do you feel ? Have you been to a doctor ?]
The reply didn't come right after, so he decided to resume his activities. Maybe Yasuo was out for a time and would answer later.
A bit ironic, now that he thought about it. For so long the latter told him he couldn't get sick, at all. Always managed to stay healthy, even knowing his clothing habit. So he can get sick. And in winter, best time of the year. In a way, it made sense. Poor season, quite cold and Yasuo being himself, no way to convince him to wear a jacket or something warm.
So to say, he had it coming. Told him. But Yi didn't forget he was a grown man and could take care of himself. Small sigh, as he made his way outside to buy a sandwich. Indeed, windy time. Quite understandable that Yasuo got sick, with such weather.
In any case, Yi was worried. Health was important and no matter how responsible Yasuo was for his own problems, it was important. At least to know if he had to go to the hospital or not. Easy to make remarks about getting sick but he cared about his boyfriend. Hope it isn't too serious. To actually make Yasuo feel bad, it must be quite strong. Or just a cold. Still, no answer yet, he would have to wait and maybe see at the end of the day.
Hopefully, another text came, around a hour later. Enjoying his break, with other colleagues of the sports hall. Small buzz, with the notification. Ah.
[haha, not yet]
[napped somehow, too tired]
[but the beast woke me up, bowl was empty]
[Ah, sorry for you. If it's not too hard, go see the doctor.
At least to know what you caught.]
[Again, how are you feeling ? Do you need help right now?]
No idea if he could indeed leave for an emergency but he prefered to ask how Yasuo was doing. To know he was paying attention at the moment was a good sign.
[like pure shit, really]
[will be less pretty than usual, sorryyyyy]
[hmm head hurts, whole body too. feel so hot but not sure]
Oh if that was possible, it seemed that his idiot boyfriend had the flu. To be checked later but this was what came to Yi's mind as soon. Changed nothing, he would take care of him. Worry soothed for now but he still thought about what could happen.
[You're always hot, though. Joke aside (please forgive me for this one),
will you be alright till I come back ?]
[omggggg yiiiiiiiiiiiii]
[u can't just say things like this!]
[love u bby 3]
[like really really]
[gonna be fine, i guess. but i'll see doctor, i swear]
[when i can get out of bed again lmao]
Several times Yi was typing his answer, an overly sweet feeling bubbling up. It always hit home to send a nice word and the reaction was too perfect. As the messages came one by one, he couldn't focus anymore. At least he got his answer, Yasuo was planning to see a doctor.
[Don't strain yourself, if it's too difficult.
I'll see what I can do when I'm home.]
Hesitated again, like always. If he thought to hard on this, the blush was going to be noticed. So he typed in haste.
[I love you too. Take care, Yasuo.]
[lucky you're not at huggable distance]
[miss u...]
The rest of the lunch break was spent in a soft battle of hearts emoji sent and returned till a pause came. Yi could just guess that the latter was too tired or passed out again. So he returned to his classes for the afternoon, thoughts following Yasuo in this difficult time.
Once he was free, Yi made quickly his way to come back home. It still took a certain amount of time, since he used public transport but it wasn't so bad most days. Right now, he hoped his boyfriend was alright. Haste, till he could be sure.
Some texts sent as he was waiting in transports, only distraction.
[Hey, are you awake ? I'm on my way back home.
Any information on your condition ?]
Watching through the window, city fleeing at the corner of his vision. Already night time, for this cold season. It's not even late. Small sigh.
The answer wasn't too long after, a picture downloading. Aww. This habit of Yasuo's was really cute sometimes, depending on the content sent. Yi always liked receiving these.
This time, it was a selfie like many other times. First reaction was to frown. Fuck. Yasuo wasn't lying when he said he looked bad, mind the vulgar vocabulary. Merry exhaustion, large grin but oh so impacted by whatever disease he had. From what Yi could see, the latter was probably lying on the couch, having taken his own blanket there.
[yooooooooo]
[still alive ! but it hurts the same]
[saw doc, said it was the flu. like the one running around in the city this month]
So I was right. It also meant Yasuo's habit wasn't the only thing to blame there, maybe the least. Catching a virus could be prevented, though. So still the fault on him.
At least Yi was glad to hear it wasn't something too serious. Could find a way to help him through it.
[You're still very handsome, don't worry.
And glad to know too, now we're settled.
Do you need me to buy something down the street or not?]
[idk, i think we good]
[thx honey, so sweet 3]
[just come back soon, i want to cuddle]
To be missed was strangely nice to hear. Being apart was bearable but to return to Yasuo always gave a sort of breath to his very soul. Home was as much a person than a place.
[I will be there soon, I promise. I can't wait to hold you in my arms...]
[saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaame...]
How could he not be impatient ? Yi yearned the return. Soon done, stepping into the building, almost running in the stairs to their flat. At last.
Door opened then locked behind him, in time. He could relax now. Yi heard their cat, alerted by the arrival. The fluffy lady rushing on his path, seeking attention. No way around without paying a tribute, so Yi surrended.
« Hello hello. Doing well ? You kept an eye on Yasuo ? » Soft tone, low as she purred loudly.
Another reason to be happy to be home. To see a cat made the day better. Though Yi's attention was caught immediately.
« She fucking woke me up ! You call that keeping an eye on me ? »
Outraged words from the living room, no doubt on the one talking. Ah, at last. Indeed Yasuo was there, still slumped on the couch, wrapped in his blanket and an annoyed expression despite his actual condition. Hair down, a certain blush to be blamed on the disease and obvious exhaustion.
In haste to close distance, Yi took off his jacket and put it to its place. Then shoes off, while their cat tried to play with him. Now he could join Yasuo and get a closer look at him.
As he stepped to him, the latter made an effort at sitting up though it was easy to see the struggle even for this.
Distance reduced in a second, leaving place to a tight embrace. There. Perfect. Oh he missed this. And Yasuo sweetly clung to him, grasp a little weaker than what he would usually. The shaking wasn't a good sign, so Yi had him lie back on the couch.
The latter wanted to complain for this, that was sure. But he complied, though pulling his boyfriend to him. A bit tricky for Yi to keep his balance but he managed.
Leaned down, forehead to forehead, to check the difference of temperature. Of course there would be other way than this but contact was seeked in the smallest occasion. Too warm, indeed. Compared to him, Yasuo felt like he was burning inside. In that non-distance, their eyes locked on each other, it was impossible to miss the shiny hint in the latter's. Sick, indeed. A bit dark under his eyes too.
So it took Yi a bit longer in that observation to notice how the latter was staring at him. Not much for the act than the cheer conflict read there. Clear, Yasuo wanted to say something but at the same time wasn't sure about it.
« Yes ? » Whisper close.
For all this time Yasuo kept his grasp over him. Looking for words for a time then he spoke as low than Yi : « I wanna kiss. Like, so so bad. But you'll get sick too... »
Indeed the pull was strong, Yi craved this as much as him. It's fine. There was no real matter there, no need for him to worry.
« We can. I'm already vaccinated so no risk. » Though he prefered to reassure Yasuo before diving for a needed kiss.
« What ? Really ? You got vaccinated even for the flu ? » A bit disbelieving but at least this would help him greatly.
« It's been in the news for some time. This year's flu is important and I'd rather not get it or give it to students. Next time, stay alert to epidemics. »
Here came a pout, Yasuo looking away for a time as to sulk. « Ok, my bad. But now it's too late. »
Cute. Even such a sad condition couldn't stop him from behaving like usual. New urge coming up, Yi didn't resist long and gave a peck to the latter's cheek. Oh he craved so much, it would take a lot more of it to be satisfied.
Now bracing himself over Yasuo, on the couch, he let go a little. Hand wandering as he seeked a proper kiss.
After the peck, Yasuo made a soft noise, both out of surprise and joy. Then he came back to face Yi, ardent gaze as he fought to get him into a kiss.
That mutual need was fulfilled, mouths meeting hungrily. Waited for so long, Yi made a similar kind of noise into the kiss. Relaxing at last. Falling in this gentle bubble of safety, nothing else mattered in the instant. Fleetingly, he noticed how warm Yasuo's skin was, when he let himself follow contact. Hand slipping under the blanket. The fever was to blame, for this rare body temperature.
Took a little more time to realize how his hand met only skin and no clothing. Wait, is he naked under this ?
A very poor choice, Yi would say. The risk to make Yasuo's state worse, by seeking coolness when it wasn't necessary. Though this man always had a different tolerance to cold so it was biased. Wouldn't feel himself get sick, no doubt.
So Yi wasn't truly focusing on the kiss though it was incredibly satisfying to share. A certain effort from Yasuo, dearly holding him close as to keep him there forever.
It still had an end, at the brink of breathless so he released Yi. An occasion to ask and be sure.
« Are you wearing anything, under the blanket ? » Direct gaze, on the latter. See if in his reaction there was an answer.
Not exactly what he expected though, a more mischievous gaze under fever.
« Oh ? Someone is hungry for more ? » And as if it wasn't enough to make his point clear, Yasuo shifted his position on the couch, lifting the blanket just to reveal his chest.
Never underestimate him, Yi was far too aware. So difficult in that moment to give an unimpressed look but he had to hide how even this glimpse could leave him wanting. Smother that spark as quick, it wasn't the right time. He will be the death of me...
Yi made it anyway, stern gaze directed to his boyfriend. Better stop him right now before he could be convincing.
« You're sick, we won't do anything. I think it's better for your health. »
As much for himself than for Yasuo. It would be a terrible idea to have some fun now, whatever the latter said.
« Ouch. No way to tempt you ? Really ? »
Yasuo still tried, trailing a hand over his boyfriend's chest, flatening fabric. That gaze would almost kill Yi if he hadn't the latter's health as priority. Resist.
« No. Now get dressed, at least a little. I'm sure you're cold but can't feel it with the fever. »
A last kiss offered, to admit how sorry he was for not indulging them. But Yi still put enough distance to be clear, sitting down on the floor nearby. Yasuo made a sad noise but returned it anyway.
« Ya know, I'm actually wearing something. Okay, just underpants but it still count. And hey, I got my blanket. »
« Maybe not enough. Stay as warm as you can. »
« No...It feels too hot and everything already hurts. » Stretching on the couch before settling back to face Yi.
« Sorry, I understand this isn't comfortable. » Slowly reaching for him, entwine his hand with Yasuo's. Squeezing a little, to convey his compassion as much than the yearning for contact.
Soon, the cat came and flopped down to his side, waiting for more carress. Scratching gently, delighted to have her right there. A good therapy.
Since he was looking down, he noticed the pile of used tissues, probably linked to Yasuo's condition. Not the cleanest move to let it on the floor, even less since there was a cat in this flat but surely the latter was too tired to go far at the moment.
« Ah, you'll maybe need more tissues. »
« Nope, it's good. Went to buy some after going to doc. I swear, I think I scared the cashier, zombie as I look. Poor girl. »
Indeed this situation could have been funny, if it wasn't so bad for Yasuo. It still made Yi smile fondly, to hear him chat. Fine, alive despite everything. In the end, he ended up leaning against the couch, closer to Yasuo.
« I think she'll be alright. We shall see next time we go for groceries. » Thumb rubbing circles in Yasuo's hand, soothing instant.
Next reply was a deep laugh, cut by some coughing not long after. For this Yi got worried by instinct but the latter was recovering fast. No doubt he had all this going on during the day.
« I think I'll make pasta soup tonight. You need something warm and soup will be good. Or any idea ? »
Thinking about what to cook wasn't always that difficult but he would have to adapt what they eat to the disease. If Yasuo at least made an effort not to make things worse. In any case, he wasn't really in shape to cook so Yi would gladly take charge for a few days.
« Nah, soup sounds good. Need help ? »
« It would be better for you to stay there. I can take care of dinner. »
Little by little, he pulled the blanket so it covered more Yasuo, making sure he wasn't cold. Once found out, his other hand was taken and laced with the latter's. Both brought Yasuo's face, small comforting gesture. From Yi's point of view, it was nice too. Cute.
« 'Kay, I'll stay there. But only because you told me to. »
Another kiss, urged by the circumstances. Not like he would have to stop one day.
The evening went on, not so quietly since Yasuo was here. Technically impossible for this man to stay calm, even as sick as he was. For now he was bearing this rather well, in the limits of the flu. Sat up on the couch and finished leaning against the back rest to watch in the kitchen's direction when Yi was there. TV going as background noise though he had Yasuo lower the sound to prevent any problem.
It certainly was sweet to see Yasuo paying attention at what he was doing, since he couldn't do much at the moment. As it was time to cook, he got busy in the kitchen while sometimes gazing back at his audience on the couch. Now their cat had joined the latter there, lying to his side. No doubt Yasuo must have been an excellent source of heat, enjoyable in winter though the flat was already at a good temperature.
Yi liked this peculiar time. Maybe expecting his boyfriend to drift back to sleep, it was a pleasant surprise to have him near. Talking about his day, as he would any other ones when he wasn't sick. These days, Yasuo was working at delivery for restaurants but he told this morning he felt like it wouldn't be possible. Called the guy responsible of it, suffered a little in bed as he returned to sleep. As he said, it was a shitty day. But he managed to get out of bed once to drink a little, after being bothered by their cat. She seemed angry to be forgotten for so long. Another time, he got up to see a doctor after Yi asked him to.
All this sounded more amusing than how it actually was, since Yasuo had some fun story telling. At least he wasn't so bothered by this misfortune. But Yi did remind him walking outside with shirt but no jacket could be some soft suicide. Now he had his lesson.
Meal was nice. Short time of questioning, if it was better to let Yasuo on the couch and have their meal at the coffee table or stay in the kitchen. In the end, the latter didn't mind and came to the kitchen table with his blanket.
All was going fine and Yasuo didn't seem too sick. Just tired.
After dealing with the last tasks, Yi could relax and take some time on his laptop. A good day, despite the scare and everything.
Time to go to bed.
During work week, Yi took care to have enough sleep. A sort of balance between free time and rest. Glasses put aside, along the laptop, he moved to his room to put on night clothes.
Yasuo had gone to bed some time ago, not much than a hour since he was barely able to stay upright during night time. Understandable, of course. Tonight, he went to his own room, dragging the blanket behind him, after asking a 'last' kiss. That one left a burning sensation to Yi and not in the best sense. The fever was still strong, though both knew there wasn't a lot to do about it. It had to pass, after a few days. At least, if it hurt too much, Yasuo could take some painkillers.
Ready, Yi got out of his room and joined the latter in his own. Not after a kind goodnight to their cat, though she was likely to join them later. Checked his alarm a last time then he stepped into the dim room.
Light snoring, a tad louder than usual but it could be from the flu. As if physically magnetized, Yi joined the latter in bed. Slipping under the blanket like many nights before but still guided by gentleness.
Oh, hot. Almost too much. But it was welcome in winter. Yi didn't mind, as long as he could hold his boyfriend. Who immediately started to shift in his direction. Restless hands in the dark, till he found Yi. Then it would be alright. Slowly embracing each other, warm skin against fabric.
Sleep wasn't so fast to take Yi but he appreciated to have him right there. In his arms.
Hope he will be alright.
After some time, a new weight was added on the mattress as he registered something moving. To settle down against them, at the level of their legs. Ah, there she is.
Maybe then he would get some sleep.
Ugh. Too much. No idea what exactly but it was too much for Yasuo. Enough to wake him up, mind a bit blurred between sleep and fever. It wasn't really pain but rather a dense fog, moves made difficult. Blanket pushed away though it wasn't so easy to breathe. Blindly looking for a tissue then it was better.
Room mostly dark but he still tried to focus a little. Sudden thought. Oh shit. Realized he had pushed the blanket off Yi when he seeked fresh air. So Yasuo was quick – in his own limits though – to pull it back in place over his boyfriend. Now he wouldn't get cold.
On his part, this wasn't the worst he felt but neither the best. Exhausted despite sleeping for some time already. Yasuo stretched to grab his phone, look at the time. 4:13 Small sigh. It meant he slept but now drifting away seemed impossible. Sweaty and still not at a comfortable temperature. The problem with too much warmth, once one was naked, there was little left to do. Not completely naked but besides his underwear, nothing to take off.
More shifting on the mattress, without any change.
More than once it crossed Yasuo's mind to cuddle with the latter, stay close. But right now, just by himself it was too much. It would be even warmer to hug Yi. Still, his heart urged to come closer. Managed to take Yi's hand and lace it with his. Hoping it would be enough for his own need of affection.
Far from peaceful, Yasuo could just let his thoughts wander. The latter would wake up in a few hours. Himself wouldn't have to, obviously. Mmmmh. A bit sad in advance, to see Yi go for his day. He wished it already was the end of the week but not yet. Oh time without the latter was too long and hard.
A muffled noise interrupted his thoughts. Kind of soft mumbling from Yi, in his sleep. Then he rolled on his side, actually facing Yasuo while their grasp remained. Nice sight it would be, if he could see. His beloved always was beautiful and during his rest, there was a sort of vulnerability, peace. Suddenly craving, he slowly leaned closer to Yi and searched his face. A quiet kiss given, in the secret hours. Because Yasuo tried not to wake him up so early, it would be terrible.
After waiting, tense, for any kind of reaction from the latter, he relaxed back on the mattress. Sleeping like the dead. Inner laugh. At least one of them had some good rest.
Thirsty... New dilemma for Yasuo. The need for water was a bit bothering but at the same time it would be too much effort to get up and drink at the kitchen. And honestly he didn't want to move. So move or not ? Minutes passed as he debated and little by little sleep took him again.
To be then ripped from his rest by persistent mewing. Fuck... ! No luck these days. Yasuo struggled a little to go back to sleep but the noise was too much. Surely Lily wanted some company or maybe more food so she was running after Yi.
Logical thinking, as Yasuo reached for the latter and of course he wasn't there. Must have left bed for some time. And judging from the noise out there, Yi was taking his shower.
Grumbling, as he rolled on his other side. That's why. Their cat had a thing for standing behind the door of the bathroom, since it was kept closed when they took a shower.
Head hurt now. Yasuo regretted in this instant. Would give up everything just for silence and a glass of water.
Annoyed, he rose and tried to shush the cat. Resulted just in a weak groan. Another reason to be pissed. So Yasuo got out of bed, with some difficulties, and went out of his room.
Saw indeed the incriminated beast sitting behind the bathroom door but he wouldn't deal with her yet. Priority to get hydrated, bee line to the kitchen.
No consideration, he drank at the tap then returned to settle the problem with their cat. Which in that specific case meant carrying her to his bedroom and bowl her on the bed. In a rather majestic move, she landed on the mattress.
« Now, quiet. Some in this flat need to sleep. » It hurt a little his throat to speak but maybe it could get him some calm.
On the cat's side, unimpressed glance but she still settled down in a ball right there. So Yasuo could hope. Returned in bed and in a second cold embraced him cruelly. It wasn't nice at all. Such difference of temperature yet nothing changed. He just felt it differently, a sort of oversensitivity.
With some difficulties, Yasuo reached for the blanket and hugged himself in it. Even like this it wasn't enough. How could he feel like freezing after a night of burning ? The flu was to blame again, Yasuo cursed it with the last of his will.
No energy anymore to focus. Even as the cat, a bit bothered by the moves, came closer in bed and went to nap on a corner of the blanket. Yasuo wasn't really aware of it. Mind captured by this overwhelming change of temperature. All in his head, maybe. Or just the fever playing with him. In any case, it was bordering pain. Shaky, clinging to the blanket and a grasp on reality going a bit wild.
At a moment – no idea when, if that was five minutes later or more – there was a move nearby. Words too, but a bit confused for Yasuo. Huh... ? Tilted his head slightly, in direction of the source. Trying to pay attention but it would come with a headache no doubt.
A hand craddled his cheek. Soft gesture that made him open his eyes, looking up. Gaze falling on Yi's. It made sense, since they were only two in this flat – without counting Lily – but Yasuo was so far away, this could have surprised him.
Managed to whisper something, not too much or his voice would give up on him : « Baby... ? » It came out rather strangled, raw.
The latter's looked worried, leaning close as his hand tried to soothe all he could. Like affection could make everything better. Certainly it could, in a small amount. Made the disease a bit more bearable.
Words seemed to make sense now. Yasuo understood what was said though focus wasn't so easy.
« Yasuo...How do you feel ? » Equally low, surely aware too much noise wasn't appreciated at the moment.
« Bad... » Shifted a little, lying more on his back so he could look at his man above. « Too cold. »
All this while making sure to stay under the blanket, no limbs out. On the opposite, Yi's hand felt a bit warmer and nice upon his skin. Wanted to nuzzle closer, seek contact.
Face turned into the latter's hand, he must have got the message.
« I'm sorry you have to go through this alone. Before I go, do you need anything ? »
The mattress dipped under a new weight. Though Yi took away his hand, now he was hugging him as he could, with the blanket. Paying attention closely to any request.
« Water... And errr...kiss me, please ? » After all, that was all he craved in the instant.
And it was really sweet to see that hint of surprise in Yi's gaze, along kind love. No words yet. The following second, the latter was kissing him with an eagerness that couldn't be made up. A bit deeper than he would have hoped, something hot as tongues met shortly. It was nice and demanding. From both of them. Only down side was how short Yi kept this, before parting.
« I'll be back in a second, just bringing you some water. »
Ok. Fine. Yasuo couldn't bring himself to be mad at him. Even less since he was really thirsty and water would be a blessing.
Still, his soul mourned that quick departure, when Yi stood up and went out of the bedroom. Their cat followed right on, optimistic about fresh food. No doubt after that future disappointment she would come back.
As called, Yasuo heard some tragic cry from the corridor – possibly kitchen. Right after, Yi came back with his hands busy and a very sad cat following his steps. A full pitcher put on what he used at bedside table and a glass. Maybe Yi was trusting him not to drink directly from the pitcher and pretend to have some manners but when one was feeling like deshydrated, no care.
« Hush, my lady. » Yi still tried to have her calm down and make less noise. It wasn't so effective, though.
For Yasuo, it was indeed exhausting to hear. But thirst was too much. Despite his need for warmth, he supported himself on an elbow and reached for the glass of water Yi offered him. Like this, some cold came through and it was so agonizing.
Drained the glass in a second, refilled after by the latter. To be downed again. Now it was better.
« Thanks... » Really annoying how he couldn't recognize his own voice but at least he could thank Yi for all he did.
The latter put the glass aside and sat down on the bed, close to him. Again reaching for his face and convey his own kind of affection through contact.
« It's nothing. I hope this can help a little. Will you be alright ? »
Thumb rubbing gently against his cheek, something that could probably lull him to sleep again if he didn't feel like shit.
« Will be fine... Don't worry. And don't get late 'cause of me, hon. » Smiled as much as he could and in exchange he was rewarded by a similar grin from Yi. Cute.
« If really it's too bad, call me. I may not see it as quick but I'll go back if you need help. »
« Or I call hospital. I won't die, I swear. »
« I trust you not to. Now I shall go, it's time. Please rest, my love. »
Overly touching. Yi leaned closer and so he was caught half way, mouth pressed to his for this morning goodbye. So much on Yasuo's heart, aching to have the latter stay but he wouldn't keep him there. Instead, he sneaked an arm out of the blanket and pulled Yi to him, hand behind his head.
Few seconds went by then he let Yi go. Capturing the sight to remember it for the day. The latter gazed at him fondly, even as he pulled away, stood.
As quick, Yasuo returned under the blanket but kept eye contact till his boyfriend would be out of the bedroom. Last waving.
Out there, Lily mewed at Yi as he was probably getting ready to leave.
« Goodbye, Yasuo. » Loud enough to be heard from another room.
Then the noise of the door opened and closed. The last sign was a sad plea from their cat.
Solitude. It hit hard but Yasuo was used to it. Would just make him wait for the day to pass in a second. At least the cat felt it too and came back in the room to the only human left.
Thoughts followed Yi, like always. He didn't have much to do anyway.
Small sigh. And biting cold all around him. Almost forgot how bad he felt a bit ago, like Yi made it easier to bear. Now he was gone for the day.
Yasuo rolled on his side, hugging himself. The cat decided to bother him in bed today and lied down against his legs.
Only salvation, sleep. Really, Yasuo hoped it would take him soon before the fever made him imagine things. Eyes closed, mind less blurry, he maybe had a chance.