Next time Yasuo woke up, he barely registered even falling asleep. The only clue of time passing was the clear sunlight coming from the window.
Otherwise, nothing showed how much time he spent agonizing in bed.
Frozen on his spot – in more than one sense – and struggling to focus on his surroundings. Hurts... Head but not just that. His whole body too, without a specific word do describe it. It just hurt, like too much exhaustion. At least he didn't have to blow his nose every minute.
This mental check-up went on, as long as he could put one thought after the other. His throat ached too but not the worst he ever experienced. Still, talking would need a try.
Ah. Thirsty. This wouldn't change, Yasuo knew it. No matter how much he took already, it wasn't enough. So he resolved himself to get partially out of the blanket to drink a little. Fumbling, moves not very coordinated, he still managed to grab the glass left there and poured some water.
Really, it was incredible how water could taste so good when it was needed. Yasuo felt like living again.
The cold was fast to embrace him, searing so he returned under the blanket once he had enough. Awake, he glanced around. The cat wasn't there anymore. She left. Inner laugh. And no noise from the flat. This was probably a bad sign but Yasuo wasn't sure he could chase her around for sport. No way. A small prayer to whatever lived up there, hoping she wasn't ruining their home like the fluffy calamity she could be sometimes.
Priority was to stay right there, curled into the blanket and give no shit for anything else. Not like he could be helpful anyway. But with idleness came also the sweet thoughts. Yi...
Was it him or the fever, to feel his face heat up ? Indeed, he missed his boyfriend already. The morning had been rich enough in attentions given but he would never be satisfied for so long. Even more right now, craving warmth like a lost memory of summer. Just to hold Yi against him, to spoon on a day off. Always wanting, it never stopped.
Thinking of, he lingered on last evening, when Yi returned to him. How easy it was to deviate the topic to more heated things. Truly an amazing gift he had, to bring that up so fast. But Yi started it despite himself. Yasuo grinned all alone. Delightful, to make him react. It never changed. A pity that they couldn't. Of course Yi was right, it would be unwise to have sex at the moment. Though it made him sad, to know they couldn't for a few days, till he recovered.
Yes since he got sick, his body was too busy fighting the virus to even feel any kind of need. Desire, instead, wasn't so easy to smother. How could Yasuo be blamed ? He longed for Yi and lying together sure was a sweet time.
What is he doing at the moment ?
Good question. It would require Yasuo to grab his phone and look at the time. Arg. Done anyway, since he also wanted to chat a little. There would be no fast answer as always but he knew Yi would at some point.
There was already a message from the latter. Oh nice. Looking closer, he noticed the time. Wait... 2:28 ? A long rest, it would seem.
Yasuo couldn't believe it. Instead, he went to read whatever his boyfriend sent to him.
[Yasuo, are you feeling better ? Since you didn't text nor called me, I suppose everything is fine. Again, don't push yourself and go for a nap if you need.]
[Oh boy xD]
[i just woke up]
[dw bby, i'm fine]
[cold like hell but fine]
Sad gaze at his phone. At the moment Yi wouldn't be able to text him back. So Yasuo just put his phone aside, curling into that needed warmth. Though he didn't feel like sleeping anymore. And it still hurt.
Painkillers or not ?
Indeed it was important. Was it necessary or not ? Looking at the ceiling, Yasuo thought about pain. Again, not the worst. But it sure could bothersome. I don't knooooooooooow.
After some time, he decided not to take meds but still had to get up. So he did, going to the bathroom. Shiver running his spine, not so nice reminder of how cold he felt. Not as bad than in the morning but rather like walking in a freezer.
Once his business was done, he gave a curious look at the living room, searching Lily. Where is she ? At least glad to see she hadn't destroyed anything. Yasuo kept looking for her.
And found her, in Yi's room. Easy, really. The cat was sleeping in Yi's bed, at the only difference that she was in a ball under the blanket otherwise tucked.
« You're shit at hidding, know that ? » Good news, his voice seemed rather normal though somehow rough. Normal.
A bit sluggish from this rest, Yasuo still stepped closer and reached the bed. No mercy. Then pressed lightly against that large bump in the blanket. The answer was a smal miaow, sounding sleepy. Purely payback for all the trouble she caused this morning.
Yasuo returned to pet their cat through the blanket, just for the sake of annoying her during this nap. The bump shifted, surely as she stretched and returned to a more relaxed position. No more noise though.
« That's for waking me up, you little peanut. »
Not done yet, Yasuo sat down on the floor, next to the bed and lifted the blanket till he could stare at their cat. Met a very innocent gaze but it wouldn't save her.
« Here you are ! Now be ready to face my wrath ! »
Vengeance was to take the blanket completely off, so Lily was left there in the middle of the bed. Outraged, betrayed.
« Don't give me that look, you deserve this. »
Last stage was to come back to her and ruffle all that fluffy fur. Sweet vengeance maybe but this hug was obligatory if the cat wanted to be forgiven. In any case, Lily endured it without struggling. Not supposed to be too harsh.
When Yasuo had enough, he let her go, peaceful on that now crumpled bed. Will have to do it again.
Sudden idea but also urge. Since he felt hungry, he had to get some food in the fridge. Maybe he could trick their cat into leaving the bed. Naw, too cruel. She would mew at him for wet food despite for how long it was stated she would only have some on sundays.
Still he had to get her out of the bed so he could tidy all this. So he took Lily in his arms and carried her to one of her beds in the living room. Left there. Yasuo returned to Yi's room and took care of the bed. As he kinda expected, the cat came back to him.
After such normal event under their roof, Yasuo realized it wasn't so hard to stay up right now. Maybe a little hazy but he could still function, feel hunger. For now the fever made everything pass as cold but it would probably change in the afternoon or evening. Like a switch.
Let it happen. This was crappy to live but he would survive. Not too fast steps to the kitchen, hoping to find something easy to eat. Or at least, quick to prepare.
Pizza leftovers were enough. As he expected, Lily followed him and gave her dayly lament.
« We can't and you know it. Look, you still have food in your bowl. »
She was doing it again. That cute gaze, enough to make one weep by compassion. Sitting not far of the table, silent but instead putting so much effort to be convincing.
« Nah, I won't break. »
First because he knew spoiling her with wet food every day wouldn't be good for her health but also because Yi wouldn't be happy to find out he surrended. And Yasuo hated making the latter sad or angry. Even disappointed.
After that quick but needed meal – and an equally fast washing – Yasuo had little idea what to do. Another nap would be great but he didn't feel like it. If that was possible, plenty of energy yet he was still very sick. Strange indeed.
Ended up taking his blanket and wrapping himself in it on the couch to watch TV. Phone nearby, for when he receive a new message.
It was mostly that, for a long time. Watching TV, sometimes lying down like their cat would, sometimes sitting in this pile of blanket. Nice. As long as he didn't have to move, for water or else. Lily came by and flopped down to nap, always seeking the closest living person there.
When the program wasn't interesting anymore, he moved to get his laptop and watch a movie.
Only notable thing, when Yi answered.
[Glad to hear you're still alive, really. But please don't force yourself. Take my blanket too if you need.]
Indeed, it was right at 4 pm. Around one of Yi's short break before another class. So he had a small time to text. Yasuo was right there, ready to make a good use of it.
[mine's enough but thx]
[and u cutie ? doing alright?]
[Yes, no problem here. Though I'll relax once I get home. Just to be sure you're not dying.]
[awwww u're worried about me]
[not planning to die, i still have plenty of people to annoy]
[Of course I'm worried, you were supposed never to get sick. I saw you this morning, it didn't seem good at all.]
Oh. Sometimes Yi could get so sweet over him. It was really nice to see but also tinted with sadness, to know he made his boyfriend more anxious.
[gonna be fine]
[trust me bby]
[ur class soon, no? good luck!]
[can't wait to have u back]
[I trust you. But go to the hospital if it's too much, please.]
[Indeed it's soon time. I'd kiss you if I could, love. Take care.]
[id kiss you till end of the day]
[hurry home Yi, i miss u so much]
Last answer was a simple text though filled with tiny heart emojis.
To perfectly convey the burst of affection he experienced right then, Yasuo went to take their cat in his arms, try to have her settle on his lap and take a picture. A bit more difficult than planned – since Lily didn't enjoy being handled suddenly – but he managed to get a few pictures. Selecting the best one to send.
For sure Yi would like it, since it had him and their cat on it. Him grinning like an idiot – maybe lovesick indeed but happy nonetheless – and Lily looking somehow at the camera. It was the only one where she wasn't looking anywhere else nor yawning. Good.
Since it took Yasuo something like a few minutes to get it done, there was little chance the latter would see it before the last class. Too bad. But he would see it afterward and that thought left Yasuo happy. So much, he went to hug the cat, who didn't seem to mind. Used to torture, after these years.
Even when he was done, Lily didn't move, merely stayed on his lap. Okay.
So neither moved from this spot. One too happy to be petted non-stop, the other not giving a single fuck about the rest. It was fine to sit there, resuming his movie with a purring machine in his lap. Feeling not so bad, just the fever and constant ache. Otherwise, the temperature wasn't playing with him. Would almost get comfortable and forget about the flu.
To the point where he fell asleep. Right there, on the couch. With the cat.
Indeed a good suprise for Yi to find a picture sent not long after he left his phone for the last class. Each new picture gave him a soft feeling, it never missed. As it dowloaded, he walked to the station on his way back home. At last his day was over and he could think about joining Yasuo.
A lot of worry indeed, that followed him during the day. This morning, when he had to leave, it stung. Yasuo wasn't feeling alright, far from it. But so little he could do to ease the pain.
Really, just this memory. The latter, nuzzling his hand as he seemed beaten by the fever. Burning yet Yasuo wasn't pushing him away. He was cold.
Later, he mentioned it again so it wasn't the end of Yi's worry.
Oh once he was home, he would take at least ten gentle minutes to kiss his boyfriend. Just for his own stress and to calm the slow yearning lit by separation.
Yes, the picture.
Yi could hardly suppress that smile when he saw what he received. Another selfie but all too sweet. Yasuo, sitting on the couch, with a borred-looking Lily held on his lap. Many details he loved in this and he could just see how the latter knew him well. A picture of the two was all he needed to smile by himself. Cute cat and cute boyfriend, combo.
Took also the time to observe how Yasuo was doing. Some red coloring his cheeks, regards of the fever. That smile wasn't faked, he knew it. The man looked really happy. Since he was sitting there, not clutching his blanket like in the morning, Yi supposed he felt better.
[This is really a nice picture, thank you Yasuo. I see you're bearing it rather well.]
[I'm in the bus, right now. Shouldn't be too long.]
Yet, minutes stretched and no fast answer. Knowing Yasuo and his habit to jump on his phone at the first notification, he was probably napping. Not the best time, though. Night was almost fallen by now, it would require the latter some effort to wake up.
Time passing was another valid clue for his hypothesis. So he would see at home.
Which wasn't so far. It took him not very long on this well-known path to find their flat and once more run these steps. Ok, maybe quiet if he's asleep.
So he made sure not to make any loud noises. Unlocking the door and slipping inside. As always, Lily was fast to welcome him home, purring happily as she pushed against his shoes.
« Hello my lady. How are you doing on this fine day ? » A whisper, in case his boyfriend was sleeping. Right after taking off his jacket, Yi went to pet their cat.
Except Lily, silence ruled the flat. Yi paid attention but no sign of life from the latter. Shoes off, he gazed from the corridor into the living room and right there he found his man. Yasuo, asleep on the couch and it brought back old memories.
It seemed that he was watching a movie but got too tired at some point. Some time ago, since the movie was over and laptop in sleep mode too.
Soft sigh that escaped, from the cheer domesticity of the scene. Sleep time was always some special occasion since for once Yasuo was quiet. Well, more than during daytime.
Small steps as Yi reached the couch, fond gaze over the latter. Behind, Lily followed and meowed at him for the temporary lack of attention to her.
Till he was kneeling by the couch, at Yasuo's side. His man was sprawled all over the available place, except for a small corner Yi thought to be lately used by the cat. Aww, they napped together. A hand open, next to his head, like one would while curling into sleep. Gently Yi reached for it and squeezed, message he was back to him.
The sight sure was nice, not very clean, more disheveled. Yasuo look perfectly fine with his hair down, as messy as it was right now. A start of stubble too. Light chuckle let out. Yi enjoyed every detail, even more now since there was less shame to be found out.
Still, the urge to kiss was getting stronger. Yi supported himself above the latter, to then lean closer. Tempting, always. Heart beating faster like it was the first ever. But instead to go for it without an afterthought, he prefered to wake Yasuo up. At least to prevent any serious scare.
Shook shyly his shoulder, firm enough to take him out of sleep. Hovering near, curious gaze over his boyfriend. It worked. Yasuo's eyes fluttered open, a bit of struggle to focus in that waking time. Waited till he met the latter's gaze. When Yi found there recognition, he let go of his semblance of control and kissed him like he had been dying for all day.
Breathless, deep though slow. Maybe a sort of soft moan escaped him, to be lost in that mess of tongue. It was sweet to feel Yasuo waking up bit by bit, arching into contact, arms laced around that body above. Yes, very sweet. Both had been waiting for this, such a long time and ridiculously short compared to anything but they yearned, longed for each other.
Yi was so glad. Home.
Parting wasn't what they wanted but they had to, breathing was important. Yi held himself above the latter, giving a gaze he hoped to be innocent enough. Relieved to have him right there.
Oh it seemed that it was enough for Yasuo to pull him right back into their embrace, kiss his breath away. To die like this would be sweet.
Ten minutes was indeed around the time they actually spent kissing like teenagers. Maybe a little more, Yi wasn't paying attention at the exact time.
The following minutes were spent hugging each other, after Yasuo really managed to urge him on the couch. Half-lying on top of him but not too much, worried. Some happy cuddles, recovering their breath.
« My sleeping beauty...Do you feel better than this morning ? » Low but heavy with affection. If words were physical, his would be like honey.
That specific blush darkening Yasuo's face wasn't there before they even finished kissing. So it showed the impact. He looked at Yi with wide surprised eyes before softening a little and grinning.
« So that makes you my prince ? Back from a hard day at work, always so handsome. » Said as he tucked a strand behind Yi's ear.
Fine, this was overly cute too. Just like was he did but strangely Yi was weak to kind words when it came from his boyfriend. Here, matching blush.
« You didn't answer. I can see you're way better than when I left. Am I wrong ? » Deviating the topic, it would turn sweet for hours if they went on.
« Ah yeah, morning was hard, haha. Slept a lot and now it's better. Not too hot nor cold. »
« Glad to hear that. I was worried about your health. » Small pecks given over the free skin of his neck. All too satisfied to be able to do this, feel warm skin under his touch, lips.
« Oh-h, sorry about that one. But it's fine. Nothing bad happened. »
Amazing, that short instant of shock when Yi left his attention there. Though the shiver could also come from the disease. He hoped it wasn't.
As he tried to avoid thinking about it and his concern, a hand grabbed his butt. That caught his attention, jerking into the move from surprise before he relaxed and directed a firm gaze to the culprit.
« No. We can't. » Direct, loud, so Yasuo could get it fast.
Small whimper as answer, along a sad puppy gaze from the latter. Enough to question who was best at it between him and Lily. Nice try but no.
« But baby...It's been too long... »
Still that warm hand over his butt but Yasuo wasn't trying anything else. Not like he could force, anyway.
« Last time was Tuesday. Two days. I agree but I can't let you, yet. You would pass out before orgasm or maybe during it. »
Flustered silence as Yasuo stared at him with a mix of frustration and slight shock for even implying that. Hands moved instead to rest over the small of Yi's back. Good news but Yi too was sad for refusing this. It would be good but he couldn't take the risk of exhausting Yasuo more than he already was.
« Okay... Guess I have another reason to wish this shit to be over. »
« And I'll be there to indulge ourselves. Let you have anything you want, once you feel better. But not before. »
« Anything ? »
Again that wide gaze, stars in it as Yasuo probably started thinking about what he wanted to do later.
« Anything, in what we already tried before. But yes, feel free to ask. » Smiled to him fondly, then dived to press a soft kiss to his lips.
Yasuo accepted all of it and embraced him again. Oh, how sweet it was to be together. Skin to fabric, ready to stay by each other's side forever.
The only limit was time. Yi had to get on with his evening routine, feed their cat as he went to the kitchen. Quiet evening, like these days. Winter had this peculiar aura, short days and muffled atmosphere.
During this time, Yasuo barely moved from his spot on the couch. Like the official 'sick man spot', with access to TV and sight on the kitchen. It went in a similar way than latest day. Dinner, washing, chatting, all in a merry mood.
Yasuo wasn't feeling so bad in this moment, merely bothered by the fever. As the evening went, the contrast of temperature grew, though. Till it was too hot again.
Good thing it was his usual time for a shower, while Yi relaxed and went on the internet as he did on the end of the day. Quiet time, without counting Lily and her loud complaint behind the bathroom door.
Bed time came soon enough. Contrary to habit, Yasuo was the first to get to bed but indeed he had a good reason. To be joined soon by Yi, after making sure he forgot nothing to do.
The only problem was how hot Yasuo felt. Bad idea, when it was sleep time. He knew it, agonizing time to go through. Both had to cut a little on the cuddles, since it wasn't good to share for him. A lot of appologies to Yi, scared that he might take this as pushing away. It wasn't and the latter understood.
So they hoped the night would be nice to them. Maybe let Yasuo some peace to relax in bed.
What's happening ?
Barely awake, not even sure what actually got him to wake up. Yi struggled, rolling on his back to clear his thoughts and maybe understand.
There was some moves nearby and it suddenly hit him. Just Yasuo shifting in his sleep, without a doubt. Ah, ok.
Both a relief but also some questions. He wouldn't have budge to a mere roll over their shared bed, since it happens many many times in one night. So what ?
Yi relaxed back, with the firm intention to sleep soon. Not even the need to check the time, he hoped hard enough.
It happened again. In fact, it was far stronger than a small shift of position in one's rest. Yasuo wasn't snuggled up to him, he was clinging like a dying man. Restless littles moves, as searching the best grasp over him. An arm slung over Yi's chest, the other holding his own arm.
Oh no. Nightmare, it would seem. It happened sometimes but it was indeed the first one Yasuo had while sick. Not sure how it affected him but Yi wasn't sure it was better.
Seeing how Yasuo was close to him, he wondered if he felt cold again or if this was the dream speaking. A need to reach, to seek comfort. Yi took him even closer and embraced him fully. Hand burried in long hocks, gentle.
Earlier that night, Yasuo had such a hard time to fall asleep. Himself saw it, since it kept them both awake. Not wounded to see the latter avoiding contact, burning as it was. Right, he wasn't sweaty anymore, but shaking in a concerning way. A sort of distress, now that he considered it. Hushed words, too fast, too low to be understood.
Maybe I should wake him up.
No idea if it was terrible or not. In any case, it hurt to see Yasuo struggling all alone. Possibly he would know what to do to soothe him.
Like he did earlier, Yi went to wake the latter up. Worried hand craddling his face in the dark, while shaking him out of this obvious bad time. It took longer this time but he made it anyway.
A gasp right next to him, suddenly frozen.
« Yasuo. » Softly spoken, to prevent anything.
Despite the darkness, Yi could hear and feel that short breath so close to him. Trailing lower, his hand stopped over Yasuo's chest – naked of course since he had been dying of the heat before – to find indeed a very fast pulse.
« What's wrong ? Nightmare ? »
Still no answer from Yasuo. Not even a noise except his breathing, recovered little by little. As Yi was starting to really grow worried, a move came. The latter hugged him, face nuzzling his neck in such small distance. The embrace, the small noise of relief, the strenght used, all showed it wasn't so fine right then.
Yi accepted him back, calming him down.
« Yup yup yup. Nightmare, haha. Sorry for all this, guess I woke you up. » Said in a breath, too fast to seem like his casual self.
That attempt to seem unbothered was noticed but Yi said nothing at first. Just held him closer.
« Not your fault, not you fault. » Maybe it would be enough to convince him. « Do you need anything ? Water ? »
« Uh, yes. Feel a bit like dying of thirst. » That was already better to hear.
Since Yi had seen that coming, he merely had to get the pitcher left nearby. Though, it required to switch a light on, at least.
« I'l switch on the light. In three, two, one. » Then he did, shielding himself for a short time to get used to it.
Now Yi could get out of bed and pour a glass of water for the poor man. Yasuo accepted it gladly, squinting as he tried to get used to the light in the room. While he was at it, Yi looked how he was doing. Noticed that now he stayed as much as he could under the blanket.
Once he had his fill, Yasuo was fast to curl under the blanket again. Yes, he's cold now.
Back to bed, Yi switched the light off and hoped it would get better. Immediately, he found himself securely hugged, strong arms all over him. Yasuo even went to seek each possible contact, legs tangled with his.
Light laugh in the comfort of the dark. « Are you cold, love ? »
« Yes. » Spoken low, so close to him. « Fine ? »
« I don't mind, and love cuddles anyway. Now rest, you need it. »
Felt the nod, from how close they were at the moment. Then a kiss, warm lips pressed against his neck. For this, Yi shivered a little. But nothing as strong than what took Yasuo from time to time. Even as he seemed rather calm, he was trembling. Seeking warmth, basking in it.
Despite the sad cause of this, Yi enjoyed it. The excuse to hug tighter.