"Nagisa Sensei?"

Nagisa lowers his book, looking at his student. "Are you alright?"

Watanabe's face screws up as she looks down at the paper in front of her. "I'm kind of confused."

Called to action, he gets up, sliding into the empty desk beside her. "Hit me."

She looks at him. "This whole 'transience of beauty' thing. I don't get it. Like, I understand what it means. But why do people… like it?"

"Well…" Nagisa thinks for a moment. "I think it's complicated. You know how special it feels when the cherry blossoms are out?" She nods. "Imagine if they were always like that. They wouldn't really be so special anymore, right? The part that makes things like that stand out to us is the fact that it only happens for a short amount of time. In fact, it's usually the shortest things, whether that's an object or an experience, that leave the biggest impressions."

"I think it's better when things last," she shrugs.

He gets that. "It's a balancing act, really. When things are just normal… some people would say that makes them less."

Watanabe shakes her head. "Those people are stupid, then. If you can't see how good normal actually is."

"Maybe I should make you write an essay about it," he jokes.

Something about her words strikes a bit of concern in him, though. Nagisa suddenly feels unsure… although it's been quite some time since he was thirteen, he knows that kids that age sometimes speak with a certain dark depth because they think it makes them cool or something. But he's not sure that's quite what's going on with her. It's not quite bloodlust in her eyes… but something else sinister.

He knocks himself out of it. She's barely even a teenager. She's probably just saying things. And yet… Nagisa finds himself tuning into his senses properly anyway. It's something he's learnt quite a lot of control for, over the years. He can ignore it when he wants to, but other times, if he really focuses… There's no malicious intent that he can read from her, at least, but there is something unsettling there.

"Death isn't beautiful," she says.

Nagisa blinks, and he remembers exactly where he is. "I'd have to agree with you there."

He lets her get back on with her work, but rather than resuming his book, he ends up observing her. There's just something chilling. As though she's not just thinking, she's speaking from experience. But in what way? Nagisa really can't be sure. Maybe it relates to her incident a little while ago, the reason she's even skipping out on PE.

"Watanabe san," he says with a sudden burst of conviction. "I want you to know that you can talk to me about anything you like. And I know how that must sound," he winces, "but I really do mean it. No matter what it is, I've definitely seen worse, and I can be a good listener sometimes."

She stares at him for a moment. "Alright."

But it's not enough. He scribbles down his phone number, and hands it over to her. "I mean it. But this is only in emergencies."

There's something not quite right about this, he knows that, but this is what his instincts are telling him. There's only so much he, a mere human, is capable of. As always, his mind drifts to Korosensei. Flying at Mach 20 had a few benefits, and that included being able to help him when he really needed it. Nagisa can't travel at such speeds at every hour of the day… but at least he can do this. Even if he knows it's very much against protocol, there's this feeling in his gut.

The bell rings, though.

By the time the rest of the day has passed, the whole thing migrates somewhat to the back of his mind. After then it's home briefly, a quick shower, and then heading out the door again. Nagisa can't say he minds this routine, though. He feels like maybe he should, all things considered, but really, when it comes down to it…

He shows up at Karma's house with good timing. Not too late, but not too early. That is, as it usually goes between them anyway. Though, when he rings the doorbell, it seems to take a good amount of time for him to actually answer it. Is something wrong?

"Hey," Karma's still pulling a grin, despite Nagisa's concerns.

"Hi," Nagisa meets his eyes for a moment, before pulling them away to take off his shoes.

Recently, he's felt more frantic whenever they meet, like he has to get his clothes off as soon as possible. But right now… he's not really getting that. Not that he minds. They're still friends after all! Well… whatever that is for them nowadays. The point is, it's not like every part of their interactions needs to be sex based.

But still…

"Are you okay?" Nagisa asks a few minutes later, sitting on his sofa after some silence.

"Of course," Karma says, "why wouldn't I be?"

There's something off about him though. He looks… tired? Almost? Not necessarily angry or else affected like that by anything, just… maybe weary is the right word. Nagisa shifts uncomfortably. Karma finishes work later than him, and he knows for a fact that his work days are far more stressful than Nagisa's. If he feels under some sort of obligation to see him in those rare off times…

Nagisa doesn't know what exactly to do, though. He'd feel bad if he just ignored it. But everything else seems weird for them, especially if his verbal questions will just be dismissed. Maybe he should just kiss him or something. But it doesn't feel like the mood for that, and that would probably just lead to them definitely ignoring it.

"Were you watching something just now?" Nagisa looks over at the TV.

"Nothing important," Karma shrugs.

Is TV usually important? "Oh," Nagisa lets out.

But apparently Karma's decided to give up. "Just One Piece reruns. It was on a random channel."

Now that is a warning sign. Instantly, Nagisa's staring at him with the most subtle yet intense detail he can pull off. Karma's not exactly what you'd call an anime fanboy, at least not really. And if he ever is, he'll claim there's something about the cinematography. But One Piece? Most of all, that's a childhood comfort for him. Nagisa's established that he doesn't know the minor, practical facts about Karma's life too well, but he does know him. Whether Karma's actually aware of it or not, he only watches One Piece when there's something really wrong with him.

When he was waiting on the results of his university admission, he had a solid three day marathon.

"I don't mind," Nagisa says, "if you want to turn it back on."

Karma's shoulders slump at that, and he does it almost like he's been ordered to. But Nagisa continues to watch him. He's going to have a hell of a time actually figuring out what is wrong. Not that he needs to know, necessarily, but he's already committed to it at this point. And Karma's definitely not the type to freely discuss his feelings.

He's shocked, then, when he feels Karma's head on his shoulder. This is new.

Admittedly, Nagisa panics a little. It's rare he sees Karma like this as it is, but this isn't something he does. Maybe it's his own way of comfort, if he doesn't want to use his words? Nagisa decides not to acknowledge it, if Karma wants to rest on him. It feels like he should do something, though? He's not sure what… the only ideas he has involve patting him on the head, or else wrapping his arm around his shoulders. But those seem incredibly 'boyfriendish', so.

Considering that Nagisa doesn't exactly have a lot of muscle there, and his shoulders are therefore kind of boney and not the most comfortable, Karma slips off him eventually. Though, rather than sitting up again, his head actually lands in his lap. Is he asleep or something? Nagisa doesn't think so, based on his breathing. But this is definitely new.

When Nagisa nervously reaches and touches his hair, Karma doesn't react much. Debating it, he lets his hand rest there, only indulging in just the slightest amount of stroking. His hair just feels so nice between his fingers! It's kind of a funny position, though, with Karma turning so he's mostly lying on the sofa, though he's too tall for it and his legs are half dangling off the end.

Nagisa's just about ready to question if he's really going to have to sit there and watch One Piece in silence for an unknown period of time, but then his hand strays a little, and he feels the heat on Karma's forehead.

"You-you're really hot?"

Karma turns his head slightly, looking up at him blearily. Though, he gives him a dazed kind of smile. "Thanks, but you're hotter."

Nagisa ignores that, pressing his hand to his temple properly. "You're burning up! You didn't say anything about being sick?"

"I'm not," he groans, and sits up properly. "I'm just, kind of worn out from work."

"Stay there," Nagisa almost orders, "I'm getting you water."

Karma does actually follow the instruction. It doesn't take long for Nagisa to fill up a glass and hand it to him, but now he's unsure of where to go from there. He's never really seen Karma get sick. Well, that wasn't his own fault from alcohol at least. Fluids are important, he's already got that covered. Maybe he should figure out if he's actually running a fever or not? And medicine!

"Where's your medicine?" He asks

Karma gives him a flat look. "I said I'm fine-"

"Where?"

"I don't have any," he turns his head, almost in slight shame. "I don't need that stuff."

Nagisa glares. "You at least have a thermometer, right?"

Silence.

"Right?"

"If I get sick, I just sleep it off for a day."

He's unbelievable. Karma, who seems to be weirdly domestically talented in certain areas, has no means to really take care of himself. Has he been lucky enough to never get the flu before? Maybe Nagisa's overreacting a little, and maybe he's using his teacher voice a little bit too much, but this feels important.

Or maybe it's because nobody's shown him how to take care of being sick before.

That thought sending a chill through Nagisa's body, he's filled with determination. "You need to rest, at least. Let's go to bed-"

Karma lets out a mixture between a cough and a laugh. "But if you come to bed with me, I won't be resting."

If Karma thinks flirting with him will get him out of this, then he has another thing coming. "Fine, but at least lie out on the sofa. And watch something relaxing."

"What, One Piece isn't relaxing?"

"I mean, if you think so…"

He appears to think about it for a moment. "I want to watch a movie."

Nagisa finds himself waiting patiently, as Karma digs around in his DVD collection. Can't they just find something on Netflix or something? Though, with how much Karma privately likes movies, he might consider a question like that blasphemy. It's almost painful to watch, though, as he's clearly shaking and unsteady. At least he relaxes himself on the sofa afterwards, again using Nagisa's lap as a pillow apparently.

"Lost In Translation?" Nagisa asks sceptically.

Karma just shifts slightly. "You haven't seen it."

He's not entirely sure why this is his choice. Even though there are subtitles, a couple of hours of English are probably the last thing Nagisa would want to hear whilst sick. So it must be a pretty good movie? Not that Nagisa really gets that. For the most part, it just seems to be two very boring American characters going to a couple of places in the city, mixed around some weird romance plotline, which feels kind of off-putting given their clear age gap.

Karma's actually paying a lot of attention to it, though, and since he owns a physical copy he must thing it's good for some reason. Maybe it's just because Nagisa's more of a fan of action, rather than romances with confusing but apparently meaningful storylines. It's also pretty long, and by the conclusion, he realises there's not much movement from Karma at all.

He should be glad that he's sleeping, right? That's definitely the goal here, as opposed to anything else. Nagisa manages, using all of his grace, to slip out from under him, setting Karma's head down gently on the cushion. But now what? Nagisa should probably just leave and let him sleep, surely, but then guilt comes rushing through him. He can't be comfortable, if he sleeps for a long time in this position… plus he clearly doesn't have the means to actually look after himself.

Maybe it's even worse, but he really hopes Karma won't mind when he digs around in his jacket pocket for a moment, finds a set of keys, and takes them. It will be a while, if he faces any backlash, before that can even happen anyway. Considering he's overall doing a good thing… he decides to slip out of the apartment, locking the door behind him.

He's not going to go far, of course. There's a Seven Eleven barely five minutes away. All he needs is just a few supplies. Once he feels the air on his face, he feels a tiny bit better in himself. But that's what happens at a time like this, Nagisa's always functioned best when there's a goal.

"Ah, Nagisa kun," Hisaishi san says, letting herself down from the last step out of the building. "How are you?"

Nagisa swallows down all the shame he associates with seeing her. "I'm doing great, thank you."

She looks at him curiously. "You seem to be in a hurry?"

He's at least glad she's not bringing up the apology letter. "Karma's sick," he admits, "I was going to pick up some things."

Hisaishi san gives him a smile. "I needed to buy some vegetables. Walk with me."

Nagisa doesn't exactly have a problem with that, not really. Even though he's sure neither of them need an escort, it feels a little nicer to have some kind of company. Plus, despite all the embarrassment, there's something about her presence that makes him feel relaxed for whatever reason.

"So," she says, "he's sick?"

Nagisa nods. "I don't know what from."

She hums. "From the sounds of things, he works hard. Maybe it's stress."

The thought makes Nagisa's stomach turn. "I hope not."

"He should be careful about that," she appears to think aloud. "I see it far too often in your generation. It's like you're born, you grow, and then you work to die." She looks at him properly then. "Japan was a very different place, when I was young. I had a normal secretary job at a time, but I didn't see the point. What exactly was I working for? So I found my own way through life… It just seems that the light dims out far faster than it used to nowadays. But anyway, let's not be morbid, hm?"

Nagisa feels chilled at her words, but simply nods along as they enter the store. For some reason, he finds himself essentially shopping with her, but that's fine too. He's after a pretty random assortment of ingredients anyway. Bonito flakes, spring onions, tofu, miso paste, energy jelly, a thermometer… It must seem pretty random. He also thinks about it, and throws in a carton of strawberry milk because why not?

"It looks like you're taking good care of him," Hisaishi san says, after she's paid for her own shopping.

He's not sure if it's a compliment. "He's passed out on his sofa. I couldn't just leave him like that."

"You're both pretty stubborn, aren't you?"

His face morphs in confusion. "Excuse me?"

She waves him off lightly. "I don't mean to pry. It's just not a dynamic I see work often, so it's interesting to me. Fire burns fire if you're not careful…" she looks up at the sky. "And you will be careful."

There's nothing much else to say after that, until they make their way to the apartments. Nagisa doesn't have much of a response for that. He's never thought of himself as stubborn. Or related himself to fire either. Karma's neighbour really is a nice woman, he gets that, but he wishes she'd be less cryptic sometimes.

Karma's exactly where he left him, at least.

Perhaps it's bad, but Nagisa un packets the thermometer like a weapon. It's only an ear one, at least, so it should be pretty easy to use. Nagisa's very good at sneaking up silently, and soon enough he's right by Karma's side, thermometer ready to go. He's gentle, of course, not wanting to hurt him in anyway. When it clicks with a reading, though, he's almost disappointed. Predictably, it's pretty high. At least it's not hospital high?

Nagisa's content to just let him sleep, anyway, as he sorts out his bag of items. He's watched Karma cook enough times to have a vague idea of the layout of his kitchen, and it's not like Nagisa's about to do anything particularly complicated. Losing most of his qualms about messing with his stuff at this point, he decides to just get down to it.

The thing is, he's not a chef at all, but he is pretty decent at making a traditional breakfast – namely because he did it almost every morning as a teenager. That, more often than not, involved miso soup, which also tends to be a great option for when you're sick. Plus, it's only a few simple ingredients, so it wasn't too bad to buy.

He starts by making the dashi broth, which couldn't be much easier if he tried. Thankfully, Karma has a proper stove top, and it's easy to control the heat as he pours water and a couple of slits of kombu into a saucepan and watches it heat up. Honestly, he doesn't really cook this for himself, but it comes back to him like muscle memory. Wait until you see some bubbles, remove it from the heat, remove the kombu add the flakes. Once they've sunk to the bottom of the saucepan, he strains it over a sieve lined with a paper towel. There's more than he'll really need, but dashi is a useful ingredient, so he's sure Karma won't really mind.

Nagisa wonders if he's eaten anything, even. Probably not, right? He winces, before rummaging around in his cupboard. If only Karma owned less… exotic ingredients. At least he does seem appear to own some sort of generic rice. And, thankfully, it seems even Karma doesn't consider himself above owning a normal rice cooker either. With that done, and the dashi strained, he supposes he may as well get on with the rest of it.

But then, oof.

"What are you doing?" Karma asks, voice clearly strained with sleep, basically leaning his entire body weight on him.

Nagisa squirms out of it. "I'm making soup."

Karma cocks his head. "Why?"

"It'll make you feel better," Nagisa gestures, spoon in hand.

Karma, on the other hand, looks like he's staring at some kind of mirage. "Hm."

"You look terrible," Nagisa says, "go lie down again."

Karma groans, looking like he really doesn't like that plan. "But-"

"In your bed," his tone is firm. "Otherwise you'll hurt your neck or something. I'll be there soon, I promise."

Looking slightly dejected, he walks off like he's been scolded. And perhaps he has. Nagisa really didn't mean to sound harsh. Well, he's sure Karma will end up appreciating it when he feels better, if not right now. Nagisa's only got his best interests at heart, after all. And that includes plain rice and soup.

He pours the strained dashi into the saucepan again, and brings it to a boil. Then, a small amount at a time to make sure it dissolves properly, he adds the miso paste. Judging the amount isn't the easiest thing, but he has a decent enough eye for it. After that, he adds just a few small chunks of tofu, and some chopped spring onions. From the smell, at least, it seems like a pretty decent effort. Conveniently, that's about the time the rice cooker beeps at him, too.

He makes sure not to spill anything, traversing his way to Karma's bedroom. He's still completely dressed, but at least he is actually lying out on the bed, looking incredibly dazed. Well… maybe eating something will help. He perks up, at the very least, when Nagisa walks in. Though, that's probably more of a response to the food.

"You really cooked," he looks down at the dishes dumbly.

"I do know how to," Nagisa defends. "Anyway, you should eat it before it gets cold."

There's something glassy in Karma's eyes, but he nods, accepting the soup first. He sighs, drinking it down. Maybe it's a little weird to just watch him eat, but Nagisa doesn't really have anything else to do. And maybe he's just a tiny bit pleased that Karma doesn't just spit it out in disgust. He always cooks amazing food for him, as it is, so it feels fair that he can at least give him something edible. Besides, once he's done with that, it's pretty hard to mess up cooking rice.

"There's more soup," Nagisa eyes his empty bowl, "if you want it."

A grain of rice is stuck to Karma's lips. "Maybe later."

Nagisa almost tells him about it, but ultimately doesn't. "You should also have some Vitamin C," he says, handing over the energy jelly, "if you refuse to take actual medicine."

Karma doesn't thank him, but he puts the rice bowl on his nightstand when he's finished, digging into the packet of jelly. Nagisa's not sure how good those things actually are for you, but they do taste good, even though the semi-liquid texture can be kind of weird. It's strange, but he almost feels better on Karma's behalf after everything.

Then, he frowns. "Where did you get this?"

"I went out," he admits, "you were asleep for a while."

Karma doesn't seem to remember. "Oh."

"I also thought you'd want this," he presents the strawberry milk shyly. "I'm not sure if it's even still your favourite, but…"

A real smile breaks on his face as he takes that, too, and sips it down with a heavy sigh. Now Nagisa really doesn't know what to do. How to be helpful? He's made sure he's had something to eat, and now he's in bed… That's pretty much it, isn't it? Clearly, Karma just really needs to sleep, and Nagisa doesn't need to be here for that.

"You shouldn't sleep like that," Nagisa gestures his clothed form.

"Second draw," Karma just says plainly.

That sets a spike of nerves through him. Though he's sure Karma won't have anything particularly weird and incriminating in his dresser, it still feels like a lot to be rummaging through it. Even though he's basically been given direct permission at this point… It's only weird if Nagisa makes it weird, right?

Hoping he won't judge his selection of pyjamas, he makes a blind grab for some basic looking bottoms and a plain T shirt. He'll be fine from here, won't he? He puts them down on the end of the bed, but Karma makes no effort to move, just blinking slowly, almost like he's zoning out. Before Nagisa can stop himself, he crosses over to him, offering a hand for him to take, and just about pull himself up to his feet.

"You can barely stand," Nagisa comments, mostly just verbalising his own thoughts.

Karma just groans, swaying as he attempts it.

Nagisa bites his lip, fills himself with conviction, and reaches for Karma's torso. He has to tiptoe to get a good grip on it, but he manages to loosen his tie, and then pull it off. It's not like Nagisa's never undressed him before, even though this is a completely different context. He feels somewhat alarmed, though, at how caked in sweat his shirt is once he's unbuttoned it and got it off. The trousers come next, though Nagisa does everything he can to not linger with it, which leaves Karma in just his underwear. But the amount of sweat… that'll be pretty gross, won't it?

"You should probably get in the shower," Nagisa swallows, and then instructs.

He basically has to lead him there, and it's almost like they're doing some kind of blindfolded trust exercise. At least, this might help with the fever? Nagisa tests the temperature, making sure the water is lukewarm. Making it too cold would do the opposite of help, and a hot shower isn't good in this situation either.

Nagisa really hesitates, then, as Karma stares at him dumbly. It feels really awful to be doing this. As much as he believes Karma does trust him, and it's nothing he hasn't already seen multiple times at this point, it still feels wrong to be undressing him when he's clearly not entirely lucid. Still, Nagisa does his best to avert his eyes, and strips his underwear off, pushing him gently under the spray.

If he had to compare Karma to anything, it would be a wounded puppy, with the almost pathetic expression he shoots his way. Nagisa could just leave him now, but he's kind of worried he'll slip over or something. Considering the way he's swaying… Though, apparently Nagisa stands there just a little too long, before something in Karma's face shifts, and suddenly he's yanking him, still in possession of his physical strength, right under the spray with him.

"Argh!" Nagisa yelps, because how else is he meant to react to being dragged suddenly under the water?

Karma manages to laugh, but only weakly. It's almost heart shattering. Nagisa can't even really be mad.

Just perfect.

At least, even though he's now apparently a part of this shower, it's not so far gone that he needs to assist in the washing part. No, as it turns out, he's like a glorified post for Karma to steady his stance on. Nagisa can't say it's the worst thing ever, but it would have been a lot better if he wasn't fully clothed for the experience. Not that Karma holding his shoulders in a death grip is a sexy concept, exactly, more that his clothes wouldn't have to be sacrificed.

So as not to drip water over Karma's entire apartment, Nagisa's basically forced to strip off his own clothes, though he leaves his boxer briefs on. Meanwhile, he manages to get a towel wrapped around Karma's waist, and guides him back to the bedroom, sitting him gently on the end of the bed. Is this what it was like, those times Karma broke him to the point he could barely even speak?

He forgoes finding new underwear for him. Pyjamas are one thing, but Nagisa's definitely going to draw the line at rummaging around through that draw. At the very least, Karma does appear capable of drying himself. Though that leaves Nagisa still half naked and dripping wet himself. Considering it's February… he's also kind of cold.

"Fourth draw," Karma finally says this time, "jumpers."

He swings around, semi crawling as he reaches for the pyjamas and works on getting them on for himself. That's good, at least? Nagisa turns his head nervously, not fully sure what he's implying, before he realises. Nagisa can't put his own clothes on. Unless he wants to sit around like this… he has to borrow. His cheeks turn red immediately. Wearing Karma's clothes? He forces himself not to look, blindly selecting the first item he can, which is about medium weight, and a plain muted maroon colour. It smells kind of nice…

He shakes his head, casting that thought out immediately. Well, as a temporary solution, it's not that bad. When he throws it over his head, embarrassingly it's so big that the hem only stops about mid thigh, and the arms are just their own kind of ridiculous. Now more than ever, he hates how much taller Karma is. It also means any kind of trousers are an immediate write off, because Karma's legs are significantly long.

Basically every part of him is just that. Long. And there's only one part that actually benefits.

Anyway, Nagisa really should go now, right? Except… his clothes are now wet, so he's not sure how that's going to go for him. He figures Karma won't die in a minute or two, at least, so he crosses back over to the bathroom again. Thankfully, Karma's apartment is fancy enough to also come with a dryer. Nagisa has more priorities than worrying about his clothes, at this point, so he just tosses them all in, cringing at the fact it'll take a couple of hours.

Karma seems to have finally come to some sort of sense, because he's tucked himself under the covers at least, curled up in a nice restful position. So Nagisa knows it's best to just let him sleep, now. Even if he's now kind of stuck here… he's done all he really can with the nursing. He'll… just go and sit in the living room or something

"Nagisa," he says weakly, "c'm 'ere."

He goes to his side. "Are you okay?"

Considering it happened just minutes ago, Nagisa really should have seen it coming. But still, somehow, Karma manages to get one better on him and yank him down by his wrist, so he lands next to him roughly on the mattress. There's only so much his pity for a sick person will stretch…

Karma slings an arm over him, though, so it seems like he has no intentions of letting Nagisa go anyway.

"You need to rest," Nagisa says again.

Karma groans into his shoulder. "You're such a buzzkill."

"Was there even a buzz to begin with?"

He doesn't get an answer, other than Karma essentially snuggling up to him, head finding a place in the space between his shoulder and his own head. It forces Nagisa's chin into an awkward position, since he has to make room, but he supposes he's okay with it. The most important thing is that Karma actually relaxes, and if this is how he wants to react.

"Nagisa~" he draws out. "Pay attention to me."

Nagisa shifts with what little space he has. "How am I not paying attention to you?"

"Hey Nagisa," he says again, "is it hot in here? Or is it just you?"

So they've cycled back around to the flirting now? "You're the one with a fever here."

"Nagisa," he pokes him this time. "That jumper looks great on you… as a matter of fact, so would I."

He ignores him.

"I think my dick just died, can I bury it in your ass?"

Maybe he shrieks at this one, sitting up, more than a little scandalised. "This is not relaxing!"

Karma just snickers, which turns into another cough again. "But it is making me feel better."

"Hmph."

He wraps his arms around his waist, tugging him back down again. "That's the point, right, nurse?"

How did this end with his embarrassment? "I'm never doing anything nice for you again."

Karma squeezes him tighter. "Does that mean no cooking?"

"…Maybe."

He doesn't say anything else for a moment, and when Nagisa checks, he's somehow completely knocked out again. How does that work?! Whatever. Nagisa decidedly likes him better when he's not talking.

…That's not exactly always the case. In fact, Karma has moods sometimes where he just doesn't feel like talking at all. They're a lot less common nowadays, or so Nagisa thinks. But definitely when they were younger, walking to the station with him after school, it would always be Nagisa talking, trying to fill the space, with Karma just commenting here or there. It's better when he feels like having an actual conversation. If only it didn't have to be quite like this.

Additionally, with Karma's tight grip surrounding him, he's absolutely stuck in this position. Perhaps he could try and worm his way out, if he really put his mind to it, but he doesn't want to disturb his rest. It's not like Nagisa can go anywhere without his actual clothes, anyway. It does mean he's pretty much limited to just lying here, though. Staring at the ceiling is far from a good way to pass the time. If anything, it just makes him think too hard.

The alternative would pretty much just be watching Karma sleep, though, and that would be creepy.

He wakes up again eventually, though Nagisa's not fully sure how long that actually is. Except this time, he honestly looks even worse somehow. He's sweating visibly from his forehead, at least, and he won't stop shivering. There's not much Nagisa can do, aside from tucking the covers in better, but he still hates to watch it.

His eyes flash open, wild and alert in appearance, though he knows better. "Water," he gets out.

"It's on the side table," Nagisa says gently.

With his new found freedom, he pulls himself up, and traverses over to the bathroom. The machine is still running, which means there's some time left on his clothes. That's not his current priority, though. He rummages for a second, before finding a small flannel, and rinsing it under the cool water. He's not sure how much it will actually help… but maybe it will feel nice.

"I think this will help," he says, and thankfully Karma lets him rest it on his forehead.

"You left," he says, accusingly, like there's some weight to it.

Nagisa swallows. "Only to the bathroom."

"Stay," he practically commands.

A weird smile creeps onto Nagisa's face. "I'm here right now, aren't I?"

Karma peels an eye open, almost like he doesn't believe him. "You're not going anywhere next weekend."

"Huh?"

His face falls. "I didn't ask you yet?"

Nagisa cocks his head. "Ask me what?"

Karma groans dramatically. "It's a whole thing, Nagisa! My boss… and his divorce… depressed about his valentines plans being cancelled. So I took them off him since they were going! And now," he points a finger, like that'll prove a point, "we're going to an onsen."

"We?"

"Mmhmm," he nods. "It's a luxury resort we don't have to pay for. Of course you're coming."

So not only did Karma… not actually invite him to this 'plan', but now he's also accepting it on his behalf? That is, if this even exists in the first place. For all Nagisa knows, this is the ramblings of a mad man, and it's all some kind of elaborate fever dream. Though, the logistics appear to make too much sense to just be plucked out of nowhere?

Unfortunately, Nagisa ends up falling into it. "Why?"

"Did you hear 'luxury resort'?"

He shifts. "But why would you want me to come?"

Karma looks at him like he's stupid. "It would be a little pathetic if I just went alone."

Maybe that's true.

"Besides," Karma grabs his hand, lurching forward, and gazes at him with his eyes almost sparkling like he's about to sing a love ballad or something. "Hotel sex is fun and there's no way you'll agree to a love hotel, so."

So this is some weird part of his education plan? "I-"

"It's a practical trip," he nods to himself.

Nagisa's really not sure about this. But Karma's giving him literal puppy dog eyes… "Okay."

He practically grins from ear to ear, before shuddering again, a seriously pained look on his face. Nagisa springs forth with concern instantly, supporting his back to make him lie down flat again, though he keeps his head propped up on the pillows. Karma's such a contradiction… it's near irritating at times.

Maybe he's banking on him not remembering any of this.

"Be careful," Nagisa tries to make it gentle. "It's okay if you need to sleep."

Karma sighs. "I don't want to sleep."

Then what does he want, to play charades?

Nagisa just looks at him for a moment. "I'm not sure you have a choice?"

Karma just groans, and rolls over, mumbling something.

"What was that?"

Nagisa has to lean in close to actually hear him, and which point he's basically kneeling at his bedside. "Cold."

He presses his lips tight together. "You're pretty wrapped up already."

"But you're here."

Nagisa blinks. "You really want…"

Apparently, even sick out of his mind like this, Karma can't actually say it. He just gestures, and Nagisa ends up following. It's different to how they were before, though. If Karma wants his heat… It feels really awkward, but Nagisa ends up behind him, chest pressed to his back. With their height difference, there's no real way for Nagisa to cover him properly, but maybe this will do.

"I don't know how to do this," Nagisa admits, but it seems to go unheard.

He's never held anyone before. Maybe it would be better if Karma wasn't clearly feverish… One arm wraps over him, doing the holding part, but what's he meant to do with his other one? If he tries to connect them, won't he just cut off his circulation? It's also a little awkward trying to find somewhere for his head. He ends up having to squirm further up the mattress, and figures Karma's shoulder is a good enough place.

But now what? Nagisa squints as he thinks, trying to place what they're doing. He's… comforting Karma right now. If this is what he wants. He tries squeezing him a little firmer, and his hand seems to have a mind of its own, stroking slowly against his arm. He's not sure if that's right or not, but it's the only part of this that feels natural.

"Will you stay until I fall asleep?" It's almost a whisper.

"I promise."

This time, it seems to take quite some time for him to sleep again. Nagisa can tell from his breathing, even if he doesn't have the position to really check. He can also feel the way the tension from his body just drops all of a sudden, and he seems to press back into him more. For a moment, Nagisa feels like he could join him.

But then he comes to his senses.

Karma asked him to stay until he fell asleep. Until implies that request has a time limit. And here Nagisa is… maintaining things. Slowly, when he's sure that Karma definitely isn't going to stir, he manages to free himself from the position. In his sleep, Karma curls into himself, as though he's trying to maintain the warmth, and something in Nagisa aches.

He drifts into the living room, where his bag still is, and finally digs his phone out. It's then that he gets a look at the time, and his heart sinks into his stomach. The final train of the night will be due in five minutes or so. There's no way he can make it to the station in that time. So what? Splash out on a taxi or something? They won't resume again until 4am…

Maybe he should stay for just a little bit longer, just in case Karma wakes up again.

Nagisa would feel bad leaving things like this, anyway. He creeps back into the bedroom, where Karma looks peaceful at least, and grabs the bowls from his side table. Of course, Nagisa knows to clean as he cooks, but there's still some things displaced in the kitchen too. Though, doing the dishes isn't an activity that lasts for hours.

He hesitates for a moment, oddly displaced, before he ends up in the bedroom again. Things were never really put into order, and the light is still on. So Nagisa decides to fix it, before finally returning to his original position. It is winter after all, and the heat of Karma's body is nice. But despite everything, Nagisa knows he can't sleep.

So then he should lie like this for hours?

An indefinite amount of time later, he flicks on the lamp, and decides he may as well just read to pass the time. It's probably better than just staring into the abyss of his phone, anyway. He's about halfway through the story, so he's shocked when a proposal happens, and when it's rejected – though he doesn't really blame her by the sounds of things.

The way they just dance around their feelings… it's kind of frustrating.

Even if he can't sleep, though, Nagisa's still exhausted. And with the plot of his book getting more… complicated, his concentration starts to wain some. At least Karma hasn't woken up again. Nagisa tests the situation cautiously, reaching over to feel his head again. It's definitely not quite as bad as it was before. He goes to retrieve the thermometer and confirms it. It's still a little high… but much closer to normal range. Good.

Karma looks a lot more peaceful, too. It's kind of irritating, actually. Nagisa would have preferred it if he snored super loud, or if he drooled, or if his face contorted into some weird position. Of course, it's not like he hasn't slept in the same room as Karma countless times before… albeit in a very different context… So he should already know all of this. But it's just occurring to him how he looks just as attractive as always, if not more so. With his facial features relaxed like this… he's cute.

At the thought, Nagisa forces himself to turn away again. This is crossing into a territory that's plainly wrong. Besides, his job is most definitely done, now the fever has passed. That's not to say Nagisa doesn't still find tasks for himself… such as setting Karma's phone on charge, and putting a fresh glass of water beside the bed.

He almost feels reluctant when goes to retrieve his clothes, putting his work trousers back on, and folding his shirt and other upper body items to go in his bag. Even though the jumper still does look ridiculous on him, at least he's now actually clothed. And, when he checks the time again, it's reasonable to start heading to the station.

This is for the best, right?

He does find himself lingering in the doorway of the bedroom, though, a lump in his throat. Should he check his temperature again? He decides against it, though he does send a text through to actually let him know that he left… in case he doesn't process that by the next time he wakes up. With the fever down… he'll surely be okay.

Nagisa nods, almost as if to affirm that for himself, and turns on his heel. The only things left are to put on his shoes, which doesn't take long at all, and to grab the keys again. Like that, suddenly he's braced with the night sky, and he only hesitates for a second before locking the door and posting the keys through the letterbox.

The empty darkness beckons.