Chapter 3: Never Gonna Leave This Bed

Summary: In which Akashi sees Furihata's tears, and doesn't.

Furihata is in trouble.

"Where were you last Friday?"

Akashi isn't even looking at him and Furihata already feels chills all over his skin.

In over two years that Furihata has spent with Akashi, Furihata has never missed a day without telling Akashi beforehand. He will always turn up every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evening without fail – and if not, then Akashi would've been informed of his absence at least two days prior.

But this past Friday, Furihata just disappeared. There were no warnings, not even the slightest hint of one, nothing; until half an hour past their usual meeting time when the Akashi household received a phone call telling them that Furihata would not be coming. Akashi, who had been waiting by the piano with newly-printed Yiruma scores, had crossed his arms and narrowed his eyes dangerously when he heard the news. He was not impressed. At all. How dare, Kouki.

Which is why on Monday, when Furihata finally shows up, Akashi doesn't spare him a glance. Not even one single look since Furihata has stepped through the door. Akashi's eyes are fixated on an open book on his desk, refusing to acknowledge Furihata's presence with anything but his voice.

"So? Where were you?" Akashi's voice is flat, toneless, disinterested as he flips a page of the book with one precise movement of his index finger.

"U-um, I'm really sorry about that, Seijuuro-kun," Furihata dips his body in a small bow, "I was really sick last Friday so I couldn't come see you."

Akashi's eyes slowly flit up to look at him. "You were... sick?"

"Y-yes, with the flu – and I didn't want to pass it to Sei-kun, too, you see."

A very reasonable explanation. Which, honestly, Akashi rather expected because, of course, Furihata wouldn't just skip out on him without good reason. However, it being a good reason also means that Akashi can't really be mad at Furihata now, either. Hence, Akashi is left hanging in a strange limbo of still feeling quite annoyed that Furihata didn't come see him, whilst on the other hand, feeling like he doesn't really have a legitimate reason to be annoyed. After all, part of the reason Furihata didn't turn up was for Akashi's own health and safety. Also, can he really blame Furihata for being unwell? It's not like Furihata wanted to get the flu. Being petulant about the entire ordeal is hardly appropriate.

And yet, Akashi is petulant.

He closes his book and crosses his arms, "I sat by the piano for thirty minutes waiting for your arrival."

"Ah- I'm really very sorry about that! I s-should've asked Mama to call earlier." Furihata bows deeper, guiltily.

"Yes, you should have."

"Ano... I'll make it up to you?" Furihata suggests, hopeful. In his mind, he is already picturing a huge pot of tofu soup and figuring how he's going to bring it over.

Akashi uncrosses his arms, a satisfied look on his unsmiling face. "Very well. You'll stay over tonight."

"Oka- e-eh?" Furihata blinks rapidly. This, he did not expect. "Tonight?"

"Yes, tonight. To make up for the time you missed last Friday."

"For the time I missed?"

"Yes," Akashi frowns. "I believe I am speaking clearly. Is there a problem, Kouki?"

Furihata scratches his head uncertainly, "Um- but I have to ask Mama first, tomorrow is a school day..."

"Then call her."

"O-okay. But, Sei-kun, your parents-"

"They won't mind." He says with unwavering confidence.

"And, um, w-where will I sleep?"

"My bedroom." Akashi says, like it's the most obvious thing.

"Wha- huh?" Furihata is gaping like a goldfish.

Akashi sighs. "My bedroom, Kouki. You're making me repeat myself an awful lot today."

"I- I'm sorry," Furihata murmurs, still not quite grasping the whole idea of this sudden surprise sleepover. Even though Furihata spends a lot of time with Akashi, he has never actually spent an entire night with him – at the Akashi mansion or otherwise. That is not the issue here, though. Furihata is perfectly comfortable spending extra time with Akashi; the only thing that bothers him is that he may be disturbing or troubling the Akashi household.

"Don't concern yourself over irrelevant matters," Akashi says when he sees Furihata fidgeting – it is almost like Akashi can read his mind. "Call your Mama. I will talk to her and explain the situation."

"A-alright," Furihata simply does as he's told. He has long since gotten used to taking orders from this little redheaded child who is less than half his age and size. It doesn't even feel unnatural anymore – and if Furihata is honest, it never really felt unnatural from the beginning. Some people just have that commanding air about them; those who are born to lead. Add to that a dangerously sharp mind with an impeccable ability to read people and you get one very intimidating Akashi Seijuuro.

It is only expected that Akashi gets what he wants. Always.

Thus, Furihata is not at all surprised when his mother is more than happy to let him stay over after only a few minutes of conversation with Akashi. Furihata can almost hear his mother's heart melting for 'young master Akashi', the little charmer prattling off until Mrs Furihata is literally offering to make him his favorite tofu soup everyday. Furihata makes a note to warn his mother not to spoil Akashi too much. Lord knows Akashi already gets plenty of that from just about everyone, Furihata included.

Akashi is the type of child who stares a lot.

To be fair, Akashi probably doesn't mean to stare. It is likely that Akashi just likes observing things in detail, which is why he looks at things for extended periods of time. Unfortunately, the boy was born with these large, round, deep crimson eyes which are so intense his mere looks become fixated, soul-piercing stares. Furihata is used to them to a certain extent – partly because he's oblivious to them more often than not – but sometimes, it's really hard to ignore.

Especially when Akashi is sitting right in front of him, their faces only a stretch of a hand away from each other, those demonic eyes boring right into him.

"Kouki looks different in pajamas."

"Eh? D-do I?"

They were both sitting cross-legged on the bed, facing each other. In Furihata's hand is a small towel which he is using to wipe Akashi's still-damp hair from the shower.

Akashi nods, "You look softer."

"Softer?"

"Milder. It is difficult to explain."

Akashi can most likely spend the whole ten minutes discussing with Furihata about how his hair looks fluffier right after it's been washed; how Furihata's face seem brighter and yet his eyes seem larger and deeper in the moonlight; how Furihata's skin, more exposed now in just a plain t-shirt and boxers than Akashi has ever seen before, is unexpectedly quite smooth and supple for someone who plays sports. The only things not so soft about Furihata's flesh are the tiny little hardened patches of skin on his palm.

Akashi grabs hold of one of Furihata's wrist and pulls his hand towards him for closer inspection. Gingerly, he runs his fingertip over a spot, his eyes flitting up to Furihata curiously.

"Calluses," Furihata explains, and continues with a beaming smile. "I got them from basketball practices."

Akashi blinks, "You seem proud."

"I am. They're almost like- battle scars. Evidence that I've worked hard."

"How unnecessarily cruel for a sport to ruin your hands like this." Akashi says, frowning down at Furihata's palm.

Furihata only chuckles, "I'm not a girl. I don't need to keep my hands soft for some guy to hold."

"You can keep them soft for me, then."

"Huh?"

Now it's Furihata's turn to stare at Akashi, not really understanding what the boy meant by that. He can't possibly mean what Furihata is thinking, right? Despite all his quirks making him seem much more mature than his age, Akashi is still only a child. Considering that, it's unlikely that he would-

"Kouki. My hair is dry enough." Akashi suddenly says, interrupting Furihata's thoughts.

"Ah- that's right. Are you sleepy, Sei-kun? It's past your bedtime, we should turn off the lights."

"Go ahead."

Furihata switches off the lights, instantly swallowing the room in darkness. Furihata fumbles his way back to the bed before slipping under the duvet next to Akashi. Akashi's bed is king-sized – of course it is – and easily accommodates two people. Furihata had offered to sleep on the floor earlier in the night but Akashi simply told him not to be ridiculous and that his bed is perfectly suitable for fitting two people comfortably.

"It would be more of a hassle to get out a futon," Akashi had said – and Furihata had no more arguments to make after that.

As soon as Furihata settles under the duvet, Akashi rolls towards him and lies on his side right next to him, close enough that they'll touch if either one moves, but no skin contact is actually made. Not yet.

"You smell good." Akashi comments, his little nose twitching like a bunny.

"Eh? Thank you. I just used Sei-kun's soap and shampoo, though."

"It's not the same on you."

"Really?" Furihata tugs up his own t-shirt to take a sniff. He can't smell anything at all. "Hm. I wonder."

"What?"

"One second-"

What happens next occurs really quickly, a matter of seconds, but to Akashi it feels like minutes – every minuscule moment stretching out.

Furihata edges closer and touches the back of Akashi's head with one hand, before he leans over and buries the tip of his nose in Akashi's hair. He inhales, slowly, before he retreats with a satisfied hum.

"Hmm. I think Sei-kun smells much nicer."

Akashi is as still as stone. Completely unmoving. If the room is just the slightest bit lighter then Furihata will have seen Akashi's red eyes wide and bewildered – unblinking as he lay there, actually properly staring at Furihata, as motionless as a doll.

"Sei-kun?" Furihata calls out softly, curiously, when Akashi goes silent. "Have you fallen asleep already?"

Akashi remains quiet, though he does move.

"Eh..?" Furihata blinks, surprised when he feels a soft body curling up against him.

"I'm still awake." Akashi mumbles on Furihata's shirt.

Furihata cannot help the wide, delightful smile that pops up on his face knowing that Akashi has moved closer to him intentionally. Generally, it's already quite cute when children do these kinds of things – but it is that much more adorable when someone like Akashi does it. Akashi – the genius child, the perfectionist, the soon-to-be prodigy – that Akashi Seijuuro is snuggling up to him, the ever-ordinary Furihata Kouki, out of all people. And it makes Furihata feel like it is a privilege, an honor of some sort, to be holding Akashi like this – it makes Furihata feel oddly special.

"Sei-kun can be quite sweet, too, ne?" Furihata giggles, giddy as he wraps Akashi in closer, folding the smaller boy right into himself. "Kawaii."

"Kouki." Akashi spikes a hand straight up like a spear to Furihata's face, locking in on his cheek and pinching it hard.

"Uwah-! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Furihata says quickly, though an amused grin remains on his face. He is lucky it is dark or else Akashi will likely pinch him until the grin is wiped clear off.

Akashi gives Furihata's cheek one last gentle warning pat, before droping his hand and winding it around Furihata's neck instead. He is surrounded by the scent of Furihata, the warmth of his body coaxing Akashi into closing his eyes.

"'Night, Sei-kun," Furihata whispers softly next to his ears.

Then, another gentle touch on the crown of Akashi's head which he now recognizes as Furihata's kiss.

"Goodnight, Kouki."

But Akashi doesn't sleep. Not until a while later after Furihata's breathing had slowed, telling Akashi that he had slipped into a soundless slumber. Akashi then takes the time to observe Furihata closely, thoroughly; his features whilst he slept, lips slightly parted, the way his eyelashes get crushed by the pillow – a pity, Akashi thought. The boy then reaches his hand back up to Furihata's face again and pinches his cheek, ever so gently this time, much more a squeeze than a pinch. Despite this, Akashi's face shows no emotion; even as he runs a small thumb pad along Furihata's cheekbone.

Akashi never tells Furihata that he chooses to 'punish' Furihata by pinching because it gives Akashi an excuse to touch Furihata's exceptionally soft cheeks.

Six times Furihata sleeps over at the Akashi mansion, they wake up to a bright morning. Clear skies greeting them with the sun shining through the window. Akashi usually wakes up first, being a light sleeper, and spends the rest of the time in bed just staring at Furihata, usually still in his arms, watching him awaken as each ray of sun hits his eyelids.

The seventh time, it rains. And Akashi does not wake up first.

"Kouki...?" Akashi murmurs when he reaches out and finds an empty space next to him on the bed.

The lights are still off and the dark stormy skies are not helping, but Akashi easily spots Furihata. He is sitting in the corner of the room, knees hugged to his chest with his head tucked. In his hand, he is gripping his mobile phone so tightly his knuckles are white.

Akashi immediately knew something isn't right. He slips out of bed and waddles over in his too-long yukata, resting one small hand on Furihata's own. "Kouki? What's the matter?"

Furihata slowly lifts his head to look at Akashi, and the boy is taken aback by his blood-shot eyes. His eyelids are swollen and his eyes seem sunken in, surrounded by dark circles making him look like he's exhausted to the point of collapsing. Akashi has never seen Furihata looking like this. Ever.

"Kouki? Talk to me." Akashi is confused and, if he is honest, feeling slightly alarmed. Last night, Furihata seemed completely fine when he tucked Akashi into bed and cuddled him – they don't talk about it, it just happens every time Furihata stays over – warm and kind as usual. The contrast between then and now is overwhelming.

"S-Sei-kun," Furihata says weakly, shaking his head. His voice cracks a little as he utters the next word, "Mama..."

Akashi feels his heart sink. He grips Furihata's hand tighter, "Your Mama? What happened?"

"She- she went out to the market and- and then there was a c-car, and-" Furihata's voice is shaking. His whole body is, too.

Panic rises in Akashi's chest. "No."

Furihata is rocking in his seat now, trying to calm the terror in himself. "No, no. She's in h-hospital. They- they said she's going into surgery. But she should be fine. That's what they said. They said she's going to be alright, so she would be, wouldn't she? The surgery has a high chance of success, they said, so she'll be fine, right? So I should think p-positive. I shouldn't be so w-worried, ne?"

Akashi doesn't know what to say. He wants to say something to console Furihata, but nothing that comes up seems appropriate. He can't tell him it will be fine, because he doesn't know that. He can't tell him he understands, because Akashi's never been in the same situation before. And the last thing Akashi will say is 'it's okay', because it clearly isn't. So Akashi doesn't say anything. Instead, he takes Furihata's hands in his own and holds them firmly, squeezing his palms with his own smaller hands.

That one little action seems to trigger something in Furihata, and his face crumbles slowly. "Sei-kun," His voice breaks, "I'm scared."

Then, Furihata fully breaks down crying. It is one of the most heart-wrenching things Akashi has ever seen. Furihata sobs loudly – just like a child – his breaths heaving, hiccuping, hot fresh tears streaming down both his cheeks. His entire body is quivering like a leaf, the fear physically shaking him. Some teardrops fall on Akashi's hands, but it doesn't bother him. Not at all.

Akashi can do nothing but sit there silently and hold Furihata's hands tight, squeezing them hard and clutching them close to stop them from trembling.

A whole week after that day, Furihata doesn't come to the Akashi mansion at all, spending time at the hospital looking after his mother. The Akashi family sends her a bouquet wishing her well. Akashi, meanwhile, drowns himself in books and even learns how to play the violin to kill time. And yet, Akashi finds himself strangely... bored. Everything just seems so dull.

No one to play little tricks and pranks on. No one to tease about their not up to par shogi skills. No one bringing him his favourite tofu soup. No one to listen to him talk about absolutely anything and actually listen. No round brown eyes and callused but gentle hands petting his hair. No soft cheeks to pinch.

Akashi sighs and taps his finger on the chess board impatiently.

"Am I boring you?" Midorima Shintaro, sitting opposite him, inquires as he moves a chess piece.

"No." Akashi replies quickly, moving his own piece.

"You've sighed at least five times since I've been here."

"Have I? I didn't notice."

"You're also playing with much less tact."

Akashi narrows his eyes. "I still win."

"Of course." Midorima says easily. "But you're distracted."

"Is that so," Akashi says, disinterestedly.

Midorima notices that something is off but decides not to say anything more on the subject.

When Midorima is heading home – wearing cat paws, his lucky item – Akashi goes to send him off at the door, only to spot a certain brown-haired boy he's been wondering about all week.

"Kouki?"

Furihata waves from the gate and jogs up to him. "Sei-kun! Mama just got out of the hospital today so I came to tell you I'll be back to see you starting next week. Thank you for the flowers, too. They were beautiful, Mama really liked them."

"You're welcome," Akashi nods, "I'm glad she's well."

"Me too." Furihata smiles widely – that dumb, naïve smile that Akashi remembers well right back on his face. No more tears.

And Akashi feels relieved and doesn't quite understand why.

Akashi is generally an impeccably healthy child, so it takes Furihata almost three years to eventually encounter a sick Akashi.

Furihata walks into Akashi's bedroom to find him tucked under a duvet, face red, forehead sweaty. He is panting audibly, breaths coming out heavy and short. Furihata steps closer to rest the back of his hand on Akashi's forehead and frowns when he feels how hot it is. Immediately, Furihata fusses around finding a bucket of water and a small towel to start wiping Akashi's body to bring down his fever.

"Kouki...?" Akashi breathes out weakly when his eyes slit open tiredly and sees a fading vision of fluffy brown hair moving before him. Akashi then turns to his side to cough into his own hands, his throat croaking.

"Yes, Sei-kun, I'm here," Furihata murmurs, bringing a cup of water to Akashi's lips and helping lift his head up so that he can drink it.

Akashi sighs after he takes one sip and lies back down, closing his eyes, allowing Furihata to continue rubbing the wet towel down his neck and arms. When Furihata reaches his hand, Akashi finds Furihata's palm and squeezes.

Furihata pauses momentarily, looking at Akashi with softened eyes, before squeezing his hand back firmly. A silent communication between them.

Seiko returns home from a business trip the evening of the following day. Junichiro is not with her, still tied up in meetings over in London. She goes to her son's bedroom first, concerned for his health, only to sigh in relief when she sees Furihata there, kneeling on the floor by Akashi's bed.

Furihata is just finishing changing a coolpack for Akashi. He neatly wraps a fresh one in a towel and places it on Akashi's forehead, before turns to see Seiko and dips his head in a polite bow.

"Furihata-kun, isn't it your day off?" Seiko closes the door behind her, coming over to sit on Akashi's bed next to her sleeping son. "How is he?"

"Ah, yes, ma'am. But I just can't leave Sei-kun all alone when he's this unwell." Furihata says, pulling the duvet over Akashi's shoulder where it has slipped down. "His fever's gone down a lot from yesterday, and the coughing's improving."

Seiko smiles when she sees the genuine warmth in Furihata's eyes as he watches over Akashi. "Thank you. Junichiro and I are very grateful for all your help."

"Oh, no, Seiko-san. It's the least I can do, really." Furihata shakes his head humbly.

"No, Furihata-kun. I mean, for everything you've done for Seijuuro. He's been a lot livelier since you came along. He even smiles more, nowadays." Seiko giggles a little at this, walking over to Akashi to run the back of her hand on Akashi's face affectionately. "He's definitely not the easiest child to be around."

"Sei-kun is delightful," Furihata says instantly, beaming, "He's particular, but I think that's a side effect of him being so intelligent."

"Yes." She nods, "You make him happier, I think."

"Ah- t-thank you very much, Seiko-san." Furihata bows a little again, "I actually really enjoy spending time with him, too."

Seiko's eyes glance from Furihata to Akashi, then back to Furihata again. "So," she begins, slowly, her tone of voice becoming more serious. "When are you planning to go off to university, again?"

Furihata's smile falters, and instead, becomes a little sad.

"In two weeks, ma'am."

"Kobe University, was it? Congratulations again."

"Ah, t-thank you."

Seiko turns to her son, her voice softening. "Have you told Seijuuro?"

Furihata shakes his head, "Ano... I planned to tell him yesterday, but with his current sickness I didn't think it was the right time."

"Hm," Seiko strokes Akashi's hair gently, careful not to wake him. "I can't imagine he'll take it well, no matter when you decide to tell him."

Furihata has nothing to say to that, so he just sits there quietly.

"Alright, I have to go unpack," Seiko stands up. "If you need anything, you know where to call the servants."

"H-hai."

Once Seiko exits through the door, the room falls silent. Furihata exhales slowly, thinking about the very near future, leaning his head back on Akashi's bed.

"Kobe?"

Akashi's throaty, quiet murmur cuts through the silence like a knife.

"...!" Furihata immediately turns around and gapes, eyes wide, when he sees two intense red orbs staring straight back at him. "S-Sei-kun, you were awake?"

"As you are aware, I'm a light sleeper." Akashi's face is controlled, completely expressionless. "Or did you forget that with all your exciting plans for the future?"

Furihata rolled in his lips, "I- I was planning to tell you-"

"Two weeks before you leave. Yes."

"I-it's not like I'll be gone forever. I'll be back for Christmas and summer and-"

"But you're still leaving me-" Akashi's voice goes harder, and it makes him cough. He sits up and coughs harshly into the duvet, his whole body heaving.

"Sei-kun..." Furihata reaches out a hand to stroke Akashi's back.

"No." Akashi shrinks away from his hand violently as though he's been burned. He scoots all the way to the corner of his bed, as far away from Furihata as possible, his crimson eyes flaring.

Furihata doesn't try to go closer to him again. He knows better than that after seeing Akashi's eyes ablaze. Akashi is akin to a wild injured animal right now, and Furihata is the one who harmed him. He pulls his hand back to his lap, ruefully. "I'm sorry, Sei-kun."

Akashi says nothing.

Furihata bows his head, "I promise I'll come see you every time I'm back home. And I can call, if you want, we can always talk on the phone-"

"Don't," Akashi says, his eyes hard.

Furihata lifts his head to look at him, hoping Akashi doesn't mean what he thinks he does. "'Don't'?"

"Don't call. Don't come see me. If you leave me, don't bother doing any of that."

"Sei-kun..." Furihata says weakly.

Akashi glares at Furihata one last time before he turns his entire body to face the wall, wrapped up in his duvet like a cocoon, blocking Furihata away from him.

"Leave, Kouki. You're dismissed."

Furihata nods solemnly, knowing any efforts will be futile now. He gathers his things and makes his way to the door.

"Also, don't bother coming tomorrow."

"E-eh?"

"Or any day after." Akashi says, voice tight, still facing the wall. "You're leaving me in two weeks, anyways. Might as well just do it now."

"Sei-kun-!" Furihata shakes his head, shocked.

"I mean it." Akashi's tone is final.

Furihata bites his lips and exits, not forgetting to bow politely beforehand, bitter as he is. He shuts the door behind himself and leans against it heavily, tilting his head up. He blinks away his tears, feeling as though Akashi has just stabbed him.

Back inside the room, Akashi curls up into a tight ball on the bed with his hands clenched, feeling exactly the same.

A/N: Next chapter will be a teeeeeny tiny bit more of child!Akashi and then, finally, the grown-up Akashi's arrival.

Thank you for all your reviews, favourites and follows! I love reading about what you all think of this story, and I'm really excited for what's coming up. See you next chapter! :)