Among the most annoying things in life, near the top of Haru's list was being sick. (The first was Kisumi.)

Being sick meant that:

1. He couldn't swim.

2. He felt awful.

3. He got so bored.

4. He felt so weak.

5. He was a burden to Makoto.

6. He got extremely moody.

Haru had only been sick for one day when he started to get squirmy. He'd barely left the couch at all and he was aching to swim; Or at least jog or walk or something other than read, sleep, watch TV, or play video games. Haru knew that exerting himself physically would only delay his recovery, but it was really tempting at the moment (even though he was so weak he could hardly walk). He tried to draw or make some kind of craft, but found that his creativity was drained. Haru groaned.

Almost on cue, Makoto walked out of the kitchen with his medicine. He knelt down beside Haru and tilted his chin upward to give him the bitter liquid.

Haru huffed. He hated being so helpless. He would've taken it himself, but his muscles were so weak that he could barely reach his arm out. The sour liquid was supposed to taste like cherry, but Haru thought that the people who made it obviously didn't know what fruit tasted like. He choked it down while gagging.

Makoto's green eyes were full of sympathy and he stroked Haru's hair as he gave him a glass of water.

"I know. I'm so sorry, Haru."

Haru sighed. It wasn't even Makoto's fault for crying out loud! If it was anyone's fault it was probably his own! It was most likely because he swam even when the pool was freezing cold.

"It's not your fault, Makoto." He said a little harshly, a combination of his sore throat and his irritation at Makoto being so oblivious.

Makoto recoiled slightly. "D-Do you need anything? I know I can't cook, but I can go get something for you." He held Haru's hand.

With the taste of mucus and rotten cherry flavor in his mouth and an uneasy stomach, food was the last thing on his mind. Haru shook his head.

"What about a book or a movie or something?" Makoto rubbed soothing circles on the back of Haru's hand. Haru shook his head again, he wouldn't be able to focus on entertainment with this splitting headache he had.

"If you need anything at all, let me know." Makoto kissed his forehead and sat down next to him.

It wasn't long before Haru erupted into a violent coughing fit, only making his headache and nauseous stomach ten times worse. Makoto rubbed his back tenderly while giving him a drink of water. Haru hated this so much; He didn't like having to be taken care of like an injured kitten. He was just wasting Makoto's time.

Makoto's expression was full of concern. "Are you okay?"

Haru sighed. "I'm fine, Makoto, don't worry about me."

"I can get you some more water or-"

Something finally snapped inside of Haru. This sickness had finally broken him and it just so happened that Makoto was the one around to receive its backlash.

"I said I'm fine! I'm not a child or a pet, Makoto! I can take care of myself!"

Immediately as the words left his tongue, a thousand profanities screamed in his mind. Why had he said that?!

He couldn't even bear the hurt on Makoto's face, with his giant kicked puppy eyes and tears already forming in the corners. Makoto's face was not meant for sadness, it was meant for happiness and kindness; He looked painfully heartbroken. Haru covered his mouth, hoping that somehow the words would go back in.

"I-I'm sorry, Haru... I just wanted to help... I didn't mean to treat you like that at all..." His voice was shaking. "I-I'm going to the library, so I won't bug you. " He got up and headed to the door quickly.

Haru mustered up every shred of strength in his body to stand up and follow him.

"Wait! Makoto, ah fuck!" He grabbed his head, realizing he stood up too soon and was seeing stars from his torturous headache. "Makoto! I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry." He felt like the biggest asshole in the entire universe. His sweet Makoto definitely didn't deserve to be snapped at like that for no reason. Makoto hadn't even done anything wrong. He'd given him medicine, insisted on sleeping with him on the couch, and ran errands for anything Haru wanted.

He felt like such a bastard.

Makoto stared down at the floor with teary eyes. Haru cupped Makoto's cheeks with his hands, forcing the taller boy to look at him. Makoto looked at him pitifully, actually making Haru's heart shatter into a million pieces. Just to think, he was the cause of his angel's tears.

"You know I didn't mean that right? I would never mean that. I'm so sorry." He murmured and stroked Makoto's cheeks, wiping away the tears that threatened to fall. "I love you Makoto, I love you so much." He wrapped his arms around Makoto's waist. "I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve that." He chanted, cradling the olive haired boy's head.

Makoto gently returned the embrace and shook his head. "It's my fault.. I shouldn't have been so annoying. I'm sorry, Haru." His voice was so small and guilty it made Haru wince.

"No! It's not your fault. You did everything right, Makoto, it's just- ugh, I'm such an asshole." He hid his head in Makoto's chest. "I don't deserve you."

"That's not true, Haru! You're just a little grumpy because you're not feeling well... I know how much you hate being sick." Makoto held the shorter boy tighter.

Of course Makoto would understand. He always did.

"You shouldn't have to take care of me." Haru frowned.

"Don't be silly, Haru. I want to." Makoto kissed the top of his head.

Haru sighed. How had he gotten so lucky? He had the most perfect, angelic, loving, selfless boyfriend ever. "I'm sorry, Makoto."

Makoto finally smiled a real smile. "It's really okay, Haru. I know you didn't mean it."

"I love you." Haru looked up to him with apologetic blue eyes.

Makoto chuckled softly. "I love you too, Haru-chan." He placed a gentle kiss on Haru's cheek.

Haru supposed he would let the -Chan slide this time.