In Sickness And In Health
Akutagawa awoke to the dim morning light filtering through the thin curtains of their now shared apartment. He felt a sense of heaviness in the air, something wasn't right. Turning over, he saw Chuuya lying beside him, his face flushed and damp with sweat. Chuuya's breathing was shallow and irregular, and his usually vibrant blue eyes were now clouded with discomfort.
"Chuuya, are you alright?" Akutagawa whispered, his voice laced with concern as he gently shook his lover's shoulder.
Chuuya groaned softly, barely opening his eyes. "I don't feel so good," he mumbled, his voice weak and hoarse.
Akutagawa's worry deepened. He placed a hand on Chuuya's forehead, feeling the intense heat radiating from his skin. "You have a fever," he said softly. "You need to rest."
Chuuya nodded slightly, his eyes fluttering closed again. Akutagawa carefully got out of bed and fetched a damp cloth from the bathroom. He returned to Chuuya's side, gently wiping the sweat from his lover's face and neck. Chuuya shivered slightly at the cool touch, but seemed to relax a little.
"I'm going to make you some tea," Akutagawa said, brushing a strand of hair away from Chuuya's forehead. "It will help you feel better."
Chuuya managed a small smile. "Thanks Ryuu," he murmured, using Akutagawa's given name, which he rarely did unless he was feeling particularly vulnerable.
Akutagawa's heart ached to see Chuuya so weak. He kissed Chuuya's forehead gently before heading to the kitchen. He filled a kettle with water and set it on the stove, waiting for it to boil. While he waited, he rummaged through their cabinets for some herbal tea. He knew Chuuya liked chamomile, so he chose that, hoping its soothing properties would help ease his lover's discomfort.
Once the tea was ready, Akutagawa carefully poured it into a mug and carried it back to the bedroom. He sat on the edge of the bed and helped Chuuya sit up just enough to sip the warm liquid. Chuuya's eyes fluttered open and he took a few small sips, sighing in relief as the warmth spread through his body.
"Thank you," Chuuya whispered, his voice still weak but filled with gratitude.
"Anything for you," Akutagawa replied softly, his fingers gently running through Chuuya's hair. He loved the feel of the soft, fiery strands slipping through his fingers, even when they were damp with sweat. It was a simple gesture, but one that always seemed to comfort Chuuya.
As the morning passed, Akutagawa stayed by Chuuya's side, making sure he stayed hydrated and comfortable. He read to him from their favorite art books, hoping to distract him from the fever. Chuuya dozed on and off, but each time he woke, he found Akutagawa right there, his presence a constant source of comfort and strength.
By midday, Chuuya's fever had not yet broken, and Akutagawa was growing more and more worried. He decided it was time to call the doctor. He stepped out into the hallway and dialed his family's physician, explaining the symptoms and asking for advice. The doctor recommended bringing Chuuya in if the fever didn't go down soon, but for now, they could some over-the-counter medicine to help with the symptoms.
Akutagawa thanked the doctor and quickly headed to the nearest pharmacy. He returned with fever reducers and some electrolyte drinks to keep Chuuya hydrated. He helped Chuuya take the medicine and then settled back into their routine of gentle care and quiet companionship.
In the late afternoon, Chuuya's fever finally began to break. He stirred and opened his eyes, looking up at Akutagawa with a bit more clarity. "I think I'm feeling a little better," he said, his voice still soft but stronger than before.
Akutagawa smiled, relief flooding through him. "That's good to hear. Just rest a little longer, okay? I will make you some soup."
Chuuya nodded and closed his eyes again, drifting back into a light sleep. Akutagawa quietly made his way to the kitchen and prepared a simple chicken soup, knowing it would be easy on Chuuya's stomach and help him regain some strength. As he worked, he couldn't help but think about how much he loved Chuuya and how grateful he was to be able to care for him.
When the soup was ready, Akutagawa brought a bowl to the bedroom and gently woke Chuuya. "Here, try to eat a little," he said, helping Chuuya sit up and holding the bowl for him.
Chuuya took a few small spoonfuls, savoring the warmth and comfort of the simple meal. "This is really good," he said, managing a small smile.
"I'm glad you like it," Akutagawa replied, his fingers once again finding their way to Chuuya's hair, stroking it gently.
Dazai rolled over in bed, his usually vibrant eyes dull with exhaustion. He had been feeling out of sorts lately, and today was no different. His head throbbed with a dull ache, and his body felt heavy, as though he were wading through water.
"Atsushi," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Are you awake?"
Atsushi, who had been sitting at the small desk in the corner of their room, looked up from his book. He had been studying for an upcoming literature exam but had been keeping an eye on Dazai, worried about his boyfriend's recent lethargy. "I'm here, Dazai. How are you feeling?"
Dazai sighed, closing his eyes for a moment. "Not great. Everything just feels... Off."
Atsushi put his book down and walked over to the bed, sitting on the edge. He reached out, gently brushing a strand of hair from Dazai's forehead. "Maybe you just need to take it easy today. We can stay in, watch some movies, and relax, how does that sound?"
Dazai managed a weak smile. "That sounds nice. I could use distraction."
Atsushi stood up and walked over to the small kitchenette. He started making a simple breakfast, knowing that Dazai hadn't been eating much lately. As he worked, he glanced back at Dazai, who had curled up under the blankets, staring blankly at the ceiling.
Once breakfast was ready, Atsushi carried a tray over to the bed. "Here, I made some toast and scrambled eggs. You need to eat something."
Dazai sat up slowly, accepting the tray with a nod. "Thank you, Atsushi. You always know how to take care of me."
Atsushi smiled, sitting next to him. "It's because I care about you. Now, eat up. We will pick a movie to watch afterward."
They ate in comfortable silence, the sounds of birds chirping outside the window filling the room. After they finished, Atsushi took the tray back to the kitchen and quickly washed the dishes. He wanted to be back with Dazai as soon as possible.
Returning to the bed, Atsushi grabbed the remote and handed it to Dazai. "You pick the movie. Anything you want."
Dazai thought for a moment before selecting an old black-and-white film. "How about this one? It's a classic."
Atsushi nodded, settling in beside him. "Perfect choice."
As the movie started, Atsushi wrapped an arm around Dazai, pulling him close. Dazai rested his head on Atsushi's shoulder, letting out a content sigh. For a while, they simply watched the movie, enjoying the comforting presence of each other.
Halfway through the film, Dazai shifted, turning to face Atsushi. "Thank you for being here with me, Atsushi. I don't know what I would do without you."
Atsushi looked into Dazai's eyes, seeing the vulnerability there. "You don't have to thank me, Dazai. We are in this together. Always."
Dazai smiled softly, leaning in for a gentle kiss. It was a tender moment, filled with unspoken promises and mutual affection. When they pulled apart, Atsushi could see a hint of the old sparkle returning to Dazai's eyes.
After the movie ended, Atsushi suggested they go for a walk. "It might do you some good to get some fresh air. We can go to park, maybe grab some coffee."
Dazai hesitated but eventually agreed. "Alright, but only if you promise to hold my hand."
Atsushi chuckled, standing up and offering his hand. "Deal."