Chapter Text
While Kojiro played his game, Kaoru eventually got up and retrieved the presents the kids brought for him, empty bags and packages leaving clutter behind as he went through them.
Since he missed it, they'd brought what they could of the festival in town to him. The surprise bag Dope Sketch put together this year was pretty good. He needed new wheels. These were the wrong color, they wouldn't match Carla but they were the kind he was looking for. It was good to know they would have them back in stock soon if they were pushing out the last of the previous order now. The stickers and grip tape, Reki had to have been the one who added those things to the bag. The flowers on the stickers, like a bouquet from the thoughtful kid. He'd find some use for them he was sure. In fact, he peeled the back off of the red hibiscus bloom and stuck it in the corner of his dry erase board right then.
Langa chose a game of karuta, the cards wooden box decorated with floating flower petals, to gift much to Kojiro's apparent disappointment. Making a face in fact when he saw Kaoru open the box. He was never any good at that game. One player reads out the first half of the poem printed on one card, and the other players must scramble to identify the card with the correct second half of the poem written on it. And Kaoru was the reigning champion in every round ever played. It was the first and only time he was thankful Kaoru didn't feel well and couldn't speak, so that he wouldn't be badgered into yet another fruitless round. It was a mean thought, and he felt bad for thinking it even for a second, but he really hated playing! Kaoru however was very happy with the gift. His old set was missing a few cards and he strongly suspected his partner had hidden or even thrown them away just so he wouldn't have to play anymore. The joke was on him. As soon as his voice returned, it was game on!
He wouldn't admit it out loud, for fear of hurting feelings of those not even present to hear, but Miya's present of the stuffed pink Shiisaa was his favorite. He didn't know where the boy managed to find pink, but he did somehow and it was indeed very Kaoru.
Their shield. Fierce, loyal, strong and relatively fearless. Some might think Kojiro was the muscle of their group just by looking at him but they would be wrong. Joe could be reasoned with, it was Cherry who had all the bite! It was Kaoru who was 'The Enforcer', the protector and one who did his best to defend his friends and 'found family' at all times, right or wrong, and from any threat. Ready with words, or elbows if the need arose, to address any situation and defend their honor. That was why he was gifted the male of the pair, ferocious pose and mouth open, tongue hanging out. Their guardian.
Examining the stuffed toy he picked up his marker again, tucked the toy under his arm and scrawled a quick question. Flipping it to the distracted man at his side.
'Where is the other one?'
He asked about the mate, since they usually came as a set and the tiny white strings poking from the paws proved the other had been separated. He was told a tale, as Kojiro grew frustrated with the boss battle at the end of the level, of the young teen wanting to buy it.. but how he felt weird giving him a pair like a gift for "A girlfriend or something.".
After a minute and proclaiming he'd had a "Great idea!" he ripped them apart right there at the stall. Insisting on buying only the one. Problem solved. Explaining how he would just lie and say he found it damaged and something about "Being so cute!" that they'd probably sell it to him anyway and probably at half the price since it was only half the item.
Kojiro and the others were a little horrified he would try such a trick, but the kid didn't care one bit! Informing them if they had such a problem with it, then one of them could buy the other. And so he did, smoothing it all over by buying the mate to the now damaged merchandise. That's where the more subdued, closed mouthed female of the pair was now. He'd dropped it along with his other souvenirs of the day off at his place before they came over. He could have given Kaoru both, sure. But he kind of liked that they each had a half, like those half heart necklaces or something a little less cheesy, and told him exactly that as he bumped his shoulder against Kaoru's playfully.
Kaoru grinned as he listened to the story, and without even noticing he was doing it, hugged the toy to his chest. He knew there was a reason he liked the little brat. Miya truly was a kid after his own heart, devious in all the best ways. And the big lug at his side, keeping the other half of the pair? He was melting a little bit inside again. How did Kojiro manage to keep doing that to him? He found it frustrating, and irritating and still he loved it.
While going through presents, Kaoru noticed there wasn't anything from Kojiro. He nudged him with a boney elbow and raised his hands in an expectant questioning way. Gesturing between him and the other presents as the other grinned pausing the game.
"I'm your 'Cheer up Cherry' present!" Reaching over he pulled a ribbon off of a paper bag and tied it around his neck with the biggest, most boastful smile.
'You are SO painfully cheap!'
Kaoru wrote on the board with a roll of his eyes, only he didn't try to fight his evident amusement this time. With a luring crook of his finger he bid him closer, and leaning in he grabbed Kojiro by his jaw and turned his head. Pressing a kiss to his cheek instead when the other moved in and tried for a real kiss. He really shouldn't have even done that, insistent that he go wash his hands and face now, but he couldn't resist anymore. He'd been resisting doing far more than that all evening.
'Maybe I have a new favorite gift? Maybe!'
This made his companion smile even wider until his cheeks hurt a little. Taking notice of each grin, smirk, smile, and laugh and how they were starting to come easier to the former 'worlds worst patient'.
'Now go wash. And leave the ribbon on.'
The cards were his second favorite, easily. Each one was hand drawn with their own messages of 'Good health and a Happy New Year'. He would take all the wishes for good health he could get tonight!
They'd drawn and stuck stickers all over the cards for the artist, Shadow included. Quite the difference between them and the elegant simple cards he'd made himself. That's why he liked them, the personality in each. Even without seeing who signed which, it was easy to tell the difference.
They took turns guessing before opening each. At first Kaoru wasn't sure if Kojiro should even play. He'd gotten cards also earlier in the day and thus would know which ones were from who already. It hardly seemed fair. Kojiro assured him with a scoff that he hadn't actually opened his own cards yet, they were also waiting for him at home. Finally deciding it would be fair, he allowed him to play, even making a bit of a presentation of turning the envelopes over and around as Kojiro made his guess before writing his own.
Only Reki and Langa split the vote. They'd obviously made their cards together, and they'd drawn on each others as well making it almost impossible without signatures at the bottom to tell the personalities apart. At least Langa's handwriting was improving! ..Unless he got Reki to do it for him..? That would explain the striking similarities.
Pausing his game not too long after, Kojiro made a demand of his own. It was time to try to eat something. Kaoru wasn't interested in that idea, everything tasted like phlegm and medicine and he let him know. Drawing instead of words this time. A defiant 'Cherry' with arms crossed and head turned to the side, nose in the air. He himself made a disgusted face, tongue hanging out.
"Com'on. Try? For me?" When he smiled like that the few dark freckles spattered about his nose moved just enough with the wrinkle of skin to look almost like a constellation. Yet another thing Kaoru couldn't resist..
"Damn you and your stupid adorable face!"
'Fine.'
Kaoru let the chef bring him the soup he'd bought for dinner while he made his own tea this time with the lemon and honey that was purchased earlier. Listening as his partner apologized over and over for the fact that it was from a can. That always bothered him more than Kaoru. After all convenience meals kept him alive more than once or twice. He also reminded him in comedic pantomime that he couldn't taste anything anyway so it really was fine. Once he had his board back however, he did start making a list of all of the things Kojiro could make him when he felt better to 'make up for it'. A random assortment of everything under the sun. Sweet, savory, hot, cold and when told it was 'too much' Kaoru gave a smirk. Of course it was! He just wanted to see how much he could make him promise to do.
Working on the 'baby steps initiative', he allowed him to fetch a few things here and there. Juice, crackers, more tea. Although he didn't eat much and could taste even less, what he did manage to choke down was purely for fulfilling the request made of him. Honestly though, he just wanted to eat the crackers. Everything still felt very heavy on his recently settled stomach. And in his opinion crackers already tasted like nothing, so it was hard to be disappointed when they weren't great.
He was actually most looking forward to the strawberry cream cake and mochi Hiromi and Kojiro bought, but sweet was still a step too far and made his stomach uneasy. It would have to wait, hopefully tomorrow. Also, probably not a great idea to eat mochi when one couldn't breathe as it was.
That didn't stop Kojiro from diving into some of the sweet stuff however. He'd planned on grabbing a bite when he still thought he'd be leaving Kaoru earlier in the night, but when his plans changed so did that idea and he was now starving! He cut the cake after choking down some of the awful soup himself. Although Kaoru didn't want anything sweet, he did however 'bully' him out of the strawberry on top of his slice.
The later it got, the more Kaoru itched to get out! He'd been cooped up all day. Finally starting to feel the cabin fever and also a little sad that they weren't going to make it to Crazy Rock to watch the fireworks like the last few years.
Like he had planned! He hated when his plans were ruined.
He could barely stand up most of the time, so even going out for a short walk was out of the question. Kojiro did however do the next best thing and opened a window to get some fresh air. It was a beautiful night and secretly it made him want to go out even more, but he kept that to himself and settled for what he could get with a soft longing sigh.
It didn't take Kojiro long to realize what was going on though. The way Kaoru actually sulked, hands in the front pocket of the hoodie, eyes watching the dark colored curtains flutter. He sighed as well with a roll of his eyes. Maybe a little fresh air wouldn't hurt? But not too long.
"Fine. Com'on." He turned his back to him and gave his shoulder blade a single pat, wanting Kaoru to climb on.
Kaoru didn't want to be carried, but it was preferable to the 'princess carry' that he was threatened with, so he did as he was told. Resting against Kojiro's back, arms around his neck as his boyfriend first draped a blanket over him and then looped his arms back behind and under him for support.
Taking him to the sliding door to the yard Kojiro pulled it open and stepped out, standing in the grass and looking up at what few stars they could see as the city lights drowned most of them out.
Kaoru didn't look up. Instead he watched Kojiro as he tipped his chin skyward, a small look of disappointment on his face at just how few stars they could see from Kaoru's part of town. On the edges he was sure they would have been able to see more, but that was alright by Kaoru. He wasn't interested in stars.
"He is so gorgeous.."
Kaoru let his chin rest on his shoulder where his tattoo would be had it not been covered by the shirt he was now starting to resent, and closed his eyes with a sigh. Taking a minute to appreciate this moment, he really never thought he could feel this much love for someone. It was such a big feeling! But he didn't shy away from it, deciding a while ago to embrace it instead. Best choice he'd ever made. He nuzzled against Kojiro's neck and pressed a kiss to his jaw, a silent 'thank you', hugging him close. A thank you for loving him. And for taking care of him. And for just plain being him. He then bunched the sleeve cuff of his hoodie in his hand and rubbed the kiss away while Kojiro tried to lean away from the touch.
"Hey! Quit! I was saving that."
He was so corny. And Kaoru loved it.
They stayed out for a while.
Kojiro sitting in the grass leaning back on his arms on the blanket while Kaoru laid beside him with his head on his thigh looking up at him and the sky. Gently teasing one another about practically everything they could think of. Although Kaoru couldn't talk and left his board behind, his pantomime skills were quite good as he managed to get every point across he tried to make. The lewd ones were his partners favorites.
Kojiro was a few good ones up on Kaoru this time, but they were so 'lame and uninspired', which Kaoru informed him of, that he 'let' him win to spare him any further embarrassment. With a smirk, Kojiro puffed his chest, accepting the 'charitable victory' then reached down and tugged the hood of his hoodie down low over Kaoru's face.
Leaving the hood low Kaoru playfully snapped at him, threatening to bite again in return, but with no follow through. Only the smile on his face visible.
It was starting to get cold out and the way they both shivered signaled it was time to take it back inside. Kojiro stood first and offering his hands to Kaoru, pulled him to his feet and lead him back in as he thanked him quietly for the help. As the night went on it was getting easier to accept the offered help. Kojiro was right, this didn't feel like 'pity' and was actually kind of nice. He wished he'd tried giving it a shot sooner, but mostly thankful he was trying now.
Kaoru asked for his brush next and one of his hair ties. Knowing it might take a minute for Kojiro to find the requested items he took the time he was gone to lean forward over his crossed legs with elbows on the couch cushion in front of himself, head in his hands and fully let go of the illusion of strength he was still trying to show. He hated that Kojiro was worried and stressed, and even though he was trying not to show it and keep himself distracted with the game, he was clearly still very concerned. Kaoru greatly appreciated that he was doing everything he could not to hover and smother him, so he did what he considered his part and continued to down play everything he could.
He was cold and wanted so badly to go back to sleep. but he was finally starting to loosen up and actually like having company now. Not to mention midnight was coming. Kojiro was here with him instead of out having fun. This was not fun! The very least he could do was try to see in the New Year with him.
Once he heard footsteps approaching from the hall, Kaoru lifted his head and started the work of pulling himself upright again. It actually felt like work, grabbing the back of the couch for an assist and reached out expectantly for the brush handle avoiding his gaze. He knew he'd been caught, and didn't want to hear the lecture. He wondered if his own lectures were half as insufferable? Of course they weren't! When he felt them necessary he was right and not just operating on a hunch. True, The Gorilla's 'hunches' were right tonight, but that was beside the point.
Kojiro didn't address it. He also didn't hand over the brush yet. "Hey? Just promise me that if you start to feel weird like something is wrong, or really bad, you'll actually tell me and not just ignore it?" He held the brush back over his shoulder, about as far away from his seated sweetheart as it got as he waited for the reply. Very serious and the look on his face read that clearly. It was the one thing that kept Kaoru from being difficult.
He nodded and rolled his hand in an expectant way, wanting to get on with the task at hand. Once he received the brush he took off his glasses and started as Kojiro grabbed the couch and hopped over the back of it and the arm to land back in his spot. That always endlessly annoyed Kaoru! He put his brush down and picked up the board again, squinting at it as he wrote.
'I've told you numerous times, you are going to break it doing that! Cut it out!!'
Angry yelling 'Cherry' with flailing arms drawn quickly. He shot him a look as he put the marker down again and picked up the brush.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah! I know. Sorry, jeez.." He rolled his eyes a little as he went back to his game. Or more, tried to. He was a little distracted.
Kojiro always loved watching while Kaoru did his hair. When he'd brush it, or tied it up in an effort just to contain it all. It was also great to watch him when he was getting ready for the day, or for 'S', really putting himself together. But it was the messy, relaxed, unguarded lazy sweeps with his hands as he worked his fingers through that he loved.
He couldn't explain it, it was such a simple thing.
The way his posture always straightened regardless, eyes closed and the way he would let the yellow elastic hang from his mouth until he was ready for it.
His head would tilt to the left, always left, just a tiny bit, showing off the long line of his neck as he pulled it all to one side. His favorite was when he pulled it all up and away before he would work at home or perform tune up's on their bikes.
Maybe it was the fact that it was one of the very few times his face was fully on display with nothing to hide behind?
That it was not something the other thought much about but to Kojiro it said he was truly comfortable with him in a lot ways. Lost in adoration he hadn't noticed it yet but a pair of golden eyes were slowly narrowing at him, having locked in on his enchanted stare.
How could he not? There were practically hearts in his eyes! That, and he'd just watched as he actually ran his character off of a ledge while watching him.
'What's gotten into you?'
He had to stop yet again to use his hands to write, and because of that he left his Cherry doodle there.
"Hopefully you when you're feeling better." He wiggled his brows at Kaoru with a purr. "You are so fucking pretty!" Kojiro smiled through his words. He told him often, and always sounded absolutely smitten and impressed by it everytime. So happy to be able to call him his now.
'You're so annoying. I need my hands. Stop talking.'
Kaoru rolled his eyes with a scoff that turned into a real genuine smile before leaning forward and flipping his hair to brush the underside. Hitting Kojiro with it and the brush as he worked to the ends. He could be annoying too.
After the second humiliating and decisive loss Kojiro's hero character suffered to a boss Kaoru had beaten in his first try, and the jeering comics being drawn at him in response to it with captions about his 'Sorry excuse for a strategy!', Kojiro saved and turned the game off. Kaoru had drawn battle strategies on the board and now that he was done, Kojiro was actually willing to give them a once over while the man at his side started the task of pulling his hair up into a higher ponytail.
What a pain he was.. Naturally this battle party and plan of attack would work and it was the one thing he didn't think of. He had completely forgotten his spell caster knew that spell. It wasn't like he ever used it or anything! It always seemed so weak.
Settling back in, this time he let Kaoru pick what they watched while he got the correct, recommended dosage of medicines for him. He couldn't be trusted with it anymore. It looked like he took too much the last time judging by how long it took him to shake it off, so Kojiro took over that task. Handing them off, listening with concern as his sniffles grew increasingly stuffy. Now just useless desperate bids for air by the time he took the pills and finally decided on a movie instead.
It was a horror movie! It was almost always a horror movie when he got to pick. Kaoru loved them. The bloodiest, grossest, most Cronenberg like ones were always his favorite but honestly they made Kojiro a little queasy and jumpy himself. Not finding them scary so much as just plain disgusting! He liked a good ghost story, possession or suspense and monsters, but these body horror flicks? When eyes were gouged, people mutated and bodies torn in half by elaborate contraptions? Why those? He could never bring himself to watch. Maybe that's why he liked them so much? Remembering the way he caught Kaoru smiling and pretending like he wasn't looking in a dark theater once as he slid down in his chair and buried his face into the sleeve of his yukata, trying his hardest not to see the screen.
By twenty minutes into the movie, Kaoru was now close at Kojiro's side. Leaning with his head on his shoulder and knees drawn up in front of himself, he'd wrapped the blanket around the both of them at the shoulders, trying to steal all the body heat he could. Going outside left him more chilled than he'd expected but left that unsaid. He asked to go, and he didn't want the 'Dummy' at his side thinking it was his fault. So instead he made faces against the edge of the blanket trying to fight off sneezes and hide the fact he was doing it. It only worked for so long, suddenly sitting up he pushed the two of them apart with a hard shove that almost knocked his solid suitor over and off of the couch.
It was the fastest Kojiro had seen Kaoru move all night! He wasn't quite sure what was happening until he saw him grab the box of tissues just before the sneezing started and didn't stop. Only long enough to blow. When it didn't stop after the usual three, six, or even nine this time, he let his hand rest of Kaoru's knee over the blanket
Kaoru really thought he was never going to stop. A small fit every minute or so that left him wiped out and surrounded by so many used tissues accumulating around himself. Finally catching a break in between he leaned back with his head resting on the edge of the back cushion. Watering eyes closed, nose wrinkled, and face turned skyward waiting to see if he was finally done. He hoped he was done. The last few minutes of that was really starting to hurt!
"Think you're all out?"
Kaoru held up a single finger telling him to wait as he remained statue still and when nothing happened after a minute or so he nodded and leaned forward blowing his nose for what seemed like the ten thousandth time. Kojiro started to pick up the tissues to get rid of them, but as soon as Kaoru realized what he was doing, instead of finishing the pick up he got a swat to the hand to 'stop and drop it!' He did not approve, and let him know as he knocked them to the floor, leaving them there with a dismissive groan. Telling him without words to leave it. He was usually so orderly and in fact fairly fastidious about his space, but not this time. Too tired to deal with it now, he'd resigned himself to the mess and pointed to the hall, silent instructions for Kojiro to go wash his hands again. If he kept this up Kaoru made a mental note to get the antibacterial gel the next time he got up to possibly save the 'big blockhead' so many trips. If he got back up, that was.
After the fortieth hands washing of the night Kojiro returned, resuming his spot from before. This time however crossing his legs in front of himself and turned towards Kaoru, wanting to check on him. He'd been very well behaved himself tonight. He would argue saintly even! He didn't hover, he didn't pick on him, he even ignored all the obvious signs his lover was doing worse than he'd ever admit. Now however, Kaoru was going to have to endure at least a two minute once over. He didn't even get a chance.
Kaoru didn't mind the intended once over, because he didn't even notice that the other man was studying him. Once Kojiro was down again he picked up a pillow, tossed it weakly at his boyfriend hitting him in the chest with it and as soon as it landed in his lap he slumped over on to it like dead weight. Laying his head in Kojiro's lap with a soft droning groan, eyes closed. That really took it out of him.
Dark eyes widened for a second, looking as surprised as he felt when Kaoru came to him so easily and lifted his arm out of the way while he moved a little closer. The iron curtain was drawn back, no more 'strength' to be mustered. That tank was empty now. Leaning down over him he brushed his hair aside gently.
"You okay?"
Kaoru nodded once, eyes still closed. Wondering to himself how something could feel both so terrible and so much better at the same time! Picking up the message board he pinned it upright in his direction between his arm lazily thrown over the top of it and the couch below and started to write.
'Sorry.'
"What are you sorry for? You gotta breathe, dont'cha?"
'Its embarrassing and gross, is what.'
"You know how sneezing works, right? It's a good thing you're getting rid of all of that and whatever. You can't always help it. You gotta loosen up, man!"
'I really don't feel very good.'
No chibi figures, no jokes.
"Yeah, I can tell. Worse or..?" He asked quietly, brushing fingers across Kaoru's forehead, and he let him this time. His fever was starting to go down a little, he wasn't as hot as before and that reassured him a little. He got a head shake for a reply and a hand motion to signal it wasn't any worse, just the same terrible. Kaoru was just done fighting it for now. Kojiro ran combing fingers through the fringe over one side of Kaoru's forehead, moving it back behind his ear. He focused there a minute then started to massage his scalp at his temple.
Kaoru leaned into the touch, he closed his eyes again and sighed. He wished silently to himself that Kojiro would do that forever.
Huh..!
Maybe he did like being 'coddled'?
If only a little bit.
"That was a lot! I lost count somewhere after twelve. What number did you come up with?" He joked and got a middle finger thrust up at him in return. "It's always in threes... Damn. Someone must really love you." He offered him a friendly, sympathetic smile as he teased him again.
Kaoru looked up at him with a voice cracking 'ugh' sound and a roll of his eyes, and pulled his upper lip into a sneer on one side. Writing a bit slower now than he had all night. His arms were starting to feel heavy again.
'Really? This again? You don't really believe that, do you??'
It went to four. One, someone is thinking of you. Two, speaking ill.. But Three was 'Someone is in love with you'.
He'd heard it a lot in life when he couldn't hold it in or fight it off until he found a more private moment for the embarrassing display. It always annoyed him endlessly. As he had said before and many more times through the years, 'superstitions' were 'stupid'.
'It's been this way for as long as I can remember. I doubt someone's been in love with me my entire life.'
He drew a very quick time line with dashes for years. All twenty five to this point. He placed a question mark ending in a heart around the eighteenth line and a more definite heart on twenty five.
"Just about! " Kojiro reached over and with a quick count tapped the timeline somewhere between the thirteenth and fourteenth dash. Taking the marker he placed his own question mark heart around eight and the second he drew a quick single line heart in the spot he'd tapped before. "..And pretty much always." He grinned, leaning down and pressed a kiss to his forehead as Kaoru seemed to freeze on the spot.
His eyes widened for a moment as gold met darker colored ones when he pulled back.
Did he hear him right? The word 'always' repeated in his mind as the blush returned. He tore his eyes away and as hard as it was to do he sat up again, also crossing his legs as he leaned back against the back of the couch in a tired slump and wrote more. Sinking a little in his seat as Kojiro moved the pillows from his lap and leaned over to see. He pulled one leg up so his knee was bent in front of himself and crossed his arms resting them on it. He placed his chin on crossed forearms as he watched and waited to read.
'Yeah? Well if that's true, think you can love me LESS for a bit? Just a little while. Take a break! I could use one too.'
He groaned, drawing chibi 'Cherry' sneezing while grabbing little 'Joe' by the collar, hearts in his eyes. Starting to resemble 'Evil Kaoru' again as the drawing had horns again.
"Naw, I don't think I can. There's too much to love." Seeing Kaoru blush like that felt like an accomplishment to Kojiro. It was flattering! That he could cause such a reaction with just a few words. It made him want to do it again. Mostly because he seemed to be the only one who could inspire that certain shade of pink that matched his hair over his cheeks, then turn it to full blown red in a matter of seconds. It was fun because it pissed him off a little, but not too much, and a bit of a turn on that he could get his blood pumping like that with just words.
"How's it go? 'How do I love thee, let me count the ways'? Lets do that! See.. I love the way you still chew on the spot where your lip ring used to be, when you're nervous." The lip ring replaced gnawing on his nails. Another perk to it at the time. "I love the way your eyebrow twitches a little when you get annoyed with me. But only with me. Everyone else you clench your right fist and it makes that vein pop out on top. And the way your nose wrinkles just a tiny bit, right there.." He pointed to a spot on the bridge of his nose, hovering over it. "When you laugh really hard. Like something is really funny! I love when you fuss with your hair when you're stressed. You tangle your fingers in it and somehow never get stuck! It's impressive, I get stuck in there all the time when I try it!" He laughed, Kaoru was almost atomic red by this point. "When you tap your fan against your mouth when you're thinking like you're playing a song, and the way you hum your words when you're sleepy..." He listed.
Kaoru kept his eyes on the board. Had he really started with Sonnet 43? What a cornball! But it was a good one, it was why it was so cliche. Kaoru liked flattery, it was known. Particularly when he knew it wasn't just empty words. It was always a knowing, agreeing smirk or a small genuine smile if he truly approved of what was said. No one quite did it like the Gooey Gorilla did, though. Specific, colorful with little details, dripping with sincerity...
"Wait..."
He knew what he was doing!
He was doing that thing he liked to do, when he'd try to turn him red again on purpose! He meant the words. Every last one of them and always did. But he also made a bit of a game out of flattering Kaoru practically to death sometimes. Particularly if he could fluster him up at the mines. With all the attention Cherry Blossom commanded and received it would always take a little while longer for it to fade and go away.
..At least he was doing it at home this time.
'It sounds like you spend a lot of time watching me like some kind of weirdo.'
Kaoru arched an eyebrow, cutting his eyes to the smile then other man wore. Entirely too proud of himself, as he felt the blush spread to his ears and as it crept down his neck.
"...Ridiculously sexy fucking jerk..."
"Always, I could go all night! I don't know if you realize this, but you're really easy on the eyes, hot stuff. I love that you're soft and kinda gooey under that candy colored shell. Probably why you've built it up the way you have." He shrugged a little. "But even with all that sharp armor, you're kind and it shows through. Funny, and passionate. Determined, intelligent, talented. And you've got one hell of a vocabulary! I mean.. 'fussbudget'? Com'on!" Karou laughed softly, turning his head away in a desperate attempt to hide a little as against all odds he blushed deeper. It had to be a record for the most red a person had ever naturally turned!
'I did say that, didn't I?'
He drew Cherry with his head in his hand, embarrassed.
"You did!" Kojiro's smile got even wider somehow, that devilish gleam in his eye as he practically sang a satisfied sigh. "Ah, I'm never, ever gonna let that one go."
'So it would seem.'
When he turned his head back to glare, the look was replaced quickly with one of surprise! Wide golden eyes crossing to follow as Kojiro pressed a gentle kiss to the end of his nose. It made it scrunch and twitch in that involuntary adorable way it always did when he kissed him there that Kojiro could never resist. Maybe also a show of sympathy to his suffering but mostly for the faces he made. So animated! Had Kojiro just taken a moment to think he was probably still sensitive he may have thought twice about it. He pulled back from the kiss but didn't move away, instead he lowered his face a little and caught his lips this time. A hand resting fingertips under Kaoru's chin to lift his face into the kiss.
Kaoru thought for just a split second to pull back but he couldn't lie, he wanted this. He'd missed the feeling of his lips. It had been far too long in his opinion since the last time and closing his eyes he sighed into the expression of love and returned it. It was perfect... until...
"Oh no.."
It happened so fast Kaoru didn't even have a chance to fight it! He gasped again and tried to push him back, just not quite fast enough. The first sneeze came so suddenly and without warning they bumped heads. It did get Kojiro to back off though when he got sneezed on and a violent flip of hair to the face. Kaoru pitching forward over his crossed legs again. Covering his face with a quickly retrieved tissue this time and laughed in between the last two sneezes.
That was so embarrassing!
"Kaoru!! Ow! What the fuck? Warn me next time?!" Kojiro said shocked and frankly disgusted as he wiped a hand over his face while Kaoru practically howled and laughed so hard he actually snorted. That never happened!
A vicious cycle had been created as he rubbed his forehead with his hand, it kind of hurt him as well this time. He laughed because of the geeky snort sound, then it was because he was embarrassed. It was a gross and rude thing he'd just done, even if he couldn't help it! Then he would start to laugh again thinking about the look on Kojiro's face he saw briefly before the other two took over. Ultimately the cycle would start again.
He really thought he would have been more mortified! No. It was just funny, and better payback for his little flattery game than if he had actually planned it.
"You shouldn't have been so close, I told you!" He tried to choke out in a raspy voice between giggles. "Keep your distance!"
"Use. The. Board!" Kojiro yelled, going to wash his face. Gross! When he returned there was a message waiting for him.
'For your information it snuck up on me, but it serves you right. I told you to keep your distance. You are definitely going to get sick now, you FOOL! Thank God you're good looking! Because you are not very bright.'
The Cherry cartoon this time looked sad and embarrassed about his accidental mishap, rubbing his nose on its arm and a version of Kojiro also drawn only as some kind of slime monster, large surprised eyes the only thing seen from the slime and an arrow pointing to him with the words 'what you looked like' written above. Where as the real thing was still laughing at him. Leaning back hugging the board to his chest and a hand over his mouth. At least Kojiro finally got the good, hard laugh he was so desperately after for so long this evening! Even if it was at his expense.
"..Looks like you're feeling a little better.." He muttered.
It was true. He would say this much, Kojiro was wonderfully distracting. He'd actually managed to make him forget how horrible he felt for a little while now. Turns out he was more than 'adequate', he was fantastic!
"Do you know how accidentally violent you are when you're sick? Because you really could have warned me about that too. I've been catching stray hits all night.." He rubbed his chin, now wearing a pout of his own as Kaoru finally managed to calm his hard laughter down to slowing giggles and ran fingertips under one eye at a time.
"It almost feels like you're doing it on purpose at this point.." Watching his big sweet Gorilla pout he smiled and held up his hand, holding his forefinger and thumb only slightly apart. Universally known as 'maybe a little bit'. He was only teasing but the look he got in response nearly crumpled Kaoru into fits again! That look before was only 'pre-pout', now it was full blown. Kaoru tilted his head to the side and made a cooing sound at him as he reached out. Grabbing Kojiro's ear, he ran his thumb over the curve on the outside, leaned closer and kissed his cheek with an overexaggerated, voice cracking 'mwah!' sound. He then ran his fingertips over the spot he'd kissed and gave it a playful, light tap. Sitting back he picked up the board.
'You're such a big baby!'
He crossed that out as well.
'Sorry.'
After several yawns, and snuggling nuzzles Kaoru finally admitted to himself he was falling asleep from where he now laid tucked into Kojiro's side under one of his strong arms that wrapped around him, his large hand resting on his hip. He had no defenses left now. He would have had quite a few feelings about that if he was in better shape, and even though he was becoming a zombie again, he was actually capable of one last rational thought. Everything he feared happened at some point today, and the world didn't end! He knew it actually wouldn't of course, but being a man of science it was always nice to have results of a hypothesis proven wrong.
He was mean, somehow Kojiro forgave him.
He was imperfect and 'gross', he didn't care.
Even when he held on to him, both of his arms around his body like a coughing pink koala, he didn't push him off even though it had been a very long time!
His fingers gathered some of the red fabric of his cotton shirt as he held on. Grabbing Kojiro's attention he looked over at him from his phone in his hand, having stopped watching the awful movie a while ago. It was gross.
"What do you need?" The word slipped out and he was sure he was in for at least a look this time. After watching his eyes literally cross as he struggled to make sense of words written, Kaoru cast his glasses, the board, and marker aside a while ago so he was undoubtedly in for at least a glare. It never came.
Kaoru shook his head and moved one hand up, tapping his hand over Kojiro's heart and let it rest there. A silent 'you', and left it simply at that, yawning. He didn't stiffen up at the forbidden word, or demand a replacement. He just let himself need. With all his might he tried to fight falling asleep as long as he could. Genuinely enjoying their time spent together, but mostly waiting for midnight. He was so close! Only half an hour away! He was ultimately fighting a losing battle.
"Want to go back to your bed?"
Kaoru shook his head 'no' as he sat up slowly and pushing large jeans covered legs off of the couch, maybe a little rougher than he meant to be but he was tired, started to re-nest at the other end. He reached back behind his boyfriend's head and snatched his pillow back even though he was still laying on it at the time and gave it a pat. He didn't like to lay too flat when he didn't feel well, it was hard to breathe. As long as Kojiro stayed, they were going to be couch bound for another day or so.
After finally receiving not only permission but an invitation in the way Kaoru's hands reached out beckoning him closer, Kojiro got up and stripped down to get more comfortable. He was pretty sure that Kaoru was fading for the night, because he was for sure, so clothes were no longer needed. Grabbing the blanket, now in nothing but his boxers he laid down on top of Kaoru's chest this time in the newly fluffed nest he'd made for them, while they watched what was left of the movie. He would be easier to contain like this, laying pinned under the larger man's body with one long pale leg thrown up and over the back of the couch.
Not having to fight several rounds with a sleeping prize fighter this time was a bonus, but the biggest selling point was it was one of Kojiro's favorite things.
He loved the way Kaoru felt in his arms, but the secure feeling he got when he laid in his arms instead, was like nothing else in the world! He always held him in a practically protective way. Staking his claim in the way Kaoru let his hand hold on to the back of his arm wrapped around and under his 'human body pillow' and bent his other leg at the knee, resting on top of the backs of his legs. Tangling himself around him a little. The soft scent of sandalwood, cherry blossoms and jasmine when he would breathe him in. When he would hold him back and he could listen to his heart..
It was hard this time, however. While listening to his heart and sleepy humming mumbles he could also hear the crackling and wheezing sounds his poor lungs made when he breathed. The feeling of Kaoru's fingers absentmindedly and sleepily combing in his hair didn't do much to distract or make it easier, but there was nothing more he could do for him other than wait by his side for his immune system to 'headbutt' him back to full strength.
Kaoru didn't make it to midnight.
Kojiro was still awake when he heard Carla play 'Auld Lang Syne' and the text messages started to come in. From employees, friends, family and their little skate crew. Kaoru's phone was also going off a lot, but thankfully he was deep enough under nothing seemed to disturb him.
Kojiro reached out to the table and shuffling through the packaging left behind from the gift bags in the dark, found his phone. Starting with the last message received, Reki's.
He opened it to find a picture of him and Langa at the rave happening in the old abandoned factory. They were hugged close as Langa pressed a kiss to the side of Reki's face, chuckling at the expression on the redhead's face. It had to be the biggest grin he'd ever seen on the kid just as the picture was snapped. Attached was a simple message.
- Happy New Year u guys! How's Cherry?
He lifted his head and looked up at Kaoru, snoring softly with his hair sprawled out over the pillows and the hand that wasn't still tangled in his thick green mop resting above his head. Inching up just a bit he raised the hand with his phone and after taking a minute to aim snapped a picture. As he took the picture he pressed a kiss to Kaoru's sleeping face with a big smile as he felt him sweetly smile back at him on reflex. Even though he was very much still out, recognizing and responding to his touch.
It was not the only picture that came through however. There were three others as well...
The flash, movement, kiss and the sound of messages had woken Kaoru after the first picture.
The second was similar to the first, all the same poses but a single golden eye now had opened a crack, brows knitted together, top lip arched upward, and nose wrinkled in a sneer against the second flash like a provoked lion. Kojiro's eyes were now open as well, still pressing the kiss but he'd felt the sneer and looked up meeting one eye glaring.
The next was a pale hand full of green hair pulling Kojiro's head back, a large laughing wince on his expression and a blur of pink, Karou leaning up a little snarling at him! ..He'd told him already, and multiple times, exactly how he felt about taking pictures of him while he was sleeping! He had also warned him earlier there was a possibility of hair pulling In his future. He never listened.
And the final, black and shadows from under the coffee table as he'd obviously dropped his phone.
- Not 100% yet, but resting and feelin a lil better I think. Happy New Year to you too!
The next message came a few minutes later.
- Yo. Heads up! He says we BOTH have to delete ALL of those or else.
- I'M not going to. But the message was passed. Up to you.