Work Text:
Second year, second semester: mid-November
Just before winter midterms, Chuuya falls ill, coughing up his lungs and complaining that his throat hurts.
On the third day, Yosano puts on a surgical mask and tells him to open his mouth over lunch break, which seems to alarm him until Dazai explains that she works at her family's clinic in the evenings. Once Chuuya has reluctantly opened up, Yosano shines her phone's flashlight into his mouth, then immediately pats his cheek. "You have a throat infection. Come by my place after school; my mother can confirm and my father can get you some antibiotics."
Chuuya groans quietly, but nods in acceptance and turns his head away before thanking her. She chuckles and hands him a spare mask, which he takes, grateful, and thanks her for again. She heads back to her own desk, smiling at the few girls standing near her desk and immediately striking up conversation with them. Dazai takes his usual place by Chuuya instead. "Poor Chuuya~"
Chuuya shrugs, sliding the mask into place before speaking. "It's fine, I'll live."
"Must be all those people Chuuya's been kissing~"
"Wh- I'm not kissing anyone!" Not that there haven't been offers, but he hasn't been interested. After all... If he's being perfectly honest, he's kind of starting to feel like he might want to kiss Dazai, of all people, but he's not about to admit that out loud.
Chuuya moves the mask aside to take a bite of lunch, but he knows that won't deter Dazai from this line of conversation now that Chuuya's reacted so strongly to it.
Dazai makes a curious face, acting all innocent even when he's clearly not, "Oh? You haven't? But you're so popular, Chuuya-kun~"
"And I'm sure the people who've asked me out are lovely, but I'm not really looking for a relationship right now," Chuuya replies, noncommittal, then glances up at Dazai, "I've heard you're quite the heartbreaker, though." His tone is neutral because he can't help wondering if that isn't a form of self-destruction related to his depression.
"Mm... I guess so." Such a lacklustre response suggests Chuuya won't get anything more from that line of conversation, or at least not here and now, and Dazai proves him correct by changing the subject, glancing back to Yosano's desk briefly. "Ne, Yosano, how long will he be the walking plague?"
Yosano pauses briefly in her conversation with the girls, "Twenty-four hours after he starts the antibiotics he won't be contagious anymore; symptoms could last up to ten days or so, but considering he's usually in good physical condition, it might only be four or five."
Dazai nods in understanding, then smiles back at Chuuya. "Well, I'm glad you won't be contagious for long~"
Chuuya doesn't quite follow for a moment - he's still wearing the medical mask, and it's not like he was going to cough in Dazai's face anyway - but then realizes. "Oh, right."
"We're still on to study this weekend, yes~?"
"Mm... I'll let you know how I feel on Friday, I guess."
Dazai nods, accepting. "Alright. Then feel better soon, Chuuya~"
"Thanks."
With that, Dazai's off back to his desk, and Chuuya finishes his meal carefully, wincing as he swallows. Throat infections are always such an inconvenience... Well, whatever.
Lunch and their afternoon classes pass with only minor incidents, Chuuya coughing but waving off the thought of going to the nurse's office. After class, Dazai insists on Chuuya riding on the back of his bicycle "so Chuuya doesn't cough and crash into a tree~", which Chuuya grudgingly accepts, loaning Yosano his bicycle to use so she can get to the station with them without needing to walk. Arms around Dazai's waist, Chuuya can tell how thin he really is, even through the jacket and shirt of their uniform. It makes him scowl lightly into Dazai's back, resting his head between Dazai's shoulder blades with a sigh.
A few minutes into the ride, Dazai asks something, but Chuuya doesn't catch it over the wind in his ears. "Hm?"
He's pretty sure Dazai feels the vibration of that sound more than hears it, but he repeats himself louder anyway, "I asked how you're feeling back there."
Chuuya coughs. "Oh... I'm alright..."
"You don't sound convincing. Sorry, it's a train-ride away, but we'll be there in about fifteen minutes total."
Chuuya nods gently against Dazai's back, eyes closing again. He won't sleep like this, of course, but even though Dazai is probably a little too skinny, having him here like this... It's kind of nice. When he's feeling better, he'll have to encourage Dazai to start eating more...
He doesn't fall asleep, no, but he does only stir again once the bicycle stops in the station's parking and he feels Dazai move to get up. Letting his arms drop from Dazai's waist, Chuuya follows, pulling out his train pass and sticking close to Dazai and Yosano so he doesn't get separated and lost. Dazai holds his sleeve, which helps.
Once they're on the train, finding two seats together and one just across the isle, Dazai flopping next to Chuuya without hesitation as Yosano steps across. Chuuya sighs and slumps into the plastic, closing his eyes. He's getting a mild headache... wasn't this supposed to be a throat infection? Maybe he just has the cold or flu or something on top of it...
He jumps slightly at the brush of skin against his forehead, opening his eyes to see Dazai had reached over and the back of his hand is currently on Chuuya's forehead. Without thinking, Chuuya leans slightly into the contact, but Dazai only chuckles quietly at that. "You really are being lethargic, aren't you?"
"I'm sick," he grumbles in response, moving to pull back away again slightly, but Dazai's hand stays with him, "so sue me."
"Ahh, you've still got that biting tone~ and here I was thinking Chuuya was being cute for once~"
That makes him smack half-heartedly at Dazai's wrist, shooting him a tired-but-annoyed look. "'M not cute."
"Clearly not! I said 'for once', didn't I?"
Chuuya just glares at him, not bothering to rise to the bait. He can see the effect that has on Dazai's expression - mild surprise and concern - but neither one of them says anything about it.
The rest of the ride is uneventful; getting off the train, Chuuya follows Yosano to the correct exit of the station, then even further along to her family's clinic. It's bright and clean, and Yosano calls to her parents in greeting as they enter. A man and woman look over, and the woman immediately moves toward Chuuya, looking focused and not wasting any time. Chuuya barely manages to get out a word of greeting before the woman is ushering him into one of the rooms, Dazai flopping into a chair in the lobby to wait, Yosano pulling on a coat and gloves to prepare for work.
Yosano's mother slips a mask over her own face before removing Chuuya's, holding up a light and barely taking three seconds to nod to herself. "Throat infection." Her words are clipped, but she doesn't seem unfriendly. "Turn your head so I can take your temperature, please."
Chuuya pulls his mask back into place, then offers his ear obediently, even though he dislikes the feeling of it. Thankfully it never takes long, and he turns his head away to cough a few times once she removes it. "Hm... It could just be the throat infection, but you do have a fever as well. I'm sure Akiko's already given you advice," and it takes Chuuya a moment to remember that 'Yosano' is indeed their family name, "but I'll get you some antibiotics and write you a note to get out of class until next week. If your fever gets worse, see a doctor - you're welcome here anytime, but I don't know how far away you live."
Chuuya nods in understanding, seated up on the examining bed as Yosano's mother writes a note. Then she's gesturing for him to follow her out, which he does; then she's speaking to her husband, "Antibiotics... Three times daily for a week should do." She turns to face Chuuya again, "You'll stop being contagious twenty-four hours after you start taking them." He doesn't mention that Yosano - Akiko - already told him that, and the woman barrels on regardless, "Lots of fluids and bedrest. Don't neglect eating, either - rice and soups should be gentle enough that they won't cause any agitation."
"Thanks," Chuuya says, his second word since he got blustered through here.
The woman smiles at him, "Not at all."
He hands over his health card, then reaches for some cash to pay what the insurance doesn't cover, but the woman waves him off without so much as a pause. "Keep your money, kid."
He opens his mouth to protest, but the woman raises a brow at him clearly daring him to try. He gives in immediately; in a way, she feels like his older sister, the same intimidating aura. "Uh - thanks, then."
Her husband comes over, smiling warmly as he passes a bag over, "And here's your antibiotics. Take care of yourself, hm?"
Chuuya nods, "I will, thank you."
Akiko smiles at him, "Feel better, Nakahara-kun. I'll keep Dazai in line for you."
He has to chuckle at that, especially when he sees Dazai pout as he approaches them. "Right. I'm counting on you."
Dazai huffs, "I'm suddenly unsure of whether I want you two to become better friends..."
Chuuya grins behind his mask, but bows gratefully to the Yosano family before turning to take his leave with Dazai. Dazai, who immediately links his arm with Chuuya's just to be obnoxious. "Ahh, poor Chuuya, how long are you going to be away from school?"
"The rest of the week," he says, "and I might have the flu on top of the throat infection."
"Oh~ I'll have to bring you some soup, then~"
"No thanks," Chuuya replies, remembering the last time he'd tried Dazai's cooking. The taste had been just fine - it was quite delicious, in fact - and it had energized him to a surprising degree, but then the next two days he'd felt heavy and sleepy. He'd asked Dazai what was in it, since it was the only dietary change he'd had that might have caused it, but Dazai had only smiled mysteriously at him, and now Chuuya doesn't trust him. "Nee-san's home anyway."
"Oh? Ane-san is back now?"
"Mm. She said you should come by, sometime."
"Well, I was going to take Chuuya home today anyway~ do you think she'll be home by the time we get there?"
Chuuya considers his sister's schedule; today is Tuesday, so... "Probably not, but she won't be too much later by the time we actually get there. You can stay and wait for her, of course, if you want."
"Then I guess I'll do that! Where did she come back from this time?"
"A business trip back to France."
Dazai gives an ohhh of wonder. "Did she bring you any souvenirs?"
"Is that your way of asking if we have any French snacks for you to try?"
"Ah ha, Chuuya really knows me so well~"
Chuuya huffs at him in exasperation, even though he can't help feeling somewhat amused by Dazai's antics. "Shameless mooch. Yes, in fact, she bought some specifically for you so you don't eat all of mine."
"Ane-san is the best, really, have I mentioned that?"
"You haven't."
"Well, she is, and I'll be sure to tell her that when we see her."
As they head back towards the train station, Dazai hums quietly but lets go of Chuuya's arm, settling for walking close to him. This time on their train there's only one seat free, so Chuuya takes it and Dazai stands in front of him, watching him with concern. "Are you going to be able to ride your bike safely?"
"Yeah, I'm fine, I'm not that out of it. Which reminds me, let's hit a vending machine at our station so I can get a drink and take the first of these pills."
"Mm, good idea. The sooner you start, the sooner you'll be better~"
"That's the idea, yeah. At least I get to skip class - can you show our teachers the note?"
"Of course," Dazai says, one hand lifting almost absently to pet Chuuya's hair, "but it's gonna be really boring without you there to harass~"
Chuuya rolls his eyes, but doesn't push the hand away. "I'm sure you'll just fill your newfound spare time with flirting, since I'm sure you won't use it to actually study, despite the midterms coming up."
"See? Chuuya really does know me best! But actually, I might skip. Once I make sure all the teachers have seen Chuuya's note, of course."
Chuuya kicks him gently. "Go to class, you lazy ass. At least take notes for my sake, if not your own."
"Ehh... But I can already teach Chuuya all of this! Besides, you know most of it yourself, too, don't you?"
"Reviewing is still a good idea! Unlike you, a natural born genius, some of us have to actually put effort in to maintain our grades."
Dazai pouts and looks away. Chuuya knows that means he probably won't listen and will skip if he feels the need to. Honestly, Chuuya doesn't care that much about the notes - it's true that as long as Dazai knows it well and can remind Chuuya of something if he gets stuck, that's good enough - it's more the fact that he doesn't want Dazai just lazing around his house doing nothing. That doesn't help depressive states.
Chuuya sighs. "... Fine, but if you're gonna skip, you should come review with me, then. Starting on Thursday since I won't be contagious anymore and you'll need to go tomorrow to show our teachers my note anyway."
Dazai lowers his lashes and smirks at him, mischievous. "Oh~? Chuuya's not going to insist I go to class~?"
"I'm not some goody-two-shoes, Dazai, and you know that. I don't give a shit if you skip class, I just don't want you lazing around your house doing nothing."
"Harsh! But alright, if Chuuya's so desperate to spend more time with me, I suppose I can oblige~"
That's not it at all, of course, but Chuuya rolls his eyes. Dazai snickers. "Whatever."
"Should I just stay the night, then? Or, well, several, I guess?"
Dazai lives alone now, Chuuya remembers, so he supposes the only one who might object to that is his older sister, and he doubts she'd care, honestly. Even the fact that Dazai will be skipping class won't bother her, he's sure... though she'd be at work anyway and wouldn't even know Dazai was skipping until Friday morning if she realizes Dazai's not headed out around the same time she is. "May as well if we're gonna spend the day - or several - together anyway. But don't come over tomorrow, even after school."
"Ehh~ But you should stop being contagious after twenty-four hours, so isn't it fine as long as it's like an hour after, if you're going to take one now?"
Chuuya coughs before answering, but waves a dismissive hand while he does to show he's not agreeing. "Probably, but I don't wanna take the risk. You'll be extra whiny and annoying and I'll have to take care of you if you get sick, so I don't want that."
"Chuuya's really mean for someone who's getting taken care of!"
Rolling his eyes - and smiling behind the mask, because really - Chuuya hums, "Ane-san will do most of it. You're just gonna laze around and try to make me slack off on studying."
Dazai pouts even harder, but he doesn't seem to be able to argue with that, because he doesn't even try. "Fine, fine, I won't come over until Thursday."
"Thank you."
Dazai sticks his tongue out at him, petulant; at their stop, though, he sticks close to Chuuya and gets Chuuya a drink from a vending machine, not even whining about being broke for once. Chuuya takes the first of the pills, then heads with Dazai out of the station and gets back on Dazai's bike with him. Even once they're back at school and Chuuya's got his own bike again, though, Dazai insists on following him. "I have to make sure Chuuya doesn't start coughing and crash into something!"
"I wouldn't..." Chuuya starts, but easily gives up; it's not even worth the argument, quite frankly. "... Fine, whatever."
Dazai preens at the permission, and they ride off to Chuuya's house without any major issues. Dazai dismounts too, though, and Chuuya eyes him, wary. "... What are you doing?"
"Just making sure you get in okay," Dazai says, innocently enough.
"... You can see ane-san and get your snacks on Thursday," Chuuya says, because he knows he did offer to let Dazai stick around, but then said he didn't want to risk Dazai getting sick, so...!
Dazai pouts. "Eh! You said I could wait here!"
"Yeah, well, consider it withholding until I know you've shown the teachers my note."
"So mean," Dazai grouses, but continues stepping towards the door anyway. Chuuya unlocks it regardless of the proximity, but doesn't open it, turning around to tell Dazai off again; he finds Dazai closer than expected, though, and freezes just a bit, just long enough for Dazai to dip his head and kiss Chuuya on the forehead.
Ah... That was... Kind of cute.
Dazai smiles as he steps back. "Well, you're not too feverish, at least. So! Make sure you rest up well tomorrow so you can be nice and healthy for when we skip class for the rest of the week."
"I won't get healthy in one day," Chuuya grumbles, but he's just playing along, and watches Dazai get back on his bicycle. "... See you Thursday."
"Mm, see you then~"
Waving goodbye, Chuuya steps inside, and once the door's shut behind him and his shoes are off, goes upstairs immediately to head to bed early. He really does know that rest is best, so even though he's not really tired, he knows he should lay down even if he can't sleep.
... Laying down with nothing to do, though... He tries not to think about how sweet Dazai is, when he really wants to be. A shameless flirt, of course that forehead kiss had just been a comforting gesture, something Chuuya knows he'd done to Dazai when they were kids, nothing that means anything, but... The fact that he did it at all... Was cute, and, yeah, sweet, and Chuuya huffs lightly even as he smiles.
Trying not to think about it is a futile effort, after all, but at least it means he has sweet dreams once he manages to fall asleep.