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Pain radiated from his chest. The world was spinning, muscles weakening, legs no longer able to keep him up.
“Akito!”
He failed to focus on the voice as the world crumbled around him, feeling as his face kissed the road below.
“Akito!”
The sound of his name was louder now. Hands were reaching for him, pulling him, urging his eyes to open.
“Fuck!”
“KK…” Akito mumbled, unable to form any further words. “KK…”
“Don’t move, kid.” He was pulled against someone warm; arms wrapped around him. Comforting. Safe. “I’ve got you...”
With a sigh, Akito allowed his eyes to flutter closed as darkness consumed him.
“Akito.”
He stirred from sleep gradually, mouth dry and face warm. There was a hand against his cheek, gentle, calming, and familiar.
“Akito?”
It was KK. Of course it was; no one else was left except for them. The other man’s presence immediately placed his fears at ease.
“Mm…” Akito struggled to gain control of his voice, throat hoarse. “...KK?”
A soft chuckle echoed above him. “Welcome back, kid,” the older man said, practically hearing his smile.
Akito blinked the sleep from his eyes, as the world finally came into focus. “What… happened?” He asked, wincing as the pain flared up again.
“Shiromuku,” KK replied, briefly swearing under his breath. “That cold bitch got you good.”
The pain and discomfort alone make Akito realise KK wasn’t kidding. He immediately clutched at his chest, barely able to move. “Fuck…”
“Easy, kid. You’re still hurt.” He pressed the back of his hand to Akito’s forehead, frowning in response. “And you have a fever as well. You’re not going anywhere.”
Akito remained unconvinced, eager to heal up and get back out there-- knowing his sister remained in danger, waiting for him to find her.
“It’s alright, Akito-- we still have time,” KK said, as if sensing his thoughts. “Rest. I'm here.”
With a frustrated sigh, Akito finally gave in-- allowing himself to drift off into dreamless sleep once more.
Akito shivered, rolling onto his side before realising he was awake. The room was dark and unfamiliar, not recalling he’d been at KK’s place for another few moments. He tugged the blankets a little higher, curling in on himself, but finding no further warmth.
There was the sound of a shuffle nearby, finding KK kneeling beside him with a concerned expression. “How are you feeling?” He asked softly.
“KK…” Akito trailed off, rolling onto his back. “I’m cold.”
A hand returned to his cheek, slipping down to his neck. “You’re still burning up, kid,” KK replied matter-of-factly.
“Please…” Akito made his best attempt not to sound pathetic, but he didn’t care anymore. Reaching for KK’s hand, and holding it between his own, he only wanted one thing-- comfort. “KK…”
“Akito,” KK grumbled, rising to his feet momentarily. He quickly removed his shoes and jacket, shaking his head as he went. “You know I can never say no to you…”
His puppy-dog eyes must have done the trick.
KK peeled back the blankets, slipping alongside Akito above the futon. The younger man shifted to make space, sighing at the warmth radiating beside him.
“There,” KK said, wrapping a hand around Akito’s middle, and pulling him flush against his chest. “Good now?”
Akito wordlessly nodded into his chest, letting out a soft sound of comfort. His scent was still new to Akito, but he craved it nonetheless.
“Go back to sleep, kid.” KK brushed the hair from his eyes, watching Akito closely. “I’ll be here when you wake up.”
Akito hummed, beginning to drift off with the older man’s name on his lips.
All he hoped was that KK stayed with him, regardless of what happened when they finally rescued his sister.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t imagine a future any longer without KK there beside him.