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A soft sigh left Reo's lips as he awoke from his dreamless slumber. His head was throbbing, making it hard for him to formulate or process any thoughts. Maybe he shouldn't have stayed up so late last night.. But his finals were today. There was no way he would risk screwing that up.
He threw an arm over his eyes, groaning silently when he tried moving. For some reason, his body felt heavy and hot, his breathing slow and uneven. The rational thought is to assume that he was having a fever, yet he kicked his feet off the mattress to continue on his day.
A 'Mikage' could never take a sick day. That would lessen his day-to-day productivity and delay his responsibilities. The mere thought of hindering his studies and exhausting life was enough to make him shake his head. Anything he wouldn't do today would have to be pushed tomorrow.. That would mean more work to do.
Reo thought to himself, wondering what's the schedule for today as he stepped into the showers after discarding his clothes. Closing his eyes, he lets the cold incoming droplets hydrate and cool his skin.
Perhaps he could take out something so he had more time for rest? He sighs again, shutting off the water after a few minutes or so. Throwing a towel over his head, he faced himself in the mirror as dry his hair
Maybe he could cancel practice with Nagi? No.. that wouldn't do. The fact that Reo even considered that as an option was enough to make him feel shame. They needed all the training possible to reach World Cup standards! Besides, any time spent with Nagi was worthwhile, even through sickness.
Perhaps he could cancel the meeting with his father's business partner? Not a chance. His father might give him another earful.. He definitely was not in the mood for another boring lecture.
He puffs his cheeks as he stares at his reflection, carefully parting his now dry, uneven bangs. Well, he's Reo Mikage! He'll make it through the day without taking out anything from his original schedule. If anyone could do it, he surely can. Enough dilly-dallying now, it was time to leave.
With a new pump of adrenaline and motivation, he ignored his burning forehead and he slipped on his uniform, grabbing his bag along the way as he leaves his room.
He glanced down at his phone, just to check the time.
Ah- crap.
He had forgotten to text Nagi good morning today. Was Nagi up already? Just as he was about to send his best friend a message, his screen suddenly turned black.
Did.. he not charge his phone last night before falling asleep? But it was plugged in! He was sure of it!
A groan followed by a gentle slap to the forehead with his palm as he got into his limousine. He made a gentle apology to Nagi in his head as he got comfortable with his seat. He was sure his best friend wouldn't mind or notice at all. It was just one text.
'God.. is it colder than usual?' Reo found himself questioning, his arms wrapping around his trembling body. Or was it hot? The lavender really couldn't make up his mind as he breathes out shakily.
He tried to not pay any mind to the temperature, curling up on the other side of the limo, closing his eyes to get some shut eye.
'It'll just be for a second,' the lavender tells himself.
It wasn't just a second. Reo had fallen asleep, his head leaning against the window. The way he was slouched over must have been rather uncomfortable but his fatigued body couldn't care less.
He found himself jolting awake when the car door was swung open so suddenly. He squeezed his eyes shut for the upcoming impact, his sloppy reaction too slow to grab onto anything but a shirt.
Wait.. a shirt?
The lavender's eyelids fluttered open in a flash, no longer sleepy as he gazes up at his saviour with a slightly embarrassed flush on his cheeks.
He stares at the void-like eyes gazing down at him, his face nearly pressed against the taller male's chest.
"Nice catch, Nagi!" Reo gave him a small, bashful grin as he desperately pushed himself off the male's chest with a gentle laugh.
"Come on, let's go or else we're going to be late." Reo pats the empty space next to him expectantly but his friend doesn't budge.
The platinum haired male stares blankly at the lavender for longer than a few seconds. The longer Reo had to wait, the more awkward his smile became.
"Uh.. Nagi?"
"Reo didn't greet me today," The male pouts in response before sliding next to his partner, gently shutting the door afterwards.
"Ah-?" Reo's face flared up in response, maybe it was the fever kicking in but he honestly did not expect Nagi to care about a simple text.
"Is that why I didn't have to drag you out of bed today?" Reo laughs again halfheartedly, placing his elbow over Nagi's shoulder as the car started up and left for their new destination.
"...I was worried I wouldn't have a ride," Nagi mutters, looking off slightly most likely from their close proximity.
"Aw! That hurt me.." Reo jokes, or at least he thought he was. Somehow, his heart sank a bit at the thought of just being a chauffeur for Nagi.
It shouldn't matter, this was all because of their promise anyway. Reo was doing this because he did promise the male a simpler life where he didn't have to do anything in return of playing soccer with him. Definitely not because he had grown to enjoy spoiling his treasure.
"I was a bit worried for Reo," Nagi suddenly adds and the lavender's heart squeezed in his chest once more.
Seriously..! He should be more mindful of his words..
"I'm alright, Nagi." Reo replied nonchalantly as he ruffles his friend's hair with another one of his light chuckles.
"Your hand feels.. a bit warmer than usual, Reo." Nagi comments, staring deeply into Reo's soul. (At least that's how it felt for the lavender.)
The sudden attention felt so overwhelming that Reo snapped his head to look off, covering his mouth with the back of his palm. "You really can tell the difference? You're weird, Nagi.." Reo says without thinking and the next second he felt someone's touch in contact of his forehead.
"I'm not weird, I knew something was off with you."
"Hey-! What did I say about being mindful of what you say? There's nothing off with me, Nagi. You're being delusional." Reo huffs as he gently grabs Nagi's wrist. "Take your hand away from me, you might catch it.." He adds silently, since he still cares for the other's health. He wanted to make sure his treasure was always in top shape after all.
"Why didn't Reo stay at home?" Nagi asked and Reo simply clicked his tongue. "Finals. Didn't you study, Nagi? I saw you online at like.. 2am."
"It's a pain to.. Reo knows I can get good grades so why bother trying?" Nagi sighs, sinking a bit on the seat, giving Reo a soft pout.
"Haha! Yeah, that's my genius!" He praised the platinum, reaching his hand out to pat Nagi's hair again, only to be abruptly stopped as their ride suddenly halted.
Reo swore he had better balance but today just was not his day as he nearly tripped himself.
As if almost immediately, Nagi's hands moved to catch him. Reo could feel the warmth on his waist, though that was barely enough to hold him still.
Heat rushed to the lavender's face once more, mumbling words of gratitude towards the male. Nagi helps Reo take his seat again properly, though gives him an expectant look afterwards, his eyes shining.
Reo wets his lips, staring back at his treasure's eyes, the dull obsidian orbs twinkle in his direction.
Did he want something? Praise maybe?
Reo couldn't give it much thought since the window separating the driver's seat and the back of the limosuine slid open. Reo swears that in the corner of his eyes, he could see Nagi pouring at their sudden interruption.
"We're here, young master. Are you certain you wouldn't want to take your exam another day?" Baya looks at him with a concerned frown instead of her usual motherly smiles.
"I'm certain, Baya! Just fetch us at the usual time, thank you!" Reo smiles at his caretaker, waving at her as he took a step outside the vehicle, placing his hands on his hips while his treasure took his time to climb out.
"I'll pick you up later for practice, okay?" Reo says, giving Nagi's shoulder a slight bump with his fist.
"Don't you want to rest after finals, Reo?" Nagi barely raises a brow but Reo can make out his questioning gaze.
"We can't skip a day of practice, Nagi! You know that," He repeats himself, sighing as he starts making his way to his designated classroom.
"But Reo lets me rest when I'm sick.." Nagi gave the lavender another glance, leaning a bit forward as if to look at him accusingly but Reo refused to face him.
Reo was awfully silent after that, and Nagi wished to catch a glimpse of the lavender's face. He could only hope Reo sees how hard he was on himself, but he just did not know how to voice it properly. Maybe when the right time comes, he'd know what to say.
"I'll give it some thought, but I really do think I need the extra practice. We can end earlier though if that satisfies you enough," Reo finally replied when they reached his room, offering Nagi a small smile. "Good luck, by the way. I'm sure you'll ace it,"
Nagi barely even got to reply as the door shuts on him, but he made no effort to call Reo back to wish him good luck. He fished out his phone, realizing he haven't been using it ever since he saw Reo. (Subconsciously, he knew Reo takes priority.)
He knew that Reo's phone was currently not in use, but he sent him a text anyway.
You: Gl :x
Not that Reo need any luck honestly, he was incredible at everything. Though, he just hoped Reo would be alright. He would be right? Reo said so himself. He trusted Reo's word completely. It would be wrong of him to doubt his partner's skills afterall. Thus, he decidedly and slowly trudged to his own examination room.
Perhaps he was a few minutes late, but it's not like he needed so much time anyway. He wanted to spend at least half of the finals sleeping on the desk.
Time went by so fast for Nagi, having fallen asleep after he had completed his papers. It wasn't so difficult despite not studying. As long as he got a good grade, that would be enough right? He was sure Reo would agree with him.
Speaking of the lavender, where was he? Nagi finally lifts his head from the desk to the thought of Reo. Taking a good look around, it seems like he was the only person in the room. Has everyone gone already? If so, why hasn't Reo come get him yet?
The platinum got up to make a beeline for Reo's classroom when he found the male rushing over to him as soon as he left. That made things a lot easier. He looks down at the shorter male, who had his hand held up as he pants heavily.
What.. does Nagi say in this situation exactly?
Did Reo really run all the way here? He didn't have to.. Maybe he could voice that out.
"You look.. tired." Nagi comments instead, cringing at himself in his head.
Great going, Seishiro.
"Gee, thanks Nagi," Reo huffs out tiredly before straightening his posture and patting down the creases on his uniform. "I totally messed up the exams, but that's okay." Reo groans a bit, pushing back his bangs in slight frustration, the hand that was on his knee earlier was now on his hip.
Nagi didn't believe that.
"Reo's amazing, you didn't mess up." Nagi nods his head, squeezing the straps of his bag that he was holding.
"Ehh.. you sound confident. Was it too easy for you, my treasure?" He asked, starting to lead the way and Nagi trailed slightly behind him.
"It was, so Reo can do it too" Nagi affirms, nodding his head. "You're really something!" Reo laughs, and Nagi had noticed his voice had gotten hoarse and deep. Was Reo's face redder too?
"Are you feeling better, Reo?" Nagi asked since he noticed how composed Reo seemed now.
"I'm feeling fine, Nagi. Come on, let's eat something then practice!" Reo urged, his footsteps quickening before Nagi even had the chance to check. However, the platinum took a mental note of his heavy breathing and pale skin. If anything were to happen to Reo, he would be there.
"Come on, be a little faster Nagi!" Reo said as he pats the empty space on the bleachers. "Reo's rushing me." Nagi grumbles as he took a seat anyway.
"Sorry, my treasure! I have something on later and I want to have an effective and productive training session before it." Reo smiles apologetically and Nagi immediately forgives him.
"As long as I don't have to do any extra work, I'm okay with it," Nagi adds as he picked up the lunchbox Reo and prepared for him.
"Eh? Don't want me to feed you, Nagi?" Reo asked as he held up a spoon for the other male who simply shook his head. "Reo should eat first." The platinum replies simply.
"I don't have to be told that, Nagi! i'm not a child-! But are you sure..?" Reo looked skeptical, maybe a little dejected. But Nagi didn't know for sure what had exactly offended him.
"I'm sure, Reo." Nagi replies with a soft nod. It's a pain to eat by himself.. but Reo was sick so he didn't want his friend to do any of work that he could do himself. His lavender had so much on his plate already. Being a pain to Reo was the last thing he wanted.
Little did he know, Reo had other thoughts in his mind. Instead of taking Nagi's acknowledgement as his treasure's way of expressing concern, the lavender assumed that Nagi just didn't need him anymore. Was it because he was feeling ill-? But he was completely fine! He's functioning properly and still being productive!
"Reo, eat." Nagi's voice snapped him back to reality. "I know, I was just about to." Reo smoothly replies like he hasn't just been overthinking the lazy genius' actions.
Nagi nods his head, his eyes on Reo as he watched the lavender slowly chew his food. He seemed to be deep in thought and Nagi cursed at himself for not knowing what to say. Before he could open his mouth to ask, Reo was already standing up to start their warm up routine.
Nagi gazed down at the other's lunchbox, frowning when he realized his friend barely ate. Was Reo just not hungry? Usually Reo would express the importance of eating and having the necessary energy to start their training session.
"Nagi! Are you done yet? Let's start!" He hears Reo call out for him and all the platinum could do was follow.
"Reo, I really think you should rest." Nagi says as he jogs after the male, watching his eyebrows furrow to his words.
"What are you talking about Nagi? We can't skip training!" Reo adds, sprinting just a bit faster around the field but Nagi could easier follow.
He was silent right after that but he noticed how the other's chest lowered and rose. Was Reo tired already? Usually he could run for a few more laps without breaking a sweat..
Maybe Nagi was exaggerating a bit, but he truly felt that Reo was feeling more fatigued than usual.
Nagi was about to protest again, his concern growing the paler Reo seemed. But Nagi stays silent, knowing Reo would only deny him and keep insisting.
And who was Nagi to say no to his partner?
They had finally finished their stretches and Reo picked up one of the soccer balls he had gotten from the storage room.
"Alright, the usual yeah? Focus on me and I'll give you a winning pass." Reo grins at his treasure and Nagi gives him a firm nod and a quiet 'yes, boss'.
Nagi wouldn't dare comment on how Reo's playing out loud. It just didn't feel the same as 'usual'. He was slower, sluggish and even a bit off with his dribbling. The ball would go a little too far and Reo had to speed up to catch it but slow down to catch his breath.
This wasn't the Reo he was used to playing with. His eyes looked so unsure and dazed, nothing like the bright shine he always had while playing. Perhaps Nagi really overlooked how sick Reo was. They'll just do one goal and they're finished.. Yeah, that's the plan.
Reo could barely think, his brain couldn't process what was happening clearly and before he knew it, he was already in the penalty area. A little too close for his liking.. but he decided to pass to Nagi anyway, a new angle wouldn't hurt after all.
"Ugh.." Reo held onto his head, the aching pain just wasn't going away. Just one pass and they could take a break.. He lifts his leg backwards, using all his force to kick the ball but he was astonished when he felt no impact.
Instead, Reo was falling backwards, his vision turning static. All he could hear was the thumping of his own beating heart and a loud cry of his name before everything faded to black.
It was close but Nagi barely managed to catch Reo before he collapsed onto the field. "Reo..? Reo! Reo, can you hear me?!" Nagi's voice slowly started to get more panicky.
He pressed his cheek against the other's chest and he could feel his heartbeat. That made Nagi sigh out in relief.
His Reo was okay, he'll be okay..
He immediately carries the shorter male in his arms, rushing to his bag to contact an uber for a ride to his apartment.
"Reo..." Nagi whispers, gently pushing back his bangs with a soft sigh. His partner can act so reckless despite how smart he is. But that's okay, Nagi will take care of him for now until Reo wakes up.
"Crap.. my head.." Reo grumbles under his breath when he finally came to. He slowly blinks his eyes open, scowling a bit at the sunlight hitting his face. He lifts his hand, only to realize how sore his body was. Panting softly, he tries to shift around to a more comfortable position but the pain was just too excruciating.
Reo decided that getting up was not an option so he took a closer look to his surroundings, his senses slowly coming back to him.
He clearly wasn't in his room.. After all, the mattress he was laying on wasn't the best quality. He didn't need to think so hard though, since he knew this place like the back of his hand.
His eyes shifted to the cactus sitting by the window, chuckling weakly. He was at Nagi's apartment huh. How did he get here again?
His failed pass entered his mind and he could only cringe from shame and embarrassment. What was that trashy coordination? He couldn't even kick a ball for crying out loud.
Damn it..
He placed a hand on his forehead, clicking his tongue to how hot it felt against his skin. How could he have gotten so ill? This is so annoying.. Nagi must be thinking what a pain it was to be taking care of him..
Wait, why didn't Nagi just call Baya? Doesn't he have her contact in case of emergencies?
His thoughts trailed further and he remembers his business meeting scheduled later that night. His father was going to kill him..
"Reo?" A voice called out to him and the lavender immediately looks his way.
"Am up.." He speaks and Reo realizes how hoarse and weak his voice was, sighing shakily as he pulled on the sheets.
"That's good, made you something." Nagi says as he brought in a tray with a bowl of hot soup.
"You really didn't have to, Nagi.. but thanks," He chuckles softly, a little flattered at the care his friend was giving him. It was a little odd to say the least, but he was grateful that Nagi would put in the effort for him.
Though.. Reo could tell that this was instant soup.
"Baya sent your doctor here, she said Reo will be okay as long as he takes lots of rest." Nagi explains, sitting on the edge of the bed.
"Dr. Mitsuri? She was here?" Reo looked at Nagi incredulously. "Eh.. you really could have just let Baya handle it, Nagi. It must be a pain that I'm taking away your free time.."
"Reo always takes my free time though," Nagi replies before holding up the spoon to Reo's lips. "She also said Reo shouldn't move so much,"
"I-I'm sure I can feed myself, Nagi. Hand me the spoon." Reo insists but the platinum shakes his head with a huff, bringing the bowl away from Reo.
"Let me feed Reo," Nagi coos, lifting the bowl higher and out of reach from the shorter male.
"There's really no denying you huh, Nagi.. Well, who am I to say no to my treasure?" Reo sighs as he accepts defeat, his shoulders now relaxing as he leans back against the bedframe.
Once Nagi was sure Reo wasn't going to snatch the bowl away from him, he slowly starts feeding the other.
Despite being born with a silver spoon in his mouth, Reo could never be used to be spoilt by Nagi. It was usually the other way round after all.
He kept his comments about the soup to himself. How it was a little too salty for his taste, that Nagi should have added some pepper and perhaps some spring onions.
Reo had to be mindful that Nagi isn't some top tier chef and he was fine with that. His heart still flutters at the mere thought of Nagi cooking just for him.
"Hey, Nagi?" Reo stops his friend after a while. "I'm full," He says quietly, perhaps a bit bashful that he had to voice that out.
On the other hand, Nagi just nodded his head. As if this was just some normal occurance between them.
Reo watches as Nagi took the dishes back to the tray and the lavender bit his lip. This doesn't feel right. Watching Nagi do all the chores that he was supposed to do for him?
Carefully, he slowly pushed himself up, cursing at the silent creaking of the bed. But Nagi was already out of the room, so he assumes that the platinum didn't hear that.
He cursed under his breath when he tried taking the first few steps, his body was uncooperative. Every step felt as if he was walking on daggers, the soreness in his body was simply not helping.
With shaky steps, Reo starts making his way to the kitchen. He passed the mirror by the hallway and it was then that Reo realizes that he wasn't in his school uniform anymore. Instead, he was wearing a baggy hoodie that could only belong to Nagi.
His face flushed heavily as he could only conclude that Nagi had changed his clothes for him.
Why would Nagi go through so much trouble..? Reo can't ever understand him. He hates how giddy and warm he was feeling, but he chooses to blame it on his illness.
Nagi hears heavy footsteps coming in his direction and he could only frown. He quickly tries to finish washing the dishes. It seemed unnecessary but he was sure that was what Reo would do.
He hears a distant crash from behind him and as if his mind took on autopilot, he rushed to the source of the noise.
To his absolute horror, he finds Reo curled on the floor, panting as he clutched onto his stomach.
He didn't catch him on time..
"Reo.. why didn't you stay in bed? Are you hurt" Nagi finds himself asking, his voice soft and gentle as he pulled the male into his arms. He could feel Reo's warm body tremble in his hold, followed by incomprehensible mutters.
With ease, Nagi lifts Reo and carried him back in the direction of his room.
As if Reo was a delicate teapot that could break easily, he carefully tucked the lavender in his bed.
Nagi notices how his chest rose and fell unevenly, how his body flinched to the slightest of noise, how he's trembling despite the layers of blankets covering him.
It was such a sad state to see his Reo in, especially since he was usually so lively..
Nagi glances over to his phone, quietly picking it up as he starts to text Baya for advice. Perhaps he wasn't capable of taking care of Reo at all.. Somehow the lavender's sickness got worse, was it Nagi's fault for being so incompetent?
In the past, when he was sick, Nagi never really received much care. Only being given medicine and told to take an ample amount of rest. He never minded of course. Though, that meant he never gave much thought when he was sick.
However, when Reo came to his life, he had been cared for and even in sickness, Reo treated him with utmost care. The lavender also touched him a lot during those times, more so than usual. With headpats and rubs.. Maybe he should do that too. It felt good, anything from Reo always felt good.
17:08
You: reo collapsed earlier he's in bed rn but really sick
You: what 2 do?
17:21
Cool Witch ✌️: Forgive me for the delayed reply, I had to handle a personal matter.
Cool Witch ✌️: Young Master Reo must have exerted himself too much. Let him rest, but if you wish to do more for him, you could sing for him.
Cool Witch ✌️: Here is the link of the song.
Cool Witch ✌️: Young Master Reo used to enjoy this when he was younger. It always calmed him then. Perhaps he'd like it if you sang it for him.
You: what else can i do :x
Cool Witch ✌️: Prepare a wet folded towel and place it over Young Master Reo's forehead. If he wakes up, there's medicine for him that he should intake by the paper bag I left for you earlier. Is there anything else?
You: no, thx Baya✌️
Cool Witch ✌️: It is my pleasure, please continue to take good care of Young Master Reo.
Nagi then sets his phone aside after that conversation, getting up to fetch the towel for Reo. He damps it in cold water, folding it nearly before returning to the lavender's side to place it carefully over his forehead.
Now.. he should sing a song right? He pulled up the link again, listening to it a couple times.
Reo's cute.
Nagi found himself thinking as he listens to the lullaby. Baya must have sang this for him when he was younger..
A small smile tugged on his lips. He wasn't the best singer but he knew how sentimental Reo could feel. So he was sure Reo would like it even if he sang bad.
Slowly, he placed his hand over Reo's bringing the back of his palm to his lips.
"I'll always be here for you, Reo." Nagi says quietly, caressing his thumb over the lavender's smooth skin.
He's always so soft to the touch..
Nagi opens his mouth as he sang the tune of the song he memorized in mere moments and he watched as the tension in Reo's shoulders slowly relaxed.
The lavender shifts a bit, his eyes opening ever so slightly to gaze up at Nagi. His lips were slightly parted, his amethyst eyes sparkling even as the room slowly got darker as night drew closer.
"Mm.." Reo hums with a small smile, cuddling himself closer to their intertwined hands. It didn't take long before his eyes closed again and Nagi could feel the gentle breathing against his wrist.
Could Reo be any cuter?
He attempted to pull his hand away from Reo in hopes of taking his phone to do his dailies, however a whimper escapes his friend's lips at the lack of skin contact.
Nagi's heart fluttered to the simple noise and he couldn't help but feel wanted. Needed even. To be needed by someone he cared about so much. To be wanted by the very man he desires.
However, Nagi was taking a bit long so Reo rolled over to Nagi, nearly falling off the bed if it weren't for the platinum catching him once more.
He settled on skipping a day of his dailies, getting into the bed with Reo and pulled him to his chest to make sure his lavender doesn't fall off again.
"Goodnight Reo.." Nagi whispers softly, his hand slowly trailing up Reo's neck and now delicately running his fingers through his strands.
Reo's hair is always so silky and pretty..
He felt so lucky he gets to hold him like this. Maybe he won't fall asleep just yet so he could enjoy this moment.
As if their bodies were made for each other, Reo leaned to his touch, shoving onto him further as he snuggles comfortably in his arms. Nagi can't help but let out a small chuckle. Was he this clingy to Reo too?
The next day arrived, the morning sunlight somehow found its way to seep through the blinds, hitting Reo's face.
As if there was a personal alarm clock built inside him, Reo awoke at six in the morning sharp.
His eyes fluttered open slowly and he was face to face with someone's chest. His face flared up in realization, snapping his head to look up, only to accidentally knock his head into Nagi's jaw.
"Ow.. Reo..?" Nagi mumbled lazily, gazing down at the lavender with a dazed and very much out of it expression.
"Sorry for waking you up my treasure-!" Reo winced as he rubs the top of his head.
"It's aight.. Is Reo feeling better now?" Nagi questions before sitting up to reach for the medicine that had been sitting on the desk.
"Do.. you still need to drink this?" He tilts his head curiously.
"Eh?! I was supposed to take that after my meal," Reo laughs, patting Nagi on the back for his effort.
"But still, thank you. I hope I wasn't such a pain for you to deal with, Nagi." Reo's voice softened, offering his treasure a warm smile.
It's never a pain if I get to see you smile like that.
"Reo falls a lot when he's sick," Nagi stuck his tongue playfully to tease his lavender.
"Does that mean that I was a pain or what?!" Reo huffs angrily, folding his arms to look off.
"No, Reo wasn't a hassle to deal with at all," Nagi chuckles again, hugging his Reo from behind.
"I'd love to take care of you again"
For the rest of my life, even.
But Nagi kept that to himself.