Chapter Text
Kei really considered that Yuya had blown him off on his birthday of all days, and honestly he was quite disappointed. He had really been looking forward to spending the day with him since the current leg of his stage play was over.
It wasn’t until he got a phone call later on and Yuya sounded rough. Scratchy voice, congested, like he was on the verge of death or something.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t celebrate with you today,” he apologized through the phone, which was followed by a distant sneeze which meant Yuya pulled the phone away, it still made him wince in sympathy. His exhausting schedule must have finally caught up to him, but luckily he would have the chance to rest for now.
“It’s okay, don’t worry.” Kei assured him, a small frown present. “Is there anything I can do for you though? Do you need anything? I’ll come nurse you back to health. I could even get access to a sexy nurse's outfit.”
It was mostly playful but there was definitely a serious tone to his voice too. He would definitely do that for Yuya.
There was a sound that seemed to be a guffaw mixed with a cough from the other end. “I do believe you’d make that happen, and I would love to see it at some point but I don’t want you to get sick too. It’s your birthday, go out and celebrate properly and I’ll make it up to you.”
“I’m not going to meet my friends or family until the weekend.”
He had been saving the day itself for Yuya after all. Kei was about to speak again and tell him it was fine but he heard a sigh from the other line.
“If you come, just be careful okay? No kissing, I’ll wear a mask.”
Kei smiled at that. He did want to spend the rest of his birthday with Yuya but he also wanted to make sure he was okay and being taken care of.
“Okay. I’ll bring you food and medicine okay? Stay put.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” there was a soft laugh in response from Yuya, that sound still brought him such joy after this long. “I’ll see you soon. Take care on your way.”
Kei smiled as he ended the call. Yuya was always a gentleman even when he was sick. He always cared about others and Kei loved that about him.
-
He stopped at the market on his way over to Yuya’s place for some medicine and groceries so he could make him an easy and comforting meal, as well as a cake that he may want to enjoy with him after depending on how he was feeling. And ice cream, because he always thought ice cream felt good on a sore throat. But he also brought tea in case Yuya would want that instead. Kei let himself in with the spare key Yuya had given him for such an occasion (or - let’s be real here - for a booty call) and slipped his shoes off as he stepped inside.
“Yuya? I’m here.”
The only response he got was soft snoring coming from the couch. Kei crept over, mostly to make sure he was comfortable. When He saw that Yuya wasn’t covered up, he draped the blanket from the sofa over him and just decided to let him sleep for now so he could get something cooking for when he woke up. It was still pretty early after all, and knowing Yuya it was likely that he hadn’t eaten dinner yet. Kei didn’t mind doing this on his birthday, mostly he really liked knowing he was taking care of Yuya. Maybe it was the weird domestic side of him that didn’t come out so often.
Kei hummed to himself as he prepared the Oyaku and steamed vegetables with seasoning and miso soup too, as well as heating the water for lemon and honey tea. Plenty of comforting things that he knew were general care for a sick person. He left the food on the warmer and went back to Yuya on the couch who was still sleeping, reaching out to test his forehead. He felt a bit warm but not overly feverish so that was good.
Yuya still hadn’t really stirred at that point so Kei perched himself on the arm of the couch beside him, fingers playing with his long hair and smiling as he had an idea. If one would ask him where he learned to braid, he would say it was because of his sister but one day he was just curious and watched videos on YouTube, especially when Yuya’s hair was getting long like this. His hair was so soft and smooth, obviously very well cared for and Kei loved to touch it. He went to the bathroom to retrieve a hairband he knew Yuya kept there and went back to work, his fingers working through the long strands of hair that made a really lovely braid. Luckily Yuya had fallen asleep half sitting up so it was easy to have full access to his hair. Once he was done, he tied the bottom of the braid and brushed his fingers across his forehead as he watched him rest.
Yuya’s eyes scrunched cutely for a moment before they slowly started opening, and when they registered Kei above him he smiled sleepily.
“Hey you,” he greeted, voice croaky. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to fall asleep while waiting for you.”
“It’s okay, it gave me time to make you food and watch you for a while. How are you feeling?”
“Sore… My throat hurts and I have a headache,” he admitted with a sigh, and Kei appreciated how they had come a long way because a few months ago Yuya probably would have passed it off and said he was fine but now? They trusted each other more than ever and Yuya seemed more comfortable relying on Kei.
“Well, I have some things that might help. Wait here.”
He got up and headed to the kitchen to put the food that had been warming, the tea and the medicine on a tray to bring out to the den for him. Yuya had sat up now and seemed to have a confused expression on his face.
“What’s wrong?” Kei asked as he sat down, first handing him the meds to take and the tea.
“Nothing, just -” He touched the back of his head, lightly. “You braided my hair?”
Kei grinned a little.
“Yeah, I couldn’t resist the temptation. You look really pretty, you know.”
“Are you really flirting with me right now? I’m sick.” Yuya rolled his eyes in a playful manner as he took the medicine and slowly sipped some of the tea, followed by a sigh. “This is good, thank you. I didn’t have much of an appetite so okayu is perfect.”
“I brought ice cream too in case you might want some later, I like eating ice cream when my throat hurts.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.”
Yuya picked up the bowl of the rice porridge but paused for a moment, leaning over to kiss his cheek. Kei knew fully well that kiss would have went on his lips if he wasn’t sick, but he wasn’t complaining.
“Happy birthday, Kei. I’m sorry again about this, I promise I’ll make it up to you.”
“I know you will,” he said happily, patting his knee lightly. “Eat now, then you can have a bath and go to bed. I’ll clean up.”
“Kei?”
“Yeah?”
“Would you stay the night with me?”
Something about the sound of his voice made him feel warmth. Takaki Yuya asking him to spend the night, even though he had many times before.
“I will.”