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“Tighnari. Tighnari, pull over.”
As luck would have it, their car was the only one on that stretch of the highway at that very moment. Tighnari wasted no time, swiftly slowing down and pulling to the side of the road. Cyno had already freed himself from his seatbelt and had his car door open before the car had fully gotten to a stop. He staggered a few steps, bracing himself with his hands on his knees as he bent over.
Tighnari slammed the driver's door, jogging around to Cyno's side and immediately gathering back his long white hair. Cyno had his eyes squeezed tightly shut.
“You're okay.” The words of comfort came almost automatically. Tighnari started to rub Cyno's back with one hand, using the other to hold his hair back. He made a mental note to start keeping hair ties in the glove box, in case they ever ended up in another situation like that one.
Cyno drew in a sharp, haggered breath, before swallowing thickly. He tightly gripped his knees, his fingernails digging into the fabric of his jeans.
“A-are we alone?” He asked, his voice thick and heavy with nausea.
Tighnari lifted his head, glancing around. They were on the side of the highway, only surrounded by dirt and trees, save for the cars driving by.
“Yeah, we're alone.” He told Cyno, rubbing his back. “You're alright.”
It was as if that was the only go ahead Cyno needed. He folded double with a gutteral heave, his whole body convulsing with the retch. Tighnari steadied him when he staggered slightly. Chunky vomit splattered on the dusty ground between Cyno's feet.
“You're okay.” Tighnari repeated softly when Cyno sucked in a desperate breath, nearly choking on it. “You're okay. You're okay. Don't fight it.”
Cyno nodded, almost a little dazed. He let his mouth hang open, strands of saliva slowly dripping from his tongue onto the ground. After a couple of seconds he belched, only bringing up air. A shuddery, breathy inhale followed and finally the tension in his muscles eased up by a fraction. Tighnari steadied him by his shoulders, helping him stand up straight again, before gently guiding him back and away from the puddle of vomit on the ground. Cyno sunk back into the passenger seat of the car, still facing outwards. He closed his eyes, still panting softly. Tighnari’s fingers were combing back his sweaty hair, which had started falling out of the hairclips Tighnari put it in earlier.
“Here you go.” A bottle of water was pushed into Cyno's hands, and he reluctantly opened his eyes again.
Tighnari walked a few steps away, bending down to pick up something that had fallen on the ground. It was the stuffed fox he won at the arcade and gifted to Cyno, earlier that very day. Tighnari dusted the little fox off, before walking over and offering him back to Cyno. He gingerly accepted it, awkwardly clutching the little stuffed creature to his chest for some form of comfort.
“I'm sorry.” Cyno said after a moment, his voice hoarse.
“Sorry for what?” Tighnari asked him gently. He sat down on the edge of the seat, next to Cyno, and put an arm around his shoulders. “Don't tell me you're apologising for getting sick?”
“This is the second time we've had to pull over for me.” Cyno mumbled, hesitantly putting his head on Tighnari's shoulder. He hadn't really thrown up the first time, but they still sat on the side of the road for a good ten minutes until he felt like he could go on. Not that it helped much, seeing as they had to stop again less than twenty minutes later for him to throw up anyway.
“And that's not your fault.” Tighnari told him matter-of-factly. “You can't help being nauseous.”
Cyno grunted softly, closing his eyes again. Dizzying waves of heat were slowly rolling over his body, leaving him lightheaded and a little dazed. He wanted so desperately to lie down, but he couldn't do that until they were home.
“How are you feeling?” A hand settled over his forehead. “I don't have a thermometer, but I think it's safe to say you're burning up.”
“Really tired. Nauseous.” Cyno told him. “I want to go home.”
“Do you feel up to me driving again? We can sit here for a bit longer, wait for your stomach to settle a little.”
“No, I'm okay. We can go.” Cyno reluctantly lifted his head off Tighnari's shoulder again.
Tighnari cupped his warm cheek with one hand, bringing Cyno's face closer to give him a kiss on his forehead. It was such a small gesture, but it was enough to make Cyno want to throw himself into Tighnari's arms and hug him. He resisted, if barely, leaning back into his seat again and gathering the small fox plush up in his arms. Tighnari walked around the car, getting back in the driver's seat. Cyno put his seatbelt back on, before leaning over against the car door, resting his head on one arm. He closed his eyes when the car started.
They were back on the highway within a couple moments. Cyno tried to sleep, like Tighnari told him. The heat clinging to his skin seemed to have gone completely, leaving him soaked in a cold sweat that made him shiver. Tighnari subtly glanced over at him when he saw Cyno reach back, pulling over his jacket that had been lying on the backseat.
“Are you cold?” He asked.
“Yeah.” Cyno didn't bother putting his arms through his sleeves, wrapping the jacket around him like a blanket. He lay his head back down against the window. Now that he was snuggled up, exhaustion was quickly settling in his limbs.
A couple of minutes later, Cyno was fast asleep in his seat.
—
Cyno woke up to his neck softly throbbing from the odd angle it was bent in. He was slouched down in the passenger seat of the car, still loosely wrapped up in his jacket. He inhaled shakily, tucking his face into the folds of fabric and closing his eyes again. Nausea still lingered in the back of his throat, but it was mostly overshadowed by the ache deep in his stomach.
A minute or so drifted by, before Cyno slowly lifted his head again. He had been too out of it when he woke up to realise, but they weren't moving. He looked over, blankly staring at the empty driver's seat. He was alone.
Blinking a few times, Cyno stiffly sat up in his seat, looking around. The car was parked outside a small gas station convenience store, blanketed in the shade from a nearby tree. Cyno blinked again, sinking back into his seat.
He was still processing exactly what was going on, when a person emerged from the small store. Tighnari smiled when he saw Cyno was awake, giving him a small wave with one hand. In the other he was carrying a small plastic bag.
“Hey, you're awake.” Tighnari said when he got back into the driver's seat. Immediately he leaned over, brushing the hair out of Cyno's face and pressing a hand to his forehead. “How are you feeling?”
“Tired.” Cyno said, closing his eyes and letting his head rest in Tighnari's hand. “Still queasy. Where are we?”
“About halfay home.” Much to Cyno's dismay, Tighnari retracted his hand again. “You were asleep for a good thirty minutes there. I would've liked to just keep driving, but the car was running on empty, I had to stop for gas. Thought I'd get us some supplies before getting back on the road.”
Cyno hummed softly in response. Truthfully, he only heard about a quarter of what Tighnari said.
“Do you want to try drinking something?” Tighnari asked. He opened the plastic bag. “I got some cold water, still and sparkling, I got a can of ginger ale, some soda…”
“I don't want to throw up again.” Cyno said softly, almost pleading. “I finally got it to stop.”
Tighnari's shoulders visibly sank, and Cyno immediately regretted not just forcing a sip of water down his throat. He's already ruined the day enough for Tighnari, he owed him that much. Tighnari reached over, gently taking Cyno's hands in his.
“Alright, I'll make you a deal.” He said softly. “We'll be home in thirty minutes, give or take. I won't push it now, if you promise to try and drink something as soon as we get home?”
Cyno didn't hesitate. “I promise.” He just wanted to be home. As soon as he was in his own house and he could lie down on his own bed, he would do whatever Tighnari asked of him.
“Alright.” Tighnari smiled, before leaning over and pressing a kiss to Cyno's forehead.
“You're definitely feverish.” Tighnari told him softly, as he sat back in the driver's seat. “Do you feel up to driving back?”
Cyno shifted slightly in his seat, awkwardly avoiding Tighnari's gaze. Tighnari raised his eyebrows at his boyfriend's silence, resting one hand on his arm. “Cyno?”
“Can you hold on just a moment?” Cyno asked softly, still not meeting Tighnari’s eye. “I… need to go to the bathroom.”
“Nauseous?” Tighnari asked him softly.
Cyno shook his head, and for a brief moment, the paleness of his face was broken up by an embarrassed flush painting the tips of ears. “Not that.”
“Oh.” Tighnari softly squeezed his arm. “Do you want me to come with you?”
“No.” Cyno said quickly, shaking his head.
“Alright. Take your phone with you, so you can text me if you need me.”
Cyno nodded quietly, reaching over with a shaky hand to open the glovebox and take out his cellphone. Tighnari gave him a sympathetic smile as he got out of the car, reluctantly remaining seated as he watched Cyno trudge off in the direction of the gas station’s restrooms.
Tighnari leaned back in his seat, switching on his phone for a distraction. It only worked somewhat, and his leg bobbed anxiously.
After ten minutes, Tighnari was ready to throw in the towel and go check on Cyno. He willed himself to wait a minute longer, and a small weight lifted off his shoulders when he saw Cyno emerging from the building.
Tighnari had always been somewhat skeptical of the expression “turning green.” It was unrealistic and exaggerated. Yet he found himself struggling to find another word to describe Cyno's ashen complexion as he walked towards the car.
Cyno heavily sunk into the passenger seat of the car, immediately leaning back and closing his eyes. Up close, a sheen of sweat was visible on his pale skin, causing stray strands of his white hair to stick to face and neck.
“Hey.” Tighnari said, gently brushing the back of his hand against Cyno's arm as an indication that he was going to touch him, as to not startle him. “You were gone for a while there, I was starting to get a little worried.”
“I'm sorry.” Cyno mumbled, as Tighnari began to readjust the hair clips to keep the hair out of his face. “Just…” He stopped, unsure of his words. “... wouldn't stop.”
“Diarrhea?” Tighnari asked, wanting to clarify.
“Did you have to say it?”
Tighnari smiled sympathetically, cupping Cyno's warm cheek with one hand. Cyno opened his eyes, looking at Tighnari miserably.
“Do you feel any better, at least?” Tighnari asked him.
“No.” Cyno closed his eyes again. “‘K, maybe a little. My stomach hurts less. But I'm still really nauseous.”
“Did you throw up?”
“Nari, please.” Cyno sounded exhausted. “Enough with the questions, just… I just want to go home.” He drew in a shuddery inhale. “But no. I didn't puke.”
“Alright.” Tighnari could tell Cyno was nearing his breaking point. “Let's go home.”
Cyno nodded gratefully, leaning back into his seat as Tighnari started the car again. He pulled on his seatbelt, before leaning forward and reaching down to pick up the little stuffed fox that he must've dropped earlier. Out of the corner of his eye Tighnari watched as Cyno hugged it to his chest, burying his face in its synthetic fur.
“Is it possible to wash this guy?” Cyno asked, after a moment. “I love him, but he smells like vomit.”
Tighnari chuckled softly. “I can definitely give him a nice soak once we're home. He'll be smelling like roses and lavender in no time.”
The vaguest hint of a smile tugged at the corner of Cyno's mouth. He leaned his head over against the car window again, mumbling a soft “thanks, Nari.”
“You're very welcome.”
The next half of the drive went a lot smoother. Cyno dozed off for a bit, drifting in and out as he alternated between sweating bullets and shivering violently. Tighnari would be lying if he didn't admit that his anxiety was threatening to boil over. He was typically a responsible driver, but he was distracted and he didn't like that. He didn't like being distracted behind the wheel, but how could he not be?
Thirty minutes felt more like three hours.
“ Finally .” Cyno's voice broke on the word, when Tighnari pulled into their neighborhood.
He turned his head away, but Tighnari already saw the tears that had gathered in the corner of his eyes. He reached one hand over, finding Cyno's arm and giving it a gentle squeeze.
Righnari couldn't keep from letting out a long, audible sigh of relief when he pulled into their driveway. He didn't waste any time, undoing his seatbelt and getting out. Cyno got out as well, accepting the hand Tighnari held out to him. He still held the stuffed fox, awkwardly clutching it to his chest.
No words were exchanged as Tighnari unlocked their front door, leading Cyno inside. He gratefully sunk down on their couch, choking on a breath of relief as he was finally able to lay down. Cyno breathed out a long, shuddery exhale, pressing his cheek against the cool surface of the leather seat and closing his eyes. He was aware he needed a change of clothes, no, a shower, he probably reeked of sweat and vomit. But at that moment he was just so grateful to finally be lying down. He was suddenly very lightheaded.
“Hey.” Tighnari's familiar fingers combed through Cyno's hair. “I'm just going to bring our stuff in from the car. Will you be okay lying here for a moment?”
“Mm.” Cyno nodded against the couch.
“The bin’s right to your side if you need it, okay?”
Cyno only hummed again. Then Tighnari's presence next to him was gone, his footsteps quickly fading into the distance. Cyno wasn't entirely sure what happened next. He must've started to drift off, because next thing he knew Tighnari was with him again, softly whispering his name as he stroked Cyno's back.
“Nari?” Cyno mumbled softly, trying to bury his face deeper into the couch cushion.
“I know you're absolutely shattered, love, but I ran you a warm bath.”
Alright, he must've been out, if Tighnari's had time for that.
“Do you think you can get up for me?”
Cyno heavily sat up on the couch, not protesting when Tighnari wrapped an arm behind his back, guiding him to his feet. Immediately blood rushed to his head and he stumbled. He probably would have fallen too, were it not for Tighnari catching him.
“I got you, I got you.” Tighnari whispered, supporting Cyno against his side. He gently felt his forehead with one hand. “You're alright.” Despite his reassurances, there was an edge of worry to his voice. Cyno hated knowing Tighnari was worried, but he was too tired to even think about what he could possibly say to reassure him.
Even after Cyno regained his balance, Tighnari kept a steadying hand on his back as he led him down the hallway. Cyno didn't protest, dutifully holding out his arms and letting Tighnari pull his t-shirt over his head, helping him undress.
The moment Cyno lowered himself into the tub, he could feel his tight muscles finally start to ease up and relax, the tension in his limbs beginning to melt away. The warm water seemed to cement the fact that he was home. It was over. Cyno lay back in the bath, closing his eyes and drawing in a long, shaky breath, which he released in a slow exhale. He was home.
“Are you alright for me to help you wash your hair?” Tighnari’s voice broke through his hazy thoughts.
“Hm?” It took Cyno a moment to process what Tighnari asked of him. “Oh, yeah.” Normally that was something he'd fight against, insist that he was fine to do such a small mundane task by himself. But just lifting his arms above his head felt like too much at that moment, he was so tired.
Cyno tilted his head back as Tighnari asked of him, closing his eyes at the sensation of the warm water on his scalp. Tighnari's movements were soft and gentle, not once tugging on Cyno's hair as he gently worked his fingers through the wet strands. Cyno smelled shampoo that wasn't his own, the scent familiar and so very Tighnari.
Tighnari kept softly speaking to him while he rinsed Cyno's hair. Cyno only really heard half of what he said; none of it was important, Tighnari was simply talking to fill the silence. Tighnari was quiet by nature, and Cyno recognised that he was doing this for his sake, a comforting distraction. He would've thanked Tighnari if he wasn't already fighting so hard to keep his eyes open.
“Talk to me.” Tighnari's hands drifted down from Cyno's hair to gently rub his shoulders. “How are you feeling?”
“Really tired.” Cyno responded after a moment, when he registered the question had been directed at him.
“I know, love, I know. How's your stomach?” Tighnari prompted gently. “Pain, nausea?”
“Nauseous. A bit sore.”
“Alright.” Tighnari squeezed his shoulders. “Ready to get out?”
Cyno allowed Tighnari to gently pull him to his feet, helping him out of the tub again. The moment he was out of the water, shivers began ripping through his body. Tighnari wrapped one towel around Cyno's shoulders with no hesitation, before wrapping his hair up in another. Cyno stood there, letting Tighnari fuss over him and rub him dry. He finally opened his eyes and reluctantly began to move by himself when Tighnari led him back into their bedroom, handing him a folded pair of clean sleepwear. Cyno's hands trembled as he dressed.
Everything felt strangely distant. It was as if his body was moving by itself, somewhat automatically, and he wasn't in control of his actions. Cyno gratefully sat down on the bed when he finished putting his clothes on, closing his eyes for a moment. Finally, finally, finally.
Tighnari sat behind him on the bed, gently towel drying Cyno's hair, before beginning to pull a brush through it. Cyno sat with closed eyes as Tighnari brushed out his hair, trying not to nod off. His movements were gentle as he combed out the knots in Cyno's hair, brushing out any excess water.
“There you go.” Tighnari said when he finished, squeezing Cyno’s shoulders. “All done.”
Cyno reached up, touching the back of his head. Tighnari had braided his hair, probably to keep it out of the way should he throw up again. Cyno never wore his hair in braids, but he didn't mind. It was comfortable, and frankly he was too tired to care.
“Can I lie down?” Cyno asked softly. “Please.”
“Of course.” A soft kiss was planted on his temple. “I'm going to take a quick shower myself. Then we'll try some water and I'll take your temperature.”
Cyno nodded. Tighnari pulled back the covers of the bed for him to crawl beneath, before draping the comforter over his legs. Cyno reached for it and drew it up to his chin. The chills had started up again.
The moment Cyno's head came to rest on the pillow, he felt his whole body relax. He deflated with a long, heavy sigh of relief, finally closing his eyes. Moments later he was drifting off.
He couldn't have been asleep for long when he was woken up by a cool hand on his forehead, gently brushing his hair back. Tighnari was softly saying his name, and Cyno responded with a small, unhappy noise.
“I know, love, I know.” Tighnari said softly. “But you promised you'd try and drink something, remember?”
Cyno reluctantly tilted his head on the pillow so he could look up at Tighnari with half-lidded eyes. His vision was hazy with fever, but he was still able to clearly make out the familiar green-brown eyes of his boyfriend. Tighnari's hair was damp and pulled back into a short ponytail, and he was dressed in fresh clothes.
He gently supported Cyno with one hand behind his back, helping to ease him up into a sitting position. Cyno leaned back against the pillows Tighnari propped up against the headboard, closing his eyes for a moment when the world tilted.
“I'm dizzy.” Cyno said softly, before he opened his mouth for the thermometer Tighnari held out.
“You're probably a little dehydrated.” Tighnari told him.
Cyno only nodded. He kept his eyes closed, resting the back of his head against the headboard while he waited. When the thermometer let out a series of short rapid beeps he nearly jumped, startled by the sudden sound.
“39°C.” Tighnari read. “Alright, we can manage that. Do you think you feel up to a couple of sips of water?”
Cyno didn't, but he still gave a small nod. He promised Tighnari he would, after all. Tighnari put the thermometer on the bedside table, picking up a cup of water he must've gotten before waking Cyno up. He kept his hands over Cyno's as he handed him the cup, supporting his grip while he silently drank a couple of sips. Cyno didn't drink nearly as much of the water as Tighnari had hoped he would, but he drank something and that was good enough for Tighnari.
“There you go.” Tighnari put the cup aside. “How's that feel? Staying down?”
“I think so.” Cyno said softly. He looked up at Tighnari, his bleary eyes painfully filled with hope. “Sleep?”
“Of course.” Tighnari leaned forward, pressing a soft kiss to Cyno's forehead.
Cyno gratefully lay back on the bed, while Tighnari got up. He watched with tired eyes as Tighnari drew the curtains, blocking out the afternoon sunlight. Then he came walking back to the bed, before crawling in beneath the covers with Cyno.
“You're sure you don't need anything else?” Tighnari asked gently when Cyno nestled into his chest, curling up against Tighnari tightly.
“Sleep. ” Cyno begged softly, voice muffled through the fabric of Tighnari's t-shirt.
“Alright.” A faint smile ghosted Tighnari's lips as he gathered Cyno up in his arms. “Get some sleep. I'm right here.”
Cyno's body needed no further encouragement, and he soon plunged deep into the clutches of a restless sleep.
—
Cyno slept like a rock. He vaguely remembers waking up once and needing the bathroom, but as soon as his head touched the pillow afterwards he was out again. Tighnari’s presence didn't leave, alternating between gently mopping the sweat from Cyno's forehead with a damp washcloth to lying in bed with him and stroking his back while Cyno slept in his arms.
A good couple of hours passed before Cyno properly woke up again.
The light was fading outside, with probably less than an hour left before the sky would be completely dark. For the first time that afternoon, he was alone in bed.
At first Cyno rolled over in bed, shoving his face into the pillow and closing his eyes again. He felt marginally better, save for a steady headache that had settled right between his eyes. His stomach muscles hurt and the nausea still hadn't let up, but at least it was tolerable. A welcome contrast to how he felt earlier that day.
Despite that, he couldn't quite settle. Cyno lifted his head again after a while, searching for Tighnari. Selfishly, he wanted him there. It felt strangely alone in the room without him.
Cyno reluctantly sat up in bed, closing his eyes for a moment when the sudden motion made his head reel. When it felt safe to move, he shuffled to the side of the bed, slipping his legs over the edge and carefully getting to his feet. All the time he kept one hand on the wall, should his fragile balance choose to fail him.
Tighnari wasn't in the bedroom, and Cyno couldn't find him in the bathroom either. Ignoring the shivers that were starting to ripple across his skin, Cyno left the room, trudging down the hallway with one hand remaining on the wall. Sure enough, he could see the light on in the kitchen.
Scissors and wrapping paper were spread across their dining table, while Tighnari had his back facing in Cyno's direction. Cyno didn't say anything, sleepily leaning on the doorway as he watched Tighnari effortlessly fold the wrapping paper around the book he had bought earlier that day, skillfully taping up the edges.
He didn't make a sound, but Tighnari still somehow sensed his presence. He looked over his shoulder, and broke into a small smile when their eyes met.
“Hey, you're awake.” Tighnari said, putting the pair of scissors down, and turning around.
“What are you doing?” Cyno asked, leaning more heavily on the doorway while he gazed at the clutter across the table.
“Oh, just wrapping up Collei's present.” Tighnari patted the book. “My hands were itching to do something, and her birthday is in a couple of days as it is.”
He walked over to Cyno, reaching out and gently cupping his face with his hands. Cyno closed his eyes, leaning his cheek into Tighnari's warm palm.
“You're still running a fever.” Tighnari told him softly. “Why are you up?”
“Couldn't sleep.” Cyno mumbled, not opening his eyes.
“How are you feeling?” Tighnari asked.
“A little better I guess. Nauseous, cold. Still tired.”
“Then you really shouldn't be out of bed.” Tighnari tried to sound stern, but his tone was too soft and gentle for it.
“Mm.” Cyno gently rubbed his cheek against Tighnari's hand, smiling faintly when he felt his boyfriend’s fingertips in his hair.
“Come on, you.” Tighnari said softly, putting an arm around Cyno's shoulders and beginning to lead him back to their bedroom.
“What about the present?” Cyno asked softly.
“I was almost done anyway. I'd rather make sure you got back in bed, maybe drank something.”
Cyno hummed softly. Later when he felt better, he'd probably look back on that moment and feel bad for pulling Tighnari away from what he was doing. Presently, he was too tired to even realise, only instinctively gravitating towards Tighnari's comforting presence.
“I love you.” Cyno mumbled, the words muffled by the way he had his cheek cushioned against Tighnari's shoulder.
There was a soft chuckle, and he felt Tighnari's lips against his temple. “I love you too.”