Chapter Text
His eyes open as it does daily before the alarm on his phone can produce its annoying sound. He sits up from his lying position, his blanket on his lap. He stretch his arms out which was accompanied with a long silent yawn.
He rubs both of his eyes and blinks rapidly to make himself more awake. Despite having a daily routine of waking up early, his brain struggles to not sleep unlike his body who is ready for the rigorous training of the day.
He takes his phone from bedside and switches off his alarm which is practically not needed since he can wake up without it. Yet he subconsciously always switches on his alarm in night before sleeping.
He dangles is legs at the edge of bed which is near his slippers as he looks at the wall opposite of him. This has nothing to with anything useful to his training. Its just a childhood habit of his which he has no idea why he did and still continuous to do.
He hops off his bed after he feels that its right time to. Don't ask him how he knows it. He can only describe it as instinct which build over time. He don't even have any idea when the habit developed and if has any meaning to it.
He inserts his feet in his bathroom flip-flops and slowly walks towards the bathroom, squinting in between as the only light source is faint sunshine coming in between the curtains. He slowly opens the door as he isn't that much of an asshole to disturb people's sleep and switches on the light, latching the door.
He takes his owl clips out from his hidden spot and puts on his hair to not get his bangs wet. Then he proceeds to switch on the tap, cups water in his hands and splashes it on his face, making him finally a functioning human being. He does the task two to three times, wipes his face with a towel at the side and then brushes his teeth methodically.
Now it is time for the first main part of the morning ritual he does it after that, he shakes his head to not awaken his anguish feelings and spoils his mood for the day, which he knows any of the idiots will definitely do. He puts his hands on the sides of the basin and brings his face closer to the mirror, taking in his reflection.
He hates what he sees as he does it every day and yet he cannot stop staring. His teal eyes, his slim nose, his light pink-slightly chapped lips, his furrowed eyebrows are part of his and yet he feels like a cheap copy of his brother. He curls his hands into fists, nails digging inside the skin, making it almost bleed, as the mountains of his inner anguish grows at larger heights.
You can't let that shitty Aniki spoil your day Rin
He takes a long deep breath and slaps his cheeks. He places his toothbrush at its place and walks out the bathroom towards the training room for his usual yoga time. On his way, as he thought, he encountered no one. This is why he like early mornings despite being it a pain to remove himself from his bed. He presses his Id card and enters the training dorm.
Rin places his mat in the center of the room and starts with light warm up exercises. As his body starts to loosen up, he starts with his usual yoga poses, with a calm music in the background, his mind at peace. At starting, he would execute this exercise routine as his body isn't used to this. Now though, his body is like smooth music played by a violin.
Lastly, he positions himself in the meditating pose and let his mind and soul be one, not literally obviously. This isn't supernatural world. He feels like floating the clouds as the time passes by. This is his time. No one is allowed in this. He can only hear the sounds of his breathing, no annoying idiots disturbing him, only him, alone.
Feeling that this is enough of his routine for today, he folds the mat and keeps it in the space provided. He takes his phone and card, exits the dorm and enters his room. Upon entering, he notices that the scaredy cat has already left the room, and his bumpkin his still sleeping which he will admit is kind of unusual but who he is to interrupt anyone's personal business? He is the one who asked to be trained under him, doesn't mean he will also monitor the unrelated activities.
He makes his bed, making bedsheet wrinkle free by stretching at corners, dusting the pillow lightly and folding the blanket, placing both of them on their designated spots. He takes his change of clothes and goes inside bathroom again, his mind occupied with the tasks ahead for the day.
He braces himself before stepping inside PXG common kitchen area. He does hope there is not too much noise going on, which he knows is fool's wish. Though today it seems god is on his side as it nearly empty. He mentally pumps a fist in victory (yes he has emotions) and raids the fridge for something to make. Surprisingly, there is a plate with his name on it but unsurprisingly empty.
Rin lets out an annoyed sigh and dumps the plate in sink. He takes out eggs and whisk them, deciding for a simple bread omelet breakfast, along with a glass of strawberry milk would be good for today. He isn't fan of strawberry milk, mind you but when your brother makes you drink it nearly everyday because 'Rin you can't grow taller without milk' was the reason he always got which like the naïve person he was, believed it.
He should have asked for the change in flavor but somehow the shop near them always had strawberry one stocked in the same two shelves. Even when he went in the shop at the time of the break after U-20 match, there was no other flavor. He tried different times everyday that time and yet the result was never in his favor.
He used to be excited by that, now its a little nuisance. He shouldn't be bothered by these silly things but he has always been annoyed by even little of things if its not according what he likes. Everything can't be always as he wishes, he knows it better, doesn't mean he won't stop trying to correct it.
He takes the last sip of the stupid milk as he finishes his breakfast. He places his utensils in the basin and washes his hands before taking his leave. Though before he can cross the threshold of the doorway, the door opens and he is met with the face of thankfully, Loki, PXG's coach.
"Good morning Rin. How are you today?"
Rin doesn't like talking to people much but he can be mannered to the person who deserves. Loki is just a year older than him and yet he gives the vibes of person much older. Guess experience does make people mature than most people are at that age.
"Morning Loki san. I am good."
Loki gives him a small smile before asking another question.
"Done with breakfast?"
"Yes I am. No one is there inside if you are inspecting others."
Loki lets out a chuckle and shakes his head lightly in negative.
"I don't have time for that today. However I do wanted to talk you about our upcoming match. I have my findings but you have been with the blue lock players in München from more time than us. I want more information. So please tell everyone to assemble tomorrow at 4 pm in the common room. I would have done that myself, alas my schedule is tighter than usual."
" I will."
"Thank you Rin", Loki says in usual calm voice, patting his shoulder twice before going towards the direction of his office.
He lets out a thoughtful hum at the task planned for next day as he walks. It does sound good idea to discuss their observations about the opponents plays. Rin knows his observation skill is one of the best but he isn't that arrogant to think that he knows and sees everything. He doesn't like that crow but he can admit that he does have brain to analyze plays and the players well.
The sound of opening of a door makes him look in time to see the paranoid Npc exiting their dorm with his duffle bag. He didn't meant to be here and yet his feet took him here. He lets a tired sigh and scans his card, entering a dark room.
He loves dark but seriously between his roommates, one being a literal butterfly fluttering his wings in sunshine and other scared of even a cat, this is a strange occurrence. Either of them always keep the curtains open to let the natural light come in.
He switches on the flashlight on his phone to not get hurt by anything. Crossing half of the room, he finds a bundle of load still on bed, blanket wrapped totally around him, no sign of even a single strand of his black hair was visible to Rin. He keeps his belongings on the table stand and pokes the white cocoon with his finger as though he is touching a lion.
A 'sleepy come here' was the only warning he got before he was pulled into the warmth embrace of one Nanase Nijirou. Rin was so surprised by this that he didn't move a single inch, just simply being smothered by the cuddle monster who has his claws on him with a strong grip.
He couldn't stop himself from blushing at the foreign intimate contact he is having currently. He wants to go back to training but he has no idea how to escape this situation! He again tries to move slightly, though instead of those arms letting him loose, tighten around his waist, Nanase's warm cheek pressed at his chest.
His mind short circuits more at the sudden action. Rin would have kicked this idiot but he isn't that heartless to kick a person who looks like is sick -the warmth radiating by him unusually hotter, being the indicator for him. He lightly pats Nanase's back to wake him but yet there is no response. Rin tries again in vain to make the hold slightly loose at least, and again the win is in not favor of him.
He knew his bumpkin was strong but not this much.
Guess he really underestimated his strength and now he is paying for this. He can call anyone for help that is Bachira and Hiori, the former who shared his contacted forcefully and later, who he often plays games but it would be really embarrassing. More embarrassing would be more people finding about this situation and like the gossip lovers they are would spread some outrageous rumor which totally won't even cover the truth of the matter.
The people who said girls were more gossipier than boys are really wrong!
The change of position the leech on him broke his train of thoughts, making him look down and oh he is finally free! He flex his arm which was trapped and slowly, gets up, one foot on floor and other in mid air and at that bad timing, there is a tug on his arm. This time, he wasn't that unprepared and thus he only slightly lost his balance before regaining it.
Rin -1 Nanase-0
No he isn't counting that secret attack!
Though the score is evened now because he has his arm in tight grip now! This has really become a game of cat and mouse. Rin lets out a defeated sigh because he know that as much as he wants to win this (one sided) competition, he can't let Nanase suffer anymore. So with a bitter taste in his mouth, he softly shakes him, and maybe gods finally showed him mercy, Nanase lets out a hmm, his eyes half open.
"Bumpkin wake up. You are not well and you need medicine."
Nanase being in his hazy state blinks before replying in a low tone.
"I don't want to. I am (yawns) very tired and your medicine are always bitter okaasan."
Oh.
The fever is really spiking if he is seeing his mother who isn't here. He makes him sit ,with pillow as support at his back, and another pillow at his head despite the weak protests of the other. Switching on the soft night light, he can finally see everything. Nanase's cheeks were slightly red, little beads of sweat on his forehead and eyes hardly can stay open.
Rin adjusts the blanket to cover him properly and sets the AC temperature to slightly cool, with fan speed low. He takes out the medical box in the lower drawer in the table stand beside door and removes a thermometer with fever tablets. Rin inserts the thermometer between his left arm, one hand holding the device. With other hand, he runs his fingers softly in his hair to make him relax. The beep of the thermometer makes him stop in action, making Nanase groan in protest.
Rin would have find this (very) endearing if the displayed numbers weren't one-zero-one. It isn't extremely high but he know that if not treated in time, the temperature will touch the danger zone sooner.
"Bumpkin, can u hear me?", Rin says as he looks at Nanase with full attention.
"Mhm.. Rin san", he replies in low tone.
"Take this pill for fever with water. It will make you feel better. Understood?"
"Anything for you Rin san."
Rin chokes on the unexpected sweet tone with the statement. He clears his throat and gives Nanase the pill, helping him drink water with it since Nanase was delirious enough that his hand was literally shaking when he tried to take glass. He keeps the glass at the side and brings him back to the resting position, and sits at bedside.
"Don't you-",coughing fits stops Nanase from before he could ask his question completely. Rin makes him drink water again which stops them.
"Do you have a runny nose, sore throat?", He askes in quite voice as he rubs circles on Nanase's back.
"My throat does feel little sore", he replies while touching his neck.
Rin gives a slight nod and taking out the cough syrup, pours ten ml in the measuring cap and bring it to his lips. Nanase closes his eyes as Rin wipes the small drops of residue of syrup with his thumb slowly, his eyes alert as though he is in match, making observations. He looks at the peaceful face of his bumpkin before switching the light night, his footsteps light, out of dorm.
"Why was both Rin and Nanase not in the practice today?"
Shidou gives Karasu a look of 'who cares' at the asked question.
"Demon kun don't tell me you are not curious. That is a big fat lie we both know it", Karasu sasses back as he takes another sip of the protein shake.
The practice has ended a hour ago and they are now on their way towards kitchen for the preparation of dinner. There is a system of turns of chores around for all. Cooking is usually done in pairs which Karasu admits he enjoys with Shidou much, who surprisingly is the best at cooking. He has a variety of knowledge about different cuisines, and the different spices and ingredients and spices to bring different tastes in a dish, like he's a chef. Even the resident Number one couldn't hide the expression of slight bliss when he tasted his cooking for first time.
"Fine I am curious. You think they are fucking?", he smirks at the end as he takes a guess.
"You think that's possible? That emo boy would really make a move?", Karasu asks in interest.
"It can be Nanase too. As much as he looks like someone who is scared of everything, he does have confidence of speaking his mind, even if there is a huge chance of harming things", Shidou shrugs before sharing another possibility.
"You are right. Since when you are so smart?", he teases him, his eyes crinkling in mischief.
Shidou pushes his imaginary glasses before giving a reply.
"How you didn't knew I was a smarty pants Caw Caw Karasu?"
They both look at each other before bursting into loud cackles, which echo in the empty corrior, sounding like devil's laugh. Shidou thumps on other's back that hard he stumble down as they turn a corner, reaching kitchen.
"Ow my back. What do you eat for that much strength?", He asks in mock seriousness as he stands up with the support of helping hand of the offender.
"Meat of wolf", Shidou replies back in most serious tone, making them giggle like little children who stole candies and got away with it.
A high pitched 'Eek' made them both look at the entrance where Tokimitsu is looking like someone who is escaping a murder scene.
Ah ha!
How they could forgot about the third roommate of the two missing members?
They both, happily exclaims together with devious smiles on their faces which screamed nothing but trouble,
"Hey Tokimitsu! See we have a question...."
Rin swipes his sweat with back of his hand on his forehead as he stirs the soup. Rin won't claim to be great at cooking but its good enough to be eaten. He don't usually wouldn't have care if anyone got sick, no one is that close to him and yet Nanase have some affect on him which he don't understand. He can't help himself training so here he is standing in kitchen cooking chicken soup as well as his confusing emotions.
He pours a small spoon inside pot and tastes it. It seems it needs little more salt so he adds half teaspoon salt in it and mixes it well.
Five minutes and its ready
He was just about to cover the pot when his hand is stopped in mid action, a strong grip on his wrist. Of course he can't be always lucky.
"What is this?", Rin states in his normal serious tone.
"My hand", Shidou replies back immediately, his tone air light.
"I can see that dumbass. I meant why you are holding my hand!", Rin snaps back, his expression in slight annoyance.
"Why you are cooking when its our turn?", his eyes spark with contentment as he is successful in making the other is annoyed, which isn't that hard for him at least.
"None of your business! Now can you leave me alone?!", he exclaims in frustration and slaps away the hand.
"Little Rinrin, I will."
Rin's expression turns to slight surprise and a hint of suspicion.
"After I do this", with that Shidou adds some chilly flakes in it.
Rin's eye twitches as he glares at him with anger.
"Why did you do that?", he asks in anger tone, spatula in hand incase the demon needs beating.
Before this could be decided, Karasu comes literally in between the two, pushing them away with his hands. He raises his hands in surrender as they both give a look to him.
"Now you know Rin that Shidou here is an expert in cooking right? He is just helping", Karasu states it as a matter of fact, the hidden meaning underlying that this was so obvious.
Rin lets out a silent 'tch' and gives a silent indication of Shidou taking over, who gives a sharp grin before tasting the soup with another small spoon. He lets out a hum of approval as the liquid enters his mouth.
"Not bad Rin chan. Let's cook after he is gone", with that he puts his arm around Karasu and sits at the couch, both discussing something among themselves, which Rin can't hear nor he is interested in.
He switches off the stove and pours soup into the bowl with ladle. After filling it to the brim, he keeps it on a tray, with spoon and a glass of water. He puts the lid back on pot and cleans the working area.
"Rinrin put butter too to give the soup a creamy texture", came the sudden advice of Shidou, his voice knowing, who Rin just gives a simple nod and adds it. He can ignore the roach for now.
Nanase is about to wake up after all.
Nanase can feel so much warmth now as though he is swimming in lava. He turns again to get comfortable but his skin is still burning. He kicks the blanket to escape this heat and cool himself but then it becomes too cold for him.
What is going on?
He tries to reach for blanket but fails as it has fallen down on the floor. He lets out a heavy sigh and with great difficulty brings himself to stand, his both hands on bed for support. He drags along the border of bed, his each step heavier than the other. He finally reaches at the end where it has fallen, far from bed and no thing to hold on for. He slowly removes his hold from bed and takes his legs wobbling towards the corner the blanket. He just bends down to pick it up, however his body being in feverish state couldn't take any more any push or pull and he closes his eyes for the impact, which never comes.
"If I knew that your lukewarm ass would be doing something which I forbid you to. I wouldn't have left the room."
Rin san
Nanase takes a sigh of relief and opens his eyes, looking directly at Rin's face which was very close. The light from outside was reflecting on his face, giving his teal eyes a glowing effect, making him gasp.
"You are so beautiful...", he whispers. He knew he was enchanted with this man and this moment isn't any different. He can smell the distinct fragrance of Rin, soothing like silent ocean at the beach in evening. He can feel the strong arm around his waist holding him, a perfect moment for some unknown reason.
Rin's eyes are big as owl and the expression of surprise is evident on his face. However he doesn't give a verbal reply and lifts Nanase bridal style, carrying him to the bed. He softly lays him down and tries to put the blanket but Nanase puts a hand on his, stopping him.
"Its too warm. I don't want it."
Rin swipes the bangs on Nanase forehead with his hand, feeling the temperature with his fingers. Feeling the cool touch, he feels relaxed, letting out a groan in protest as those fingers left his forehead.
"It seems the sleep did make your temperature little lower. You are still not healthy so stay on bed. I will give you a little thinner blanket than the one you were using. Is that alright with you, Bumpkin?", he asks, his voice gentle and out of character than his usual cold aloof personality.
"That works. Shall I lay down now?", his voice sounding little tired.
"Not yet. Its time for dinner. Let me rearrange pillows for you. It will help you sit for some time", Rin says as he covers Nanase's legs with the cotton blanket, which is better than the previous one.
Rin taking no complaints from the other, feeds him soup with his own hands. Before each time, he would take note of blowing on spoon so that it doesn't burn Nanase's lips. There was no talk nor there were any words spoken between them but it was comfortable. There was no need of filling silence with unnecessary words, like he feels with others. Nanase feels very happy. He didn't think that the affection he held for younger Itoshi would be reciprocated. And yet here they are, the one who 'doesn't care for anyone' being so considerate.
He thought he would only get the student treatment and the number one would never allow him to be close, which wasn't his intention when they started the Nel. However observing him and then being close these days, has made his heart yearn for this man who does have so many secrets hidden in his closed heart. He knew well that the request he made him of taking him as his disciple was playing with fire, and he knew that the need of survival in blue lock wasn't the only reason which encouraged his mouth to open that moment.
He wipes his lips with back of his hand as he completed his meal. Rin kept the bowl at side and took out a tablet he took earlier, keeping it beside the glass of water. He goes inside the bathroom to watch his hands, which was an excuse, well you can't blame a guy when the one whom you have a crush on (which he denies), looks so cute while eating!
Rin blushes in endearment on thinking about the expression of bliss his bumpkin had. He gives a moment to gather himself before any more cute attacks totally break his shield. He looks at mirror, his eyes furrowed with concentration. He mentally gives himself an encouragement of that he can do this, as though he is about to fight a monster. He exits with solid steps, his hands too perfectly moving like a soldier.
Why is he being so awkward?!
He blinks and helps Nanase to lay down on bed. He removes the bandana on his head and with his fingers, presses softly on his forehead, like a massage to make him relax. He have seen his father once doing this to make his mother sleep when she was very sick once. He haven't done this before but he does hope that it makes Nanase feel better. Looking at the sleepy face of his, he can take it he has succeed in that. He gets up to make his own bed, however Nanase has other ideas.
"Rin san, sleep with me?", he speaks, his words shy and uncertain.
Rin does a double take before his cheeks reddens in embarrassment at his dirty thoughts. Obviously he didn't mean in that manner! He is sick after all!
"Don't you want to sleep comfortably? This bed is small for both of us. Not that I want to sleep with you. Yeah that would be stupid, not that you are-"
Nanase's loud laugh stops him mid sentence. He looks the most beautiful like this, with him only there to feel the warmth of the sunshine produced by him. The laugh echos in his mind as he keeps looking at him.
Nanase-2 Rin-1
Oh, he lost.
But it doesn't feel like losing. No one told him that there can be a prize for losing sometimes.
"Please Rin san. I don't like sleeping alone when I am sick", his puppy eyes full on display.
Rin gulps as he can only think of hundred other ways Nanase can kill him being himself without even touching any weapon.
But he can die as long as his bumpkin at his side.
Rin signals him to move over to make space and jumps inside the blanket. Nanase slots his fingers with his and smiles at him, so sweet. Rin doesn't know who moved first, but next moment his lips were captured by the ones he craved for so long secretly. He cups either sides of cheeks with his hands and keeps kissing slowly, their breaths mingled together. Rin can taste the light sparks of strawberry of lip balm used by his bumpkin.
Nanase finds his fingers inside Rin's hair as he responds back hungrily. He is not a person who is impatient but this kiss awoke some hidden hunger which is now making him crave for Rin's lips more and more. Rin slightly shifts to bring Nanase closer, half in his lap. As Nanase's hand touched Rin's night shirt, Rin stops and lightly push him down from his lap.
"You didn't like it?", Nanase hesitantly voices his question after they both took some deep breaths.
"You are not well. I- I don't want this to happen like this. This isn't right", Rin answers, his voice cracking in between.
Nanase's eyes glisten with tears as he looks down on his hands. How stupid can he be? Of course he don't like him. That kiss didn't mean anything to him, He should have known. Rin san just was being nice and he is being ungrateful here. The warm hands on his face which makes him sees directly into the beautiful teal eyes, vanishes the depreciating thoughts which took over him. The smile in those eyes made him audibly gasp.
"Why you are crying? I didn't say it isn't right later. I know what you are thinking and you definitely are not any of those negative things you are thinking. Just focus on being healthy. I am not going anywhere", Rin assures him, his eyes soft in understanding, voice firm and sincere.
Nanase lets out a sniffle before collapsing in Rin's arms. He cries as he hates feeling sick. He cries as his mother isn't there with her usual sweet presence. He cries as he feels overwhelmed by everything.
Rin's arms are hanging in air rigid as it's been a while someone has hugged. It's not a wrong but also not right feeling to have a human touch this nice. He wants to comfort Nanase, he wants to hug him, he should he knows it and yet the thought of it makes his skin crawl, like worms moving with their slimy bodies, making him feel ill.
Still he slowly makes his hands,which are slightly shaking, moves towards his back. He awkwardly pats with one hand while gripping his shirt in tight grip. It isn't easy but he wants to do it. For Nanase, For his Bumpkin. He is a human so yes he do fears but he has never backed out when it's time to face them, even though the progress is slow. And he will overcome this feel. He knows it in his heart.
He never gives up.
The crying stops into silent tears and essentially stops after some time. There was just sound of air conditioner and beating of their hearts. Nanase keeps his face buried in Rin's chest, his breathing soft and relaxed.
Oh he is asleep.
Rin lifts Nanase of him and puts him on bed. He admires the sleepy relaxed face of his as he softly moves his hand in Nanase's hair. He sighs heavily as the exhaustion of day catches him. He is in no mood to eat dinner anyways.
With that thought, he switches of the light and encloses Nanase in his hold with his arms, sleeping with a slight smile.