Work Text:
Sae isn't expecting anything.
He isn't waiting for a text, or ten, or fifteen from a certain striker. He hasn't been staring at the clock since he woke up and checked his phone. He hasn't been checking his phone throughout his morning routine to see if Shidou texted him. He hasn't been wondering when Shidou will text him. He isn't upset that the boy who constantly sends him messages every moment of the day hasn’t texted him since last night.
Sae knows Shidou should be awake. Most days, Shidou is awake before him. Sae knows Shidou wakes up two hours before him. Every day since he gave him his number, he's received a barrage of good morning texts. All of them are just him telling Sae how much he loves him, what he's eating for breakfast, asking what time they're meeting up, or something similar. Every day for the week, that's what Sae's new normal has been.
He hasn't said it to him, but he enjoys it. He doesn't enjoy his new normal being changed. Now it's 10:33 in the morning and still not a single text from Shidou. He should be awake by now, and it's not like he's back at Blue Lock either. He still has a week of vacation according to him.
Frustrated, Sae places his phone on his desk and heads to the kitchen. He grabs a bottle of water from the fridge. As he drinks the water he finds it harder and harder to convince himself he isn't bothered. Why wouldn't he be bothered? Ever since he saw Shidou he wanted him and when they played together it was clear the feeling was mutual. So now why hasn't Sae received a single damn text this morning. Though isn't that pathetic of him? He wonders as his grip on the bottle tightens. He's gotten so attached that he can't go one morning without Shidou. It's stupid how much this is getting to Sae. There has to be a reason Shidou hasn't texted him. He wouldn't just not text. Sae throws the bottle away as he tries figuring out what's going on with Shidou.
Maybe he forgot to put his phone on the charger last night and it's still charging. Sae rolls his eyes at that thought though. He knows Shidou was charging it because he saw it on the battery icon in a screenshot he sent. Then maybe his parents took his phone. Definitely not as far as Sae knows Shidou doesn't even live with his parents. He lives in a one bedroom apartment. Maybe he's still asleep? Sae would prefer that over his last theory but he can't stop wondering.
What if Shidou got tired of him?
Maybe he realized how pathetic Sae actually is. Sae walks back over to his desk and picks up his phone. Still no message from the blonde.
He should just call him.
Worrying over possibly nothing is unlike Sae. Sae clicks the contact labeled ‘devil’. He puts the phone on speaker and sits at his desk. He listens to the phone ring for what feels like eternity but by looking at his clock he knows not even a minute has passed since he called.
Click.
“Yooo-!”
“Demon-”
“This is the voicemail of the awesome, sexy, intelligent, and athletic Shidou Ryuusei. Since I didn't pick up, call again. If I don't answer, leave a voicemail. Buh-bye!!”
click.
Before the voicemail can start recording, Sae hangs up. Sae redials Shidou's number before calling. He puts the line on speaker once more. He hears another click, though he isn't sure if it's the recording or the call being picked up.
“Hello?”
Not a recording.
“Demon.”
Shidou makes a sound on the other line akin to a groan.
“Mm? Sae-chan?” Sae doesn't miss how Shidou's voice sounds like he is still asleep.
“Yes, what's going on with you? Are you still asleep? It's almost Eleven..”
“Huh? You being for reals?”
“Of course I’m being serious. You need to get up. Weren't you the one harassing me yesterday about going out on a lunch date? Don't tell me you were just saying a bunch of stuff you didn't mean?”
Shidou laughs softly enough that Sae might’ve missed it if the call wasn't on speaker. It's soft enough to soften the usual frown that sits on Sae's face. It's a sound Sae has enjoyed hearing every single time it slips from Shidou. He wants to hear him laugh all the time, but for now, this is enough. Enough to let Sae know Shidou isn't losing interest in him.
“Apologies, Lashes, but def can't hang today.”
“What?”
Since when is that an option? Shouldn't he be so excited that Sae even called him first that he's already at his door? Is he that damn tired? He can just come over, and they can just take a nap together or something.
“Ooh, you sound sad, pretty boy. You miss me that much already-”
Sae catches the way Shidou cuts his sentence off a bit fast. He definitely catches the flurry of coughs being muffled on the other line. ‘Ah, so that's what it was,’ crosses Sae's mind. Ryuusei is sick and has probably been asleep the whole time, trying to get better.
“Don't be ridiculous, it's not like I've gotten attached to you.”
“Say what you will, Angel, but we know you love me just as much as I love you~!”
“Whatever, I'll talk to you later, devil boy.”
Sae ends the call before Shidou can say bye. Since he isn't spending the day with Shidou anymore he might as well read his email. He opens his laptop to find his inbox flooded as usual. He starts from the oldest unread. The first twenty emails are just spam sent by his sponsors. There are more emails about brands reaching out to him to get him as a model or spokesman. He reads the emails sent by his club back is spain. Then he reads the twenty plus worried emails from his manager. Seriously, the guy needs to calm down and realize Sae will do whatever he wants. Currently what Sae wants is in Japan. So for at least the next week he's not returning to spain.
It takes Sae about an hour and a half to finish all his email. The little clock on his laptop read 12:15. It's about time for lunch. Had Ryuusei eaten today? As far as he’s aware, the last time he ate was when they went to dinner last night. That was around six. If Shidou is still sleeping that means he hasn't eaten all day. Sae might not be the smartest outside out soccer but he was almost certain that not eating isn’t good for a sick person. It wouldn't be weird for Sae to go check up on Shidou, right?
Sae grabs his wallet and coat, then calls his chauffeur. He gives the driver the address that Shidou gave him when they first started texting. Shidou had been trying to convince Sae to have a sleepover with him at his place. He even sent him the door code with heart emojis and a winking kiss emoji. Sae hadn’t gone, obviously, but he still kept the address. He lives about 35 minutes from Sae's apartment in Yokohama. The drive is uneventful, Sae just scrolls on his phone reading the latest article about football. The car stops in front of an apartment complex. It looks average, nothing about it is surprising to say the least. He exits the car while making sure to tell the chauffeur not to wait for him.
Sae takes the stairs up to Shidou’s. The elevator was small and took too long to arrive. Shidou only lived on the 7th floor. Sae doesn't bother knocking as he punches in the code.
He taps the light switch on the wall as he walks in. Sae takes his shoes off and places them next to Shidou's. Sae's a little surprised how clean the place is. Despite the decor being bright and explosive, just like Shidou, everything is clean and neat. There are no dirty dishes in the sink, the trash isn't overflowing, the counter in the kitchen is clean, and the living room is organized. He can't say he's surprised about the decor. Shidou has a small black L couch with pink throw pillows, an animal print rug, in the corner a pink lamp, bookshelves on both sides of the TV filled with manga and art history books.
“I knew he was gay but.. half the decor is hot or neon pink.” Sae can't help but mumble.
Sae hears a sudden fit of coughs coming from the bedroom. He can hear wheezing coming from the coughs that sound painful. He opens the door to find Shidou curled up in the fetal position, lying in his bed. Shidou lets out an annoyed groan at the coughs. The blonde looks pathetic compared to how he usually looks. He's shirtless but wearing what looks like two layers of pants and fuzzy socks. His hair is down but pushed back with a fabric headband. Shidou's blanket is only covering one leg as the other lies on top of the blanket. The room is cold with the ceiling fan on the highest setting and an adjustable fan blowing in his face. Shidou however, is still sweating a lot despite how cold the room is. At the edge of the bed is a trash can half filled with tissues and another with empty water bottles. All of Shidou's pillows, except for the one he's using, have made their way to the floor. He seems half asleep. Though Sae isn't sure how he'd be able to sleep fully with how badly he keeps coughing.
“You look like shit.”
Ryuusei makes a confused noise at Sae's voice, not bothering to open his eyes. Sae walks closer to Shidou. He notices the lack of eyeliner and makeup. As interesting as Shidou's usual makeup is, Sae thinks he looks just as good without it. He sits on the edge of the bed next to Shidou. Ryuusei, still confused, opens his eyes slightly at the weight added to his bed. He stares blankly at Sae for almost 30 seconds.
“Sae-chan?” His voice sounds more raspy and sore in person. “‘m dreaming, aren't I?”
“Do I look like a dream to you?” His answer is sarcastic as he places his hand against Shidou's forehead. ‘He has a fever,’ he thinks when he feels just how hot Shidou's head is.
“Course, you do, angel. Since the day we met, you've looked like a dream.” His voice is quiet as he leans into Sae's hand.
“You aren't dreaming..” Is all Sae manages to say, turning his face to hide his blush.
Sae looks back at Shidou. He knows it's not normal to think Ryuusei looks pretty when he's pathetic and sick, but Sae isn't normal. Sae feels the sweat dripping down Ryuusei's forehead as he checks his temperature. Sae watches Ryuusei’s face scrunch in discomfort.
“Have you eaten today?”
“Mmm.. why? You gonna be my nurse today~?” Shido questions as his eyes open a bit.
“Maybe, you've been good recently.”
Shidou laughs softly and weakly wraps his arms around Sae's waist. He scoots closer to him. He clings to Sae's shirt like he's afraid Sae is actually real and could disappear any second.
“I ain't eat t’day. Threw up twice, so I didn't wanna eat.” His speech is a bit slurred together, though Sae isn't sure if it's because he's sick or tired.
“You need to eat. Do you have any rice?”
“Woah, Itoshi Sae cooking for me? Be still, my heart.”
Sae rolls his eyes and runs his hand through Shidou's hair. It's soft when not held up by gel.
“Rice is in the cabinet next to the fridge.” Shidou's grip on Sae loosens.
“I'll be back. I'm going to make Okayu.”
Shidou closes his eyes and hums in agreement. He runs his fingers through blonde hair once more before leaving the room. He cracks the door in case Shidou needs him while he's cooking. He heads over to the stove. It's a silver gas stove. He opens the cabinet below it and pulls out a pot. He pours water into the pot from the sink then places the pot on the stove. It's been a while since Sae has used a gas stove. His parents have one but since he's lived on his own he's had an electric stove. Sae turns the stove to medium heat to let the water warm up as he portions the rice needed. He doesn't take long to measure and pour the rice into the pot.
After about thirty minutes the Okayu looks ready. Sae opens the cabinets till he finds Shidou's bowls. He uses a spoon to pour the Okayu into the bowl and places the spoon in the bowl for Shidou to use. Sae carries the food over to Shidou's room and gently opens the door. Shidou doesn’t look any better than when Sae left him. Shidou is now wrapped up in his blanket and shivering underneath. Sae places the bowl on Shidou's nightstand.
“Why are you wrapped up in a blanket all of a sudden?”
“Got cold. Missed ya lashes..” Shidou's words are slurring more as his sentences get shorter.
“I was in the other room.” Sae helps Shidou sit up and lean back against the bedrest.
“I know. Still missed you.” Shidou blinks his eye open as he leans his head on Sae's shoulder.
Shidou's forehead is still burning up. Sae doesn't respond to what Shidou says. He tells him to open his mouth and begins spoon feeding Shidou. Shidou takes longer to eat than it usually does. Each spoonful of the rice porridge seems to take Shidou more energy to swallow. It doesn't like he'll choke or anything. It's just Shidou looks like he has no energy at all. He looks completely different from his usual talkative, energetic bundle of chaos. The blonde looks like any second he might pass out again and Sae doesn't doubt that he will.
It takes Shidou almost thirty minutes to get Shidou to finish eating.
Almost instantly after eating Shidou slides back down onto his pillow. Sae's honestly slightly impressed how fast Shidou begins dozing off. Shidou coughs painfully loudly, startling himself awake. Sae gives Shidou some water and lets him lay his forehead on his shoulder. When he hears soft snoring come from Shidou he lays him back down.
Sae leaves the bedroom and heads towards the bathroom. He opens the small linen closet and takes a washcloth. Sae fills a large bowl with cold water and brings it to Shidou. He places the bowl on the nightstand and begins soaking the washcloth. He wrings out the water from the cloth and uses it as a sort of ice pack for Shidou. As soon as the cool, wet cloth touches the blond’s forehead he relaxes in his sleep. Shidou's brows unfurl a bit as he loses tension from his fever being cooled. Shidou makes a content hum in his sleep that brings a small smile to Sae's face. Shidou looks handsome when he's sleeping. Maybe Sae will say yes next time Shidou asks for a sleepover.
Sae's never been the type to get sick. He has an amazing immune system. That's why he always took care of Rin when he got sick growing up. That's why Sae isn't afraid he'll get sick taking care of Shidou. It's also why he's getting into bed with Shidou. It's why he's wrapping his arms around the blonde waist and pulling him closer.
Being sick doesn't mean Shidou doesn't get to spend With Sae. It just means Sae will fix his demon while cuddling him and taking a nap together.