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It was dmd sports day. The hall was packed. They didn't see it yet, but they could hear the noise and cheers from outside of the dressing room. Auau was doing his hair. Normally he would be scrolling through his phone, checking his socials or replying to some text from his mum. But his focus was on his partner.
Save was on the other end of the room, getting changed into his Sunny Blue clothes. This year, they get to play with their original teams, the same they used back on the first sports day. While Save was wearing blue and orange, Auau was in pink and yellow: Pink Thunder clothes (or Orange Mango, if you ask him).
He saw Save through the mirror, while the hair stylist worked on him. Even though the room was full of people, he only had eyes for his jiw, his meow. And he was worried.
That morning, when the van came to pick him up, Save was already there, like always. He was at the back, next to the window. Auau greeted everyone on his way to his seat, next to him. Instally, he knew Save was not okay and Auau could tell just by looking at him. He was wearing a mask and the hood of his jacket hid his face. He was curled up on the seat. He had his eyes closed. When Save noticed him, he raised his head. And when their eyes locked, he confirmed that something was wrong. They were red, as if he didn’t sleep. He was pale, even though he could only see the upper part of his face.
“What’s wrong, jiw?” he said, forgetting about everything else.
“It’s okay, p’Au” Save answered.
But it was not. The younger one was trying to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. His voice sounded deep, as if he couldn't get the words out of his throat. Without thinking, Auau was reaching his forehead. It was warm. Not in a good way.
“Do you have a fever?”
Auau tried to keep his voice low, but his words were tinged with concern. If Save was sick, he shouldn’t participate on the sports day.
“I already took my medicine, p’Au”
“Save” he said as a warning or a plea, he was not sure.
“I’m not missing today”
Auau didn't have the opportunity to respond, because more people entered the van and Save closed his eyes again, finishing the conversation.
So there he was, keeping an eye on Save the whole time, too worried to think about anything else. If it were up to him, he would have sent him back to his condo. And he would have followed, of course. But Save could be very stubborn.
Auau sighed. At that moment, his best friend and band mate, Por, took the seat next to him.
“What's up?” the newcomer asked.
“I don't know what you are talking about,” he answered, keeping his attention on the mirror.
“You’ve been staring at Save for fifteen minutes without blinking”
Auau turned his head, meeting his friend’s gaze and an amused smile on his face. Dick. He was trying to annoy him.
“For someone who is so sleepy 90% of the time, you’re quite nosy,” Auau said, shrugging his shoulders.
Por laughed at that.
“Asshole”
On a daily basis, they only said those kinds of things when they were on their own. In front of other people, they didn’t curse at each other. Well, maybe Teetee or Save.
“So? What is it?” Por insisted “Did you fight?”
“No”
“Okay, that was fast,” Por teased again.
“He’s sick,” Auau admitted, looking for Save again. He was sitting with p’Kim and p’Ohm in one of the couches. “I think he has a fever”
Por followed his gaze. Save was smiling at something p’Kim was saying, but Auau knew it was not one of his genuine smiles, because it didn't reach his eyes. Again.
“Why not tell p’Joe about it?” Por offered, seeing his friend’s expression.
“He’ll get mad at me. Also, he’s avoiding me now” Auau’s tone was one of defeat.
Por nodded. In the last few years, since becoming partners, Auau struggled. Not because of Save, but because of the pressure he puts on himself. Save told him multiple times that he chose him from the start and he wasn't going to change his mind, but a part of Auau couldn't believe it at all. He is sensitive, an overthinker. And the last thing he wants for them is to fight. He always makes sure to put Save first, before their band DEXX or his solo work. He didn't say it, but Por is sure that Auau would give up on everything if Save asked him to. Luckily, Save would never ask him for something like that, because Auau loved being on stage.
“Let’s do something,” Por said, putting a hand on Auau’s shoulder. “I’m on the same team as him. I’ll keep an eye on him too. If anything happens, I'll tell you or someone of the staff right away. Okay?”
Por smiled. And Auau couldn't help but smile too. He was indeed his best friend.
“Thank you” he said, but deep down the concern was stronger.
—––––
Everything was fine. Save was doing okay. He participated in different games and didn’t seem to have a hard time, which made Auau be more relaxed. Maybe, it wasn’t that serious after all. He kept repeating that to himself.
Next was futsal. The match progressed slowly. Both teams were tied. The scoreboard showed 2-2. Auau scored a goal and Save assisted one.
Ten minutes left. Auau was on the bench, after playing non stop since the beginning. He was cheering for his team, but he was also cheering for his jiw.
After the event was over, he would go on social media where he would be tagged on endless posts about him letting Save win on every single game. And they’ll be right, but he’ll act as if It was a coincidence.
He was thinking of that when Save captured his attention. He was in the middle of the field. Team Sunny Blue had the ball. Save was standing still, but breathing heavily. He was not moving. Auau stood up. Something was off.
Then, Save turned around, taking the ball Kong sent him, but without realising that p’Firstone was there, trying to steal it. It happened quickly. They collided. P’Firstone took a step back from the impact, but Save ended up falling to the ground.
Before he knew it, Auau was running towards him. He knelt down beside him.
“Save” his voice frantic, concern tinging his words again. “Are you okay?”
“P’First, I’m sorry” Save said at the same time “I didn't see you”
Other actors surrounded them. But Auau only saw Save. When his jiw looked at him, his heart tightened. Save’s eyes were glassy. Sweat gathered on his forehead and neck, even though he didn't run that much. He was pale again but this time he saw it clearly. He was not okay.
“I’m going to get you out of here” he said, as a matter of fact.
Save shook his head.
“I’m fi-”
“I was not asking,” Auau cutted him off.
And Save, realising the older was mad, kept quiet. He let him lift him up and hold him around the waist. He was tired, so tired, and he was aware that he was only standing because of Auau.
And Auau, without a word, took him out. No one stopped him. His face said it all: piss off. He would have to explain himself later, but not now. Also, he had to calm down first. He was mad. Mad at Save for not taking care. Mad at himself for letting this happen. Mad at every one for celebrating the sports day today with Save being ill. Mad at the weather for being shitty this past few days. Mad at…
“Phi” he heard someone call.
He looked down at Save. And all the madness just left his body. That was his baby. Hi baby who needed him.
They entered one of the changing rooms.
“Sit down, please” His voice was soft and low.
Save was pouting, but followed his instruction.
First, Auau took off his jacket and helped Save to put it on. Then, he brushed his hair away from his forehead. He had it long: the bangs covered his eyes and the hair at the back of his neck was messy.
Save closed his eyes. He just stopped pretending he was okay. Only they were there. With his phi, he didn't have to pretend. He didn't have to force a smile, so their fans don’t get worried. He could just put his guard down.
“I’ll gather our things and we’ll leav-”
“Phi Au” Save opened his eyes again and took him by the wrist “You have to perform later”
Right. He had three performances during the show. One with DEXX, another with his partner, who wasn't in a fit state to get on stage. And a third one he completely forgot about.
If It were up to him, they’d leave right now. But he had to be responsible. But at the same time he didn't want to leave Save’s side.
“You are not performing, right?” he uttered the words as if they were a question. Deep down, it was not. He won't allow him to go. If Save didn't take care of himself, he would do it.
“Kids” someone cutted in.
It was p’Joe, and Por was with him too. Auau stayed where he was, his hand still caressing Save’s cheek.
“Phi, he’s sick. He can’t perform like that” the older said.
Save didn't have any strength left. So he stayed quiet, letting Auau take care of everything.
P’Joe approached. He touched Save’s forehead. He was burning.
“He’s not,” their AR concluded, “but you must do it” his gaze was directed to Auau.
Auau sighed. He was aware of that. But seeing Save like that, so weak, so fragile… even his rational and responsible self was not having it.
Auau nodded.
“I’ll take care of him,” p’Joe said, trying to calm him down.
“I’ll go to you when I'm done, okay?” Auau told Save. The younger one gave him a small smile, nodding.
And then, they started moving. After taking one last look at Save, Por took Auau to one of the other changing rooms, to get ready for DEXX’s performance. Por was the one who told the rest about Save’s condition. They had to figure out how they were going to proceed without him. Apart from performing with Auau, Save had another one with p’Namping, p’JJ and Gems.
Auau was running on autopilot. He was calculating how much time it was going to take him to return with Save. He had 3 performances that night. When it was announced, he was so happy to be on stage that many times. But now, it bothered him. He wanted to scream. It was…
“Jo” someone patted his back, taking him out of his thoughts.
When he raised his head, he found four pairs of eyes staring at him: p’James, p’Tutor, p’Yim and Teetee. Por was sitting next to him, fixing his make up.
“Don’t worry, na, p’Au” Tee said, with that childish smile he always had.
“He’s going to be okay,” James added, as the reliable older brother.
Auau took a deep breath. He knew that. P’Joe was with him, and he has always taken the best care of them.
“Yeah” he agreed, not relaxed at all. His group mates were always supportive, but Save was…
“You’ve got this. We are here for you, Bro” p’Yim said, patting his head.
And Auau smiled. That sounded dramatic as fuck.
Three performances. He could do it. It was easy for him. Better get going.
–––––––
Auau got out of the taxi after paying and wishing a good night to the driver. It was late. Past 11pm. He texted p’Joe non stop in between performances. He received short answers, but a lot of pics. Save sleeping, basically. And he couldn't wait to see him. He didn't check his socials, but he was aware of the fact that his fans were worried. He will deal with that later.
He was at Save’s door. He used the key he gave himself to enter the apartment. He saw p’Joe sitting on the couch of the living room.
“He’s asleep, in case you had any doubt” p’Joe said, before he said anything.
Auau almost laughed at that, but didn't, afraid of making any sound and waking Save up.
“Thank you, p’Joe, for taking care of him,” he said, approaching him.
“You are welcome, I guess,” p’Joe responded. “It’s my job, after all. And I care for you both, a lot”
“I know”
They smiled at each other. Then, the AR stood up.
“I’ll leave it to you, then” he said, patting Auau’s shoulder. “Call me if you need anything”
“I will”
He reached out and gave him a hug.
“The taxi is waiting for you outside the building,” Auau said, taking a step back.
P’Joe smiled at that. Of course. This attentive boy did that.
“See you tomorrow. And call me,” he repeated.
“Krub, phi”
After p’Joe left, Auau finally headed to the bedroom. Save was curled under the sheets. He sat on the floor next to him. He caressed his cheek.
“P’Au” Save’s voice was soft.
“Did I wake you up, baby?” He whispered. He felt like if he spoke louder, he would scare him.
“I was waiting for you,” he answered, pulling back the sheet.
“Don’t move, baby”
Auau got on his knees, about to stop Save from getting out of the bed. But, instead, the younger one wrapped his hands around his neck, pulling him closer.
Instinctively, Auau grabbed him by the waist. And he could feel how Save relaxed his entire body against him. He hid his face on Auau’s neck.
“I’m sweaty, baby” the older one said, but Save just sank into his embrace.
“Don’t mind, I am too” he mumbled against his neck.
“Did you eat?” Auau asked, caressing Save's back with his hands.
“Yeah. And took my medicine, too” he answered.
“Okay” Auau nodded “Let’s take a shower”
“Together?” Save moved away a little so he could look at him.
“Of course” Auau kissed his forehead. It was still warm, but at least Save’s cheeks had some color.
Without another word, Auau lifted him up and Save wrapped his legs around him. He was light as a feather or maybe he was so used to doing that.
The older one took them to the bathroom and made Save sit down on the sink.
“I’ll take your clothes off,” he said, reaching the hem of Save’s shirt. He was still wearing his street clothes.
Obedient, Save lifted his arms and let Auau undress him. Layer upon layer, end up on the floor. Meanwhile, Auau left kisses on multiple parts of Save body. His cheek. His neck. His collarbone. His tummy. His thigh. His calf.
Normally, that would mean they were going to… stay up all night. But at that moment, it was different. Auau was taking care of him. He made Save feel the love. He knew his p’Au was stressed with the whole situation. P’Joe told him, before he passed from exhaustion.
Then, Auau stepped back and started undressing himself. Save just stared at him. He loved him and loved his body. He had muscles everywhere. His arms. His chest. His abs. His legs. Since becoming partners, Auau had been working out every chance he had. It began, mostly, during Mr.Fanboy era. He really took Third’s character so seriously. But it was normal. It was their first series as main leads.
And now, three years later, Auau has maintained the discipline he acquired during that time. And it showed. He was strong, hot and sexy. And Save, who got the chance to see everything, enjoyed it so much. Because he never got tired of staring at his man.
“What are you thinking?” Auau asked, taking him out of his thoughts. He had a smirk on his handsome face.
“Just… How lucky I am to have you” he answered. If he said the truth, that he was basically eating him with his eyes, Auau would remind him all the time. You were sick, but you couldn't stop thinking of how hot I am.
Nope, not going to happen.
“My baby” Auau smiled softly and kissed his temple “Let’s get you cleaned”
But he knew, of course, because the older one could read him as an open book.
“Dirty”
And Auau just laughed, amused.
––––––
They took a shower together. Auau didn't let him do anything. He washed his hair and body and Save just relaxed when he massaged his scalp or when he caressed his entire body, dissipating the tension. He was feeling much much better after. Save made sure to keep his eyes closed. The older one was probably staring at him the same as he did earlier. The tension was intense. If only he had the energy…
Auau was drying Save’s hair. The younger one was sitting between his legs, eyes closed, his back against Auau’s torso. At that point, the fever was long gone, only a heavy tiredness remained.
However, Auau carried him around the apartment, more than willing to help.
“Done” he said, putting the hairdryer aside.
“Thank you” Save replied, without moving an inch.
“Let’s go to bed, it’s late”
Auau was not wrong. It was almost 1 am and Save was exhausted. He turned around to face Auau.
“What is it?” Save asked.
Something was on Auau’s mind. He waited to let him bring up the subject, but he didn't. And knowing how he tends to overthink, Save wanted to put his mind at ease.
“We can talk about it in the morning,” he answered.
Save looked at him in a way that told him that that was not an option and Auau sighed.
“Okay” He surrendered “You… you’ve been avoiding me today”
It was hard to say it aloud. He almost lost his mind when he saw Save on the floor. But he didn't want to say anything, because… He tends to be clingy as fuck, all the time. He didn't want to impose himself or something like that.
Auau’s hands were on him immediately, on his waist. He always does that. To calm himself down, he always reached for Save. Touching him helped him to ground himself, to cool the overwhelming feeling.
“I’m sorry” Save responded, caressing Auau’s cheek “I didn't want you to worry that much. I was worried you’ll get infected too”.
“I don’t care” he declared “I care more about you”
Auau took him by the cheeks and kissed him. At first, it was just a brush of lips, timid, testing. Gradually, the older one deepened the kiss a little. His lips moved slowly, softly, as if Save was some fragile glass. As if he was the most precious thing in the world.
For Auau, Save was. He was his favorite person, his one and only. And Save knew it, because he reminded him every single time.
Save smiled. He loved him with his entire heart and soul. Through the years, they learned about the other and now they complemented each other almost perfectly. Auau’s love language for Save was physical touch and quality time. And Save’s for Auau, it was words of affirmation and acts of service.
Save’s hands were holding Auau’s shirt. When they broke the kiss, Save felt his cheeks burning, but not from fever.
“Next time, I’ll tell you, I promise” Save spoke before Auau teased him about his reaction.
They’ve been dating for a year, but he still blushed when they kissed so intimately. Auau tended to act silly most of the time, but when it came to their relationship… He was so serious.
“You must, baby,” he responded “It’s important to me you are healthy and happy. You are important to me”
Save felt he was about to cry. Auau had always been very vocal about his feelings for him. Since the beginning. Even before they made it official. Because it was him who confessed first.
Save’s eyes got teary. And the older one noticed right away.
“Come here”
Auau, again, lifted him and sat him on his lap. And Save, again, sank into the embrace. He really felt so sensitive.
“I love you so much, baby” Auau murmured against his temple.
“I love you, too, p’Au” Save replied against his neck “A lot”
––––––
Save fell asleep in his arms. Auau kept smiling to himself, because his boyfriend was being clingy and acting so damn cute, while carrying him to the bedroom. He was being so careful not to make any sudden movements that could wake Save up.
He changed the sheets for clean ones before their shower. Auau was laying him down on the bed. Only if he wasn't still sick…
He stopped those thoughts immediately. But his jiw was so cute. He couldn't help it. He sighed.
“Get well soon, so I can eat you, baby,” Auau said, while laying next to him.
“Dirty” Save mumbled.
Auau laughed softly, pulling Save against his body. He let the younger one use him as a pillow. His head rested on Auau's chest. Then Save tangled their legs. His feet were frozen and he used him to warm them up. Also he put one of his hands inside his shirt, lifting the hem a little bit, and left it in his stomach. And like that, he finally fell into a deep sleep.
Auau waited. He concentrated on Save’s breathing. Slow but steady. He caressed his hair and his waist. Slowly, he fell asleep too, with his favorite person wrapped around him.