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When Ryunosuke came down the stairs that day, Barok immediately noticed something was amiss. It wasn’t unusual for him to be slow in the morning—even more than Barok himself—but his pale face and unfocused gaze were a clear sign that, that time, there was more to his indisposition than that.
“Ryunosuke?” said Barok. “Is something the matter?”
“Good morning…” Ryunosuke responded in a suffering voice.
His response and tone of voice were enough to grab Kazuma’s attention. In an instant, he closed the distance between them, examining Ryunosuke’s face.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“Everything hurts…”
“Did you sleep in a weird position?”
“I don’t know…”
Kazuma creased his brow, then brought a hand to Ryunosuke’s forehead. “You’re a little warm… What are you feeling?”
“Body hurts… Head hurts… My throat feels funny.”
His response made Kazuma blink, as if he had said the most unbelievable thing instead of listing a number of common cold symptoms. Barok started to wonder if he was failing to notice something when Kazuma spoke again.
“Ryuu, you… might have a cold.”
“What?” Ryunosuke stared at him, wide-eyed. “It can’t be…”
“I thought you said you never get sick.”
“Never… I don’t know how this happened.”
Barok observed the two of them, more surprised at their shock than Ryunosuke’s condition. But he was also quite used to the peculiarities of those two, so instead of questioning them, he moved the subject to a more productive direction.
“You should rest until you recover,” he said. “Kazuma and I won’t return to the office until Monday, so you should tell us if you need anything.”
“I’ll be fine.” Ryunosuke smiled weakly. “It should go away if I go for a walk.”
“That will only worsen your condition.”
“I’m fine… I never get sick.”
Was he in denial? Barok glanced at Kazuma, who sighed.
“You’re going back to bed.”
Saying that, he lifted Ryunosuke by the waist with ease, holding him against his hip like a child. The sudden gesture made Ryunosuke scowl.
“Kazuma, I’m not a kid.”
“But you’re as stubborn as one,” Kazuma retorted. “So that’s how I have to treat you. Hold on tight.”
Ryunosuke grumbled another complaint, but it sounded half-hearted when he put his legs around Kazuma, tightly holding on to his neck as Kazuma started to carry him out of the kitchen and toward the stairs.
“But… What about breakfast?” asked Ryunosuke.
“We shall bring it to you later,” said Barok.
“Oh… Breakfast in bed, then?”
“Yes.” Kazuma sounded amused. “Very fancy, isn’t it?”
Ryunosuke agreed with a pleased hum. It was endearing how, even in that situation, those two talked so lightheartedly with each other. Barok followed them closely as they walked back upstairs, ready to catch them if there was any need to. But Kazuma managed to bring their partner safely into Ryunosuke’s bedroom, carefully placing him on his bed. Barok and Kazuma helped Ryunosuke lie down, then adjusted his pillows and reached for the covers to tuck him in until he looked safe and warm.
“Are you comfortable?” asked Barok.
“Yes,” said Ryunosuke. “But everything hurts…”
“I shall send a message to Iris. She will want to see you.”
Ryunosuke just groaned in response. Kazuma looked at Barok.
“I’ll go tell Iris and buy some ingredients for a light meal for Ryuu on the way. You stay here with him.”
Barok agreed, and Kazuma hastily left the bedroom. Ryunosuke followed him with his eyes.
“Where is he going?” he asked.
“Inform Iris of your condition.”
“Ah, right… You said that.”
Barok observed him for a moment, then brought a hand to his forehead to check his temperature. He definitely had a slight fever… Hopefully nothing serious, though—in moments like those, Barok couldn’t help but worry. Instead of commenting on it, he slid his hand from Ryunosuke’s forehead to his head, lightly caressing his hair.
“You should try to rest for now,” said Barok. “I’ll be here with you.”
“Alright… I’ll sleep a little more, then.”
It was impressive how quickly he fell asleep after saying those words. Barok fetched a book from his shelf, then sat beside Ryunosuke’s bed, reading while he rested for the time until Kazuma returned, accompanied by Iris.
“I can’t believe it…” she said. “I thought I’d never see Runo get sick.”
“I know,” said Kazuma. “I couldn’t believe it, either.”
Maybe Barok should be more shocked by those events, judging by their reactions… But he chose to say nothing, quietly watching while his niece examined Ryunosuke.
“It’s nothing serious,” she said after a while. “Just a cold and a slight fever, but he should be better soon if he rests and eats well.”
“That is good to hear,” said Barok.
Iris nodded with a smile, then turned her eyes to Ryunosuke. “So, no leaving the bed for no good reason, alright? If you need anything, you should ask Kazie and Uncle Barry.”
“Fine,” he said, then mumbled something that could have been a thanks before closing his eyes again and immediately falling asleep.
“This will never fail to surprise me,” said Kazuma.
“Indeed…” Barok sighed. “I wish I could fall asleep this quickly.”
“Me too.”
Iris laughed. “At least it’s much easier to wake you in the morning. Runo only loses to Daddy in how much effort it takes…”
Kazuma groaned. “Don’t even remind me of it…”
He and Iris exchanged a look that let Barok know he would never want to be entrusted with the duty of waking Sholmes in the morning.
“Anyway,” she said, “now that I’ve checked on Runo, I should be going back soon.”
“Won’t you stay and have lunch with us?” asked Barok.
“I would, but I promised Daddy I would be back before noon.” She paused. “If you ask me to guess, I think he has plans for a new adventure.”
“Of course…” Kazuma chuckled. “Good luck handling Mr. Sholmes’ adventurous spirit.”
“Don’t worry, no one can do it as well as me.” A playful half-smile took her lips. “Too bad Runo is sick… I’m sure Daddy would love to have him join us.”
Kazuma returned the smile. “Just make sure to have a great adventure saved for him when he recovers.”
“Oh, I will. And we’ll make sure it’s an interesting one.”
“I didn’t expect anything less.”
The two laughed adorably, as if they weren’t planning Ryunosuke’s future torment—and yet, all Barok could do was feel glad that he wasn’t their target for once. They could be devious, sometimes… Not that Barok loved them any less for it.
Iris briefly explained to them when to give Ryunosuke his medicine, then left accompanied by Kazuma, who asked Barok to keep an eye on Ryunosuke while he prepared their food. Only then did Barok realize they hadn’t eaten anything yet, and started to feel a little hungry. It was too late for breakfast, but still early for lunch… He had gone through longer periods without a meal before, but recently, that had become so unusual that his body complained even if he only skipped breakfast.
It was funny to think about it. Just a few years before, he would sometimes spend an entire day without food, drinking chalice after chalice of wine in an attempt to fill that void inside him. After Kazuma entered his life, however, proper meals became non-negotiable, at the risk of inciting the fury of his then apprentice, now lover. Proper meals, full nights of sleep, and especially learning to respect his limits… Those were some of the changes that man had brought to his life, reminding Barok that he was cared for, even when he felt unworthy of love—even when he quietly hoped Kazuma would hate him for his unforgivable mistakes.
But now he felt nothing but loved. Not only by Kazuma, but Ryunosuke as well, the two of them brightening his days in a way he never thought possible, turning his indifference—and sometimes, contempt—at his own existence into a fierce eagerness to live every single day by their side. He owed them everything. His life, his happiness, the very person he had become, so much better and kinder than that bitter and resentful man he had once been.
With that in mind, he sat at the border of Ryunosuke’s bed, stroking his hair, earning a low, pleased sound in response. He stayed like that until he heard the sound of Kazuma’s steps approaching, looking at the door to see him walk inside with a food tray.
“Here is Ryuu’s.” He placed the tray on Ryunosuke’s side table. “I’ll bring ours next.”
Barok glanced at that meal: a chicken and vegetable soup, to his surprise.
“I was planning to make rice porridge,” said Kazuma, “but thankfully, I remembered the texture is awful when I use the rice they sell here.”
Barok could still remember his frustration when he last tried that recipe. But, more than that, it was a different detail that caught his attention.
“I thought you hated chicken.”
“I do hate it, but Ryuu doesn’t. And it’ll be good for him to recover his strength.”
His words brought a slight smile to Barok’s lips. “How considerate.”
“You can have mine, if you want.”
“As long as you eat properly, as well.”
Kazuma furrowed his brow. “I’m not the one who’s sick.”
“I know. Which doesn’t mean I don’t worry about you.” Before Kazuma could think of a retort, Barok approached him. “I will help you with the other ones.”
It was enough to earn him a smile. “That would be good. It would be troublesome if I spilled any of it on the stairs.”
“Would Prosecutor Asogi make such a careless mistake?”
“Certainly not. Why did you even think about it?”
In response, Barok kissed his cheek before they went downstairs, returning with their food. It would be much easier to quickly have their meal at the table, but that would mean leaving Ryunosuke alone, and neither of them wanted that.
Once they were back in the bedroom, Kazuma approached Ryunosuke, gently shaking his arm.
“Ryuu… I brought you food.”
As if Kazuma had uttered the magic word, Ryunosuke opened his eyes, suddenly wide-awake.
“What is it?”
“Chicken soup,” said Kazuma. “Eat as much as you can.”
Ryunosuke’s eyes brightened at his response. “Alright!”
Without wasting time, Ryunosuke began to eat. Instead of doing the same, Kazuma observed him for a while, a slight smile on his face.
“Is it good?” he asked.
Ryunosuke nodded. “So good… I feel so much better already.”
Kazuma’s smile widened. Finally, he turned his attention to his meal. Not even a minute later, however, he grimaced at his spoon, then transferred a piece of chicken to Barok’s soup. Well… He also had his childish sides.
They had their meal, and Ryunosuke was the first to finish, seeming much more lively with his stomach full.
“I really feel so much better now,” he said. “I think I’m no longer sick.”
Kazuma looked at him. “You’re just no longer hungry, but you still need to rest.”
“But I’ve slept so much… I don’t want to stay in bed anymore.”
With an exasperated sigh, Kazuma stood up, placing his tray on the desk before walking to Ryunosuke, staring at him with crossed arms.
“Ryuu…” he said in a serious voice. “If you misbehave and leave the bed, I’ll take you to the hospital. And do you know what they’ll do to you there?”
“What?” Ryunosuke’s expression stiffened. “Wait… not needles, right…?”
“Ah, yes… Needles.” Kazuma narrowed his eyes. “Really sharp ones, that hurt so, so much.”
Ryunosuke squeaked. “I’ll behave.”
“Good.”
At least Kazuma knew how to deal with him. Barok had experienced his aggressive concern before, but it was quite amusing to witness it as an outsider.
“Don’t be too hard on him,” said Barok.
“Excuse me, my lord,” Kazuma glared at him. “Are you taking full responsibility in case he decides to go for a walk and collapses on the street?”
Ryunosuke groaned. “So dramatic…”
“You stay quiet, Ryuu.”
“Don’t you be rude to me, Kazuma.”
“Oh?” Kazuma observed him, a dangerous glint in his eyes. “Aren’t you defiant for a sick man?”
Barok knew that, if Ryunosuke were in full health, those two would be fighting like two kittens, and since they couldn’t do that, they simply hissed at each other in fake anger. He had witnessed it countless times before and knew that, sooner or later, they would try to force him to pick a side—which always ended badly for him, regardless of his choice or lack thereof.
“I will take the dishes downstairs,” Barok announced. “You two can solve things between yourselves while I’m gone.”
Ryunosuke stared at him in disbelief. “Are you abandoning me?” He gestured toward Kazuma. “With him?”
Kazuma scowled. “Do you have a problem with it, Ryunosuke?”
Ryunosuke would better be careful before Kazuma reached the “Ryunosuke Naruhodo” stage—there would be no turning back if he did. Without another word, Barok grabbed the trays and rushed out of the bedroom. Even without the threat of an actual fight, sometimes they needed a moment alone to get back in synchrony.
So, without haste, Barok went to the kitchen and cleaned the dishes, putting them back in place. He looked through the window, spending a while there, allowing his thoughts to wander off as he watched the snow fall. Only when he felt like enough time had passed did he return upstairs, rejoining the other two in the bedroom, not surprised to find both side by side in bed, with Kazuma stroking the hair of a pleased-looking Ryunosuke.
“I am glad to see you are friends again,” he said.
Ryunosuke nodded. “Kazuma got tired of being mean.”
“Are you sure?” asked Kazuma. “Because I really feel like being mean to you now.”
“Don’t…” Ryunosuke pouted. “Try to be nice at least while I’m sick.”
“Are you implying that I’m not being incredibly nice, already?” Kazuma clicked his tongue. “You ungrateful little bastard.”
“I’m not!” Ryunosuke protested. “I appreciate it all, alright? And I’m really happy you cooked for me. You even made something you hate because you know I’d like it, right?”
Oh, of course Ryunosuke had noticed that as well. The observation seemed to catch Kazuma off guard, some of his fighting spirit fading.
“Don’t get too used to it,” he said.
“I won’t!” Ryunosuke grinned. “But I feel so loved.”
“Yes, yes…” Kazuma looked away with a sigh. “Maybe you really are feeling well enough that I don’t need to keep my eye on you any longer.”
Ryunosuke’s face immediately dropped. “But… I don’t want to be alone.”
And that was the moment Barok knew Kazuma had been defeated. He pulled Ryunosuke close until he was resting against his shoulder.
“I wasn’t serious,” said Kazuma. “I’ll be here with you. And Barok is right there too.”
Ryunosuke giggled quietly, seeming proud of himself. Apparently, Barok was sharing a roof with two devils…
“Kazuma…” said Ryunosuke after a while.
“Hm?”
“It’s cold.”
Kazuma pulled the covers over his body. “Here… Better now?”
Ryunosuke nodded, then let out a loud sneeze; in a second, Kazuma materialized a handkerchief to clean his nose.
“I want water…”
Kazuma reached for the pitcher on the bedside table, filling the glass and giving it to Ryunosuke.
“Anything else?”
“Back rubs…”
“Like this?”
He was like a spoiled child… It made Barok want to tease him just a little.
“It seems like you want no one but Kazuma by your side, so I suppose my presence is unnecessary.”
The change in his expression was immediate. “No… Don’t go.”
Kazuma looked at Barok, seeming instantly interested in whatever he had in mind. He placed his arms around Ryunosuke’s neck, pulling him close.
“Are you jealous, my lord?” he asked. “Because Ryuu relies so much on me, and not you?”
“You are the one who seems quite happy with it,” said Barok. “Are you certain all of your previous complaints were not empty ones?”
“Wait…” Ryunosuke scowled. “You were supposed to pay attention to me, not fight each other.”
With a barely contained grin, Kazuma poked his cheek. “You’re so needy, Ryuu…”
“Indeed,” said Barok.
Maybe because of how rarely he became sick, but he was acting needier than usual. Which wasn’t a problem, and despite all complaints, Kazuma seemed more than happy to have a chance to pamper him like that. Ryunosuke, however, pouted at that accusation.
“I’m not…”
Kazuma tightened his hug, pressing their cheeks together. Ryunosuke laughed, but soon stopped as if something had crossed his mind.
“Kazuma… You’ll catch my cold if you stay this close.”
Kazuma smiled deviously at him. “You’ll take care of me if I do, won’t you?”
“But what if I’m still sick?”
“Then we both die.”
“Kazuma!”
Ryunosuke’s outrage was so genuine that Barok had to look away and cover his mouth with a hand so a small laugh wouldn’t escape his lips.
“I’m just kidding,” Kazuma continued. “If that happens, Barok will take care of us.”
“And what if I fall sick as well?” asked Barok.
“Then the three of us will—”
“Don’t say it!”
Kazuma grinned at Ryunosuke’s reaction. That side of him had become much worse as he grew closer to Maria Gorey. Maybe it was thanks to his older brother instincts, but he seemed to adopt every younger coworker without a proper family—and that closeness became clear in those details. And when Barok saw things from that perspective, many things about Kazuma made more sense, like how fiercely he cared for those closest to him, including Ryunosuke and Barok himself. An interesting thought, which Barok chose to keep to himself for the moment, and maybe mention to Ryunosuke later, when the two of them were alone.
“You need to control your dark sense of humor,” said Barok, instead.
“Sorry, sorry…” Kazuma shrugged. “It’s just funny to tease him.”
Ryunosuke pouted. “But I’m sick.”
“I know.” Kazuma brought a hand to his head. “And we’ll take care of you until you feel better, so don’t worry.”
That seemed to be enough to cheer Ryunosuke up. He snuggled into Kazuma’s arms, a happy smile on his face. Not even a minute later, to no one’s surprise, he had fallen asleep once again. Kazuma looked at him, then lightly pinched his nose, getting nothing but a small groan in response.
“Incredible…” he said. “How does he do it?”
“I wish I knew the answer.”
Kazuma observed Ryunosuke for a while longer, then turned his gaze to Barok. “Well… Seems like I’ll be stuck here for the next few hours.”
So it seemed… Barok couldn’t hold back an amused smile. “If you need anything, just tell me.”
“You should be thankful I’m not as needy as he is, then.”
“Are you not?”
Kazuma considered it briefly. “Sometimes.”
Pleased by that unusually honest answer, Barok moved his chair closer to the bed. Kazuma offered him his hand, which Barok held, caressing it with his thumb.
“But, seriously…” said Kazuma after a while. “If I get sick from this, just keep me locked alone inside my bedroom until I get better.”
“And why would I do that?”
“Because, if the three of us get sick, Mr. Sholmes will probably offer to nurse us back to health.”
His words conjured an image so terrible in Barok’s mind that he was unable to respond for long seconds.
“If it comes to this, perhaps, it would be better if the three of us died together.”
The answer made Kazuma laugh, and he quickly covered his mouth not to wake Ryunosuke. “And you complain about my sense of humor?”
“I learned it from you.”
Unable to refute, Kazuma smiled. “Just don’t let Ryuu hear you, or he’ll be angry.”
Barok squeezed his hand. “Shall we keep it a secret, then?”
“Our death pact?”
“If you wish to go that far.”
Once again, his dark response made Kazuma laugh—perhaps Maria’s influence on them both had been stronger than he first thought. Not that it mattered: as long as he could see that expression on his face, Barok couldn’t care about anything else. He brought Kazuma’s hand to his lips, giving it a light kiss. Kazuma looked at him, his expression softening.
“I love you so much.”
No matter how many times Barok heard those words, they would never fail to make his heart flutter.