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[ The air around them gets colder at that, and he murmurs. ]

Not now . . .

[The tension drops, as he lets out the air he had been holding in. It wasn't an outright no, but how often has he heard that from Asougi at this point? He didn't miss that sudden temperature drop when he pressed him about it again too.]

Fine, not now then. [He's sick, it's better to wait, eventhough his tone carried some wariness, worn out by the same response from Asougi. He gives himself a moment to regain his composure, then lowers his hand to lean into Asougi, his forehead pressed against his.] Mm, it feels like your fever hasn't gotten any better.

[ He knows it's tiring and while in some respects, he's gotten better at opening up and sharing with Naruhodou, there are still some things he's not ready to talk about. Those missing months . . . well, those were among the many topics he'd still kept locked away, not up for discussion. He lets out a soft hum when Naruhodou presses his forehead against his. ]

. . . I need at least a day or two of rest. I know that much.

Mm. [He should be resting right now, but after what happened...no, he has to try. He presses his hands against his shoulders, pushing him gently to lay back down, him going along with him.]

[ He sighs, not resisting any of that at the very least. ]

I'm fine, Naruhodou. I'll get back to sleep soon enough.

[He puts his index finger over his partner's lips. It's fine. He doesn't need to say any more. He slowly slides his fingers along his skin, down to his chin, then to his neck. He then moves his fingers back up along the same path, ending with his hand pressed against the side of his face, caressing him.]

[ He leans in to Naruhodou's touch quietly, glancing over at him through half-lidded eyes. He's not ready to close them and go back to sleep just yet, lest the nightmare be waiting for him again. ]

[He leans forward, kissing his forehead.] I'm right here. [He slides his hands behind his head, running his fingers through his hair, massaging him.]

I know. [ He's quiet for a long moment, just leaning in to his touch. This is ridiculous, he should be fine, and yet— here he was, like this. ] . . . Thank you, Naruhodou.

[He smiles faintly at that, moving his head so that he was pressing his forehead against his again.] Anything for you. [Anything to keep you here and happy. He continues to stroke his hair, affectionately touching his skin with his other hand, gently reminding him he was safe.]

I'd like to do the same, although . . . I'd imagine you'll settle for me not scaring you like this anymore, hmm?

[ It's a weak attempt at humor, but he's trying. ]

[Well, it managed a weak bit of laughter from Naruhodou.] That be nice, but unrealistic. [They rub foreheads until Naruhodou moves to lay down beside his partner, a hand now reaching for his.] I can't ask you to not get sick or bad dreams. . .it happens. [He just needs to stop worrying so much, it's true.]

[ He takes Naruhodou's hand, giving him a small smile. ] That's right. It does happen. And I'll be fine.

...Yea. You'll be fine. [If he keeps saying that, will it come true?] That's not so say you should purposely go and get yourself sick now. [He's teasing of course.]

As if I'd do that. You know I don't like being laid up like this.

[ He groans at that, shaking his head. ]

Hm. [He makes shapes on his chest.] It's true, but you don't seem to mind dallying around when I'm with you. [He grins. At least he's not upset or fretting right now.]

. . . you make a lot of things better, Naruhodou. I mean that.

[ Which is most notable by the fact that the cold that had been lingering around him is all but gone now. ]

[Hearing him say that brightens up the area a little, a calming warmth coming along with it.] I'm happy I can do that for you. [Because he wants him to be happy, he doesn't want him to feel alone. He rest his head on his shoulder, pressing against his head.] And I'm happiest when I'm with you. . .well, when you're not trying to scare me at least.

I'm not trying to, believe me.

[ It's a weak protest, but even in his feverish haze, he can still remember that time not too long ago when he'd thought Naruhodou was afraid of him — even if it was only for a brief moment, it still wasn't the greatest feeling in the world. ]

I believe you. [He reaches up to stroke his hair. He said it in jest, he wasn't really upset or anything.] ...I also understand that some things can't be helped. You are who you are, and it'll take some time. I'm still discovering more things about you every day.

Are you . . . ?

[ That makes him smile a bit. ]

Mm. I've always had this image of you in my mind, the model student that everyone admires, and only wish they could be as exemplary as you. [He goes red in the face, feeling embarrassed about explaining this.]

But I quickly realize you're not this perfect being. You have flaws and your own desires too, they're just hiding behind this sense of duty you've always had to uphold. [He grins.] I think it's good, that you can be yourself here.

[ He flushes a bit at that, embarrassed, and dips his head. Of course Naruhodou would be able to cut to the heart of everything. ]

. . . hahh. I've always said that . . . you were probably the only one who really understood me. [ He shakes his head, trying to hide just how red he is. ] To this day, that's still true.

...Ah. [He laughs softly, seeing his partner just as flustered as he was.] I think I understand now why you thought of me as your best friend.

You didn't before?

[ He's already regaining his composure, only the hint of red remaining on his face. The heat emanating from him is just from his fever, it's fine. ]

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