[Arashi Household Series] The Outcome of Illness
Title: The Outcome of Illness
Rating: G
Disclaimer: They belong to their agency, not me.
Summary: As requested by koigaii, this is Jun getting sick.
Author's note: I swear to God I didn't mean for the story to be this long! This story breeds on its own.....
“The sick do not ask if the hand that smoothes their pillow is pure, nor the dying care if the lips that touch their brow have known the kiss of sin.” - Oscar Wilde
“Are you alright?” Asked Sho to Jun who was sitting next to him on the sofa just after dinner. Jun had his eyes shut and he was pinching the bridge of his nose.
Jun quickly opened his eyes and looked at the older man’s face. “I’m fine. Just a little headache. I think it’s because of the excessive flashlight I got today.” He smiled reassuringly. Although deep inside he knew it was a lie. He had an awful headache, he had trouble swallowing his dinner earlier, and he felt dizzy just standing up on his own feet. But the thing he hate the most is to make Sho worry. So he kept quite.
“How many photoshoots did you have today?”
“Four.” He paused. “No. Five.” Jun threw his head back and huffed. “I’m so wasted.”
“Do you want some medicine?
Jun shook his head. “No, It’s okay. I’ll just need to sleep this off.”
Sho ran a hand on Jun’s wavy hair. “Go get some rest. I’ll clean up the dishes.”
“No, I’m fine. Really.” He replied with his head still tilted back. He turned his head to the side. They were staring at each other. Sho knew that he can’t force Jun to do anything.
“Fine. But I’m still going to clean up.” Sho said anyway and stood up. “You stay here.”
Jun watched as Sho pulled Aiba along with him to the kitchen as he sat back on the couch and started to doze off.
When he woke up the next morning, Jun couldn't remember how and when he got back to his room. But the moment he tried to lifted his head, blood seemed to rushed to his head all at once and pain hit him. He was forced to laid back and shut back his eyes. And that’s when he realized how sore his throat felt. He slowly raised an arm that suddenly felt so heavy and put it to the side of his neck. He felt heat transferred to his palm.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He said in annoyance sorely, followed by a dry cough.
“Jun-pooon…Make some breakfast for..What’s wrong with you?” Nino stopped midtrack just after he barged in into Jun’s room when he saw the younger man still lying on the bed, one arm across his face.
“I can’t get up.” Jun replied. “My head hurts.”
“Did you drink last night?”
“Did you see me drink?” Though not looking at him, Nino can sense the cynical tone in his voice.
“..No..” Nino walked to the side of Jun’s bed. Jun lifted his arm from his face and that's when Nino could see how pale the other man’s face was. Nino placed his burger hand on Jun’s forehead. It’s already damp from perspiration. “You’re warm.”
“Don't tell Sho.”
Nino’s cold palm felt like a relief to his burned up skin.
“Do you have anything today?”
Jun nodded slowly.
“I’ll call your agency and tell them that you wouldn't be able to work today.”
“But..”
“If you resist I’ll tell Sho.” Nino cut him.
Jun had no choice but to let Nino do what he wants.
“I’ll make you something.” Nino said as he walked out of the room. “Stay in bed.”
“Why are you making your own breakfast?” Aiba sneaked up from behind Nino and looked over his shoulder.
“It’s not for me. It’s for Jun.” Nino answer him shortly as he stirred his porridge in a pot.
Aiba furrowed his brows. “What did you do this time?” Not just Aiba, everyone in this house knows that Nino is famous for his act of bribery whenever he had done something wrong.
“I didn't do anything.”
“So why are you making him breakfast?” But then Aiba noticed the porridge, egg in Nino’s hand, and some uncut garlic chives. “Is Jun sick?”
Nino chose not to answer. Instead, he said to the older man, “Can you cut the chives? I’m gonna make the ginger lemon drink.” He break the egg in his hand and add it to the porridge. “Don’t tell Sho.” After giving it a stir, he moved to the side to crush the ginger and squeezed a lemon.
Aiba cut the chives silently then added it into the pot.
Suddenly they heard a cough then they both turned their heads at the same time. Jun was standing behind them. He was wrapped in blanket and his hair sprouted everywhere.
Nino sighed and dropped his shoulder. “I thought I told you to stay in your room.”
“I couldn’t rest my mind while thinking that you are in my kitchen using my utensils.” He glanced at the pot on the stove. “What are you making anyway?”
Aiba left his pot immediately and approached the younger man. “You’re not supposed to come down.”
“I want to know what Nino’s making.” Jun coughed a little. His throat felt so sore and itchy.
“It’s gonna turn out okay. You should learn to trust me more.” Nino said from behind Aiba as he poured the ginger lemon drink to a cup.
“He’s right.” Aiba tightened the blanket around Jun’s body. “You should go back to your room before Sho saw you like this.”
“Saw him like what?”
Aiba and Nino quickly turned their heads around. Jun looked up and bit his lower lip the moment he saw Sho who just walked into the kitchen. He thought Sho wouldn't notice the blanket around his body because he was busy buttoning his cuffs and he still had the chance to ran back to his room before he saw him. But then when nobody gave any reply, the older man finally looked up.
The three of them can soon see the worried look forming on Sho’s face.
So before he could sermon him with anything, Jun said it first. “Don’t worry. I’m fine. Just a slight headache.”
“And a bit for fever.”
“With some sore throat.”
Jun glared at Aiba and Nino. If only he had more strength, he’d kicked them both for saying unnecessary things.
But still, it doesn't stop Sho from scolding him. “That’s why I told you to drink some medicine last night! Why won’t you listen to me? You are not getting out of your bed today other than to go tho the toilet. Eat, take some pills, sleep. Repeat until you get better.”
“Sho, please. I’m not a child. You should leave too. You’re already late for work.”
“I’m not going.”
Jun glared at the newscaster. “You are NOT taking a day off just because I had a slight fever!”
“I just want to take care of you.”
“I’m fine. You don't have to worry about me. I got Nino.”
Sho tilted his head to the side and stole a glance to the gamer who’s swearing under his breath because the hot porridge splashed into his hand when he poured it into the bowl. Then he turned back his eyes at Jun.
The younger man doesn't need to ask what that look meant. “I’m sure. Now go.”
Sho still look like he was wondering if he should go or not. So Jun took Sho’s hand.
“Okay, how about this. You gave me your fever medicine, put me to bed, then you go to work.” He dragged Sho into his room. Sho followed reluctantly.
Jun climbed back into his bed. He tried to find a comfortable sitting position and Sho fixed his blanket. A moment later Nino and Aiba entered the room, carrying the bowl of rice vegetable soup and the ginger lemon drink.
“Is it edible?” Asked Jun.
Nino roled his eyes. “Are you sure you’re sick?” He gave the bowl to Sho who took it carefully in his hands. But Jun soon took the bowl over.
“I can eat it myself.”
Sho clicked his tongue, but he still let the sick man do it. Although a few moments later, Jun’s hands starts shaking subtly and he could barely lifted the spoon. Jun clicked his tongue in annoyance.
The older man was about to lifted his hand to took the bowl over again, but Nino’s hand snatched it first from the side.
“I’ll do it. You go to work.” The skinny man said. He climbed up the bed to move to the other side of the bed, stepping over Jun’s body. He sat himself comfortably beside Jun and took a spoon of the soup before putting it into his mouth.
Sho and Jun were startled by it. “How come you’re the one eating it?” Said the sick man.
“I haven’t had breakfast yet and cooking makes me hungry!” Then Nino’s eyes went wide and he stared at the bowl he’s holding. “Wow, I’m good!”
Jun chose to ignore him and went back to Sho. “Anyway, he’s right. You should go now.”
“But…”
Sho and Jun’s eyes were fixated at each other. Both persistant at their own will. After a moment of silent persuasion, Sho finally sighed. He dropped his shoulder as his eyes took off Jun’s in defeat. “Fine. But I’m still going to constantly contact Kazu for a follow up!”
Jun rolled his eyes. “I’m not some stock exchange news.”
The newscaster leaned down to give one last kiss on Jun’s forehead. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Oh,” Jun suddenly grabbed the cuff of Sho’s shirt. He opened his mouth to say something but Sho already get it.
“Pumpkin soup from Soup Stock, right?” He said. The model grinned and Sho messed up his hair. “Bye guys.” He waved them and walked out of the room.
“Now,” Nino floated the spoon in front of Jun’s eyes. “Eat.”
***
“Jun, can you just call Sho so that he would believe me when I said that you’re doing okay? Because his constant mails are killing me!” Nino passed his cellphone to Jun who’s lying next to him, looking bored. Nino then continued playing his game. The newscaster had told him to stay by Jun’s side just in case he needed anything. But Jun remembered that today is laundry day so he made Nino did it and told him to hung them properly to dry. He also made lunch for himself and Jun. But aside from that, he’s stuck with his DS since morning on Jun’s room.
Basically Jun was fine. His fever hasn't come down yet but he’s taking his medicine so Nino is pretty sure that he’ll be okay tomorrow.
The sick man dropped his magazine and took the phone. He read the message from Sho that Nino left on the screen: Has Jun’s fever dropped? Has he eat his lunch? Stop DS-ing and don’t forget his pills. Make sure he had enough rest.
It’s three o’clock in the afternoon and there has been six mails since Sho left this morning. All have similar contents.
This is Jun. He replied. I’m okay. I’ve eaten and took my pills. Nino is doing his job. Now stop bothering him and concentrate on your job. I’m going to take a rest. See you tonight. Love you. PS: Nino loves you too although I think he’s going to throw his phone when he saw one more mail coming from you. So don’t bother replying.
Jun typed slowly because the medicine he took has started to show its side effect.
“I heard you’re sick. Are you okay?”
Nino and Jun looked up and found Ohno standing by the door with a worried look over his sleepy face. A paint splattered small suitcase with various mini objects pasted on it sat beside Ohno’s leg on the wooden floor.
“Oh-chan, you’re back!” Nino jumped from the bed and the movement of it bounced Jun. The model clicked his tongue. Before Ohno could take one step inside the room, Nino had already glomped him. “I miss you. My bed felt so cold at night.” He hugged the older man and pressed his nose to the latters neck, welcoming the smell of sun-burned skin.
Ohno kissed Nino’s head. “I was only gone for two days, Kazu.”
“How’s Nara?” Asked Jun when Ohno walked to the bed, half dragging Nino who still clings to him, and stood beside Jun.
“Beautiful. Tsuyoshi’s outdoor exhibit was great too. I wished you guys were there with me.” Ohno bowed down to kiss the younger’s man forehead and Jun immediately looked up. He accepted the soft lingering kiss with his eyes closed. Funny, he felt better already. “Are you okay?” He asked again.
“Just a small fever. I’ll be fine.”
Ohno sat on the edge of the bed with a sigh. “I’m so tired.” He turned to Nino and Jun. “Kyoto is far.” He said with a pout.
The other two man chuckled. “Are you hungry?” Asked Nino “I think I still got some lunch left.”
“No. I think I’m gonna take a shower and sleep.” The oldest man stood up. He patted on Jun’s blanket covered thigh. “I’ll be back.” And left for the shower.
Ohno finished showering 15 minutes later. When he was back in Jun’s room, he was already wearing his usual faded T-shirt and loose shorts. His hair and skin still damp, just like Jun’s, only with different reason.
“Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Ohno asked.
Jun shrugged. “I was feeling sleepy earlier, but it was before Nino got hysteric and jumped off the bed to greet you a while ago. Where is he now, anyway?” Jun coughed a little then took the glass of water Nino prepared earlier. Next to it sat a huge water jar, specifically for Jun.
The artist slipped under the blanket. “I’m relieving him off his duty. It’s my turn now.”
It surprised Jun when Ohno circled his arms around his slim waist, and his chin nuzzled the crook of Jun’s neck. He spooned Jun and plastered himself to Jun’s back. “What are you doing?”
“When I was a kid, if I had a fever my dad always did this so the heat would transfer from me to him.”
“And you’re doing the same thing to me right now? Are you mad? You’re going to get sick!” Jun struggled to let go of Ohno’s embrace. But instead, Ohno hugged him tighter. Jun went still.
“It’s okay. I don't get sick that easily.” Ohno said slowly. Slurring.
Jun didn't know if what Ohno’s dad used to do would really made his fever go away, but suddenly his body felt cooler. Maybe the shower Ohno had earlier had cooled his skin. Maybe it’s the constant breathing he felt on his neck that gave a soothing rhythm. Or maybe it’s just because Ohno always has that relaxing aura that Jun believes only a few people in this world are blessed with it.
“Go to sleep, Jun.” Said Ohno. It’s only a moment later that Jun felt the man pressing on his back let out a soft snore. Jun’s hand went under the blanket and took the Ohno’s hand that was gripping his clothes. He tangled his own fingers between the other’s calloused one and brought it to his chest.
He prayed, Please God, don’t let Satoshi catch my fever, before finally falling into deep slumber.
Sho and Aiba arrived at the same that night. And the first thing they asked the moment they stepped into the house was, “How was Jun?”
“He’s fine,” Answered Nino with pizza stuffed in his mouth. He was lying on the sofa watching TV with his feet up the table. Sho was glad Jun wasn't here to kill him. “He’s still sleeping with Oh-chan.”
“Satoshi’s back?”
“Oh-chaaan!!” Aiba screamed as he quickly ran upstairs, ignoring what Nino just said about them being asleep.
But to Sho’s surprise, Aiba’s voice didn't awake them, because they were already awake when they walked into Jun’s room. Well, Jun was awake. Ohno was still sleeping with his arms intact around Jun.
Aiba doesn't even care that Ohno couldn't greet him back and still climbed onto the bed and landed himself on top of Ohno who didn't even seem to be bothered at all.
“Oh-chan I miss you~” Aiba had already latched himself into Ohno. They were quite surprised when they heard the oldest man replied them with, “I miss you to…” But soon went back to sleep.
“Hey.” Sho said to Jun with a smile. And just like this morning, he kissed the model’s forehead as a method of measuring his body temperature. He felt relieved when he felt that Jun wasn't as feverish as when he left him this morning.
“I got your soup.” He lifted up the paper bag he had in his hand.
“Thanks.” Jun lifted his body up with his arms and then took the warm styrofoam bowl out of the bag. But he had trouble keeping the content from spilling when he coughed, so Sho help him hold the bowl. His eyes sparkled at the sight of bright orange colour in front of him and smile as the sweet smell of pumpkin reached his nose. After he took one sip of it, he dipped the spoon again into the liquid and offered it to Sho. “You eat too.” He said to Sho who took it gladly.
They end up eating the soup together. Although turns out Sho can’t really eat it because halfway he started to frown his brows as the sweet taste of pumpkin mixed with some spices didn't get to his senses. So Jun finished it himself. Then after he took a drink, he got up from the bed.
“Bathroom.” He said briefly to Sho and tip-toed out of the room.
When he got back a moment later, Sho was cleaning up the styrofoam bowl and the paper bag.
“I looked awful.” Jun said with a pout. Pointing at his swollen face and curled up hair.
Sho laughed a little. “You’re sick. You supposed to look awful.” He fixed the pillow and lifted the blanket so Jun can easily slid back into the bed. Nino came in a moment later with a glass of water and two pills in his hand. He put it on the cabinet then sat beside Sho on the bed. Sho turned to him and patted him on the head. “Thank you for looking after Jun.”
The younger man shrugged his shoulder. “I don't mind about it. But your mails are insane.” He rolled his eyes.
Sho threw his head back and laughed. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! But you’ve been a very good boy.” Sho pulled Nino’s head so that their foreheads touch. “You won’t go unrewarded.”
The gamer’s eyes glinted. “Really? Now that you mention it..” Nino ran a finger up Sho’s thigh. Sho looked down at those fingers, dragged slowly on top of his dark grey slacks. Then he looked up to see Nino staring at him, teeth worrying his lower lip. The corner of his lips are pulled up into a smile that Sho has seen a thousand times since high school. The smile that meant ‘I want something and you have to give it to me right now’. Sho hated that smile because he always loses to it.
Nino got up the bed and pulled Sho with him. “Come on. Jun already had Oh-chan and Masaki to take care of him.”
Sho got the feeling he was the only one who always got dragged in this house. He said good night to Jun in a hurry and Jun just shook his head in amusement.
The model looked to his side and saw Ohno still sleeping beside him. Jun’s eyes widen when he realized that Aiba was hanging onto Ohno for dear life like a baby koala, also asleep, still in his working clothes minus the overall.
“Masaki, at least get change first then go to my bed.” Jun said, but to no avail. The man didn't even twitched. He called again. This time it’s not Aiba who react, it’s Ohno. He tugged Jun’s shirt and mumbled something that sounds like ‘Sleep’.
So Jun gave up. He’s just gonna have to deal with it tomorrow. He took the pills Nino gave him and got up once again to turned off the light. The room that suddenly went dim seemed to sent a relaxing vibe to the other two. Because when Jun laid himself back to the bed, Ohno wrapped himself around him again while Aiba rolled to the other side of the bed, pulling the blanket with him.
***
Jun can’t thank God enough for giving him these four people who loves him more than anything in the world, and who he loves too. The four people who are there to give him surprise on his birthdays. The four people who cheered him up when Yamashita ended the one being picked to be the model for a new branded underwear. The four people who became the very reason for him to come home. The four people who took care of him.
But sometimes, he just wanted to kill this four people.
He woke up the next morning to a dirty kitchen and unwashed dishes, laundry still hanging outside, the light on the living room that was still left on all along the night. And the worst is, oh he can’t even look at it, food crumbs on his coffee table. He was just sick for a day. He didn't even leave the house.
Jun swore to himself that he won’t get sick again. Ever.
Rating: G
Disclaimer: They belong to their agency, not me.
Summary: As requested by koigaii, this is Jun getting sick.
Author's note: I swear to God I didn't mean for the story to be this long! This story breeds on its own.....
“The sick do not ask if the hand that smoothes their pillow is pure, nor the dying care if the lips that touch their brow have known the kiss of sin.” - Oscar Wilde
“Are you alright?” Asked Sho to Jun who was sitting next to him on the sofa just after dinner. Jun had his eyes shut and he was pinching the bridge of his nose.
Jun quickly opened his eyes and looked at the older man’s face. “I’m fine. Just a little headache. I think it’s because of the excessive flashlight I got today.” He smiled reassuringly. Although deep inside he knew it was a lie. He had an awful headache, he had trouble swallowing his dinner earlier, and he felt dizzy just standing up on his own feet. But the thing he hate the most is to make Sho worry. So he kept quite.
“How many photoshoots did you have today?”
“Four.” He paused. “No. Five.” Jun threw his head back and huffed. “I’m so wasted.”
“Do you want some medicine?
Jun shook his head. “No, It’s okay. I’ll just need to sleep this off.”
Sho ran a hand on Jun’s wavy hair. “Go get some rest. I’ll clean up the dishes.”
“No, I’m fine. Really.” He replied with his head still tilted back. He turned his head to the side. They were staring at each other. Sho knew that he can’t force Jun to do anything.
“Fine. But I’m still going to clean up.” Sho said anyway and stood up. “You stay here.”
Jun watched as Sho pulled Aiba along with him to the kitchen as he sat back on the couch and started to doze off.
When he woke up the next morning, Jun couldn't remember how and when he got back to his room. But the moment he tried to lifted his head, blood seemed to rushed to his head all at once and pain hit him. He was forced to laid back and shut back his eyes. And that’s when he realized how sore his throat felt. He slowly raised an arm that suddenly felt so heavy and put it to the side of his neck. He felt heat transferred to his palm.
“You’ve got to be kidding me.” He said in annoyance sorely, followed by a dry cough.
“Jun-pooon…Make some breakfast for..What’s wrong with you?” Nino stopped midtrack just after he barged in into Jun’s room when he saw the younger man still lying on the bed, one arm across his face.
“I can’t get up.” Jun replied. “My head hurts.”
“Did you drink last night?”
“Did you see me drink?” Though not looking at him, Nino can sense the cynical tone in his voice.
“..No..” Nino walked to the side of Jun’s bed. Jun lifted his arm from his face and that's when Nino could see how pale the other man’s face was. Nino placed his burger hand on Jun’s forehead. It’s already damp from perspiration. “You’re warm.”
“Don't tell Sho.”
Nino’s cold palm felt like a relief to his burned up skin.
“Do you have anything today?”
Jun nodded slowly.
“I’ll call your agency and tell them that you wouldn't be able to work today.”
“But..”
“If you resist I’ll tell Sho.” Nino cut him.
Jun had no choice but to let Nino do what he wants.
“I’ll make you something.” Nino said as he walked out of the room. “Stay in bed.”
“Why are you making your own breakfast?” Aiba sneaked up from behind Nino and looked over his shoulder.
“It’s not for me. It’s for Jun.” Nino answer him shortly as he stirred his porridge in a pot.
Aiba furrowed his brows. “What did you do this time?” Not just Aiba, everyone in this house knows that Nino is famous for his act of bribery whenever he had done something wrong.
“I didn't do anything.”
“So why are you making him breakfast?” But then Aiba noticed the porridge, egg in Nino’s hand, and some uncut garlic chives. “Is Jun sick?”
Nino chose not to answer. Instead, he said to the older man, “Can you cut the chives? I’m gonna make the ginger lemon drink.” He break the egg in his hand and add it to the porridge. “Don’t tell Sho.” After giving it a stir, he moved to the side to crush the ginger and squeezed a lemon.
Aiba cut the chives silently then added it into the pot.
Suddenly they heard a cough then they both turned their heads at the same time. Jun was standing behind them. He was wrapped in blanket and his hair sprouted everywhere.
Nino sighed and dropped his shoulder. “I thought I told you to stay in your room.”
“I couldn’t rest my mind while thinking that you are in my kitchen using my utensils.” He glanced at the pot on the stove. “What are you making anyway?”
Aiba left his pot immediately and approached the younger man. “You’re not supposed to come down.”
“I want to know what Nino’s making.” Jun coughed a little. His throat felt so sore and itchy.
“It’s gonna turn out okay. You should learn to trust me more.” Nino said from behind Aiba as he poured the ginger lemon drink to a cup.
“He’s right.” Aiba tightened the blanket around Jun’s body. “You should go back to your room before Sho saw you like this.”
“Saw him like what?”
Aiba and Nino quickly turned their heads around. Jun looked up and bit his lower lip the moment he saw Sho who just walked into the kitchen. He thought Sho wouldn't notice the blanket around his body because he was busy buttoning his cuffs and he still had the chance to ran back to his room before he saw him. But then when nobody gave any reply, the older man finally looked up.
The three of them can soon see the worried look forming on Sho’s face.
So before he could sermon him with anything, Jun said it first. “Don’t worry. I’m fine. Just a slight headache.”
“And a bit for fever.”
“With some sore throat.”
Jun glared at Aiba and Nino. If only he had more strength, he’d kicked them both for saying unnecessary things.
But still, it doesn't stop Sho from scolding him. “That’s why I told you to drink some medicine last night! Why won’t you listen to me? You are not getting out of your bed today other than to go tho the toilet. Eat, take some pills, sleep. Repeat until you get better.”
“Sho, please. I’m not a child. You should leave too. You’re already late for work.”
“I’m not going.”
Jun glared at the newscaster. “You are NOT taking a day off just because I had a slight fever!”
“I just want to take care of you.”
“I’m fine. You don't have to worry about me. I got Nino.”
Sho tilted his head to the side and stole a glance to the gamer who’s swearing under his breath because the hot porridge splashed into his hand when he poured it into the bowl. Then he turned back his eyes at Jun.
The younger man doesn't need to ask what that look meant. “I’m sure. Now go.”
Sho still look like he was wondering if he should go or not. So Jun took Sho’s hand.
“Okay, how about this. You gave me your fever medicine, put me to bed, then you go to work.” He dragged Sho into his room. Sho followed reluctantly.
Jun climbed back into his bed. He tried to find a comfortable sitting position and Sho fixed his blanket. A moment later Nino and Aiba entered the room, carrying the bowl of rice vegetable soup and the ginger lemon drink.
“Is it edible?” Asked Jun.
Nino roled his eyes. “Are you sure you’re sick?” He gave the bowl to Sho who took it carefully in his hands. But Jun soon took the bowl over.
“I can eat it myself.”
Sho clicked his tongue, but he still let the sick man do it. Although a few moments later, Jun’s hands starts shaking subtly and he could barely lifted the spoon. Jun clicked his tongue in annoyance.
The older man was about to lifted his hand to took the bowl over again, but Nino’s hand snatched it first from the side.
“I’ll do it. You go to work.” The skinny man said. He climbed up the bed to move to the other side of the bed, stepping over Jun’s body. He sat himself comfortably beside Jun and took a spoon of the soup before putting it into his mouth.
Sho and Jun were startled by it. “How come you’re the one eating it?” Said the sick man.
“I haven’t had breakfast yet and cooking makes me hungry!” Then Nino’s eyes went wide and he stared at the bowl he’s holding. “Wow, I’m good!”
Jun chose to ignore him and went back to Sho. “Anyway, he’s right. You should go now.”
“But…”
Sho and Jun’s eyes were fixated at each other. Both persistant at their own will. After a moment of silent persuasion, Sho finally sighed. He dropped his shoulder as his eyes took off Jun’s in defeat. “Fine. But I’m still going to constantly contact Kazu for a follow up!”
Jun rolled his eyes. “I’m not some stock exchange news.”
The newscaster leaned down to give one last kiss on Jun’s forehead. “I’ll see you tonight.”
“Oh,” Jun suddenly grabbed the cuff of Sho’s shirt. He opened his mouth to say something but Sho already get it.
“Pumpkin soup from Soup Stock, right?” He said. The model grinned and Sho messed up his hair. “Bye guys.” He waved them and walked out of the room.
“Now,” Nino floated the spoon in front of Jun’s eyes. “Eat.”
***
“Jun, can you just call Sho so that he would believe me when I said that you’re doing okay? Because his constant mails are killing me!” Nino passed his cellphone to Jun who’s lying next to him, looking bored. Nino then continued playing his game. The newscaster had told him to stay by Jun’s side just in case he needed anything. But Jun remembered that today is laundry day so he made Nino did it and told him to hung them properly to dry. He also made lunch for himself and Jun. But aside from that, he’s stuck with his DS since morning on Jun’s room.
Basically Jun was fine. His fever hasn't come down yet but he’s taking his medicine so Nino is pretty sure that he’ll be okay tomorrow.
The sick man dropped his magazine and took the phone. He read the message from Sho that Nino left on the screen: Has Jun’s fever dropped? Has he eat his lunch? Stop DS-ing and don’t forget his pills. Make sure he had enough rest.
It’s three o’clock in the afternoon and there has been six mails since Sho left this morning. All have similar contents.
This is Jun. He replied. I’m okay. I’ve eaten and took my pills. Nino is doing his job. Now stop bothering him and concentrate on your job. I’m going to take a rest. See you tonight. Love you. PS: Nino loves you too although I think he’s going to throw his phone when he saw one more mail coming from you. So don’t bother replying.
Jun typed slowly because the medicine he took has started to show its side effect.
“I heard you’re sick. Are you okay?”
Nino and Jun looked up and found Ohno standing by the door with a worried look over his sleepy face. A paint splattered small suitcase with various mini objects pasted on it sat beside Ohno’s leg on the wooden floor.
“Oh-chan, you’re back!” Nino jumped from the bed and the movement of it bounced Jun. The model clicked his tongue. Before Ohno could take one step inside the room, Nino had already glomped him. “I miss you. My bed felt so cold at night.” He hugged the older man and pressed his nose to the latters neck, welcoming the smell of sun-burned skin.
Ohno kissed Nino’s head. “I was only gone for two days, Kazu.”
“How’s Nara?” Asked Jun when Ohno walked to the bed, half dragging Nino who still clings to him, and stood beside Jun.
“Beautiful. Tsuyoshi’s outdoor exhibit was great too. I wished you guys were there with me.” Ohno bowed down to kiss the younger’s man forehead and Jun immediately looked up. He accepted the soft lingering kiss with his eyes closed. Funny, he felt better already. “Are you okay?” He asked again.
“Just a small fever. I’ll be fine.”
Ohno sat on the edge of the bed with a sigh. “I’m so tired.” He turned to Nino and Jun. “Kyoto is far.” He said with a pout.
The other two man chuckled. “Are you hungry?” Asked Nino “I think I still got some lunch left.”
“No. I think I’m gonna take a shower and sleep.” The oldest man stood up. He patted on Jun’s blanket covered thigh. “I’ll be back.” And left for the shower.
Ohno finished showering 15 minutes later. When he was back in Jun’s room, he was already wearing his usual faded T-shirt and loose shorts. His hair and skin still damp, just like Jun’s, only with different reason.
“Why aren’t you asleep yet?” Ohno asked.
Jun shrugged. “I was feeling sleepy earlier, but it was before Nino got hysteric and jumped off the bed to greet you a while ago. Where is he now, anyway?” Jun coughed a little then took the glass of water Nino prepared earlier. Next to it sat a huge water jar, specifically for Jun.
The artist slipped under the blanket. “I’m relieving him off his duty. It’s my turn now.”
It surprised Jun when Ohno circled his arms around his slim waist, and his chin nuzzled the crook of Jun’s neck. He spooned Jun and plastered himself to Jun’s back. “What are you doing?”
“When I was a kid, if I had a fever my dad always did this so the heat would transfer from me to him.”
“And you’re doing the same thing to me right now? Are you mad? You’re going to get sick!” Jun struggled to let go of Ohno’s embrace. But instead, Ohno hugged him tighter. Jun went still.
“It’s okay. I don't get sick that easily.” Ohno said slowly. Slurring.
Jun didn't know if what Ohno’s dad used to do would really made his fever go away, but suddenly his body felt cooler. Maybe the shower Ohno had earlier had cooled his skin. Maybe it’s the constant breathing he felt on his neck that gave a soothing rhythm. Or maybe it’s just because Ohno always has that relaxing aura that Jun believes only a few people in this world are blessed with it.
“Go to sleep, Jun.” Said Ohno. It’s only a moment later that Jun felt the man pressing on his back let out a soft snore. Jun’s hand went under the blanket and took the Ohno’s hand that was gripping his clothes. He tangled his own fingers between the other’s calloused one and brought it to his chest.
He prayed, Please God, don’t let Satoshi catch my fever, before finally falling into deep slumber.
Sho and Aiba arrived at the same that night. And the first thing they asked the moment they stepped into the house was, “How was Jun?”
“He’s fine,” Answered Nino with pizza stuffed in his mouth. He was lying on the sofa watching TV with his feet up the table. Sho was glad Jun wasn't here to kill him. “He’s still sleeping with Oh-chan.”
“Satoshi’s back?”
“Oh-chaaan!!” Aiba screamed as he quickly ran upstairs, ignoring what Nino just said about them being asleep.
But to Sho’s surprise, Aiba’s voice didn't awake them, because they were already awake when they walked into Jun’s room. Well, Jun was awake. Ohno was still sleeping with his arms intact around Jun.
Aiba doesn't even care that Ohno couldn't greet him back and still climbed onto the bed and landed himself on top of Ohno who didn't even seem to be bothered at all.
“Oh-chan I miss you~” Aiba had already latched himself into Ohno. They were quite surprised when they heard the oldest man replied them with, “I miss you to…” But soon went back to sleep.
“Hey.” Sho said to Jun with a smile. And just like this morning, he kissed the model’s forehead as a method of measuring his body temperature. He felt relieved when he felt that Jun wasn't as feverish as when he left him this morning.
“I got your soup.” He lifted up the paper bag he had in his hand.
“Thanks.” Jun lifted his body up with his arms and then took the warm styrofoam bowl out of the bag. But he had trouble keeping the content from spilling when he coughed, so Sho help him hold the bowl. His eyes sparkled at the sight of bright orange colour in front of him and smile as the sweet smell of pumpkin reached his nose. After he took one sip of it, he dipped the spoon again into the liquid and offered it to Sho. “You eat too.” He said to Sho who took it gladly.
They end up eating the soup together. Although turns out Sho can’t really eat it because halfway he started to frown his brows as the sweet taste of pumpkin mixed with some spices didn't get to his senses. So Jun finished it himself. Then after he took a drink, he got up from the bed.
“Bathroom.” He said briefly to Sho and tip-toed out of the room.
When he got back a moment later, Sho was cleaning up the styrofoam bowl and the paper bag.
“I looked awful.” Jun said with a pout. Pointing at his swollen face and curled up hair.
Sho laughed a little. “You’re sick. You supposed to look awful.” He fixed the pillow and lifted the blanket so Jun can easily slid back into the bed. Nino came in a moment later with a glass of water and two pills in his hand. He put it on the cabinet then sat beside Sho on the bed. Sho turned to him and patted him on the head. “Thank you for looking after Jun.”
The younger man shrugged his shoulder. “I don't mind about it. But your mails are insane.” He rolled his eyes.
Sho threw his head back and laughed. “I’m sorry, I’m sorry! But you’ve been a very good boy.” Sho pulled Nino’s head so that their foreheads touch. “You won’t go unrewarded.”
The gamer’s eyes glinted. “Really? Now that you mention it..” Nino ran a finger up Sho’s thigh. Sho looked down at those fingers, dragged slowly on top of his dark grey slacks. Then he looked up to see Nino staring at him, teeth worrying his lower lip. The corner of his lips are pulled up into a smile that Sho has seen a thousand times since high school. The smile that meant ‘I want something and you have to give it to me right now’. Sho hated that smile because he always loses to it.
Nino got up the bed and pulled Sho with him. “Come on. Jun already had Oh-chan and Masaki to take care of him.”
Sho got the feeling he was the only one who always got dragged in this house. He said good night to Jun in a hurry and Jun just shook his head in amusement.
The model looked to his side and saw Ohno still sleeping beside him. Jun’s eyes widen when he realized that Aiba was hanging onto Ohno for dear life like a baby koala, also asleep, still in his working clothes minus the overall.
“Masaki, at least get change first then go to my bed.” Jun said, but to no avail. The man didn't even twitched. He called again. This time it’s not Aiba who react, it’s Ohno. He tugged Jun’s shirt and mumbled something that sounds like ‘Sleep’.
So Jun gave up. He’s just gonna have to deal with it tomorrow. He took the pills Nino gave him and got up once again to turned off the light. The room that suddenly went dim seemed to sent a relaxing vibe to the other two. Because when Jun laid himself back to the bed, Ohno wrapped himself around him again while Aiba rolled to the other side of the bed, pulling the blanket with him.
***
Jun can’t thank God enough for giving him these four people who loves him more than anything in the world, and who he loves too. The four people who are there to give him surprise on his birthdays. The four people who cheered him up when Yamashita ended the one being picked to be the model for a new branded underwear. The four people who became the very reason for him to come home. The four people who took care of him.
But sometimes, he just wanted to kill this four people.
He woke up the next morning to a dirty kitchen and unwashed dishes, laundry still hanging outside, the light on the living room that was still left on all along the night. And the worst is, oh he can’t even look at it, food crumbs on his coffee table. He was just sick for a day. He didn't even leave the house.
Jun swore to himself that he won’t get sick again. Ever.