This December | Kuroo x Kenma Hospital AU

22

"It's okay, it's okay, it's just me."

Kuroo held his boyfriend's cheek in a hand. And the other was used to run a hand through his hair.

"It was just a nightmare. Please calm down, Kenma.

Shaking hands gripped Kuroo's shirt. Kenma stared at him with wide eyes.

With a gentle voice, Kuroo tried to calm Kenma down. "Breathe for me, okay? I promise it was just a nightmare."

"... Kuroo?"

"What is it, darling?"

"You're... You're okay, right?"

Kuroo smiled sadly. "Yeah. Yeah, I'm okay," he whispered. Kenma had had his fair share of nightmares, but Kuroo didn't think he'd ever seen him this shaken by one.

"Okay." Kenma let go of Kuroo and wiped at his face. "They get worse every night. Usually I'm able to wake myself up but..."

Kuroo kissed Kenma before drawing back a bit to look him over. "Don't worry about it."

"Um, Kuroo, I was wondering... If you don't mind, could you maybe stay with me every night? I know you already do most nights but-"

"As if you even need to ask."

Kenma raised a brow as he snuggled closer to Kuroo.

"I was already planning on it, assuming you were okay with it. I can't sleep when I'm alone."

"Why?"

Letting out a sigh, Kuroo wrapped his arms around Kenma and closed his eyes. "It makes me think you're already gone."

When Kenma flinched, Kuroo squeezed him tighter. Now was not a good time to talk about this. He didn't want Kenma to be even more upset. "Can we go back to sleep now? It's like four in the morning."

"Mmm I think sleep is a good idea."

~

Staring helplessly at Kenma, Kuroo ran a hand through his messy hair. On the table next to the bed was the whole day's worth of food. All of it was untouched.

"Did you even try to eat?"

Kenma shook his head weakly. He looked- and felt- worse every day. "I just..."

"You don't have to explain yourself," Kuroo murmured. He grabbed Kenma's cold hand and sighed. "You feeling sick again?"

"Mhm. Just the thought of eating makes me want to throw up."

"Dammit." Kuroo groaned. "Were you able to drink anything at least?"

"I had a few sips of water."

"Okay, that's good. Do you want me to make some tea? It might calm your stomach a bit."

Kenma nodded and buried his face in his knees. "I hate this. I just want it to stop."

Kuroo pulled Kenma into a tight hug. He rubbed circles on his back, trying to soothe him. "I know. I know, darling. It'll be over soon."

He hated those words. But despite how much he hated them, they were true. Everyone said Kenma only had about a month left. And at this  point, Kuroo thought Kenma saw that short amount of time as a blessing.

"I'll go see if I can make you some tea, and then we can watch a movie, or you can sleep, or whatever you want."

"Wait."

"Hm?"

Kenma pulled Kuroo into a long kiss. When they pulled apart, Kenma had a small smile on his face. But still- it was the biggest he'd seen in weeks.

Holding Kuroo's face, Kenma pressed their heads together. "Thanks for... You know, staying with me."

"I've told you a thousand times, and I will tell you a thousand more. I am never going to leave you, Kenma. Even if I have to be at work, or somewhere else, I am never going to leave you completely alone." Kuroo smiled softly and stood up. "Shall I go see about that tea now?"

"Yeah. Peppermint if they have it."

"And straight black if they don't. I know, love. I'll be right back."

Kenma nodded. "I know."