Blue Exorcist Sickfic Files

Rin & the Stomach Bug

It was evening at True Cross Academy in a warm glow the sunset cast, making long shadows across the campus as students bustled to their dorms for the night. In the dormitory, however, a different scene was unfolding. Rin Okumura, the hotheaded and demon-spawned student, was huddled in his bed, wrapped in blankets, and looking more miserable than he ever cared to admit. He hadn't felt well all day and Yukio had made him stay home to avoid getting worse.

"Ugh, this is the worst," Rin groaned, his voice raspy and weak, as he clutched his stomach. He had woken up feeling only queasy, but as the hours passed during the day, his condition had only worsened. His usually vivid blue eyes were dulled, and a light sheen of sweat covered his forehead.

Across the room, Yukio Okumura, Rin's twin brother and his complete opposite in demeanor, stood at his desk, poring over his study materials from the day. Unlike Rin, Yukio had always been the more level-headed and disciplined of the two, his devotion to his studies and exorcism training unwavering. He cast a fleeting glance at his ailing brother before returning his attention to his books.

"Rin, you should have been more careful during your last mission," Yukio muttered, irritation edging his voice. "You know how dangerous it can be to let your guard down around demons."

Rin coughed weakly, wincing at the ache in his chest. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Just my luck, huh?"

Yukio's gaze flicked over to Rin, his brows furrowing slightly. He knew Rin had a tendency to be reckless, but right now, that recklessness was causing more problems than usual. Yukio sighed and closed his books, walking over to Rin's bed.

"Have you taken any medicine today?" Yukio asked, his tone softening slightly as he reached out to feel Rin's forehead for fever.

Rin shook his head weakly. "Nah, didn't really think about it."

Yukio's annoyance only grew. "Honestly, Rin, you need to take better care of yourself. Being an exorcist and half-demon doesn't mean you can just ignore your own health. You're such an idiot sometimes, can't even take care of yourself."

Rin's throat tightened at the reprimand, and he turned away to hide the hurt in his eyes. He didn't need Yukio lecturing him like a child. He was well aware of his responsibilities, but even exorcists got sick sometimes, and half demons, right? He was still half human afterall.

Seeing his brother's reaction, Yukio sighed again, his anger deflating. "Sorry, Rin. I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just... frustrating when you don't take things seriously."

Rin's shoulders slumped, and he mumbled a barely audible "Sorry" in response.

Yukio fetched some medicine and water, handing them to Rin with a more sympathetic expression. "Take these. You'll feel better soon."

As Rin swallowed the medicine, he couldn't shake off the lingering hurt. He knew Yukio cared, but sometimes it felt like his brother saw him as nothing more than a nuisance. 

Hours turned into a slow crawl as the room settled into a peaceful lull, Rin had resumed to reading mangas to past the time, but his eyes began to grow heavy, and the combined effects of the medicine and his body's exhaustion started to take hold. He shifted under the blankets, pulling them tighter around himself, and closed his eyes. It wasn't long before sleep claimed him, and his breaths grew steady and even.

Yukio, his thoughts still lingering on his earlier harsh words, continued to study, though his focus was waning. The guilt of scolding Rin during a time of vulnerability gnawed at him. He knew he needed to strike a balance between being a brother and a mentor. And he owed the older twin a little more respect than he often gave him. The quietness of the room allowed his thoughts to drift, and he found himself reminiscing about their childhood – the times when they were inseparable, playing and laughing without a care in the world.