kiyopapa x mamasuzune

In Sickness and Love

It wasn't often that Kiyotaka Ayanokōji got sick. In fact, Suzune couldn't recall a single time in all the years they had been together where he had shown even a hint of weakness. But today, as he sat slumped on the sofa with a blanket draped over his shoulders, his usual composed demeanor replaced by weariness, Suzune felt an unfamiliar pang of fear.

She knelt beside him, her hands gently cupping his face. "You need to rest," she whispered, her voice trembling slightly as she stroked his hair. "I'll take care of everything. Just... please don't push yourself."

Kiyotaka gave her a faint smile, his voice low and steady. "It's just a cold, Suzune. I'll be fine."

Suzune shook her head, her chest tightening. "You never get sick. Not once. And now... I don't know, I'm scared, Kiyotaka. What if—"

"Stop," he interrupted softly, his hand brushing against hers. "It's nothing major. I promise."

But Suzune couldn't shake the unease that clung to her. She guided his head to rest against her chest, cradling him like he was something fragile. Her fingers ran through his hair in slow, rhythmic motions, and every so often, she pressed a light kiss to his temple.

"Just rest," she murmured, her voice barely audible. "Let me take care of you for once."

Kiyotaka closed his eyes, allowing himself to relax against her. Despite his reassurances, she held him tightly, as if afraid he might slip away if she let go.

Later That Evening

When Kiyo and Suz returned from their day out, their excitement faded the moment they stepped into the house and saw their father still wrapped in a blanket on the couch. Suz's eyes widened, and she ran over to him, climbing up beside him.

"Daddy, are you going to die?" she asked, her voice breaking as tears welled in her eyes.

Kiyotaka blinked, momentarily taken aback. "Suz," he began, his tone soft but firm, "I'm 34. I have at least 50 more years left. I'm not going anywhere."

"But you're sick!" Suz argued, her small hands clutching his arm.

Kiyo stepped in, placing a comforting hand on his sister's shoulder. "He's not going to die, Suz. Dad's too stubborn for that."

Suzune, who had been standing nearby, moved to Kiyotaka's side and pulled him into a tight embrace. Her voice trembled as she spoke. "She's not the only one scared. You never get sick, Kiyotaka. This... it's just hard to see you like this."

He wrapped an arm around her, his touch reassuring despite his fatigue. "I'll be fine, Suzune. I promise."

A Visit from the Family

As the family settled in for the evening, Gojo and Lori arrived with a bag full of medicine and groceries. Lori's face was filled with concern as she handed the bag to Suzune. "We brought everything you might need. How's he doing?"

"Stubborn as always," Suzune replied with a weak smile.

Gojo smirked. "Sounds about right. He could probably run a marathon while sick if he wanted to."

Akari toddled over to the sofa, her bright eyes full of worry. She climbed onto Kiyotaka's back and leaned in, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. "I love you, Grandpa," she said earnestly.

Kiyotaka chuckled faintly, his voice tinged with affection. "I love you too, Akari."

Gojo glanced at the scene and scratched the back of his head. "Do you think you'll be okay looking after the kids for a bit?" he asked hesitantly.

Kiyotaka nodded. "We'll be fine. It's just a cold."

Suzune shot him a look but said nothing, her focus shifting to Akari and Suz, who had now sandwiched themselves against Kiyotaka.

A Cozy Evening

As the evening wore on, Kiyotaka, Suzune, Suz, and Akari retreated to the bedroom. Suzune guided Kiyotaka to lie down, fluffing the pillows and tucking the blanket around him. Suz climbed in beside him, pressing herself against his back, while Akari nestled in between Kiyotaka and Suzune.

"I love Grandpa cuddles," Akari declared, her voice muffled as she buried her face in his chest.

Suzune smiled, leaning over to kiss Kiyotaka's forehead. "And I love taking care of him," she said softly.

Kiyotaka gave a small hum of acknowledgment, his eyes heavy with exhaustion.

As the children settled, Suzune began to speak softly, her voice filled with warmth and nostalgia. "Did I ever tell you how amazing your grandpa is?" she asked the girls.

Suz and Akari both perked up, their eyes wide with curiosity.

"Tell us!" Suz demanded.

Suzune smiled, brushing her fingers through Kiyotaka's hair as she spoke. "He's the strongest, smartest, and most loving man I've ever known. He's always taken care of us, no matter what. Even when things were hard, he never gave up."

Akari looked at Kiyotaka with awe. "Grandpa's like a superhero!"

Kiyotaka opened one eye, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "I wouldn't go that far," he murmured.

Suzune leaned down and kissed him gently. "To me, you are," she said softly.

The girls giggled, their worries fading as they listened to Suzune's stories about their grandfather.

A Quiet Moment

Once the children had fallen asleep, Suzune and Kiyotaka slipped out to the backyard. The cool night air was refreshing, and Suzune leaned against him, her arms wrapped tightly around his waist.

"I was so scared today," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Even though you kept saying it was just a cold, I couldn't stop thinking about losing you."

Kiyotaka tightened his hold on her, his voice steady. "You're not going to lose me, Suzune. I'm here, and I'm not going anywhere."

She looked up at him, tears glistening in her eyes. "I just... I can't imagine my life without you. You're my everything, Kiyotaka."

He cupped her face in his hands, his gaze filled with unwavering love. "And you're mine. Always."

Suzune let out a soft sob, burying her face in his chest. "I love you so much."

"I love you too," he replied, his voice firm.

They stayed like that for a long while, simply holding each other under the stars. When they finally returned to bed, Suzune stroked Kiyotaka's hair until he fell asleep, her heart full of gratitude and love.