The Rescued

Kohl

Nothing seemed right. No matter how many times he did it, checking each step, he simply couldn't do it perfectly.

Maybe the perfection for which he was aiming was even just a little far fetched, but it didn't prevent him from trying one last time before he was sighing in defeat and resignation and setting down the liquid eyeliner brush on the countertop in the bathroom.

When he had displayed a profound interest in makeup, Yuu had been so kind and gentle and accepting, and they'd gone out- even Kouyou went along despite his general anxiety regarding leaving their home- that very day to purchase some high quality makeup from a shop just a block or two away from their house.

There was an abrupt knock on the door, jolting Kouyou slightly and causing his heartbeat to quicken. He was on the verge of a panic attack again, instantly taking in measured breaths and wiping away the seventh or so layer of makeup on his face with a moist towel.

"Kouyou, how did it..." Yuu's words trailed off into a silent oblivion, and Kouyou had only to sniffle before Yuu was feeling immense guilt for his insensitivity. He stepped into the room and lifted his hands, fingertips finding the other's damp, makeup smeared face. "I can help you, if you'd like; but first, let's clean you up."

Kouyou smiled at the laughter that followed Yuu's words, the sound like music to him. He was trembling a bit, any and every tiny little thing being enough to set off his anxiety, but it was nearly nowhere as bad as when he'd first been diagnosed.

At the time just after Yuu had made love to Kouyou, the next morning Kouyou woke up alone, rumpled and displaced sheets still intact, but no Shiroyama Yuu. Kouyou had found his heartbeat faltering painfully, his lungs unwilling to work, and tears streaming down his cheeks. By the time Yuu had arrived, breakfast food for the two of them in hand, Kouyou was gasping for breath, shaking his head and trembling incessantly. Needless to say, Yuu hurriedly took Kouyou to the hospital, where they gave him a light sedative to calm him while they ran tests. The first two were inconclusive, then a nurse pointed out the situation that Yuu had described, and perfectly diagnosed Kouyou's acute anxiety.

"Kouyou? Hey, calm down, it's alright..." Yuu soothed, having noticed the way Kouyou was breathing. No sooner than he had spoken, he lifted his hands, cupping Kouyou's ashen skin and letting their gazes settle on one another rather contently, having found that by doing this, coupled with a series of soothing words, Kouyou would calm down within a matter of a few seconds, a relieved sigh leaving the both of them at this occurrence.

"Thank you... I'm sorry, you just surprised me a little and then this happened and..." Kouyou allowed his sentence to remain unfinished, eyelashes fluttering as he looked up at his lover.

They were so vibrant to Yuu, Kouyou's eyes. They bore such color and life that had been stolen during his time as a captive, but somehow, it had been regained, and Yuu would be lying if he said he didn't attribute at least some of that to himself.

"Tell me you love me, Kouyou..." Yuu suddenly whispered, wanting to hear it from the other's lips. Surely, this couldn't be real. He couldn't have this perfect angel for himself, so sweet and full of love and kindness.

The corner of Kouyou's lips curled into a soft smile, and he nodded slightly, words a soft whisper. "I love you, Yuu." He lifted his arms, effectively wrapping them around Yuu's neck and giggling when the other buried his face against his shoulder.

They remained like that for a while, holding one another, until Yuu lifted his head and pressed a soft kiss to Kouyou's lips.

"We'll get you cleaned, then I have to go to work, alright? We can experiment when I'm back later this evening."