Are You Sure

"It's time," Kenma whispered. He turned his head away from the window being beaten with rain to the gentle face of the owl man he had come to know and love. "Kou.."

Bokuto lifted his face from his folded arms resting on clean white linens that reeked of hospital antiseptic. He'd known this moment was coming but the words still ripped a tear in his gentle heart. He swallowed hard and met those strong golden eyes, now dulled with illness and exhaustion, and nodded. "Are you sure?"

It was a pointless question. Of course Kenma was sure. Of course he nodded, though the nod was weak and barely noticeable.

Tears beaded in the corners of both their eyes and Bokuto reached for Kenma's hand. His large calloused fingers wrapped around Kenma's bony dry hand and squeezed it as tight as he dared.

"It will be okay. I promise." Kenma rubbed his thumb over the other's skin in an attempt to comfort him, but there was little comfort that could be had in a moment like this. And those words were all it took to break the gates holding back the owl mans tears. "Kou..."

"It won't. It won't be okay for me. But I.. but I.." He wiped away the tears with his free hand before running it through Kenma's now black hair, or what was left. It had thinned terribly, but Bokuto still thought it was stunning. "I promised. And you said I have to keep my promises now so.. So I'm.. I'm going.. I'm going to do that."

It was almost impossible to talk with as much as he was crying. He didn't want to do this, but they'd talked. They'd talked many long nights and he made an important promise; a promise he couldn't break.

Slowly he stood from the chair and pushed it back. He pulled his hand from Kenma's, although reluctantly, and took a deep breath. He could do this. He had to do this. He loved Kenma.

He pulled his phone from his pocket and sent a quick text to Kuroo, his and Kenma's best friend and the man who was supposed to be their best man at the wedding. In a way, he still was. But this wasn't the way they dreamed.

It only took a moment before Kuroo texted back and then it really was time. Bokuto slid his arm under Kenma's knobby knees and another behind his head to lift him bridal style and pull him close to his chest. He pressed Kenma's head against his heart so Kenma could hear it beat, something that had always been calming to Kenma in the past. Though now it took much more effort for Bokuto to keep it calm and steady. It took a lot more effort to even convince it to keep beating.

The two made their way down the quiet hospital halls as the nurses stood still and watched. It was a small hospital and everyone knew the two boys and loved them. And everyone knew where they were going and that they wouldn't be coming back. It only seemed appropriate to hold a silent vigil as they left for the last time.

The paperwork for release was already signed. Kuroo was already waiting in his dads black corolla at the entrance. All they had to do was walk out and get in. But as they passed through the sliding doors, Bokuto stopped.

"Are you sure," he asked once again.

"You already asked that, Kou. Please. I'm tired," Kenma's voice came out strained as he closed his eyes and pressed his face into the warmth of Bokuto's chest. He understood this was hard. It wasn't easy for him either. But he was ready and he didn't have much time. He nudged Bokuto with what little strength he could muster and gripped his shirt in trembling pale hands. "Please."

Bokuto gulped. "Okay. It's okay." He buried his face in Kenma's hair and breathed in deep. Apple scented shampoo filled his nostrils and brought a little comfort to him as he took the few steps to the car and slid inside, still holding Kenma to his chest. Afterall, it didn't matter much now if he wore a seatbelt.