I'd go gay for you - Chapter 6
Title: I'd go gay for you - Chapter 6: I'd be jealous for you
Author: agiponpon
Pairing: Ryo/Tegoshi, Koyama/Tegoshi
Genre: romance
Rating: G (in this chapter)
Chapter: 6/8
Disclaimer: I only own the story...
Summary: Tegoshi came out of the closet and might feel something from someone. Is it Koyama, who always spoils him and takes care of him? Or is it Ryo, who despite his bad attitude makes his heart flutter?
A/N: As you can see, this time I didn't take that long! It's still hard writing in Finnish and then translating it in English but I'm not going to give up. It takes time but it's the way I prefer to work. I've been feeling a bit down but maybe loneliness will make me work harder?
What do you think about this chapter? I think Ryo's being a total dickhead. He was mean before but now he's just childish... Poor Tegoshi.
Another cliffhanger just because I love them so! Enjoy! ♥
Ryo had told Tegoshi to stay in bed, and Tegoshi didn’t dare to disobey him for the third time. Despite that, he was yearning to see Koyama and find out what was he thinking about. He hadn’t forgotten Koyama’s confession and even though it may have been selfish, he thought Koyama might have a crush on him. It probably would’ve surprised no one. The way in which Koyama had always buzzed around him, when he had been trying to get Ryo’s attention… Tegoshi was not stupid. Of course he had noticed. But what would Koyama think about meeting Ryo at his front door? Would he think they had spent the night together in its another meaning? It got Tegoshi to think about Ryo’s confession moments before he had made a mess of things. What on earth was going on? He wanted to get out of bed, wanted badly, but didn’t dare to oppose Ryo anymore. All he could do was eavesdrop on what was talked about at the door. Luckily they didn’t even try to conceal it from him.
“He’s just fine”, Tegoshi heard Ryo answer Koyama’s question. “He’s only having a slight fever.”
“A janitor told me that he fainted! What happened?” Tegoshi could hear the outrage in Koyama’s voice.
“His legs simply gave in,” Ryo said. ”There’s no reason to bring flowers. This is not a funeral.”
Koyama was silent for a long while.
“Why are you here, Nishikido-kun?“ he finally asked in a courteous and friendly way. A little too courteous and friendly.
“I brought him here to have some rest and to make sure he eats. So he’ll get better,” Ryo answered, quite honestly in Tegoshi's opinion. But it seemed like Koyama didn’t like it.
“Is he still asleep?” Koyama asked. Ryo was silent for a while, as if pondering the answer carefully. Tegoshi didn’t want him to lie.
“Kei-chan!” he shouted. “I am wide awake. Come on in!”
Ryo had no choice but to give in, and he stepped back inside with Koyama following behind him. Koyama looked worried and was carrying a pretty bouquet of daisies. Ryo in turn looked only irritated, although he did try to hidel it. Tegoshi smiled at Koyama.
“Kei-chan, come in, come in. Those aren’t for me, are they? You shouldn’t have!”
Tegoshi observed Koyama’s face attentively. He noted the slight blush on his cheeks. How come he hadn’t realized it before? Koyama watched him so happily, as if being fortunate only due to him being alive. Tegoshi returned that smile.
“I’ll go look for a vase for those”, Tegoshi said and was about to get up.
“No you won’t”, Ryo announced and stepped forward from behind Koyama. “You will stay in bed, like I said earlier. Not a single step off. Keep yourself under the blankets”, he ordered. Was Tegoshi just imagining things, or did Koyama seem a little jealous?
“Yuya-kun”, Koyama said. Tegoshi had never heard Koyama using his first name, and couldn’t conceal his surprise either. “Is it alright if I get the vase? Tell me where it is, so I can put the flowers in water. “
“I think it is in the shelf to the far left,” Tegoshi answered. “But I have just a couple of vases and they’re nothing special.”
“It’s okay”, Koyama said in turn and stepped inside the kitchen. For some reason Ryo seemed to take it as his responsibility to go after him. Both of them went through the cupboards, rattling the tableware, and Tegoshi waited patiently. Just how difficult could it be to find one vase?
“Tegoshi, is this alright?” Ryo asked and showed him the probably only vase from the kitchen doorway, with a ridiculously triumphant look on his face. Tegoshi nodded.
“As long as the flowers fit in that.”
“They will”, Ryo said. “Even though Koyama overdid it…” He muttered the final sentence quietly, barely whispering, but Tegoshi caught it anyway. He felt like bursting into a fit of laughter. That’s what this was about? Really?
Tegoshi noted how Koyama snatched the vase from Ryo and filled it with water. The bouquet swiftly found its way to the vase and it was placed onto the nightstand as if he really was in a hospital.
“Thanks Kei-chan. But you shouldn’t have. I mean that.” Tegoshi really did mean it. He wished that these flowers wouldn’t spread pollen all over. Tegoshi glanced at Ryo. His face was blank and exactly because of that it revealed so much.
“It’s nothing, really”, Koyama said and kept staring at Tegoshi as if Ryo wasn’t even in the room. “I just heard all sorts of things. Apparently the rumours swell from going around, but for a moment I really was worried. I’m just happy you’re okay.”
“Don’t worry”, Tegoshi said and returned Koyama’s warm smile. “I am as good as new.”
“I just hope that someone could have told us all that in time…” Koyama muttered. Tegoshi heard Ryo cough behind him and reminding him that he, too, was still there.
“I think everyone would’ve been informed if necessary.”, Ryo defended himself even though there had been no direct accusations. “Tegoshi just has a flu. It will be gone in a couple of days.”
Tegoshi seemed insulted for being so underestimated. It was Ryo who had invaded his home, overly worried, and still he undermined his bad health. It was ridiculously contradictive. Ryo was just too proud.
“I think Tegoshi looks a bit pale to be honest”, Koyama hurried to say when he felt the tension and the change in moods of both Tegoshi and Ryo.
“You think so?” Ryo asked. “In that case I can stay to make sure that he won’t faint again. But before that I’ll go have a smoke.”
Tegoshi noted how Ryo offered neither a cigarette nor his company to Koyama, who in turn looked like he wouldn’t have minded a smoke at all.
Koyama and Tegoshi were left alone when Ryo stepped outside. Apparently Koyama was determined not to be shy, and went straight to business with a passion that surprised even Tegoshi.
“What is Nishikido-kun doing here?” Koyama asked and sat down on Tegoshi’s bed, turning himself to face Tegoshi.
“Like he said, he’s here to take care of me. He was nice and called us a cab, and wouldn’t leave even when I went to bed. Apparently he just wanted to make sure I was alright”, Tegoshi answered honestly and with bright eyes.
Koyama nodded very seriously but did not look all that satisfied.
“I… well… Did anything unusual happen?” Koyama asked with slight embarrassment.
“I don’t understand what you mean, Kei-chan”, Tegoshi said. “It was sort of unusual for Ryo to stay here and look after me, but he slept on the couch if that’s what you mean.”
Koyama looked bit relieved but still a little uncomfortable.
“And… what about… did you guys talk? Or… Kiss, anything like that?”
Koyama and Tegoshi blushed deeply and simultaneously, both desperately trying to see what the other was thinking about. Tegoshi thought Koyama was being jealous and suspicious, but couldn’t really blame him, even if it was for nothing.
“No. Nothing like that happened”, Tegoshi answered quickly enough to sound honest. “I promise.”
Finally Koyama looked like he was relaxing a bit, so Tegoshi did not want to bring up his own suspicions. After all everything might have been only his imagination, or maybe Ryo was making a fool out of him. The mere thought of Ryo being in love still felt a bit absurd, especially if his imagined feelings of love were towards Tegoshi.
“Um… Tegoshi? Are you feeling ill?” Koyama then asked. Apparently he was in a hurry to tell everything before Ryo would be back.
“No,” Tegoshi answered while shaking his head. “If you have something in mind, I’ll be glad to listen to you.”
Koyama nodded slowly and looked like he was thinking about it for a moment.
“About that kiss…” he started, and Tegoshi was instantly more attentive. “I’m… well… I’m still sorry about that. I mean in a way. I am not sorry that I kissed you, but for causing you so much trouble… And… And for making you feel bad. I understand if you cannot forgive something like that, but… But I…”
Tegoshi listened carefully and knew well where this was going. He wasn’t sure whether he wanted to hear this from a good friend of his. Sure he loved Koyama like he loved his other friends and family as well, the band and many of Johnny’s employees, but that was as far as he dared to go. He wasn’t sure if he wanted love to be involved in such a good friendship, yet it still felt intriguing. He missed love and a person as honest, gentle and helpful as Koyama would be the ideal lover. He understood that, yet still his romantic side yearned for something more. Maybe Ryo, even if it was hard to admit.
“I understand if you need time to think about all of this, but I still want to tell you this, before it’s too late. I don’t want to pressure you into anything, and I won’t insist on hearing an answer. I just want you to hear me out”, Koyama continued, now talking fast as if in a great hurry. Tegoshi felt like time was slowing down.
“I love you”, Koyama said, and grabbed Tegoshi’s hand tenderly and so gently that he could’ve pulled away if he wanted to. Tegoshi did not. He had more important things to focus on, like his rapidly beating heart and the blush on his cheeks again. He had known it for a while now, but still it felt so different when said out loud.
“I love you”, Koyama repeated himself. “But I want you to think about this in peace. I don’t want you to make rash decisions. You have… You have been through enough because of me.”
Tegoshi still couldn’t get a word out of his mouth, and settled for a slow nod. Even though he had known to expect it, it still felt like the confession came too fast.
“I…” he finally started, but at that instant Ryo returned. Apparently he had taken Tegoshi’s keys with him, since he got in without ringing the doorbell. Tegoshi felt how Ryo eyed them, attentive and serious, and he didn’t dare to lift his gaze up from his fingers, which were still in Koyama’s hand.
“I would tell you two to get a room, but I suppose it would be a bit rude since we are in Tegoshi’s apartment already”, Ryo said with a steady, cool voice. “Try to keep your pants on nevertheless.” Tegoshi blushed even more deeply because of Ryo’s words.
“Nishikido-kun”, Koyama snapped and let go of Tegoshi’s hand as if it had suddenly started to burn. “You can’t assume that…”
“You are free to do whatever you please”, Ryo cut in with a stern voice. “But preferably after I have taken Tegoshi’s temperature.”
Tegoshi smiled apologetically.
“I don’t have a thermometer, sorry…”
“That’s okay. I do,” Ryo answered as if it should have been obvious. “I have taken note several times that you don’t have anything you need over here, so I went to the pharmacy across the street to buy you one. You can pay me back later.”
Ryo pulled a shining new digital thermometer out of his pocket, unwrapped it and threw it to Tegoshi.
“I assume you know how to use it“, Ryo said and raised his brow expectantly. Tegoshi nodded and placed the thermometer in his armpit under his nightshirt. Ryo slumped down to sit on a couch, eyeing Tegoshi and Koyama curiously. Koyama moved a bit, obviously uncomfortable.
“Nishikido-kun”, he said, “If you’re tired, you can go on home. I will gladly take care of Tegoshi and make sure he won’t overdo himself.”
For one reason or another, the offer seemed to amuse Ryo.
“Without a doubt. I can imagine how you’d like to play the nurse and take care of Tegoshi. I bet you brought the proper attire with you for that, too,” he answered and did not budge an inch. Koyama blushed, and Tegoshi was shocked.
“Ryo-chan!” He yelled and glanced confused at Koyama as if asking for help. “You know very well nothing like that is going on!”
“Do I?” Ryo asked and raised his brow, acting surprised. “Do you want to know what I really know?”
Tegoshi said nothing, so Ryo decided to tell him anyway.
“I know a lot of things. For example that Koyama probably has nothing against my proposition. And I know another thing well enough.” His gaze was turned slowly at Koyama. “I know that when it comes to that one kiss, someone in this room is lying.”
If Koyama was not already completely flushed a moment ago, he was now. Tegoshi turned to look at him, but he settled for staring at his knees and did not raise his head.
“Would you happen to know anything about it, Koyama?” Ryo asked with a dangerously soft voice.
“Ryo-chan!” Tegoshi yelled again, but Ryo acted like he couldn’t hear it and stared at Koyama attentively. Finally Koyama raised his head.
“This is not the time to talk about it",he said with a serious tone. “Tegoshi is ill and you know well what sort of strain this puts on him! You are bothering him for no reason!”
“I'm the one bothering Tegoshi?” Ryo asked and his eyes narrowed as if to see Koyama better. “I feel that you have misunderstood something. The way I remember it, I brought him here, spent the night with him, fed him and made sure that he was alright. You on the other hand appear on the scene fashionably late and bring him flowers, which’s pollen might strain him even more. And then you dare to say that I am the one bothering him?”
Tegoshi saw that Ryo was really mad. He wasn’t sure why, but somehow he thought Ryo had heard Koyama’s confession and that had aggravated him. Whether it was out of jealousy or something else, Tegoshi didn’t care. He understood well how vulnerable Koyama was right now. He understood his friend’s crush on him, and when Ryo lectured Koyama, he unknowingly lectured Tegoshi as well. Tegoshi would have done the same thing as Koyama, and he was thankful for his friend’s visitation, and he did not want to hear Ryo criticise him. Jealousy or something like that was cute in small doses, but it stopped being pleasant once it was aimed towards one of his best friends, who had only been thinking about what was best for him.
“Ryo!” He snapped and was about to get up from his bed and drop the thermometer somewhere inside the sheets. Only when both Koyama and Ryo were paying attention to him he realized he actually had nothing to say. “Well…” he stuttered. “Kei-chan is not bothering me. I think it’s nice that he is worried about me and came to see me.”
Koyama lowered his head, possibly confused or ashamed, but Ryo did not even blink. He opened his mouth to say something, but right at that moment the thermometer Tegoshi still had on him, beeped.
Ryo and Koyama both turned alert simultaneously. Koyama placed himself to sit closer to Tegoshi and Ryo rushed to his side. When Tegoshi checked his body temperature from the small digital screen on the thermometer, both men bended over closer to him. Tegoshi frowned and hid the numbers from them under his blanket.
“As I said I am glad you both came to take care of me. But I am really an adult and I can manage through a flu by myself. Kei-chan, thank you for being worried about me and for the flowers. Ryo-chan, thank you for making sure I got home safely and for making me something to eat. But now I’m feeling just fine and if something bothers me, it’s that weird competition between you two. What does it matter which one is kinder to me during a flu? You were both helpful, but that’s enough for now,” he said before even he had a chance to realize what he was saying.
Ryo and Koyama looked both just as surprised to say the least. It was a very rare, maybe even a one of a kind situation that Tegoshi turned down the adoring attention so straight out. For a moment they stared at Tegoshi and then at each other. Tegoshi still looked very stubborn, and finally the competitors got up and looked somewhat discouraged.
Koyama left with a gentle smile on his lips, telling Tegoshi to get well quick and promising he could be called for help no matter the time of day. That got Tegoshi a good feeling as well.
On the other hand once Ryo reached the door, he gave Tegoshi a venomous glare which got him a disappointed feeling. But he saw something else in Ryo’s eyes, too, and that would bother him for a long time.
Author: agiponpon
Pairing: Ryo/Tegoshi, Koyama/Tegoshi
Genre: romance
Rating: G (in this chapter)
Chapter: 6/8
Disclaimer: I only own the story...
Summary: Tegoshi came out of the closet and might feel something from someone. Is it Koyama, who always spoils him and takes care of him? Or is it Ryo, who despite his bad attitude makes his heart flutter?
A/N: As you can see, this time I didn't take that long! It's still hard writing in Finnish and then translating it in English but I'm not going to give up. It takes time but it's the way I prefer to work. I've been feeling a bit down but maybe loneliness will make me work harder?
What do you think about this chapter? I think Ryo's being a total dickhead. He was mean before but now he's just childish... Poor Tegoshi.
Another cliffhanger just because I love them so! Enjoy! ♥
Ryo had told Tegoshi to stay in bed, and Tegoshi didn’t dare to disobey him for the third time. Despite that, he was yearning to see Koyama and find out what was he thinking about. He hadn’t forgotten Koyama’s confession and even though it may have been selfish, he thought Koyama might have a crush on him. It probably would’ve surprised no one. The way in which Koyama had always buzzed around him, when he had been trying to get Ryo’s attention… Tegoshi was not stupid. Of course he had noticed. But what would Koyama think about meeting Ryo at his front door? Would he think they had spent the night together in its another meaning? It got Tegoshi to think about Ryo’s confession moments before he had made a mess of things. What on earth was going on? He wanted to get out of bed, wanted badly, but didn’t dare to oppose Ryo anymore. All he could do was eavesdrop on what was talked about at the door. Luckily they didn’t even try to conceal it from him.
“He’s just fine”, Tegoshi heard Ryo answer Koyama’s question. “He’s only having a slight fever.”
“A janitor told me that he fainted! What happened?” Tegoshi could hear the outrage in Koyama’s voice.
“His legs simply gave in,” Ryo said. ”There’s no reason to bring flowers. This is not a funeral.”
Koyama was silent for a long while.
“Why are you here, Nishikido-kun?“ he finally asked in a courteous and friendly way. A little too courteous and friendly.
“I brought him here to have some rest and to make sure he eats. So he’ll get better,” Ryo answered, quite honestly in Tegoshi's opinion. But it seemed like Koyama didn’t like it.
“Is he still asleep?” Koyama asked. Ryo was silent for a while, as if pondering the answer carefully. Tegoshi didn’t want him to lie.
“Kei-chan!” he shouted. “I am wide awake. Come on in!”
Ryo had no choice but to give in, and he stepped back inside with Koyama following behind him. Koyama looked worried and was carrying a pretty bouquet of daisies. Ryo in turn looked only irritated, although he did try to hidel it. Tegoshi smiled at Koyama.
“Kei-chan, come in, come in. Those aren’t for me, are they? You shouldn’t have!”
Tegoshi observed Koyama’s face attentively. He noted the slight blush on his cheeks. How come he hadn’t realized it before? Koyama watched him so happily, as if being fortunate only due to him being alive. Tegoshi returned that smile.
“I’ll go look for a vase for those”, Tegoshi said and was about to get up.
“No you won’t”, Ryo announced and stepped forward from behind Koyama. “You will stay in bed, like I said earlier. Not a single step off. Keep yourself under the blankets”, he ordered. Was Tegoshi just imagining things, or did Koyama seem a little jealous?
“Yuya-kun”, Koyama said. Tegoshi had never heard Koyama using his first name, and couldn’t conceal his surprise either. “Is it alright if I get the vase? Tell me where it is, so I can put the flowers in water. “
“I think it is in the shelf to the far left,” Tegoshi answered. “But I have just a couple of vases and they’re nothing special.”
“It’s okay”, Koyama said in turn and stepped inside the kitchen. For some reason Ryo seemed to take it as his responsibility to go after him. Both of them went through the cupboards, rattling the tableware, and Tegoshi waited patiently. Just how difficult could it be to find one vase?
“Tegoshi, is this alright?” Ryo asked and showed him the probably only vase from the kitchen doorway, with a ridiculously triumphant look on his face. Tegoshi nodded.
“As long as the flowers fit in that.”
“They will”, Ryo said. “Even though Koyama overdid it…” He muttered the final sentence quietly, barely whispering, but Tegoshi caught it anyway. He felt like bursting into a fit of laughter. That’s what this was about? Really?
Tegoshi noted how Koyama snatched the vase from Ryo and filled it with water. The bouquet swiftly found its way to the vase and it was placed onto the nightstand as if he really was in a hospital.
“Thanks Kei-chan. But you shouldn’t have. I mean that.” Tegoshi really did mean it. He wished that these flowers wouldn’t spread pollen all over. Tegoshi glanced at Ryo. His face was blank and exactly because of that it revealed so much.
“It’s nothing, really”, Koyama said and kept staring at Tegoshi as if Ryo wasn’t even in the room. “I just heard all sorts of things. Apparently the rumours swell from going around, but for a moment I really was worried. I’m just happy you’re okay.”
“Don’t worry”, Tegoshi said and returned Koyama’s warm smile. “I am as good as new.”
“I just hope that someone could have told us all that in time…” Koyama muttered. Tegoshi heard Ryo cough behind him and reminding him that he, too, was still there.
“I think everyone would’ve been informed if necessary.”, Ryo defended himself even though there had been no direct accusations. “Tegoshi just has a flu. It will be gone in a couple of days.”
Tegoshi seemed insulted for being so underestimated. It was Ryo who had invaded his home, overly worried, and still he undermined his bad health. It was ridiculously contradictive. Ryo was just too proud.
“I think Tegoshi looks a bit pale to be honest”, Koyama hurried to say when he felt the tension and the change in moods of both Tegoshi and Ryo.
“You think so?” Ryo asked. “In that case I can stay to make sure that he won’t faint again. But before that I’ll go have a smoke.”
Tegoshi noted how Ryo offered neither a cigarette nor his company to Koyama, who in turn looked like he wouldn’t have minded a smoke at all.
Koyama and Tegoshi were left alone when Ryo stepped outside. Apparently Koyama was determined not to be shy, and went straight to business with a passion that surprised even Tegoshi.
“What is Nishikido-kun doing here?” Koyama asked and sat down on Tegoshi’s bed, turning himself to face Tegoshi.
“Like he said, he’s here to take care of me. He was nice and called us a cab, and wouldn’t leave even when I went to bed. Apparently he just wanted to make sure I was alright”, Tegoshi answered honestly and with bright eyes.
Koyama nodded very seriously but did not look all that satisfied.
“I… well… Did anything unusual happen?” Koyama asked with slight embarrassment.
“I don’t understand what you mean, Kei-chan”, Tegoshi said. “It was sort of unusual for Ryo to stay here and look after me, but he slept on the couch if that’s what you mean.”
Koyama looked bit relieved but still a little uncomfortable.
“And… what about… did you guys talk? Or… Kiss, anything like that?”
Koyama and Tegoshi blushed deeply and simultaneously, both desperately trying to see what the other was thinking about. Tegoshi thought Koyama was being jealous and suspicious, but couldn’t really blame him, even if it was for nothing.
“No. Nothing like that happened”, Tegoshi answered quickly enough to sound honest. “I promise.”
Finally Koyama looked like he was relaxing a bit, so Tegoshi did not want to bring up his own suspicions. After all everything might have been only his imagination, or maybe Ryo was making a fool out of him. The mere thought of Ryo being in love still felt a bit absurd, especially if his imagined feelings of love were towards Tegoshi.
“Um… Tegoshi? Are you feeling ill?” Koyama then asked. Apparently he was in a hurry to tell everything before Ryo would be back.
“No,” Tegoshi answered while shaking his head. “If you have something in mind, I’ll be glad to listen to you.”
Koyama nodded slowly and looked like he was thinking about it for a moment.
“About that kiss…” he started, and Tegoshi was instantly more attentive. “I’m… well… I’m still sorry about that. I mean in a way. I am not sorry that I kissed you, but for causing you so much trouble… And… And for making you feel bad. I understand if you cannot forgive something like that, but… But I…”
Tegoshi listened carefully and knew well where this was going. He wasn’t sure whether he wanted to hear this from a good friend of his. Sure he loved Koyama like he loved his other friends and family as well, the band and many of Johnny’s employees, but that was as far as he dared to go. He wasn’t sure if he wanted love to be involved in such a good friendship, yet it still felt intriguing. He missed love and a person as honest, gentle and helpful as Koyama would be the ideal lover. He understood that, yet still his romantic side yearned for something more. Maybe Ryo, even if it was hard to admit.
“I understand if you need time to think about all of this, but I still want to tell you this, before it’s too late. I don’t want to pressure you into anything, and I won’t insist on hearing an answer. I just want you to hear me out”, Koyama continued, now talking fast as if in a great hurry. Tegoshi felt like time was slowing down.
“I love you”, Koyama said, and grabbed Tegoshi’s hand tenderly and so gently that he could’ve pulled away if he wanted to. Tegoshi did not. He had more important things to focus on, like his rapidly beating heart and the blush on his cheeks again. He had known it for a while now, but still it felt so different when said out loud.
“I love you”, Koyama repeated himself. “But I want you to think about this in peace. I don’t want you to make rash decisions. You have… You have been through enough because of me.”
Tegoshi still couldn’t get a word out of his mouth, and settled for a slow nod. Even though he had known to expect it, it still felt like the confession came too fast.
“I…” he finally started, but at that instant Ryo returned. Apparently he had taken Tegoshi’s keys with him, since he got in without ringing the doorbell. Tegoshi felt how Ryo eyed them, attentive and serious, and he didn’t dare to lift his gaze up from his fingers, which were still in Koyama’s hand.
“I would tell you two to get a room, but I suppose it would be a bit rude since we are in Tegoshi’s apartment already”, Ryo said with a steady, cool voice. “Try to keep your pants on nevertheless.” Tegoshi blushed even more deeply because of Ryo’s words.
“Nishikido-kun”, Koyama snapped and let go of Tegoshi’s hand as if it had suddenly started to burn. “You can’t assume that…”
“You are free to do whatever you please”, Ryo cut in with a stern voice. “But preferably after I have taken Tegoshi’s temperature.”
Tegoshi smiled apologetically.
“I don’t have a thermometer, sorry…”
“That’s okay. I do,” Ryo answered as if it should have been obvious. “I have taken note several times that you don’t have anything you need over here, so I went to the pharmacy across the street to buy you one. You can pay me back later.”
Ryo pulled a shining new digital thermometer out of his pocket, unwrapped it and threw it to Tegoshi.
“I assume you know how to use it“, Ryo said and raised his brow expectantly. Tegoshi nodded and placed the thermometer in his armpit under his nightshirt. Ryo slumped down to sit on a couch, eyeing Tegoshi and Koyama curiously. Koyama moved a bit, obviously uncomfortable.
“Nishikido-kun”, he said, “If you’re tired, you can go on home. I will gladly take care of Tegoshi and make sure he won’t overdo himself.”
For one reason or another, the offer seemed to amuse Ryo.
“Without a doubt. I can imagine how you’d like to play the nurse and take care of Tegoshi. I bet you brought the proper attire with you for that, too,” he answered and did not budge an inch. Koyama blushed, and Tegoshi was shocked.
“Ryo-chan!” He yelled and glanced confused at Koyama as if asking for help. “You know very well nothing like that is going on!”
“Do I?” Ryo asked and raised his brow, acting surprised. “Do you want to know what I really know?”
Tegoshi said nothing, so Ryo decided to tell him anyway.
“I know a lot of things. For example that Koyama probably has nothing against my proposition. And I know another thing well enough.” His gaze was turned slowly at Koyama. “I know that when it comes to that one kiss, someone in this room is lying.”
If Koyama was not already completely flushed a moment ago, he was now. Tegoshi turned to look at him, but he settled for staring at his knees and did not raise his head.
“Would you happen to know anything about it, Koyama?” Ryo asked with a dangerously soft voice.
“Ryo-chan!” Tegoshi yelled again, but Ryo acted like he couldn’t hear it and stared at Koyama attentively. Finally Koyama raised his head.
“This is not the time to talk about it",he said with a serious tone. “Tegoshi is ill and you know well what sort of strain this puts on him! You are bothering him for no reason!”
“I'm the one bothering Tegoshi?” Ryo asked and his eyes narrowed as if to see Koyama better. “I feel that you have misunderstood something. The way I remember it, I brought him here, spent the night with him, fed him and made sure that he was alright. You on the other hand appear on the scene fashionably late and bring him flowers, which’s pollen might strain him even more. And then you dare to say that I am the one bothering him?”
Tegoshi saw that Ryo was really mad. He wasn’t sure why, but somehow he thought Ryo had heard Koyama’s confession and that had aggravated him. Whether it was out of jealousy or something else, Tegoshi didn’t care. He understood well how vulnerable Koyama was right now. He understood his friend’s crush on him, and when Ryo lectured Koyama, he unknowingly lectured Tegoshi as well. Tegoshi would have done the same thing as Koyama, and he was thankful for his friend’s visitation, and he did not want to hear Ryo criticise him. Jealousy or something like that was cute in small doses, but it stopped being pleasant once it was aimed towards one of his best friends, who had only been thinking about what was best for him.
“Ryo!” He snapped and was about to get up from his bed and drop the thermometer somewhere inside the sheets. Only when both Koyama and Ryo were paying attention to him he realized he actually had nothing to say. “Well…” he stuttered. “Kei-chan is not bothering me. I think it’s nice that he is worried about me and came to see me.”
Koyama lowered his head, possibly confused or ashamed, but Ryo did not even blink. He opened his mouth to say something, but right at that moment the thermometer Tegoshi still had on him, beeped.
Ryo and Koyama both turned alert simultaneously. Koyama placed himself to sit closer to Tegoshi and Ryo rushed to his side. When Tegoshi checked his body temperature from the small digital screen on the thermometer, both men bended over closer to him. Tegoshi frowned and hid the numbers from them under his blanket.
“As I said I am glad you both came to take care of me. But I am really an adult and I can manage through a flu by myself. Kei-chan, thank you for being worried about me and for the flowers. Ryo-chan, thank you for making sure I got home safely and for making me something to eat. But now I’m feeling just fine and if something bothers me, it’s that weird competition between you two. What does it matter which one is kinder to me during a flu? You were both helpful, but that’s enough for now,” he said before even he had a chance to realize what he was saying.
Ryo and Koyama looked both just as surprised to say the least. It was a very rare, maybe even a one of a kind situation that Tegoshi turned down the adoring attention so straight out. For a moment they stared at Tegoshi and then at each other. Tegoshi still looked very stubborn, and finally the competitors got up and looked somewhat discouraged.
Koyama left with a gentle smile on his lips, telling Tegoshi to get well quick and promising he could be called for help no matter the time of day. That got Tegoshi a good feeling as well.
On the other hand once Ryo reached the door, he gave Tegoshi a venomous glare which got him a disappointed feeling. But he saw something else in Ryo’s eyes, too, and that would bother him for a long time.