Drabbles!

[Quite Contrary]

I'm so glad everyone loves my boys! I love them too. Well, this was supposed to be a two-part drabble, but I'm not able to get enough private time to write fast enough, so in an effort to post more frequently, it is now a three-part drabble, and here is part two. Rest assured, once this drabble is finished, the other drabbles in the series are already finished and will go up more quickly.

81 - Solitude (Part II)

The night was indeed long. Around two a.m., Kai gave up on sleeping. His breath hitching yet again, Kai slipped away from James’ warmth. The brunet rolled over, startling the smaller man, and brushed Kai’s knuckles as he slid away. “Where’re you going?” he asked, his voice rough from the late hour.

“T-to the…heh’ih’gkt! Snf…” Kai shook his head, nose wrinkled behind his fist, “Hh’igktsh! Snfsnf. The couch,” Kai rubbed his thumb against James’ hand in return, “Just sleeb, I’mb fide.”

And his boyfriend was gone before James could respond. James was glad to at least hear the hall closet door open and close, reassured that Kai had at least taken a blanket. Judging by the congestion in Kai’s voice, he was most definitely not fine but James let him go. He rolled over and tried to sleep, hyper-aware of the cool sheets against his back. Every bump, sniffle and sneeze he could hear from the living room jolted him awake. “Ik’tshiu! ….Iggschu! …. Hbkschuh! …. Ibschuh!”

James couldn’t quiet his mind, unable to roll over and check on Kai anytime an anxious thought flitted through his brain, his ears straining to hear Kai in the other room. His boyfriend could be so damn stubborn… James mushed his pillow into a more comfortable shape and resigned himself to a sleepless night.

***

The apartment was quiet in the morning, apart from Kai’s sniffling, the building seeming to reflect the sluggish moods of its occupants. Kai’s coffee turned sour in his mouth when James walked into the kitchen. The brunet was rumpled, his blue eyes heavy, and his “’Morning,” was rough as he made a beeline for the coffee machine. Kai swallowed with a wince. He had spent the night sneezing, sniffling, and muffling mild coughing fits into his blanket; he hoped that James hadn’t heard. “Sorry,” Kai mumbled, “Did I keeb you awagke?”

James shook his head in dismissal, “It’s fine.”

He knew he probably looked a little rough around the edges, but no matter how he looked, he was positive Kai appeared worst. Setting aside the congestion so thick he could cut it with a knife, Kai’s brow was pinched in discomfort, probably a sinus headache. His normally bright green eyes were dark, greyish purple bruising around them, and the rest of his skin had the pallor that came with utter exhaustion. His poor nose was tinged red, raw and sore from its nighttime exploits which were, apparently, continuing into the daylight. “Hhh…huh’ibschiu! Heh! Heh’iiggshew!”

“Bless you,” James joined Kai at the table, “Are you taking the day off?”

Kai shook his head, trying to relax his features into a lighter expression. “I dnow it souds bad,” he gestured at his face, “But it’s really dot. All id by head.”

It was a lie, and possibly a bad one; if he wanted it to pass, he’d have to compromise. “I’ve got ode mbordig class, thed I’ll be back,” Kai promised.

That was the truth, and it worked. The tension leaked out of James shoulders and he resumed his attention to his coffee. “Okay.”

James wanted to say more, to tell Kai to care of himself. But things were somehow different this time, now that they lived together. Although James wasn’t sure how exactly they were different, Kai had made it clear last night that he wanted some space. So James nodded and sipped his coffee, “Okay.”

There you have it, folks! I will have part 3 up as soon as I can. Leave a lovely comment below if you enjoyed this little piece of a piece of fluff. I'll be back soonlyish!

[Artemis]

That was really sweet. Kia should totally keep denying and James should get really mad, cough I mean ummm they he should rest up and get better. This is really good writing. You are very talented!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! XD :)

[Juto]

D'aaaawwwww brave Kai and caring James are the best!! Soooo sweet!! Please make Kai alright? He deserves all the love and cuddles in the world.

Seriously wouldn't know what to do without your boys. They are like oxygen!!

I only just found one if your old stories with James and Taylor, and I totally loved it. (Even though there was no ending *hint hint wink wink nudge nudge*) it seemed like a younger version of James and Kai. (Kai is much cuter though!,). Have you written anything more??

[Quite Contrary]

Okidoki, folks! Sorry for the delay, those cross-country drives are a bitch! Thanks again and again for the comments, they give me warm fuzzies like you wouldn't believe! Also, Juto07ab, you are correct! They were the earliest version of James and Kai that I ever had. I've had these boys a loooong time. They have grown with me, I'm very fond of them (especially Kai).

Anyways! Part 3 is ready and this "drabble" is finally finished. As I said before, this is part of a drabble mini-series, and the other drabbles are already finished so they will be up much faster. More boys!

81 - Solitude (Part III)

Kai made it through his morning class, barely, but he was pretty sure his dignity had waved the white flag somewhere around the sixteenth sneeze and had crawled off to die after the second coughing fit. As much as he wanted to give James a break, he was definitely ready to be home. Kai was ready to drop his bag with a sigh as soon as he entered the apartment, when something on the couch moved. Lowering his bag gently to the group, Kai peered over the back of the couch. James was fast asleep. Napping in the middle of the morning, he must have been exhausted. Kai backed away towards their bedroom with a guilty sniffle, pulling the door to. He pulled his hands through tangled hair, debating whether he should change into pajamas. He sniffled, his breath catching, “Heh! Heh’igstchu! Hh…heh’ih…”

Kai flicked the light switch, his breath quivering, “Heh! Heh’ihlgschiu!”

Wet and desperate, the sneeze scraped this throat and he ducked back into the sleeve of his jacket, muffling his coughing. The door opened behind him just as he managed to get his lungs under control and James entered with a yawn. “Hey,” James greeted, “I saw your bag. Did you just get home?”

Kai nodded, still sniffling, congested, “Yeah. Sorry, snff, did I wagke you?”

James shook his head, but Kai still felt bad. His boyfriend still looked tired. A few coughs snuck up on him and Kai grit his teeth against them. James frowned, “Are you getting a cough?”

Kai swallowed hard, “Just a tigkle.”

As if on cue, his nose re-entered the scene. “Hh’mbkt-shiu!” Kai stifled quickly, “Hep’xtshiu!”

James chuckled, “I can see that. Bless you. How was class?”

Kai sniffled and gestured between them, “That pretty buch sumbs it ub.”

James winced, and squeezed Kai’s outstretched hand. “I’m sorry. Get some rest. I’d better get to class, I’ll see you later.”

Kai nodded, dredging up a smile although most of his concentration was on breathing without coughing or sneezing, and waved him off. He stared at the rumpled bed sheets where James had spent the night tossing and turning, listening to the muffled sounds of Kai’s cold from the living room. Kai shook his head, headed to the kitchen to scribble a note, and left the apartment.

***

Kai rang the bell even as his breath hitched, turning away to sneeze just as the door opened, “Heh’ibschiu! Snff….heh…hih’ibkschuh!”

“Not that I don’t love you, but what the hell are you doing here?”

Sniffling, Kai wrangled up a sheepish smile for Trish, “Hey. I thingk the respondse is bless you, agctually.”

Trish snorted and opened the door, retreating to the kitchen with the assumption that Kai would follow. He did, stepping around small children that scurried from one room to the next. Kai took a stool at the kitchen counter as Trish put the tea kettle on the stove. They were quiet while the water boiled, apart from Kai’s sniffling and Trish occasionally escorting children out of the kitchen. Kai smiled, “You ligke it here.”

Trish grinned, “I’ve always liked it here. It’s sort of where I belong.”

She passed Kai a full mug, bobbing a tea bag in her own mug. “It’s not where you belong though. What’s going on?”

Kai swallowed hard. His chest was starting to hurt from coughing; he had come a long way from a sore throat. “I overwhelm him,” Kai muttered, staring at his tea.

Trish scoffed. “You overwhelm James?” she repeated, “You are so unobtrusive you risk actually disappearing. Cut the crap.”

Kai paused, sniffling, then ducked into his elbow, “Heh’mbkt! Uh…hih’ibtk-shu!”

Trish passed him a napkin, and he blew his nose. He crumpled the used paper in his hand, “I’ve exhausted him. It…he just needs some space from me.”

Trish raised an eyebrow. “You came here to get space? You haven’t pulled anything this stupid in a long time.”

Kai swallowed against the anxiety bubbling in his stomach. Trish sighed. “One night,” she agreed, “You can stay one night, that’s it. You have to figure this out, Kai, you can’t just hide here.”

Kai mumbled a soft but sincere thank you. Trish leaned across the counter to kiss his cheek. “You’re sweet, but you’re smarter than this. You’ll make it work.”

***

James was surprised to find the apartment quiet when he arrived, more surprised when he realized it was empty. He was about the dig for his cell phone when he found a note on the counter.

Went to put a few hours in the studio while it’s quiet, will grab dinner after. Don’t wait up.

James sighed. It wasn’t unusual for Kai to seek refuge in his art, especially when things were new or stressful. He was used to Kai’s adjustment periods to change and he trusted his boyfriend, but he was starting to get worried. James yawned so wide his jaw cracked. He was too tired to fight it tonight; he desperately needed sleep. Wishing Kai was going to bed with him, James headed to sleep early.

James woke slowly, stretching, finally feeling fully rested. He padded out towards the kitchen, pausing when he saw the blankets on the couch. Folded neatly and resting on one arm of the sofa, they had never been touched. James scrambled for his cell phone, tapping his foot as he waited for the click. “Trish?”

Hope you all enjoyed! More will be up soon! I am determined to finish these drabble prompts once and for all. I will write quicker, I will post sooner, or at least I will try very hard to do those things! Anyways, if you like, leave a comment below, and I'll be back.

[Artemis]

Update update update I must know how the story ends!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Juto]

*cries*!!! No Kai!!!! ARGH! This is so heartbreaking!! I really hope this ends well.

Thank you for planning to finish (also 'where the heart is") i know this story has been going on for a looooong time, but you are so amazing. We all love your boys and as much as we would hate to see them finish their story, they truly deserve the happiest of endings. I hope you don't plan on being too cruel? No, you're their mum!!

Anyway, it's great, I love it, sooooo looking forward to the next one... And the one far that... And the one after that... Wait, how many are left?

[Quite Contrary]

And here it is! The awaited next drabble. I know I say this every time, but I mean it - thank you for your comments, they make me so happy! I certainly don't need them in order to keep writing, but it is so nice to know that people are enjoying what I write.

24 – Mask

“Hey,” a sudden voice startled Kai and he looked up to see James.

“Hey,” he managed, swallowing against the urge to cough.

Kai’s fingertips were numb against his pencil, his head feeling thick and slightly woozy. James came to stand beside him, radiating tension and agitated energy. “You wanna explain to me why you’re sitting outside the student union in the cold drawing…” James leaned in to glance at Kai’s sketches, “Pigeons?”

“Finches,” Kai muttered, “and not really.”

“You didn’t answer your phone. I’ve been looking for you,” James hadn’t raised his voice, but his tone was clipped and anxious, “I’m worried about you.”

Kai sighed, staring at the birds on his paper and wishing he could fly away, “You don’t need to be.”

James returned sigh for sigh, his arms crossed tight against his chest, “Well, I am. Please come home?”

Kai sniffled back his runny nose, “I’m busy. Snf. Hh…h’itschew! Heh’mmgkshu!”

“Bless you.”

James stared at Kai; Kai stared at his paper. James bent down, surrounding Kai with one hand on the table and one on the back of his chair. His voice was low, “Look, I’d rather talk in the warmth and privacy of our own home, but we can have this conversation here, if you’d prefer.”

Kai closed his sketchbook and his mouth. He stood, giving James a look and jerking his head in a silent, Well, let’s go then. The ride home was quiet, apart from Kai’s sniffling which he kept to a minimum, knuckling at his nose whenever the urge to sneeze arose. It wasn’t until they were inside their apartment, door closed behind them, that either of them spoke. The afternoon light was dimming outside; Kai looked ghostly in the shadows. Unable to stand the pallor of Kai’s skin, James flicked the lights on. Kai flinched, snapping forward with reflexive, fittish sneezes. “Heh’ipkshu! Hh’uh…” Kai glanced up at the lights, breath quivering, before ducking back into his elbow, “Hih! H’iggshew!”

“Sorry,” James murmured as Kai sniffled liquidly.

Kai was stubbornly quiet. “Kai…” James’ voice was soft, worried, “Is something wrong? You – You’ve been avoiding the apartment lately, avoiding me and I know you’re sick but… I just feel – Whatever it is, I’d rather we talked about it. Unless…”

There was a flash of pain in James’ eyes that Kai didn’t understand, and James took a second to work through it, “Unless it’s me? Do you not want to – to be with me?”

“What?” Kai’s voice cracked with shock and illness, “No!”

James searched Kai’s green eyes but found only horror at the thought. “Okay,” his relief was short-lived, agitation returning at their present situation, “Then what is it? Because you didn’t tell me you were sick, and then you hid from me how bad it was – You spent the night with Trish!”

James ran a hand through his hair, “Did you think I wouldn’t notice? I’m your boyfriend, we see each other every day. Hell, we live together!”

“That’s the problem!” Kai snapped.

James’ body shifted into defensive lines, arms across his chest, his hips sliding away from Kai. “How exactly is that a problem?” James demanded.

Kai felt cornered, flustered, and irritated at James for putting him in this situation. “It – I,” Kai stammered, “You’re around all the time!”

“Excuse me?”

“No, not – I mean, you’re around me all the time,” Kai clarified, one knee jiggling anxiously.

“That’s…not better.”

Kai glanced at James’ frown and away, his insides churning, “We don’t have separate spaces anymore.”

“That was kind of the point,” James was quick to point out.

“So when I’m sick, you can’t step away!”

“Did I try to?”

“You never get a break from me anymore!”

“I didn’t ask for one!”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake, James, no one wants a sick kid!”

Kai’s own words echoed in his ears, and he dropped his gaze to the floor, his jaw clenched. James paced away for a minute, trying to remind himself that other people had been filling Kai’s head with bile for years and Kai wasn’t the only one he was angry at. James managed to keep his voice level, but it came out hard and low, “You’re not some sick puppy I decided to bring home with me.”

Kai snorted in disbelief. He jerked to the side, turning his back to James as he coughed up some of the sludge from his lungs. His ribs hurt and his eyes were watering when he was done, but he forced himself to face James. “I’m serious,” James added, sincerity in his voice.

Kai looked down. Now that he’d said it out loud, it felt like the ground had dropped out beneath him. He was left hovering, unsure when he would fall. “I was just…trying to make this work,” Kai muttered, clearing his throat as his voice wore thin and rough from shouting.

James tilted his head, “And you thought it would work better if one of us was sneaking around and lying to the other?”

“…it sounded better in my head,” he admitted, watching James’ shoes shift to point at him.

There was silence as James waited for an expanded explanation. Kai bit his lip, trying to figure out how the pieces had fit together in his head. “I thought I was giving you a break. Removing some stress. I didn’t – I don’t want to be a burden,” Kai ended with a whisper.

Suddenly, James was in his space, brushing dark hair out of Kai’s face, tilting his chin to force him to meet blue eyes. “Kai, I love you. You are kind, and intelligent, and incredibly attractive,” James said, ignoring any potential protest from the shorter man, “But right now, you are being monumentally stupid.”

“I’m sorry,” Kai managed in a raspy whisper.

James nodded, his eyes kind, holding Kai’s gaze. “And I don’t know what else to do to convince you that I want you.”

Kai gripped James’ hips, ashamed to hear himself beg, “Just please keep trying.”

“Always,” James promised.

His hand slipped to the base of Kai’s skull, their mouths met, and for a few moments it was all Kai could do to hold on. Kai’s hands snaked up James’ back, slipping beneath his shirt and over smooth muscle, while James pushed him back against the wall. They broke soon for air, Kai demanding that his lungs toughen up and not ruin this when his nose turned traitor. With his hands still up James’ shirt, Kai had nowhere to go but in. He ducked his head, releasing the sneeze between them, “Heh’kshiu!”

James kissed his neck, his lips warm and soft and barely there, distracting him and the itch lingered. “Hih! Hih! Heh’ihpschiu!”

“Bless you,” James murmured just below his earlobe, snagging his teeth on it.

Kai shuddered. He coughed into James’ shirt, still trying to catch his breath. “Are you done?” James asked.

“Yes,” Kai began before his breath caught, “N-no, hhw-wait, h’igshew! Snfff! Hh…”

James’ mouth was at his neck again and Kai felt warm from more than fever. “James, I hh! I c-can’t fffocuuhh huh!”

James nipped at the junction between his neck and shoulder, and Kai spasmed, “Huh’ibschuh!”

“Are you done?” James repeated, pausing to lick the bite.

Kai nodded, sniffling thickly. “For now. I thingk I need a tissue though.”

James nodded in return, finally turning his heated gaze on Kai. James took a second to search Kai’s face, track his symptoms and catalogue their severity, and Kai could see it. Any leftover tension seeped out of his body, watching the love and total attention that James was giving him. He let the mask slip, sniffling again, and wrapped his arms around James shoulders. There was a hint of a smile in the lines of James’ mouth. “There are tissues in the bedroom?” James offered, and Kai could hear him asking if he was okay.

Kai nodded, hitching himself up and catching James’ mouth. James grinned into the kiss and pulled Kai up, enjoying the soft catch of Kai’s breath. Kai sucked on James’ lower lip and wrapped his legs around James’ waist, trusting that James wouldn’t let him fall.

Hope anyone who read this enjoyed it! Next one will be up very soon. Also, if there are any artists reading this who might maybe possibly want to draw the scene above or my boys at all ever...please let me know? That would literally be the coolest thing ever. And I would do my damnedest to work out some kind of trade or whatever. Anyways! I'll be back soon with more ridiculous, sad, silly, sweet boys.

[Juto]

Dang it, I need to sleep and then you had to go and post this??!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!

   Kai felt cornered, flustered, and irritated at James for putting him in this situation. “It – I,” Kai stammered, “You’re around all the time!”

    “Excuse me?”

    “No, not – I mean, you’re around me all the time,” Kai clarified, one knee jiggling anxiously.

    “That’s…not better.”

    Kai glanced at James’ frown and away, his insides churning, “We don’t have separate spaces anymore.”

    “That was kind of the point,” James was quick to point out.

    “So when I’m sick, you can’t step away!”

    “Did I try to?”

    “You never get a break from me anymore!”

    “I didn’t ask for one!”

    “Oh, for fuck’s sake, James, no one wants a sick kid!”

Ohhh the build up! I don't think I even breathed through this part!!! Poor Kai!!! So cute and confused!!

    Suddenly, James was in his space, brushing dark hair out of Kai’s face, tilting his chin to force him to meet blue eyes. “Kai, I love you. You are kind, and intelligent, and incredibly attractive,” James said, ignoring any potential protest from the shorter man, “But right now, you are being monumentally stupid.”

    “I’m sorry,” Kai managed in a raspy whisper.

    James nodded, his eyes kind, holding Kai’s gaze. “And I don’t know what else to do to convince you that I want you.”

    Kai gripped James’ hips, ashamed to hear himself beg, “Just please keep trying.”

    “Always,” James promised.

And this is where I CRIED!! I swear, liquid feels were trickling down my cheeks!!!! Ohh God, it was so beautiful and so touching and so... So... Just... Oncecijbdilbvjdfogiunouiorgpisfjnvpusrnv!!

His hand slipped to the base of Kai’s skull, their mouths met, and for a few moments it was all Kai could do to hold on. Kai’s hands snaked up James’ back, slipping beneath his shirt and over smooth muscle, while James pushed him back against the wall. They broke soon for air, Kai demanding that his lungs toughen up and not ruin this when his nose turned traitor. With his hands still up James’ shirt, Kai had nowhere to go but in. He ducked his head, releasing the sneeze between them, “Heh’kshiu!”

    James kissed his neck, his lips warm and soft and barely there, distracting him and the itch lingered. “Hih! Hih! Heh’ihpschiu!”

    “Bless you,” James murmured just below his earlobe, snagging his teeth on it.

    Kai shuddered. He coughed into James’ shirt, still trying to catch his breath. “Are you done?” James asked.

    “Yes,” Kai began before his breath caught, “N-no, hhw-wait, h’igshew! Snfff! Hh…”

    James’ mouth was at his neck again and Kai felt warm from more than fever. “James, I hh! I c-can’t fffocuuhh huh!”

    James nipped at the junction between his neck and shoulder, and Kai spasmed, “Huh’ibschuh!”

    “Are you done?” James repeated, pausing to lick the bite.

    Kai nodded, sniffling thickly. “For now. I thingk I need a tissue though.”

And this is where liquid freakin' rainbows just came bursting out of me, turning my entire state of being into some squirming and sobbing puddle of high-pitched "d'aaaaaaawwwwwwwwww's"

Seriously, the way you write them, the way you shape and curl their world into something we want to be a part of so badly... Just... Wow!! I am in total awe of you!

*squeals at the thought of more on the way*

I need some serious sleep now. Thanks again! This was so amazing! An absolute joy to read! As always!!

[Juto]

Evidently, I can't "selective quote" to save my life! Forgive me!

[Quite Contrary]

Juto07ab, you are awesome and you inspire my effin' life with your enthusiasm... thank you for your comment!!! It is seriously awesome to know that what I wrote came across as I intended it to. As a writer, that's the best thing ever, honestly.

Ok, business. Some lovely major Kai-whump this time again whatever. In my head (not that it matters), this takes place in the same series as the last two, kind of a wrap up, but that's just my little brain.

WARNING: there is mention of v-ing in this. If you have a phobia or that squicks you, I have posted the drabble in a way that you will be warned and can skip over it and still read the rest. It's pretty quick, so hopefully it's not too bad, but if it is, trust me, I get it - hence the warning. I get it, Kai gets it, and we wouldn't want anyone to miss out so feel free to read on, squick or no squick.

48 – Pathetic

Kai let his body mold against James’ side, relaxing against his warmth as much as he could, and blinked slowly at the figures on the television. “Tired?” James murmured against his hair.

“All the time,” Kai said, his voice soft and raspy.

Kai jerked away from James warmth, twisting as his breath hitched, the back of his hand brushing his nose, shielding James from any possible spray. “Heh! Heh’igschuuh!” Kai convulsed inwards, “Snf. Hhh…” Kai wrinkled his nose against the lingering sensation, “hhhihh…hh’iigsttshiew!”

James shifted against the arm of the couch as Kai uncurled. “Sneezy too, huh?”

“All the time,” Kai repeated, sniffling.

James frowned, listening to the liquid sound of Kai’s congestion. No wonder his cough had gotten so bad. “Really?” he brushed Kai’s hair from his face.

The shorter man nodded, gesturing to either side of his nose. “Mmhm. It just lingers right h-here….”

Even talking about it had the tickle flaring up again. Kai tried to sniffle it back, but the loosened congestion seemed to make it worse. He twisted away from James again, his breath shallow, quivering. “Snf! Hiihh’uh…hih! Igk’tschew! Snf,” Kai squinted, waiting, “Hh…mmn. Snf. *coughcough* Snff. Hhh’eh! Heh’ibschiuh!”

Kai accepted the tissues James offered and blew his nose, the congestion forcing him to break off into a coughing fit. James edged anxiously closer. The coughing came in waves, like it always did when Kai was truly ill; a few deep, painfully wet barks came first, with equally damp if less forceful coughs dragging their way out and tumbling after, “*coughcough*” Breath, “*coughcoughcoughcough*”

James pressed his palm against his boyfriend’s sternum, pressing a kiss behind his ear. “I hate that sound,” he mumbled, thumb rubbing against Kai’s shirt.

Kai nodded, his voice thin, “Me too.”

Kai was warm and pliant from his illness, green eyes appearing in quick flutters and disappearing in slow, tired blinks. “Bed?” James suggested, relieved when Kai nodded, quiet and compliant.

They stood together, moving away from the couch with shuffling steps. Halfway across the floor of their bedroom, Kai choked. Desperate coughs rattled their way out of his chest; it felt as if pieces of his lungs were being ripped out and spit up, and Kai gripped James hand like a lifeline. Waves of coughing followed one another. Kai barely gasped half a breath before the next round hit him. His entire abdomen ached and one particularly harsh cough tugged at his stomach.

***warning***

Kai swallowed convulsively, his chest seizing in fear, but it was too late. Kai tipped forward and gagged, bringing up only a thin, clear stream of bile and half a mug of tea. He retched again, his stomach pumping in vain, cramping painfully when nothing else came up.

***end***

When he was finally able to swallow and take a breath, it came too hard and too fast. Adrenaline hit his system like ice flooding his veins and he shuddered, looking away from the small puddle he had created. Kai was distantly aware that James was murmuring reassurances to him, the guiding hand on the small of his back an anchor against his panic. “It’s alright, Kai, it’s alright,” James spoke quietly as he helped Kai sidestep the mess, “Easy cleanup, it’s alright. You’re alright.”

James didn’t release his hand even as Kai’s legs folded gracelessly beneath him, dumping himself on the edge of their bed. James smoothed his hair away from his face and all Kai could see was blue, blue eyes as James murmured, “I’m so sorry, love. Give me just a second.”

And then the hand was gone, James was gone. Kai drew his legs up into his chest, hyper aware that he must look ashen, all the blood drained from his face, leaving him pale and cold. He was shaking, trying to find something to do with his trembling hands other than stare at them, but it was hard because he couldn’t breathe. God, he couldn’t breathe, he couldn’t breathe, why couldn’t he breathe? Kai squeezed his eyes shut. What if he really couldn’t breathe, what if it wasn’t just panic, what if he was too sick, what if his lungs were full of fluid and he really couldn’t breathe? Something was sitting on his chest, and he could hear himself wheezing but he couldn’t breathe. A sound that might’ve been a sob if he’d been able to produce tears escaped him, and then

Hands. A warm hand gripped his wrist, guiding his hand and forcing his fist to uncurl flat against warm, smooth skin. “Look at me,” came a soft murmur, and Kai obeyed the voice.

Green eyes snapped open, fixated on his hand pressed against James’ chest as it expanded and contracted. “S-sorry,” Kai whispered reflexively around gasping breaths, “Sor-sorry, I – I – s-sorry…”

James ignored Kai’s attempt at an unnecessary apology, focusing on his boyfriend’s ragged, shallow breathing. “Look and breathe with me. It’s okay. You can breathe,” James promised, “I know it doesn’t feel like it, but I promise you’re getting air, love.”

Kai struggled to focus, match his rhythm to James’. Minutes dragged by, but finally his breaths grew deeper and more even. As the panic slowly, slowly began to ebb, Kai realized he was trembling. He glanced at James’ face, his boyfriend’s expression calm and steady. A few slushy coughs rumbled out of his chest, and Kai refocused his gaze on James’ chest for a minute before he could raise his eyes again. James offered him a soft smile, “Okay?”

Kai nodded, retracting his clammy hand from James’ chest. A shiver ripped through him, and god, he was shaking, why was he shaking so badly? Kai swallowed and tried not to think about how ridiculous he must look, a pale, shuddering mess all because of a little

Nope. James rubbed gentle circles against Kai’s knee, drawing him back. “How are you feeling?” he asked quietly.

Kai rubbed his nose against the prickle of tears, and swallowed hard. Overwhelmed, the honest answer slipped out in a raw whisper, “Pathetic.”

“Look at me,” James snapped, and Kai obeyed. James’ blue eyes flashed, his jaw set, “You are not now, nor have you ever been pathetic. You are the strongest person I know, and I will not listen to any of this bullshit. Is that understood?”

His mouth dry, Kai nodded. James’ expression softened. “C’mere,” he muttered, gathering Kai up beneath his knees and pulling him towards the head of the bed, tucked against his body.

Kai let himself mold against his boyfriend’s warmth again, still feeling chilled tremors tingle down his spine. “You don’t have a shirt,” Kai noted, his voice rough.

James nodded, pressing a kiss to the top of Kai’s head. Kai sniffled and wrinkled his nose as the congestion shifted, turning his face away from James’ bare chest, “Mmhh…h’ish! Snf. Hhheh…heh’iggshuh!”

Kai moaned quietly as he uncurled. Every muscle in his body was now sore, and his chest ached. “Bless you,” James murmured and Kai could feel the vibration of his voice, “Time to sleep?”

Kai was exhausted, but the adrenaline still had him trembling. “Too wired,” he admitted softly, “I hate throwing up.”

“I know.” James’ arm snaked further around his back, his warm hand finding its way up Kai’s shirt, settling over Kai’s stomach.

His other hand tilted Kai’s face up, blue eyes searching green. “You are not pathetic,” James’ voice hadn’t risen, but somehow the statement seemed loud to Kai.

Kai looked away and licked his lower lip, dragging it through his teeth. He sniffled, coughing some, searching for what he wanted to say. When he settled on it, he met James’ eyes again, “I love you.”

James’ smile lit his eyes and his hold on Kai tightened in a gentle squeeze. He shifted Kai more comfortably against him. His gaze roamed Kai’s face lazily, taking in the color slowly returning to his cheeks, his green eyes brighter and alert. “I love you too,” James responded with the same quiet intensity as his previous comment.

Kai held his gaze, nodded, and relaxed against James, content.

As usual, I hope anyone who read this enjoyed! I have very few drabbles left on this thread (I know, sad). The prompts I have left are: Violent, Bike, Attitude, and Ego. I have some ideas and can do them on my own, but if anyone has requests or ideas, I am open to them. I can't promise that I'll do them, but I love hearing them either way because I can always store the idea away for a future one-shot... So! Until next time

[Juto]

Juto07ab, you are awesome and you inspire my effin' life with your enthusiasm... thank you for your comment!!! It is seriously awesome to know that what I wrote came across as I intended it to. As a writer, that's the best thing ever, honestly.

Awww thank you! That's so sweet of you! I know the feeling and I am more than happy to let you know! Keep posting and my enthusiasm will have no end!

Right... Brace yourself for praise:

Even talking about it had the tickle flaring up again. Kai tried to sniffle it back, but the loosened congestion seemed to make it worse. He twisted away from James again, his breath shallow, quivering. “Snf! Hiihh’uh…hih! Igk’tschew! Snf,” Kai squinted, waiting,  “Hh…mmn. Snf. *coughcough* Snff. Hhh’eh! Heh’ibschiuh!”

Can I just take a moment to appreciate this fetish dream of descriptive sneezes?! You make them sound so real and so delicious at the same time!

coughing came in waves, like it always did when Kai was truly ill; a few deep, painfully wet barks came first, with equally damp if less forceful coughs dragging their way out and tumbling after, “*coughcough*” Breath, “*coughcoughcoughcough*”

    James pressed his palm against his boyfri

D'aaawwww this is just too sweet for words! James always seem to know exactly how Kai is feeling! His anxiety in knowing and his utter devotion in taking care of his sick boyfriend is so touching!! He is the ultimate sweetheart!!

Look at me,” came a soft murmur, and Kai obeyed the voice.

    Green eyes snapped open, fixated on his hand pressed against James’ chest as it expanded and contracted. “S-sorry,” Kai whispered reflexively around gasping breaths, “Sor-sorry, I – I – s-sorry…”

James ignored Kai’s attempt at an unnecessary apology, focusing on his boyfriend’s ragged, shallow breathing. “Look and breathe with me. It’s okay. You can breathe,” James promised, “I know it doesn’t feel like it, but I promise you’re getting air, love.”

&#160;&#160;&#160;&#160;Kai struggled to focus, match his rhythm to James’. Minutes dragged by, but finally his breaths grew deeper and more even. As the panic slowly, slowly began to ebb, Kai realized he was trembling. He glanced at James’ face, his boyfriend’s exp<b></b>ression calm and steady. A few slushy coughs rumbled out of his chest, and Kai refocused his gaze on James’ chest for a minute before he could raise his eyes again. James offered him a soft smile, “Okay?”

Without a doubt the most beautiful part of the Drabble. The love truly shines through here and the unlimited devotion in James's care... Ahhhhhh *clutches heart so tight it hurts!!!!!* it's so sweet it's almost painful.

Again, such a wonderful and utterly heart gripping reading experience.

[meepsy]

Hey I just wanted to pop in and say that oh my gosh I love your boys so so much!!! You have a real talent for just wrenching my heart with feels -- Kai, ugh, the poor thing. I always just want to give him a big hug and put him to bed. But I guess that's what James is there for

This dribble in particular was so so sweet! I think you did a very elegant job with the v moment, and I could totally feel how sick he was from your descriptions. Baaabyy oohhh <3

I can't believe you're almost done! Bravo! Can't wait to read the rest, and anything else you write as well!!! :)

[Quite Contrary]

Ok, so I'm sorry because this post isn't for a drabble (yet, very soon) but it IS something cool. First, though...

Nooooohhhhmygod, meepsy is reading my drabbles....?? *hides* Please excuse me, I need to go fangirl for a minute BRBOMG Sorry, I just love your writing so much!

Also, Juto, I really do need to brace myself when I read your comments. They are just lovely and they honestly make me blush.

And now! For the main event (and actual purpose of this post)! The wonderfully wonderful meh has been such a generous soul as to offer to draw my boys! I'm so excited to have a visual reference, especially since I can't draw for beans. Meh is the best and to heck with all the rest! ....jk, I love anyone who loves my boys. Without further ado, here is the wonderfully wonderful artwork from the awesomely awesome meh! Thank you so much!!

Please let me know if I have messed this up somehow and the image is hard to view or I am otherwise a technically inept dunce, thanks. In other news, I will have the next drabble up ASAP. Again, for the last few prompts (listed at the bottom of the last drabble), I welcome thoughts/ideas/requests/etc. Except for Bike, which I have under control now. Okibye!

[Juto]

AWWWWW MY GAAAAWD!!!!!

What a pair of absolutely adorkabke cutie pies!!!

I just love James in this composed and slightly superior stance and Kai *ahhhh* the casual and slightly shabby looking stealer of hearts, crusher of feels and vanquisher of ovaries!!! GOD they are so cuuuuute!! I just love them to bits!!!!!

So happy for you. It's so amazing to see them "for real".

[SneezeyLove]

Oh man, those last two.... Kai is too adorable for words, I can't stand it! And I agree, I also love seeing this side of James. Although hopefully it'll be his turn for some whump soon. As usual, your writing is beautiful and I cannot wait for more!

[Quite Contrary]

Thank you, everyone, for the lovely comments! I hope y'all are enjoying the beautiful art. Also, Artygirl22 in all her wonderfulness has agreed to draw my boys (because seriously I am the luckiest human to exist to have two amazing artists draw my boys!!). She just did Kai and it's amazing and you should definitely check it out here! I'm constantly looking at it, I'm so impressed!

So! Drabbles. Juto, this is for you! You are awesome and I hope this is at least somewhat along the line of what you were hoping for.

60 – Bike

“Don’t let go, don’t let go, dontletgoohgod!” Kai chanted, his knuckles white as they gripped the handles of the bike.

James chuckled behind him, keeping the seat balanced. He was doing his best to encourage Kai, but his boyfriend’s panicked muttering had him in stitches. The bike started to tip and Kai hopped on one foot. “Shit, shit, shit!” he swore, jump-hobbling backwards off and away from the metal contraption, “James, why do I have to do this…”

It was as close to a whine as Kai had ever come through this process and James quelled his laughter. He snagged Kai’s hand, letting the bicycle clatter to the ground, “Hey, are you okay?”

Kai nodded, the light flush in his cheeks giving away his embarrassment. “We’ve barely been at this for twenty minutes and you almost have it!” James was honestly proud of his boyfriend, “You’re doing amazing. It’s supposed to be fun, though. We don’t have to keep going,” James searched Kai’s face, worried that this had been a bad idea.

Kai sighed, glancing sideways at the wretched bicycle, “I almost have it?”

James nodded, “Y-yes! Hh’ih! H’ish-issht!”

“Bless you.”

“Heh’isshhiu!”

James sniffled, seeing Kai frowning at him. “Just a stray,” he promised.

The park was beautifully landscaped, but lush grass and clusters of flowers around every tree and shrub had their consequences. Even with his medication, there was only so much his sinuses could be expected to keep up with. Kai nodded and picked up the bike, clambering back onto the seat. James got back into position behind him and off they were. Kai’s pedaling was steadfast and his grip on the handles was sure, so without a word, James slowly eased his hand off the seat, still running behind him. When the bike remained stable, James grinned and slowed his paced. “You’re doing it!” he cheered.

And, for a moment, Kai was. James saw it happen almost in slow motion. The front tire hit a rock on the sidewalk. In the struggle to remind upright, Kai veered off onto the grass, the bike bouncing along until it tipped its rider straight into a cluster of flowers. “Oh, no,” James moaned.

Lilies. James sprinted to his boyfriend who was struggling upright, retrieving his leg from beneath the bike. “I’m so sorry, Kai!” James started, apologies streaming out of his mouth as he dropped to his knees, running his hands over Kai to check for injuries.

Kai shook his head to clear it, blinking down at himself. “That was really cool…for a s-second. Wh-what…?” Kai trailed off, his breath already hitching as he squinted at the flowers.

Kai met James’ gaze for a moment. “I’m sorry,” James mumbled with a wince before the chaos started.

“Hihh! Hihh! Heh’itschew! Schuh! Hp’tschew! Snff…hh! O-oh…” Kai squinted, his nose wrinkled in irritation.

He went to rub at his nose with his wrist, but James caught his arm. He could see the bright orange and dark brown pollen all over Kai’s white t-shirt. “J-james,” Kai protested, “Hhih’ilgsh! Snf!”

James sighed. “You’re literally covered,” he grabbed Kai’s hands, preparing to drag the smaller boy upright, “We need to get you Benadryl and some clean clothes.”

James tugged and Kai sneezed and they both almost ended up back in the flowers, but somehow James managed to right them, keeping his arm around Kai’s waist as they walked home.

***

James was loading their clothes into the washing machine, having already dosed Kai with Benadryl and gotten him showered and changed. Thin arms wrapped around his waist, and warm lips brushed against his neck. “Thandks for teaching mbe how to ride a bike,” Kai murmured from behind him.

James turned in his boyfriend’s arms, his hands coming to tangle in Kai’s damp hair. He chuckled at Kai’s broad smile, his nose occasionally twitching and wrinkling, “You are so high right now.”

Kai’s grin widened. “She’s so hiii~igh, high above mbe…” he warbled, trailing off to giggle at his own joke.

James raised his eyebrows, immensely amused by his boyfriend entertaining himself. Kai sniffled, his eyes narrowing. “Itchy,” he muttered as his breath caught, “Hep’tsshu! S-sorryyih Hh! H’mbgkt-ahh…Snff!”

Kai’s ticklish expression reminded James of his own lingering allergies. James leaned back in Kai’s embrace, flinching against his wrist, “Hgkt! Ehh…Hnk’shiu! Ngktsh!”

Kai gasped and James frowned, baffled, “What?”

Kai stroked the side of James face, his tone mournful, “Ndot you too…”

James burst out laughing, unable to help himself. Kai leaned in, rubbing his itchy nose against James’ collarbone to quell the tickles, giggling as well. James squeezed tighter, not at all bothered by the fact that his boyfriend was attempting to use him as a human tissue, especially considering it was his fault in the first place. “You’re ridiculous,” James mumbled into Kai’s dark hair, smiling.

“Heptshuh! Snf…hh…hihhh…hih’isshuh!”

“Bless you.”

Just silliness. Hope y'all enjoyed! I will be back ASAP with more drabbles until I run out and then....I will do something else! Like finish Where the Heart Is because that would be a good thing to do. Just a reminder, in case anyone has any burning ideas, I have Violent, Ego, and Attitude left, so if you have requests, please share them! I make no promises, but I certainly enjoy the inspiration (and can always use it later on....).

[Quite Contrary]

Oh man, those last two.... Kai is too adorable for words, I can't stand it! And I agree, I also love seeing this side of James. Although hopefully it'll be his turn for some whump soon. As usual, your writing is beautiful and I cannot wait for more!

Hi So I recognized your name and def creeped on your posts for a little trying to figure out why, and then realized that you wrote MCR fics...so I love you. I know they're broken up but I am not listening to that nonsense Maybewecouldworkoutatradesomedaybecauseyou'reawesomeandyouwriteMCR

Anyways! Thank you, I'm glad you like it! I think it's probably James' turn too; I'm just trying to figure out how exactly. If you have any thoughts as to what kind of whump or how or whatever, please feel free to share!

[SpookyScarySkeleton]

Oh I remember these, I really love the new drabbles.

I can't express my love for them, keep it up

[Juto]

ND'AWWWWWWWWW!! It was the cutest thing!! James teaching Kai to ride a bike? Ingenious!! I love this carefree and happy part of the relationships (wouldn't miss the angst, concern and illness for the world, but this is just lovely!!)

Ahh and the giggles!!, he was too cute for words!!

I am enjoying the art? Oh yeah!, I love it!! They are both so talented and unique! Can't wait to see James!

[IcyFlame]

Oh mai go s h. That Drabble was so adorable! I can vouch for this Drabble because I literally just learned how to ride a bike and wow this just about described it perfectly. OH and how unfortunate that he just happened to land in a flower bed(and by unfortunate I mean for James and Kai not for me cuz that was damn cute! ) yay never stop writing! :3

[SneezeyLove]

Hi So I recognized your name and def creeped on your posts for a little trying to figure out why, and then realized that you wrote MCR fics...so I love you. I know they're broken up but I am not listening to that nonsense Maybewecouldworkoutatradesomedaybecauseyou'reawesomeandyouwriteMCR

Hi to you as well, and thank you! I also believe none of that nonsense, and yeah, if you wanna do a trade sometime I'd totally be up for that. Just shoot me a message.

I unfortunately don't have any ideas for James whump at the moment, but maybe Attitude could feature sassy!Kai?

Kai’s grin widened. “She’s so hiii~igh, high above mbe…” he warbled, trailing off to giggle at his own joke.

That is so funny! I'm a bit of a sucker for the 'high on cold/allergy meds' thing.

[Quite Contrary]

Eep, so many wonderful comments! It makes me want to hug all of you and hide at the same time. I'm glad everyone enjoyed the last drabble. It's really fun to write them happy for a break lol... It's weird because lately I have been writing a ton of Kai-whump and angst etc, but honestly, in my head, most of the time they're pretty happy I think. So...take that as reassurance I guess? Or that I'm just really mean to my boys when I write them... hm.

ANYways! I think we can all agree, it's definitely James' turn. I don't think it's a ton of whump, but it's definitely James-centered so...here we go!

74 – Ego

James sighed, pulling the bag out of his tea so that he could drink it. The apartment was too quiet. It was nearing Christmas and Kai had gone back to the home for a week to help Trish get everything ready for the holidays. His generosity with the children never ceased to amaze James, although it didn’t surprise him. Kai was always generous; it was one of the reasons the young man was always run ragged. Kai had even asked his permission. James had known he was coming down with something, but how could he be selfish in the face of that generosity? Of course he had said yes, but he was beginning to regret that decision. His phone vibrated in his pocket, and James sniffled, clearing his throat to rid himself of the irritating coating that had recently developed before answering. “Hello?”

“Hey!” a familiar chipper voice sounded from the other end, “Sorry, the kids have my phone. This is the first break I’ve had all day. How are you?”

James smiled. Kai sounded happy. A little tired, perhaps out of breath, but happy. He rubbed at his nose with a knuckle. “I’m fine,” he lied, “How are the preparations coming along?”

That had Kai off and running, chattering away with enough speed that James could barely follow along, pulling away from the phone occasionally to sniffle or clear his throat out of Kai’s hearing. Kai rambled on until a clatter on his end of the line interrupted them and they said their goodbyes quickly. James hung up, wrinkling his nose, “Ehh…huh’ischt!”

James sniffled, muttering a soft, “Bless me.”

***

Kai answered the phone without even looking at the I.D., wedging the slim device between his shoulder and his ear. “’Lo?” he managed around the string in his teeth, a needle in one hand, the other in a bowl of popcorn.

“Kai?”

“Hey! What’s up?”

“Nothing,” there was a pause, “What day do you get home? I forgot.”

“Uhh, Sunday. Monday at the latest,” Kai stabbed a piece of popcorn with the needle, frowning as it fell apart in his hand. He let the string fall from his mouth, “Why?”

There was a moment of hesitation before, “I just miss you.”

Kai cradled the phone more securely. “I miss you too,” he bit his lip, looking at the waiting bowl of popcorn, “Listen, can we talk later? I’m sorry, I’m just in the middle of something.”

Silence again, and then James’ voice was oddly rushed, “Ok, sure, bye.”

The line went dead before Kai could respond. He set the phone down, wondering if James had been upset with him. He’d said that he was okay with this; maybe he’d changed his mind? He’d sounded in a hurry. Odd. Kai shook his head, setting back to his popcorn strings.

***

James stifled painfully as the phone rang, trying to be quiet as he waited for Kai to pick up, “Heh’mbtk! Huh’mb-gkt!” They just kept coming, “Hih’ihgkt-shiuh! Heh! Snff…”

“James?”

“H-hey,” James managed, before holding the phone away as he dove into the crook of his elbow, “Heh’mbgtk-tshiew!”

“James? You there?”

James sniffled back his running nose, returning to the phone, “Yeah, sorry, just dropped the phone.”

“Okay. What’s up?”

James bit his lip, hesitant to ask still. His headache throbbed at the front of his skull, and the words came out. “Are you almost done over there?”

James could physically feel Kai’s hesitation. “…We’ve gotten a lot done, but there’s still more to do. I – I thought we decided this was okay?”

Crap. Now he felt awful physically and emotionally. James was pretty sure he had a low fever, and he knew he had a slight cough developing, but that didn’t mean this wasn’t selfish. He just felt like if he could get one decent night’s sleep, he could kick this cold to the curb. He was just having such a hard time sleeping alone. “W-we did,” James rammed his knuckle against his nose, the itch burning.

“Have you changed your mind…?”

“N-no,” James jerked the phone away, “Hih’mbgkt! Heh’ih… Snff! No, never…hh…nevermind.”

It was too selfish. Kai would only be gone a few more days. “Okay…if you’re sure.”

James tried to sound confident despite the lingering itch in his sinuses, “I’m sure. S-see you Suh- S-sunday.”

He hated the doubt he heard in Kai’s voice. “Alright. See you soon.”

James couldn’t wait to say goodbye, hanging up immediately. “Gssh! Heh…heh…h’idjschuuh! Snff…Uhh. Snf! Crap.”

***

“Hey, James,” Kai smiled into the phone, answering quietly as he slipped out of movie-night and into the hallway.

He and Trish had pushed hard today, managing to finish making the decoration and wrapping almost all the presents. All that was left was to put the decorations up, except the tree which was done, and finish wrapping a few stray gifts. Kai was tired, but accomplished, and almost ready to go home. “I miss you.”

Taken aback by James’ abrupt admission, Kai frowned, leaning against the wall. “I know, I miss you too…You know, you could come here if you wanted?”

“No, I can’t. I’m…busy…”

Kai’s frown deepened. So James wanted him enough to ask him to come home but not enough to compromise? He was starting to feel frustrated. It wasn’t like James to be so self-centered. “James, what – I thought we talked about this. Do I need to come home?”

“Yes – no! I don’t….” there was static as James broke off and the sound of muffled coughing.

Kai stood up straight, “James? Are you okay?”

The coughing continued for a moment, quieter, as if the phone was being held from a farther distance. James’ voice was rough when he returned, “No, it’s…I’m sorry, I’m n-not…n-not f-feeling well…”

Kai could hear the stifled sneeze, despite James’ obvious best efforts. “James?” Kai tugged the hair at the base of his neck anxiously, “I’m coming home, okay? I’ll – I’ll be right there.”

Kai hung up and ducked his head back into the darkened room to find Trish already looking at him in silent question, two children asleep on her lap. Kai made an apologetic face and gestured that he needed to leave, practically out the door before he could see Trish nod.

***

“James?” Kai called, feeling like an idiot as he rapped on the door of their apartment.

He’d left his bag at the house in his haste to get home, forgetting that his keys (and his jacket) were in his small duffle. He bounced on his heels, cold and anxious to see his boyfriend. He nearly fell when James suddenly opened the door. “Hey!” James said, his voice raspy, fading to the background as they talked over each other, “What are you -”

“Sorry, I forgot my -”

“- thought you were still at -”

“-was in a hurry-”

“-didn’t think you were coming-”

“-just needed to get -”

“Home,” they finished together, smiling ruefully.

Kai shivered, “Can I come in now?”

James nodded, his eyes refocusing as he stepped aside, allowing Kai to come in and shut the door. James coughed into the sleeve of his sweater, his face flushed from fever. Kai winced and reached up, his hand cool against James’ warm skin. “I’m sorry,” they both started at the same time, stopping abruptly to let the other talk.

Kai went ahead, “Why didn’t you say something?”

James shook his head, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything. It was selfish.”

“No!” Kai interrupted, grabbing James’ hand.

He pulled his boyfriend towards the couch so they could sit down, pausing when a tug on his hand turned his attention to James’ wavering breath, “Hehh…heh’mbg-kshh! Heh’mkgsh!”

Kai blessed him, sitting down on the sofa to face the sniffling brunet. “James, the kids…” Kai sighed, “I want to offer what I can. But that’s a part of my past. You’re my present. You – you know you’re more important…right?”

James ran a wrist beneath his nose, watching Kai’s worried expression, both of his thin hands still wrapped around James’. James nodded. Maybe he hadn’t been sure, but he knew now. Kai’s expression turned to relief, then amused concern as James turned his head, unable to hold back, “Huh’isshhuh!”

“Bless you!”

“Thanks,” James sniffled, accepting the tissues that Kai passed him and blowing his nose.

“Feel better?”

James smiled, “Like you wouldn’t believe.”

Hope y'all enjoyed. I can't believe there are only two drabbles left until this thread is done.... Never fear, I will continue writing on the forum. I'm trying to store up ideas now so I can get back to posting ASAP. In the meantime...last two drabbles coming up very soon!

Edited: Sorry the indent formatting is so crap. Too much dialogue, sometimes it does this to me. Bummer :/

[Juto]

Maybe he hadn’t been sure, but he knew now.

THIS!!!!!! It's not very often we get to see an insecure and too-emotionally-invested-to-think-rationally James, and I have to admit, he is beyond adorable!!! *sighs ahhh*

Hey!” James said, his voice raspy, fading to the background as they talked over each other, “What are you -”

“Sorry, I forgot my -”

“- thought you were still at -”

“-was in a hurry-”

“-didn’t think you were coming-”

“-just needed to get -”

“Home,” they finished together, smiling ruefully.

And this was just soo damn cute and just so well written!! Oh, and yeah, it's so Kai to just forget everything and head home to sick James...

This thread must never end. I will continue to read about these wonderful boys when they are together playing chess in their retirement home ( sneezes or no sneezes)!!

I'll just park my car loaded with feels and eternal devotion... RIGHT HERE!! *blushes slightly at own intensity* Uhm, please continue at your own leisure... I will love whatever you write!

[Artemis]

oh noes You cannot end. I will not allow it. Your boys are so cute and adorable!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe we could set up a trade. Like you write a cute story with these two then tell me what you want to see and I'll try to do it because these two boys are so cute!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ( sorry I know you know how a trade works)

[SneezeyLove]

Sorry to be repetitive, but THIS

“What are you -”
“Sorry, I forgot my -”
“- thought you were still at -”
“-was in a hurry-”
“-didn’t think you were coming-”
“-just needed to get -”
“Home,” they finished together, smiling ruefully.

This is too precious! I'm also sad that this thread is almost done, but it's also exciting - that's a heck of a lot of stories. I know I attempted this same drabble challenge, and I'm nowhere close to being done. That said, you've inspired me to get back to work on mine. (Also, in a weird way, Kai sort of reminds me of one of my characters.)