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It was finally spring break for the students at Babyls, granting them freedom from their classrooms and time to spend with their closest companions. All of the members of the misfit class had been looking forward to spring break as soon as their winter break was over. But unlike their winter break, they can spend it by doing more outdoor activities without harsh weather ruining their plans.
Clara Valac was going on a trip with her family, Sabro Sabnock had planned on taking his younger sister to an art convention and Asmodeus Alice? He had great plans.
After asking Iruma if he had any plans, Asmodeus was practically ecstatic to hear that Iruma was free for the week. A whole week! But he had to make sure this week was going to be the best week Iruma had ever had. And after much debate with himself as he would pace around his room, he had come up with the perfect plan.
He planned it all out thoroughly, he would see Iruma every day, obviously, created back up plans in case Iruma was disinterested in any of his initial ideas and placed a reservation at a special restaurant, just for Iruma.
But unfortunately, not even a back up plan could have worked. On the first day of spring break, Asmodeus had woken up feeling warm, too warm, nauseatingly warm. But that wasn’t going to stop him, absolutely not! Iruma had always persisted and managed to bring light to the people around him despite his issues, so why can’t he?
Asmodeus attempted to step out of his bed, but it felt as if he had stepped onto a rotating plate, his posture slanted and his vision spinning. But that didn’t matter, he had very big plans and he wouldn’t let them not come into fruition.
He stumbled over to his dresser, leaning against it with his whole weight before fishing his hand inside a drawer to start getting his outfit prepared. He began taking pairs of pants, considering half and rolling his eyes at the other half. First pair? Definitely not something he should wear for today, Iruma deserved to see him at his best! He tossed that pair on the floor, then the next, and the next.
After many pairs that Azz had lost track of, he finally found the perfect pair, something perfect for Iruma to see him in.
Azz then stumbled over to his closet to grab a shirt and some shoes. He sniffled harshly as he began looking though his collection of shirts, his eyes blurry, his body still waving itself back and forth as if it was being pushed and pulled back and forth as he stayed standing.
After finally getting his perfect outfit on, Asmodeus walked down the grand stairs leading from the first floor to the second floor. His footsteps were heavy, as if they were being weighed down as he wabbled side to side.
Then he froze, there was a knock on the door. Iruma was finally here!
Asmodeus wobbled down the stairs as fast as he could, his feet picking up the pace but still feeling heavy, but that didn’t matter to him. He would move mountains to get to Iruma, to see him smile, to hear his sweet laughter and so much more.
Asmodeus hastily opened the door, when he saw Iruma on the other side, there was an ache in his chest and butterflies in his stomach. Although his vision was still blurry, he knew Iruma had put alot of effort into his appearance too. He was stunning as always.
“Hi Azz!” Iruma beamed before his smile turned softer, then concerned? “Are you feeling alright?”
Asmodeus’s heart sank. Did he look bad? Sure he was still dizzy and his face was burning, but he looked just fine, did Iruma hate it? “I’m just fine!” He managed to say, Iruma was so considerate. It almost kills him sometimes.
“Are you sure? You look like you’re burning up,” Iruma said gently before reaching his hand up to Asmodeous’s forehead.
Azz’s heat could have practically burned Iruma’s palm, the warmth only increasing now there was contact.
But then a feeling hit him.
His vision growing more blurry, he fought his throat to not cough, his breathing became more labored and his swaying body suddenly landed itself in Iruma’s arms.
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Asmodeus woke up groggily, he was back in his bed, a damp cloth against his forehead. His pink eyes fluttered open, his vision a bit more clear. Then he noticed the hand resting in his. To his left was his gentle protector, who was watching over him with their hands intertwined.
“There you are. How are you feeling? Any better?”
Asmodeus smiled gently, Iruma was so thoughtful to ask about his state. He was about to say something before it hit him. He fainted on Iruma.
HE.
FAINTED.
ON.
IRUMA.
Even worse? Now he and Iruma might have to miss the reservation he set! And worse than that? If he doesn't get up soon, not even the back up plans will help!
“I’m alright! Iruma, my most sincere apologies about earlier! How long have I slept?! I’ll make sure they still hold the reservation!”
“Ah- wait, hang on, let me check your temperature. I told your Mom about what happened and she said I should check it when you woke up.”
Well if there was one person Asmodeus would listen to, it was always Iruma.
Iruma gently put the thermometer under Azz’s tongue, wincing softly when seeing the numbers on the small screen.
Asmodeus wasn’t too concerned with the thermometer however, his thoughts focused on other things, regarding Iruma, as always.
Iruma not only caught Azz when he collapsed but he had also informed his mother about what had happened. Azz’s heart skipped a beat. Iruma not only had caught him but he must have carried him upstairs and expressed his concerns to Azz’s mother. Iruma is much stronger without using magic than people give him credit for! And his kindness is truly unique!
“I think you should stay here today, you’re burning up Azz. But that’s ok!”
Asmodeous’s smile faded slightly. His plan. All of it was nothing now. Instead? He made a fool of himself in front of Iruma and his mother was going to be losing her mind over his health, which could embarrass him in front of Iruma more.
The part that hurt him the most? All the things he imagined Iruma would say about the restaurant he had reserved for them would never be uttered. It was his fault he was making Iruma miss an experience he has longed to have and because of him, Iruma wouldn’t have it.
But Iruma, the sweet person he was, noticed the change in Azz’s expression and as if sensing the thoughts in his mind, squeezed his hand gently before running his thumb over his knuckles.
“I know you were looking forward to today. I was too. But you matter more than any surprise.” Iruma took a soft breath before continuing, “Let’s do something when you feel better! Anything you want! But till then,” he gently moved a strand of Asmodeous’s hair out of his face, his touch lingering on his cheek for a heartbeat longer than it needed to. “I’m more than happy to stay with you until you feel better.”
“I don’t want to burden you Iruma-”
Another squeeze against his hand had him quiet, his rose eyes flickered up to Iruma’s delphinium ones.
“You will never be a burden to me. It means more to me that you might let me take care of you than us doing something. I love going places with you. But more than anything, I love being here for you . So,” Iruma gently squeezed Azz's hand, “Please let me take care of you.”
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And so he did.
It took days for Asmodeous’s fever to die down and for his dizziness and sniffling to finally vanish from his system, but by that time, their spring break was almost over, leaving one day left, where he was finally healthy.
But as the days had passed, no matter how terribly Asmodeus was feeling, Iruma had stayed right by his side.
The day Asmodeus was feeling better however, Iruma had told Asmodeus that he wanted to take him somewhere and Asmodeus would never refuse Iruma’s kindness.
Iruma had taken somewhere Asmodeus would have never expected, a lush garden on Iruma’s estate. Even the green house was beautiful, courtesy of Opera’s diligence all over the property.
He had led Azz to a quiet corner of the garden, blooming flowers growing around his feet in small pots and bushes by the bench Iruma had led him to.
“Iruma, your garden is as marvelous as I had imagined!”
Iruma chuckled bashfully, “I know this isn’t like anything you originally had planned for spring break but because you just recovered I thought you might have wanted to spend some time outside.”
“You know me too well. It's nice not be bedridden too…Thank you for taking such good care of me.” Asmodeus said softly, his fingers seeking out contact with Iruma’s, who quickly returned the feeling.
“I love taking care of you. Thank you for letting me.”
Love makes people do ridiculous things. It may make us try to push through the worst things so we can see someone else. Or it could make us take care of them. And if you're lucky, you may get to do both.
But you know it's really love when you don't regret it, and Asmodeus knew he would never ever regret any of his time with Iruma.
All of the times of struggle and chaos were worth everything because he had shared those memories with Iruma. It's a privilege to fight for the person you care about, but it's an honor to fight alongside someone you love. So, no matter who or what came up against them next, Asmodeus knew he would stay beside Iruma for as long as Iruma would want his company. And he could only pray that it would be for a very long time.