Lonely Kitten

51

It all got worse once they were outside, the bustling of a big city during the day so much louder than their hushed voices inside the soundproof studio. Minho once again offered to carry Jisung, so he wouldn't have to focus on walking. Especially because he was a bit worried the younger would pass out on him at some point. Jisung refused again but walking got more difficult the longer they kept going. Soon he was swallowing back be every few seconds but there was no way he'd get sick in public. That'd be humiliating. As his stomach continued to bubble though, placing one foot in front of the other became an impossible task. As Jisung froze in his spot, Minho's hands instantly went to grab the rapper's upper arms. He was certain the younger would lose consciousness any second and he would not let his mate fall. Jisung whimpered softly at the tight grip before his breath was cut off by a weak gag. The other's heart started to race as he realized what was going to happen. There was a drain only a few meters away, so he tried to gently tug the rapper a few steps further. Jisung didn't see it but stumbled along, clutching Minho's shoulder for support.

Minho had never been good around sick people. For one, he had lived mostly isolated with his parents and the few times he had witnessed a classmate be sick at school were absolutely traumatic. His senses were so much sharper than a human's, which made it unbearable to be around someone while they got sick. Sure, he could look away but the smell and sounds would still get through to him and he wouldn't be able to smell anything else for the rest of the day. If he was lucky and managed to make a quick escape, Minho might avoid being sympathy sick but if he was stuck in close proximity, it'd always leave his own stomach upset, often to the point of him getting sick too. That was horrible if it happened at school but he couldn't imagine what it would be like out here. Neither Chan, nor Changbin were with them now to take over from Minho for a moment and he couldn't leave Jisung to fend for himself, the poor boy so sick. It was the first time Minho had seen the younger sick at all and boy, he did not do things halfway.

The rapper shuddered as he could feel his breakfast climbing up his throat, trying to fight it with all his willpower. Not only for his dignity but rather because he knew throwing up would make the pain worse. Minho had his hands securely on Jisung's shoulders, the poor boy looking like he could topple over any second. The first retch, though unproductive, was followed by a wave of tears, Jisung's hands going up to his head, clutching it tightly as he tried to hold it together, so it wouldn't explode on him. Minho looked away, gently rubbing his thumbs over the rapper's shoulder blades, while keeping his grip secure as the younger bent forward, his stomach lurching. Holding his breath, the older tried to count backwards from hundred to distract himself as he heard the splattering against the drain. As Jisung continued to get sick though, he eventually stopped counting. Sure, it was disgusting but he didn't feel as queasy as he usually had. His worry for his mate and protective instincts, making him numb to everything else.

Minho hesitantly glanced at Jisung's face and felt his heart break at the amount of tears that had to have spilled down his cheeks for them to be that wet. Wrapping one arm around the younger's chest to hold him up, Minho finally had one hand free to properly rub his dongsaeng's back. Jisung was soon able to get control of his stomach and although he knew the nausea might get better once he was empty, the pain that throwing up caused him wasn't worth getting rid of the nausea. His head pounded and spun as he straightened back up and tried to take a step back. He stumbled but Minho had his arms secured around his waist and pulled the younger into a back hug, so he could lean against his hyung's chest for a moment to catch his breath.

A car drove by, the noise of its engine making Jisung flinch and cover his ears. He knew he needed to get home but he just wanted to lay down. His head hurt so bad, he doubted he could take another step. "Should we continue now? It's not far anymore, Sungie. You're almost there", Minho coaxed quietly, his soft tone almost making the younger break down entirely but the rapper knew he had to stop crying because it was making it worse. Jisung didn't know how he'd be able to continue, the pounding so severe that he just froze in place as every move hurt. "You know, the offer of carrying you still stands. I promise I'll keep my steps as light as I can", the hybrid whispered close to his mate's ear. He just wanted to get the boy to bed, hopefully he'd be able to sleep and wouldn't wake up until he was feeling better. Afraid he'd have to be sick again if he opened his mouth and not daring to nod, Jisung reached out his arms, a quiet plea. Minho carefully turned the rapper around and guided his arms over his shoulders, so he could pull the boy onto his back. As soon as he was confident, the younger was securely settled on his back, Minho headed towards their apartment, trying to be quick while also keeping his steps light.

He had hoped Jisung might fall asleep on his back but the desperate grip the rapper had on his shoulders proved that he was still awake and still in pain. Minho was quick to kick off his shoes after unlocking the door and cooed: "Let's get you to bed now, hm?" - "Bathroom please", Jisung whimpered hoarsely. He could only fight his stomach for so long and being in a safe environment seemed like an invitation for the upset organ to act up again. Feeling his heart start to race, Minho made a beeline for the bathroom and carefully placed the younger down onto the rug. He had left the light off and the gently reached for the sunglasses. Jisung sighed in relief when the pressure on his face and temples was gone and with his eyes still closed, he let Minho move him in front of the toilet. "Will you be okay for a minute? I just want to get you some water and then I'll be right back", the older whispered, running his fingers through Jisung's hair. Jisung breathed a soft 'yeah' but instantly regretted it when Minho's comforting presence vanished and he had no distraction from his ferociously pounding head and angrily churning stomach.

The hybrid hadn't even gotten to the kitchen when Jisung felt his stomach seize again, weakly propping himself up over the toilet bowl. He just wanted this to stop. Lurching forward, the rapper gagged hard but didn't manage to bring anything up. Instead it had triggered flashes of light passing in front of his eyes, the pressure it put on his head unbearable. A hand appeared on his back, gently stroking up and down his spine. "You're okay, Sungie", Minho whispered, gently combing the other's hair out of his face. Jisung's forehead felt slightly warm but not worryingly so, yet the younger eagerly leaned into the cool touch. Seeing it brought Jisung comfort, the hybrid kept his palm across the boy's forehead and supported his head when the younger retched again.

Minho kept stroking his mate's back with the other hand but couldn't help but get more and more concerned, so when the boy seemed to catch a break for a few seconds, he whispered: "Are you sure I shouldn't take you to a hospital? This is not a headache. You're literally hugging the toilet right now." Jisung reached for the roll of toilet paper and shakily wiped his lips before leaning back, the older instantly pulling him against his chest. Minho held him, stroking his hair and studying his face with worry. "I-I don't need a hospital", Jisung replied softly, "It's okay, I do get migraines sometimes. This is not the first time and I'll just try to sleep it off." - "Why did you never mention it?", the older frowned. He wanted to be able to protect his mate from everything and anything but that was difficult if he didn't know. Taking a shuddering breath, Jisung breathed: "It just never seemed relevant." - "Well, now it is", Minho sighed, repeatedly running his fingers through the other's hair. "That's why I mentioned it now", the younger muttered.

They stayed on the bathroom floor for a few more minutes before Minho handed Jisung the water, encouraging him to take a few sips before he'd help him to bed. Not wanting to see the younger struggle again, Minho picked him up bridal style and instructed: "Keep your eyes closed. I didn't get to close the blinds in the bedroom yet." Jisung weakly held on to the other's shoulders and relaxed when he was smoothly placed down on the bed. The sheets cool against his flushed skin. He could hear Minho quietly move around the room and soon the blinds were closed, darkening the room. The bed dipped beside Jisung and he reached out to try and touch Minho. "Can I get you anything", the hybrid whispered, taking his mate's hand. Tightly gripping the other's hand, Jisung mumbled: "Icepacks please. Two." - "Alright, I'll be back in a second. You'll have to let go of me though", Minho smiled, gently removing the younger's hand. He got up and pulled the trashcan up next to the bed, just to be safe, before heading off to the kitchen.

"Where do you need the icepacks", the hybrid whispered as he got on the bed next to Jisung. Reaching out for him with closed eyes, the rapper breathed: "One in the back and one on my forehead." - "Alright, lift your head for a moment", Minho cooed, slipping one of the icepacks between the younger's head and the pillow. When Jisung laid his head back down, the older draped the other icepack over his forehead and gently stroked his puffy cheek, drying the tear tracks in the process. Now that there was nothing else to do except for Jisung having to wait it out, Minho stretched out next to his mate, allowing his ears and tail to pop out. He carefully draped one arm over the younger's chest and wrapped his tail around the boy's waist, so he could still somewhat hold him. Wanting to comfort Jisung, the hybrid instinctively started to purr but after a few minutes, the younger whimpered for him to stop. Minho apologized and remained silent from then on, lifting his tail and brushing away the rapper's tears with the tip. The touch was so light and soft, it didn't overwhelm Jisung like anything else might have, and watching the boy relax, Minho continued to brush the tip of his tail against his mate's cheek till the boy had finally drifted off to sleep.