The reason why Kiku was on his doorstep in the pouring rain, drenched, and crying at four in the morning was beyond Arthur, as Kiku could tell just by looking at his half confused, half concerned expression. Though, it was hard to tell; his eyes were blurred by rain and tears.
āI-Iām so sorry, I should have called you, b-but...ā
āGod, Kiku,ā Arthur began as he pulled Kiku inside, wrapping his arms around him in a warming embrace. The rain that was soaking Kiku to the bone started to seep into Arthurās pajamas, but he couldnāt care less.Ā āWhatās wrong? Are you alright?ā
Kiku sniffled and shook his head, wrapping his arms tightly around Arthur and promptly beginning to cry into his shoulder.Ā āI thought you w-were dead...ā
Arthur sighed softly, beginning to rock Kiku back and forth almost as if he were comforting a child. The shorter male was shaking, but he couldnāt tell if it were because he was scared or because he was freezing. Arthur assumed it was both.Ā āIām right here, Iām fine... I could have come over to your house, Kiku, you could get ill for being in the rain for so long...ā
āMy h-health doesnāt matter...ā He took in a shuddering breath and wiped at his tear/rain soaked cheeks, trying to dry them, but to no avail; the tears kept getting replaced.Ā āI was so scared that you--ā
āShh... Iām alright, donāt think about that, okay? Here... Letās dry you off... You can stay here for the night...ā Arthur gently leaned away from the embrace and walked over to the linen closet, the sniffling, shivering Kiku following close behind. He took out a towel and started gently drying Kikuās hair, then when he finished, wrapped the towel around his torso. Kiku was still crying.Ā āHey... How about I get you some warm, dry clothes? Those will be better.ā
Kiku nodded, holding the towel in place with his hands.Ā āIām sorry for causing you so much trouble...ā
Arthur took a towel for himself, shaking his head.Ā āNo, Kiku, youāre far from a bother. Itās alright. Come on,ā he said gently, walking up to his bedroom. He dug through his dresser, trying to find comfortable clothes that would fit Kiku.Ā āHere-- These may be a bit big on you, but... Theyāll get the job done, right?ā He held out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, which Kiku took, and he started looking for pajamas for himself.
ā...Iāll go and change, a-and... Dry myself off... Thank you...ā He went off to the bathroom, shutting the door behind him, and Arthur nodded-- but he couldnāt help but still feel concerned. He quickly changed into his new pajamas and threw the wet ones into the hamper, sitting down on his bed. Kiku soon came back in Arthurās clothes, his own in hand, but they seemed to be a bit big for him. The neck of the shirt slipped past his shoulder, showing off some skin, but Kiku kept adjusting it. Arthur smiled at him.
āAt least they kind of fit,ā he said, chuckling gently afterwards, then taking Kikuās clothes plus the towel Arthur let him use.Ā āIāll put these in the dryer. You lay down in my bed and get yourself some rest; you need it.ā
āI couldnāt steal your bed from you, Arthur--ā
āItās not stealing if I offered it to you.ā Arthur ruffled Kikuās slightly damp hair, smiling a bit.Ā āGo get some rest, Iāll be back soon to bid you goodnight.ā
āWell...ā He hesitated, then sighed, nodding.Ā āAlright...ā
āThank you.ā He smiled, and made his way to the dryer, tossing the clothes and the towel into it. Meanwhile, Kiku was getting settled in bed, thankful for the warmth of the blankets. He almost immediately fell asleep, but only found himself resting in about a minute of so. Arthur entered the bedroom, just about to say goodnight, when he noticed Kikuās sleeping form. His chest rose and fell peacefully, and he was warm under the blankets. Arthur smiled.
āI would say rest well, but... It seems as though you already are.ā The blond chuckled softly to himself, stepping over to Kiku.Ā āWell... Goodnight, love. Iāll be there in the morning, so donāt you worry.ā He leaned forward and pressed a gentle peck to his friendās temple, remaining there for a little while. He didnāt wish to leave, really, and instead began brushing Kikuās hair away from his face. Thankfully, the sleeping man couldnāt be aware of the affectionate gesture.Ā ā...Iād rather not leave, though.ā He sighed, then sat down on the chair beside the bed, leaning back on it.Ā āI suppose Iāll rest here. Goodnight, Kiku; may you have a peaceful sleep.ā
Ah, I love initial queerplatonic AsaKiku. Sorry that I couldnāt do AsaKiku week! This is how Iāll make up for it; writing fluff to bury my sadness. Thank you for reading! My apologies if it is terrible.