Commission for an anon on kofi who requested sick!Kiku and caretaking!Shin from Shouwa Genroku Rakugo which is a gem of an anime. I used a few Japanese words so here’s the translations. Enjoy!
Rakugo - the art of storytelling/spoken word theater
Haori - traditional kimono jacket
Yukata - casual garment worn by men
The slow shut of the paper screen alerted Shin that Kiku had returned. Laying on the floor, Shin propped his hand beneath his head elevating himself with his elbow, his brown eyes following his dark haired friend who muffled a barking cough into his haori sleeve.
“Did the old man understand?” Shin asked as Kiku ruffled his hair which faintly stuck to the dampness lining his temples.
Resting his cane against the wall, Kiku staggered a bit, a wave of dizziness swept over him. Shin jumped up immediately, easing the fellow storyteller down to the cooler wood floor. Kiku coughed again grimacing a bit as he swallowed.
“He did.” Kiku replied hoarsely running a hand over this throat gently trying to massage away the fiery pain.
A thin smile formed on Shin’s lips. “Knew he would, you being his successor and all. No rehearsal tonight.”
“Shin…” Kiku’s weak voice still managed some bite to his friends name. Another cough, dryer harsher escaped him, forcing him to bend forward.
“Easy Bon. Here come with me.” Shin threw Kiku’s arm around his neck and slowly stood carrying the ill man to the bedroom. A futon sat on the floor, Shin kicked the blanket away with his foot. “Here, lay down.” His voice soft, calm, bringing more comfort than any medicine.
Kiku, exhausted from the walk collapsed, his legs finally giving out. The ends of his yukata flaring about as his body hit the soft futon. His black hair fell in front of his dark eyes which only saw a blurry room. A raucous harsh cough rocked him hard enough, Kiku rolled onto his side, gasping for needed breath.
Kneeling down, Shin bent his arm beneath his friends head, gently propping Kiku up. “Sounds bad.”
Exhausted, Kiku’s eyes rolled, he barely grunted a reply. Shin eased him back down covering his friend with the blanket. His hand gently brushed against the fellow storyteller’s forehead. “Burnin’ there Bon.” Shin shook his head, his short brown curls settling around his eyes.
Kiku barely heard the words, they floated around him like moths. His aching head pounded against the pillow, the brief touch of Shin fingers relieved some of the pain.
Removing a cigarette from his pocket, Shin placed it between his lips while striking a match. Inhaling deeply, Shin blew the smoke up towards the ceiling. “Don’t be moving from that spot Bon, not ‘til you feel better.” He took another drag the cigarette end crackled.
Kiku coughed, the dry hacking sound sent a twinge down Shin’s spine. His friend convulsed under the blanket as another cough wracked his thin body.
“Here.” Shin crushed out his cigarette then lumbered up. “Fetch you some water.” His hand slid the door open. “Cloth too.” Stepping into the hall he began to close the screen.
“Shin…” Kiku’s gravely voice croaked, his dark eyes fluttered as he looked up at his friend. “Thank you.”
A hint of a smile graced Shin’s lips as he nodded then slide the door shut.