Pick Up the Pieces [sakuatsu]

Chapter 19: Love

The next couple of days were uneventful for the couple. They hung out at Atsumu's apartment, eating, sleeping, watching movies and volleyball videos, and having sex. It was not a bad existence, but Kiyoomi was getting restless from staying inside so much. He wanted to encourage Atsumu to start going outside, if his anxiety wasn't too bad that is, because he'd never want Atsumu to do something he wasn't comfortable with.

So that is why, on Monday morning, Kiyoomi asked Atsumu how he was feeling, and when Atsumu said his anxiety was a little better than the day before, he encouraged him to go out for a short excursion.

"Hey, if you feel up to it, maybe you could come with me to get a few more groceries," Omi said.

Atsumu looked at him doubtfully but appeared to consider. "That would be all? Just the groceries and then come back?"

"Yes, if that's what you want. Do you think you can?" Omi asked quietly, trying not to pressure his boyfriend.

"I don't know," Atsumu said with uncertainty.

"I would hold your hand the entire time. Just like at the doctor's."

Atsumu appeared to be thinking. "I'm not sure I feel ready."

"Okay, well, I won't pressure you," Omi replied, but I should probably go pick up some groceries sometime today."

Atsumu nodded absently and still appeared to be lost in thought. After a moment, he said, "Okay. Let's try it. I think... I think I can do it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, let's try it. Just hold my hand, okay?" Atsumu sounded small and unsure.

"I won't let go, I promise," responded Omi. [A/N: gah, so sweet]

They got their shoes on, grabbed their wallets and headed out the door. Atsumu had a death grip on Omi's hand. He realized that he hadn't left his apartment in almost a week. He felt a little queasy, but didn't think he would vomit. Probably. That was an improvement.

They walked to a nearby grocery store and Omi got a basket. They picked out a handful of groceries to hold them over for the next few days and, still holding hands, made their way to the checkout. Omi had to let go of Atsumu's hand to pay, but then immediately took hold again when his hand was free. Atsumu didn't panic at the loss of touch, so that was good.

By the time they got back to Atsumu's apartment, Atsumu felt slightly anxious, but not too bad. He was a bit excited.

"I feel a little sick and anxious but not as bad as before. Maybe the new medication is helping!"

"I hope so, babe," said Kiyoomi, placing a kiss on Atsumu's forehead. Atsumu smiled at the gesture. He was getting used to having Omi around and suddenly felt a pang of realization that this arrangement couldn't last forever. His enthusiasm for his subtle accomplishment this morning faltered a bit, but he pushed the thoughts aside. He would deal with that problem later.

Osamu called him later that afternoon and Atsumu was pleased to talk with his twin, even though they spent most of the call insulting each other. Osamu had been gone two weeks and it was the longest the twins had ever been separated. They both felt the loss, even though they fought so much when they were together.

Monday night they were getting ready for bed when Omi broached another subject he had been wanting to bring up.

"Hey, babe. Do you want to maybe go workout tomorrow?"

Atsumu looked startled at first and didn't answer right away. He avoided the question initially. "I like when you call me babe."

Omi smiled. "I'm glad. I'll keep doing it. But what about my question?"