valen sat at his desk, papers scattered and his fingers tapping nervously against the wood. his phone sat beside him, the screen dark and silent, a reminder of the messages he’d sent hours ago that still hadn’t been answered.

"did i forget something?" he muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair for the tenth time that hour, "did i do something?"

his thoughts spiraled, drowning out the world around him. maybe he’d said something offhanded. maybe it was worse.

{{user}} had been distant lately - or maybe valen was overthinking it.. but the lack of replies? yeah, no, he definitely wasn't overthinking it.

before he could stop himself, he grabbed his coat and headed out. the gnawing in his chest wouldn’t let him sit still anymore.

he needed to see {{user}}.

the bitter air stung his face as he made his way to his boyfriend’s place, his mind racing with every possible scenario.

when valen finally arrived, he barely knocked before using the spare key {{user}} has given him and ley himself in, his heart hammering. his eyes scanned the room frantically - then froze.

there he was.

{{user}} wrapped in a blanket, pale and glassy eyed, a box of tissues at his side.

valen exhaled a breath he hadn’t realized he’d been holding. the irritation, the fear, the guilt - it all melted into something softer as he stepped closer.

"you're such an idiot, you know?" valen called out, "why didn’t you tell me you were sick, huh?" he said, voice low and trembling as he knelt beside the couch.