The murmurs were starting to hurt Hajime.

"He's frail. . .On last legs he can't even stand on."

"There's no way he'll make it through the night."

"It's about damn time that weirdo kicks the bucket."

Hinata grunts, moving to his feet and practically slamming the bedroom door shut before turning back to the frail, barely-breathing boy laying in their marital bed.

Even though the words hurt a lot, there was no doubt about it that he was about to drop dead any second tonight. Not even Kamukura's talents are able to save him now.

He sighs, running his fingers through his hair and returning to his seat next to Komaeda's bed. He takes the fluffy-haired boy's hand in his and smiles kindly, trying to put on a brave face for him.

"Hey, how are you doing, love? Can I get you anything, anyone? Do you need anything?" He asks softly.

Komaeda groans. "I only desire the sweet release of death. . .How much longer?" He croaks.

Hinata sniffs, willing some tears not to fall. "It. . .It shouldn't be long now, hon. I'm sorry you have to keep suffering like this."

Nagito slowly rolls his head to the side so that he can look into the eyes of his beloved. "I'm sorry you're suffering like this too over someone like me. . ." He mumbles.

"I'd take all the pain in the world for you. . ."

Komaeda smiles faintly. "It's strange," He comments, looking up at the ceiling, "For the vast majority of my life, I wanted nothing more than to die. I plotted suicides, I was willing to sacrifice myself in the Killing Game. . .I really didn't have anything to live for," His smile disappears as he turns back towards Hinata with tears brimming in his eyes, "But for the first time. . .I have people to live for. . .I don't want to die, Hajime."

Trying to stay strong, the brunet wipes the tears off of his husband's face. "I really don't want you to go, Ko," He murmurs, "If I could stop this all and take away the pain, I would."

"I feel like I'm being left behind. . .You're all going to be moving ahead, forging your own futures like you said we all would but. . .I no longer have a future. I'm knocking on death's door, I'm returning to dust." Komaeda continues.

Hinata's hands turn to fists on his lap. "Damn it!" He curses, tears finally streaming down his face like a waterfall, "I never thought I'd have to see you die again so soon. . .I don't want to do this again!"

". . .I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault."

Komaeda leans forward slightly, coughing, before falling back on his pillows, groaning.

Hajime sighs, kissing the knuckles of his husband. "Get some rest, Marshmallow. . .Komaeda Nagito, I love you."

They both know he won't be waking up again.

"I love you too, Hajime. . .More than my own life and anything."

-

At some point during the night, Hinata had drifted off in his chair during his bedside vigil. When he woke up at 3am, panic seizing his chest, he knew Komaeda Nagito was gone.

He collapses on top of the bed, wailing and sobbing in pain into the blankets, begging quietly under his breath for him to "Please wake up, Please come back, You can't leave me, please!"

But Nagito would never wake again.