Chapter Text
Winter. Jeremy hated it. Rich did too. They both always ended up sick. And as always, they did at the same time. So there they were, cuddled up in bed while Jake and Michael were in the kitchen making them feel better food.
Michael walked in, holding two mugs of warm cider.
“Hey my baby boys,” he said gently, “you wanna sit up and drink some cider for me?”
Jeremy groaned and sat up while Rich whined and curled up tighter.
“No. Fuck off,” Rich grumbled.
“Fine. Jere, you feelin well enough to go to the fireplace?”
“Yeah. Rich you gonna be okay if we light it?”
Rich just groaned, pulling the blanket over his head. Michael shrugged and moved to the fireplace. He put the ciders down and grabbed some logs. Once the fire was lit he helped Jeremy to the floor and cuddled him as they drank the cider. The pops of the fire were subtle, but there was a string of loud ones that Rich ended up hearing. When the sound registered, he shot up, screaming loudly. Jake ran in and saw Jeremy and Michael looking up at Rich nervously. He went straight to Rich, whispering to him and calming him down.
“I-Is he okay,” Jeremy asked.
“Yeah. Its uh. Just. Yes, Rich likes candles. But the popping of the fireplace is a major trigger for him. He’ll be fine, I’m gonna take him to the guest room, you guys relax.”
Jake picked Rich up like he was a kid and kissed his head.
“You sure he...”
“I am Jere,” Jake said smiling, “he just needs some time alone in the dark to calm down and sleep it off. He’lls be alright in a while.”