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Aaron was passed out on the bed, lying on his stomach with his face turned towards the room. His face was flushed but he had the covers tucked up under his chin like he did when he was cold.
Kevin set down a fresh glass of water next to the bed and knelt down to press the back of his hand to Aaron’s forehead. He was warm but not as alarmingly hot as he’d been at Eden’s. Kevin brushed damp hair off Aaron’s forehead and wondered if he was doing enough. He wasn’t a caretaker and had rarely experienced the type of care he was trying to give.
He stroked scarred fingers over Aaron’s pink cheek before resting his palm against his warm skin like he could somehow draw the fever out with just a touch.
Aaron sighed, which turned into a wet snuffle, and he shifted under the blankets until he was lying on his back. He blinked his eyes open and squinted at Kevin. He looked adorably grumpy.
“Thirsty?” Kevin asked.
Aaron nodded but made no move to sit up.
Kevin sat back on his heels and retrieved the water, bending the straw down to make it easier for Aaron to drink. He guided the straw to Aaron’s mouth and had to bite back a grin as Aaron docilely accepted the help.
Maybe there was something wrong with him, but taking care of Aaron - and having Aaron permit it - made him feel light and oddly content. Aaron was so strong and self-sufficient, more apt to swallow discomfort instead of asking for help. Which was why they were in this situation in the first place.
Aaron drained the glass and released another deep sigh. His eyes were dark and glassy and ringed by shadows. Too many late nights, not enough rest, plus tonight’s game and the after party had been the final straw.
“You keep looking at me like that,” Aaron drawled sleepily, “and I’m going to get ideas.”
Kevin smirked but he could feel his face heating up. “You’re too beat for ideas,” he replied.
Aaron rolled his eyes. “I played an entire game tonight, I’m fine.”
“Okay, Neil.”
“Low blow, Day.”
Aaron glowered at him but it didn’t last long. He scooted across the bed to make room and pulled back the blankets.
“Get in here, Kev. You know I can’t sleep without my giant body pillow.”
“Well, when you put it like that…”
Kevin turned out the light, stripped off his shirt and sweatpants, and crawled into bed, letting Aaron wrap around him like a limpet. He rubbed Aaron’s back, their breaths syncing up, and was asleep before he knew it.