Work Text:
"Martin dear?" Jon is sitting on their couch finishing a cup of tea.
"Yes, love?" He walks over to take Jon's empty mug and kisses him on the head.
"I'm having a bit of a rough day mobility wise. Would you mind carrying me up the stairs so I can get some work done?" On the one hand: Jon is actually communicating his needs. On the other: Jon is overworking himself again. But Martin knows he'll hurt himself if he leaves it alone.
He sets the mug in their overflowing sink. "Of course. Tell me if you're uncomfortable."
Jon lets himself be scooped up into Martin's arms and wraps his arms around Martin's neck. He whispers 'okay?' and Jon hums into his chest. He wishes he could be close to Jon like this forever, but they've tried cuddling and working, and Jon says he gets too distracted. Martin notices this is more strenuous than normal, but it's only up the stairs. How bad can it be?
Martin takes a few steps before groaning in pain. His back is flaring up again, and he's holding something. Will his mum tell him to keep going again, even if it hurts? Even if it's the kind of pain that could've been prevented and now won't go away? He's holding something...something? Someone. Jon.
"M-Martin put me down!" He blinks out of his daze to see Jon's concerned eyes staring back at him. His body is on autopilot as he does what he is told to do.
"Sorry, I had no idea you were having a worse day too. I'll get you a heating pad. Sit on the couch, alright?" He nods feeling unable to speak. Reality is settling in on him again. He's with Jon, in their home, his mum is dead, and she'll never hurt him again. He feels like he should've started crying by now, but only the same numbness he feels each of these episodes itches in his chest. He's cried enough to last him a few lifetimes, but he thinks the dull ache will never leave him.
Jon comes back with the heating pad and a cup of water. He places the pad on Martin's back and rubs soothing circles into the part not covered by the pad. Martin drinks the cup of water and tries to gather his thoughts. Jon must've thought Martin was about to cry too. Somehow, all of his reactions to his pain are wrong. But Jon still loves him all the same. He pulls down the top of Martin's shirt and kisses his back.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Jon gives him a moment to decide.
"Having my back hurt like that while carrying you just reminded me of when my mum used to make me work a bunch of odd jobs to make ends meet. She used to call me and ask 'are you carrying enough? If you don't set yourself apart, you're easily dispensable.' On her good days, she came into my work a couple times to scold me. So I'd have to detach myself from my body. Hours would go by, then I would shoot back into it. Everything hurt so much. I guess it still hurts in more ways than one."
Jon looks like he wants to say something, but Martin knows it'll be him blaming himself. "It's okay, love. I'm okay. I want to carry you, but sometimes my body can't take it. It's not your fault."
Jon smiles at him. "Maybe I don't need to work today."
They sit there before Martin remembers he was going to be productive today too. But neither of them are in the right state. He makes up his mind.
"Alright. Screw this day." Jon looks up at him in confusion. "We're gonna have a self care day instead." He sees Jon think about it before giving in.
While holding each other's hands and the railings on both sides, they slowly go up the stairs. Martin tells him it's okay, they can take their time. So they do.
They run the bath, put in lavender soap, light candles, and then turn off the lights. The tub is not very big, so Jon has to sit in Martin's lap. The direct warmth of Jon's skin against his is like being wrapped up in a loving blanket. So they don't fall asleep, they make sure to play music and talk to each other. The tension he felt earlier slips out of him and washes down the drain. His body has loosened, and the weight of his past traumas are tucked into the back of his mind where they can't hurt him in this current peaceful moment. They soak until the water is cold as they savor this cozy atmosphere.
After this, they put on loose-fitting clothing and dry each other's hair. Even though Jon talks about getting his hair cut all the time, he hasn't followed up on it yet. It's halfway down his neck now, and Martin finds it so pretty. He takes extra care to comb through Jon's thick hair to make sure it's completely detangled and dry. Jon enjoys fluffing up Martin's hair with their blow dryer. This makes it look like he slept without drying it, which Jon loves, so he can't be mad.
More of the day has passed than they expect, so they start making dinner. In the mood for comfort food, they decide on making potato soup and garlic bread. Jon is handing Martin the ingredients while Martin adds them in. While Martin is stirring the pot, Jon wraps his arms around Martin's waist and rests his head on his shoulder. Martin kisses his soft and lavender smelling hair. But the garlic bread dings, so Jon sulks over to get it.
They settle onto the couch with their soup and bread, and Jon pours Martin a glass of mango juice. He's always liked pairing cold drinks with hot food. They put on The Princess Bride and lean into each other's touch. Once they've finished their food, they cuddle each other at maximum capacity without having to worry about spilling anything.
Though it's been a good few hours, hovering over the soup made Martin's back pain flare up again. And Jon had to take a few breaks going down the stairs earlier. But for now, they can watch cheesy movies and cuddle with their pain in the background.
When the movie ends, Jon speaks up.
"Martin, can you promise me something?" Martin nods without hesitation. "Can you promise to help me the best you can, without putting your health over mine?"
He wasn't expecting that, but he smiles at Jon. "As long as you promise the same?" Jon smiles back at him.
It's wearing to have to give up certain days for rest. Sometimes, those resting days can be even more draining than working through pain. But they have each other, and they always will.
"Maybe tomorrow will be better?" Martin is ever the optimist.
Jon kisses him.
"Tomorrow will always be better, because it's another day with you."