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Patton bent over the huddled mass of Logan in bed. The boy was fast asleep, unaware of the world going on around him. With a gentle touch, Patton placed his hand on Logan’s forehead, frowning at the temperature. Logan had been sick for almost two days now and, while his fever had gone down, it seemed that it hadn’t dissipated entirely. Logan had been sleeping mostly, even refusing to eat most o the time. The poor lad simply didn’t feel well enough to function. Patton smoothed the blankets and pressed a kiss to Logan’s forehead. Finally, he turned and left the room, shutting the door quietly. He turned and almost ran into Virgil who was hovering outside.
The teen had been anxious ever since Logan first announced that he wasn’t feeling well. In the past, he’d always been the one to take care of his little brother, never having anyone else to rely on. He was a top tier nurse, too. Patton had never seen anyone so devoted to a patient before. Virgil had responded to Logan’s every need and desire. Mostly, Logan had just wanted to sleep but Virgil kept careful watch over the time and woke him up for his medicine, water for hydration, or to eat something. The adults had to put their feet down eventually when, after the first night, Virgil slept hardly at all. Patton had offered to take a few shifts while Virgil recovered some of the sleep he lost. The teen had finally agreed but not without much hesitation and grumbling. Looking at him now, though, Patton wasn’t sure how much sleep he’d actually slept.
“Hey, Kiddo.” He smiled at Virgil. The teen looked anxiously at the closed door.
“How is he?” Patton sighed at the inevitable question,
“He’s sleeping and still running a bit of a temperature. I think he’s improving though. Try not to worry too much about him. If anything goes wrong or he gets worse, we’re right here to do whatever we need to.” Virgil didn’t look any more reassured but he managed to give Patton a small smile so the fatherly figure counted it as a win. He extended his arm out to the boy and pulled him in close. “Let’s head downstairs and make a snack.”
Heading downstairs together, the duo made their way to the kitchen where Patton set about preparing two cups of cocoa and some cookies. Virgil sat patiently at the bar counter, watching Patton bustle about the kitchen. To the cocoa he added a mini candy cane, a generous handful of marshmallows, and a squirt of whipped cream. He set Virgil’s cup in front of him,
“Careful, it’s hot.” He warned gently. Virgil cupped the mug between his hoodie-covered hands and blew on the mixture gently.
“You sure he’s gonna be okay?” He asked quietly as if he feared the answer he might get. Patton offered a reassuring smile,
“I’m absolutely sure, Virgil.” He said, “Kids get sick, it happens. But Logan will be just fine.” He picked up one of the cookies and popped it into his mouth, smiling at the chocolate flavor. Virgil took a few careful sips of his cocoa and together they sat in the quiet.
Roman was out with Remus and Janus so there was a distinctive lack of the regular chaos and drama that usually filled the space. Patton breathed deeply, feeling relaxed for the first time since Logan proclaimed his sickness. It was a short lived moment, however, when Virgil suddenly shot up and made his way to the sink where he heaved a few times before throwing up the cocoa he’d just downed. Patton made his way over quickly, coming up beside the shaking teen.
“Oh, Kiddo!” He exclaimed softly as he rubbed Virgil’s back. Once Virgil had regained some control over his body, Patton took the moment to press his hand to the teen’s forehead. He wasn’t surprised to find it hot to the touch. “I was worried this might happen.” He sighed, “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”
“No, I’m fine.” Virgil exclaimed, “I’m good, Dad, really.” Patton gave him a look but Virgil stubbornly refused to cave.
This wasn’t really Virgil’s fault, though. The teen had never been able to take the time he needed to care for himself. Being the elder brother in an ever dangerous (or so it seemed) situation, Virgil had never once taken care of himself over taking care of Logan. Being in a loving and caring family didn’t change much for his fixed mentality. Now, however, he was faced with an equally stubborn and loving force in Patton.
“Virgil, you’re sick, you need to rest to get better. I’m right here if you and Logan need anything, I promise.” Virgil shook his head,
“I’m fine, Dad, really.”
“Yeah, sure,” Patton arched an eyebrow at the boy, “You just threw up, Virgil, that’s not okay by anyone’s standards.” He gently took the teen’s hand and pulled him into the living room, leading them both over to the sofa. “Come here, Kiddo.” Patton said as he sat down on the sofa, opening his arms for the teen. Virgil stood awkwardly in front of him, not budging,
“I don’t wanna get you sick.” He mumbled. Patton offered him a soft smile,
“I won’t get sick, baby, let me hold you.” He reached out and gathered Virgil to himself.
It was a bit of a tight squeeze, getting the teen situated in his arms but they made it work. Virgil finally let himself relax and it seemed that this was all his body needed to finally admit he was sick. Patton turned on some mind-numbing documentary and it wasn’t long before Virgil drifted off to sleep. Patton continued to hold him as the minutes ticked by. It wasn’t long before the sound of the front door opening alerted him to the other adults returning. He smiled fondly at the sound of hushed bickering that came from the twins and he looked up at Janus as he entered the space.
“Oh no,” the agent whispered, “another sick infant?” Patton tutted him softly,
“Dairy and fevers aren’t a good mix.” Patton sighed, “He’s only been asleep for about half an hour, try not to wake him.” Janus nodded and disappeared upstairs to check on Logan.
Logan was sitting up in bed when Janus entered quietly. The boy had evidently just awoken and was covered in sweat. Janus made his way over to the boy and brushed some of his hair off his soaked forehead,
“Seems like someone’s fever broke.” He said smiling, “How do you feel?”
“Tired but better than before.” Logan informed him, tugging at his clammy shirt. Janus helped him take it off and Logan shivered as the condensation on his skin met the cool air.
“Let’s get you changed and then you can come downstairs for a bit.” Logan nodded and Janus left to give him some privacy. It wasn’t long before the boy appeared in fresh pajamas. Janus took him by the hand and together they headed downstairs. Roman was holding Virgil in his arms as they came down and Remus was curled up next to the two of them, scanning Virgil over and over with the thermometer gun. Patton reemerged from the kitchen carrying a tray of coffee and cookies as well as a bowl of soup for Logan. He smiled at the youngest and gestured to an empty spot on the sofa.
“Be careful, it’s kind of hot.” He warned as he handed him the soup. Logan, suddenly finding himself very hungry, blew eagerly on the soup while casting a worried glance at his older brother,
“Is he okay?” He asked between bites. Patton smiled,
“He’s sick, just like you so he should be just fine.”
They sat in quiet conversation. The adults talking about their days while Logan made quick work of the light soup and Virgil continued to sleep. After Logan had set aside his bowl he yawned, the warm soup making him sleepy. Roman smiled at him, adjusting Virgil in his arms before standing up with a small grunt,
“Alright, back to bed for everyone under twenty.” He announced, turning and beginning to take Virgil up the stairs. Logan followed, rubbing his eyes and wishing the rest of the adults a goodnight.
They clambered up the stairs and made it into Virgil’s room first. Roman laid the boy down and covered him with blankets. Logan stood off to the side, watching carefully to make sure everything was done right. He came forward and pressed a kiss to Virgil’s cheek, frowning at how warm the flushed skin was.
“Goodnight, Virgil.” He whispered before gasping in surprise as he was lifted off the ground. Roman cradled him in his arms and smiled down at him,
“Your turn, Starling.” He said in a hushed voice before turning and walking out towards Logan’s room. The boy huddled close, listening to the steady heartbeat that sounded in Roman’s chest. All too soon, they entered into the bedroom and Logan was bundled into bed. Roman gave him a kiss and wished him a good sleep before turning and beginning to walk out,
“Uncle Roman?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.” Roman felt his heart fill as he flicked off the light,
“I love you too, Logan.”