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It was rare that the General Mahamatra Cyno took sick leaves. On this rare day, he wrote to the office stating that he wasn’t feeling well enough for duty - that his work would have to wait until he is feeling better. Thankfully, most of his work for this week consisted of filing reports and finishing up reports on his investigations anyway. Nothing that can’t be completed with a single night’s work.
Well, the General Mahamatra Cyno may not have been known for taking sick leaves, but he was certainly known for his overtime. Not that that was particularly admirable either.
Cyno made quick work of dropping the letter off at the administration’s office and left Sumeru City before anyone could stop him.
Frankly, he wasn’t sick. That much was obvious. Cyno didn’t really even remember the last time that he was sick outside of a sore throat, or maybe a headache. He’d build up quite the immune system from traveling and being on the hunt for extended periods of time.
Late last night, he received word from Collei that her Master was feeling under the weather and they were having trouble getting certain supplies as it was always Tighnari who had gone to retrieve the items in Apam Woods. With an unconfirmed number of Withering Zones in the area, it was deemed too dangerous to return for the time being, at least until the leader of the Forest Watchers could safely return to the site.
That said, one of the patients they’re currently hosting in Gandharva Ville desperately needs their medication - of which are made from Rukkhashava Mushrooms, the types that are primarily found in said restricted area.
And thus, he made a stop by some merchant tents outside of Sumeru City, buying supplies and renting a Sumpter Beast and a guide that would bring it all straight to Gandharva Ville. He himself would have to collect those mushrooms.
When he finally reached the village, past sundown, Cyno was grimy and maybe a little more than tense. How Tighnari climbed those trees and collected all those mushrooms in half a day was beyond Cyno’s comprehension - perhaps that’s why he is the General Mahamatra, and Tighnari dedicated his life to watching the forests.
Cyno had collected at least two dozen Rukkhashava Mushrooms, at least. Enough to make more than a couple batches of medicine, this much he knew. His footsteps were heavy as he dragged his feet, tired from clambering through treetops and the forest floor, going above and under to find these elusive blue mushrooms.
“Master Cyno!” The familiar voice of the young girl was heard across the village, followed by the heavy thuds of sprinting footfalls across the wooden floorboards before the green-haired teenager skidded to a halt before him. “Archons, you look terrible! What happened? Is something wrong?”
“I got your letter. And your mushrooms. Have you received the food supplies I bought from the merchant?” He asked, handing Collei the basket of mushrooms which she grasped carefully in her hands.
“Ah - we didn’t know who the supplies were from but before they left, they mentioned your name. Thank you so much for the aid, Master Cyno.”
“It’s no problem. Where’s Tighnari?”
“Ah. We just managed to get him to eat and drink, so he should be sleeping now. He’s down with a high fever - perhaps it would be best if you washed up before you went to see him?”
Right. Cyno had to remember that he was still covered in the forest’s dirt and grime - definitely not the best option to walk into Tighnari’s hut right now. If the fox could see him now, it would be an hour-long lecture about being more careful, not disturbing the micro-ecosystems, and something about how soil isn’t like sand - it’s not something that can just be brushed off. He knew all of that already.
With some help from Collei, Cyno managed to find himself showered and in some fresh clean clothes, his own clothes that he forgot he even had - ones that Tighnari had stashed away for safe-keeping after accidental mishaps. Tighnari even fixed the little wears and tears. With that in mind, there was a small smile that lingered on his lips as he made his way into the hut.
Tighnari didn’t get sick often, but when he did, it was intense. A high fever, he remembered Collei had mentioned. He normally recovered within a few days, with no other reason for concern, but Cyno preferred to keep close either way.
Cyno pulled the leaf curtains open, and stepped into the hut, only to find his lover bundled into a handful of blankets and sheets. The temperature inside was warmer than it normally was, and if Cyno was any less hardy than he was, he’d have already started to sweat. Despite looking quite like a human-sized cocoon, his ears stood at attention, and the eyes that peeked from the edge of the bundled sheets narrowed at him.
“You’re so loud.” Was the muffled voice of his boyfriend, croaky, grumpy and absolutely petulant.
“I’m sorry,” Cyno murmured apologetically, but the smile lingered on his face as he padded over, trying to soften his footsteps the way Tighnari had taught him many times before.
“You sound like an overweight Sumpter Beast storming through the village.”
Cyno managed a small laugh as his hand came to rest atop Tighnari’s head. His ears flicked instinctively, before Cyno began to pet his head in the way he knew the fox liked. As if to prove his point, Tighnari shifted his head up, squinted eyes falling closed as he leaned into the touch.
The heat of his head was searing into his hand - Tighnari was burning up. Cyno pursed his lips worriedly, and looked around the room. “What happened?”
“Viral fever, I think. You shouldn’t come too close.”
“I’m already here. Collei sent for me. I’m staying until you feel better.” Cyno said, his voice stern - this was one thing he was absolutely going to be stubborn about, even if Tighnari was usually the bull-headed one between the both of them.
“Mm.” That was all he got out of Tighnari before he began to doze, being taken away by the exhaustion of his body. Coupled with the soothing gesture against his head, Tighnari let out a soft sigh, and drifted off to a peaceful slumber.
Once the other was asleep once more, Cyno worked to get a few blankets off of him. He knew he was probably freezing cold given his increased temperature, but he was only reminded of the way Tighnari used to tell him that bedding and thick clothes would only trap the heat during a fever.
Tighnari was probably too delirious and grumpy to make sense of it all.
Once half the blankets were tucked around his feet and legs instead, leaving his torso with light linen sheets, Cyno settled onto the floor beside the bed. His hand continued to pet at Tighnari’s ears at this steady rhythm, as his fatigue began to fight his body too, lulling him to a peaceful slumber. He could hear Tighnari breathing in and out, and the sound of Gandharva Ville’s nightly lullaby, the song of the crickets chorused with the distant roar of the leopards in their nests. This was more than comforting - it was home.
As the morning sun rose the next morning and Cyno was awakened by loud chatter of the birds outside, his back hurt and so did his arm and neck. Perhaps sleeping on the floor while petting Tighnari wasn’t exactly the ideal position to slumber in, though the sacrifice was worth it in the end. As his blurry vision refocused, he gazed upon the sleeping face of his lover.
How beautiful.
Sometimes, he had to stop and admire his lover. His eyes rest upon the other’s features, and stares at him with something of pure adoration - and truly, how could he not be mesmerized by such beauty? Tighnari was beloved by Celestia themselves, with such delicate features, the curve of his cheek to the slope of his nose. What long lashes he had that made feathery shadows against his lower eyelids, complimenting the tufts of his brows just above.
Cyno leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his head, fine hairs billowing against each small movement of Tighnari’s breath - beneath that, some strands stuck to his skin, his skin sticky with sweat. The fever made itself obvious in the way his cheeks flushed redder than his usual rosy quality, and the light sheen of sweat that coated his skin. The Matra hardly minded, but his gaze lingered on him for a moment longer, yearning to press a kiss against the pretty pout of his lips.
Forcing himself to stop, he reminded himself to heed Tighnari’s advice and not get too close, lest he end up in a sickbed in Gandharva Ville.
Putting together all his willpower, Cyno stood up, mindful of the amount of noise he made as he creeped out of the hut. Tighnari’s ears flicked as he stepped outside, but Cyno was quick to move off, not wanting to stir him any further.
Once he was within a reasonable distance, Cyno began to walk normally once more. This morning, he ate a large breakfast, suddenly reminded that he skipped dinner by accident last night, too worried for the fox and his scalding temperature. Afterwards, he talked quietly with Collei, who provided him with a small tray of food and water.
“I also left a pail of hot water and a cloth beside Master Tighnari’s hut. You should use it to wipe him down if you can. Master Tighnari says lukewarm water works the best for fevers, so it should be about the perfect temperature after he eats. It’ll be better to get this done than for him to sleep in his own sweat - at least, that’s what Granny Umm says. And you’re the one he trusts the most, so I figured you could do it. If that’s okay.” Collei talked with a shaky hand, and Cyno knew she’d been up and running for far longer than he had been.
He put a hand over her smaller ones, trying to provide her with whatever reassurance that he could, “Thank you. I’ll make sure to do so. You’re working hard, Collei. Be sure that you rest enough, as well.”
Collei perked up, and smiled, brighter than the others he’d seen since the time he’d arrived. That eased his heart a little more, as she chirped an affirmative response.
With that, Cyno made his way back into the hut, once again making careful movements to not stir Tighnari awake. He set the tray on his bedside, and smoothed his hands over the fox’s big ears.
A few moments later, Cyno called his name, breaking the silence gently. The response is immediate as a black fox ear twitched in the direction of the sound, and Tighnari stirred immediately with movements under his eyelids and a soft groan from the back of his throat.
“I have breakfast,” Cyno continued to coax Tighnari as the other continued to stir, trying to arise from his slumber. Even as his eyes fluttered open, the fever made his usually bright tourmaline eyes look dull and hazy even as he slowly gained more awareness of his surroundings.
Eventually, the fox managed to sit up, swaying a little on the spot as he kicked away the extra blankets to make room for the tray. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Cyno rested the tray between them, lifting the bowl of soup and beginning the noble task of feeding his lover.
“Here comes the transport balloon,” Cyno started, as he lifted the spoonful of soup towards the other’s lips.
“Don’t you dare even try that with me.” Tighnari quipped, voice croaky, but the glare in his eyes made it known that he was absolutely serious.
“I guess you’re not in a soup-er mood.”
“Cyno.”
And that was the end of that.
Tighnari ate slowly, sometimes taking longer to swallow down the chunks of meat and vegetables in the soup itself. Still, the fox was obedient, taking it all into him, even if it looked as if it was getting harder and harder for him to eat.
Even if it was rare that Tighnari fell sick, Cyno still felt grim every time that his lover felt under the weather. The feeling was worse than when he himself was injured. Like this, the Forest Watcher, who was usually up and running by this time of day, was now weak and fatigued, with a fogginess in his eyes and a shiver in his arms that became stronger with every passing minute that he sat up. Too weak to even hold himself up for too long.
Once most of the chunks were finished, Cyno didn’t try to force the remaining soup onto him. Instead, he moved to give him the medicine that Collei had placed together with the tray of food. Frankly, It smelled awful, and probably tasted just as bad.
Cyno would know this for certain - he had been on the receiving end of Tighnari’s own herbal concoctions more than a handful of times when he had been injured in his line of duty. With Tighnari’s heightened senses, Cyno knew it was probably even worse. Even then, Tighnari only made a small grimace, and downed it all in one single gulp - truly admirable.
The songbirds that lingered around Gandharva Ville were slowly stopping their song, an indication that the morning was progressing into noon. Cyno was making quick work of his next task now that his breakfast was done.
“I’ll wipe you down and give you a change of clothes and fresh sheets. It will feel better.” Cyno murmured softly, gently helping the other into a separate chair.
Whatever he said was lost to the white noise of the village - Tighnari barely managed a mumble, entirely incoherent as he began to doze, which meant that Cyno had to work faster. He pulled away his clothes first, finally noticing how damp it was, coated in sweat and grime from the night before.
Before Cyno could stress over it, Tighnari’s voice came to mind - sweat is just part of the body’s natural response to thermoregulation. Despite the reassuring thought, Cyno’s worries turned into whether or not Tighnari needed more water, lest he get dehydrated.
In between wiping Tighnari down and dressing him, Collei came in to help with changing Tighnari’s sheets - and even if he would never admit to needing help, the younger girl’s aid was appreciated. Tighari’s fever had cooled a little since the morning, but Cyno still wanted to get him back into a restful state as soon as possible.
“You’re doing it wrong,” The fox huffed, stirring out of his half-slumber as the comb got caught on a particularly stubborn knot on his tail.
“I’m sorry. I already put down some oil.”
“Didn’t I teach you before how to do it?”
“I’m trying my best here. How many days has it been since you even managed to groom your own tail?”
The Forest Watcher fell quiet at that, either embarrassed or unsure himself how many days it’s been. Time was hard to track when you’ve been sleeping through most of it.
Once Cyno managed to groom away the small knots and tangles that had formed in his tail and ears, he finally began to move Tighnari back to bed. Lifting him up would unfortunately stir the fox fully awake, who’d been grumbling and mumbling the entire time Cyno detangled his fur. His eyes blinked slowly as he lifted his head, turning left and right as if trying to get his bearings straight.
Even in this state, Tighnari’s tail curled around Cyno, something more instinctive than anything. Cyno pressed a kiss to his temple, eliciting a soft hum from his boyfriend.
If it wasn’t known before, Cyno was certain of it now that he would truly do anything for this man. The realization comes as he carried Tighnari through the hut, watching the way his eyes blinked slow, and his ears gave the occasional twitch. When his eyes met with Cyno’s, he managed a small smile, and that made all of this entirely worth it.
It was always in the little things.
“Master Tighnari! I changed your sheets and brought you more water.” Collei chirped as Cyno laid him back into the bed.
“Thank you, Collei.”
Collei brought the cup of water to Tighnari’s lips who drank without stopping, gulping down the water in record time - he must be thirsty, Cyno made a mental note to wake him more often for water breaks. She poured yet another cup of water from the pitcher, and the fox finished that too, before he laid back down into bed.
They exchanged a few words until Tighnari could barely keep his eyes open anymore. By now, the sun had moved high into the sky, beaming down onto Sumeru’s rainforests. The temperature was normal, but Tighnari still mumbled something about the cold as he reached for Cyno.
“What is it?”
“Lay with me.”
“You’ll scold me if I get sick from cuddling with you.”
Tighnari frowned, a petulant pout forming on the curve of his lower lip, “It’s not like you get sick anyway. Come. Please.”
And how was Cyno supposed to say no to that?
Slowly, he clambered into the single bed, tucking himself into the corner to allow Tighnari more space. The fox gazed at him with steady eyes, but didn't make a move to come closer, still conscious enough of his sickness to not put him more at risk than he already was. Even then, it wasn’t truly enough, how could it be?
Tighnari’s hands came to rest against Cyno’s, tangling their fingers together in the way that they’ve done hundreds of times by now. By now, muscle memory has shaped gaps in the spaces of Cyno’s hands to allow for Tighnari’s to rest perfectly in between.
He offered Tighnari a small smile, which was returned with all of the fox’s warmth. The corners of his lips quirked upwards as his ears lowered, the tension in his body melting away as soft adoration glittered in those brown-green irises.
Within minutes, Tighnari’s eyes closed, and his breathing evened out, slow breaths that were indicative of the wave of sleep that has once more taken him under. Cyno brushed away the stray hairs that fell over his closed eyelids, gazing at his lover softly.
The afternoon went by without much interruptions - only Cyno occasionally waking Tighnari to drink more water, to take the medications delivered by Collei. He kept by Tighnari’s side, occasionally using a wet cloth to wipe down his face and arms and whatever skin he could reach, just barely stirring the light sleeper out of his slumber for him to mumble something to Cyno before falling back to sleep once more.
Most of the time, they were harmless complaints, all of which chiding Cyno for something he did wrong. Cyno immediately corrected whatever Tighnari felt wronged about, knowing that his expertise about caring for sick patients, and his own comfort was probably better than what Cyno could offer based on intuition.
However, every once in a while, Tighnari woke with a start, and he passed on ominous comments, staring at Cyno with all the seriousness a sick man could muster before passing out again. Cyno didn’t really know if he should ask what ‘sounds of the children singing’ he was referring to, or what was meant by ‘bloodstained brides being the best medicine’.
Hopefully, they were words born of whatever incoherent frenzy that lingered in his mind as his body fought off the fever.
When evening came around, Tighnari woke once more, and this time thankfully, no more complaints or strange phrases. The focus in his eyes was a welcome sight. The fever had lowered considerably - still on the high side, but not scalding as it was last night. For that, Cyno could finally let go of the tension that he was holding onto, letting it ease out of his body with a welcome exhale.
“Cyno.” His voice still croaked, but there was a fine distinction in the way he spoke. Earlier, it was mumbled and seemingly far away, but now, it was firmer and there was more awareness of everything around him - a good sign.
“I’m here.” Cyno murmured, settling at his side near immediately.
“What time is it?”
“Almost time for dinner.”
“I feel... Better.”
“It was probably thanks to the ham from breakfast.
“Why the ham?”
“Because it's cured meat.”
Tighnari let out a sigh, and shook his head. Cyno noted that the joke couldn’t have been that bad if Tighnari wasn’t groaning or telling him to stop. Instead, Tighnari reached for Cyno, who automatically came close enough for the fox to grasp without straining himself too much.
“Thank you.” He murmured softly, as he took Cyno’s hand in his and kissed it softly. “I know you came all the way out here to take care of me. I’m glad but I hope I didn’t get in the way of your work.”
The Matra only shook his head as he squeezed his boyfriend’s hand softly, “You take priority - always.”
The thumping heart in Cyno’s chest picked up its pace, as he was greeted by the sight of Tighnari’s smile, soft and genuine, curling his lips upwards in all the ways that made his eyes light up. His free hand came to cup Tighnari’s cheek, sweeping wide arcs along the curve of it
“I love you. I was worried when I saw Collei’s letter.” Cyno said, a softness in his tone that he knew only came in Tighnari’s presence.
“I know. But you should’ve known I’d be fine.”
“I know that too. I just wanted to be here for you. You’re always there for me when I’m sick.”
Tighnari scoffed, “That’s because you always drag yourself back here no matter where you get injured. The Bimarstan would have saved you just as well, if not better.”
“If I did that, and just went to the Bimarstan every time, I wouldn’t have had all that time spent in recovery to be with you.”
“You-” Tighnari stopped himself, as his initial frustration turned into embarrassment, pink coloring his cheeks as his skin warmed under his palm. His ears lowered, with that long tail swishing nervously. He let out a soft huff, before the Forest Watcher released the hand that he kept captive, instead, wrapping both his arms around Cyno’s waist, hugging him tightly. “You’re such an idiot sometimes.”
“I’m your idiot.”
A soft sigh, followed by a chuckle as Tighnari nuzzled against Cyno’s torso. “Yes. You are. Will you be staying long?”
“I took sick leave from my duties, so I’ll leave once you’re fully recovered.”
“I’m fully recovered.”
Humming low, Cyno gently nudged Tighnari off of him, and eased the other back onto the bed, though there was the lack of usual resistance that came with forcing Tighnari to sleep. That was something Cyno was more than used to, mind you. The white-haired Matra pressed another kiss to the other’s head, then on both eyelids, his cheeks, his nose, and finally, barely brushing against the other’s lips before he pulled away, “You’re still sick. Let me have an excuse to stay with you longer this time.”
“Kiss me, then.”
Raising a brow, Cyno gave him a few clicks of the tongue, “What ever happened to you telling me not to be irresponsible and get sick?”
“You’re the one who wanted to stay longer. What does it matter if you get sick?”
“One sick patient is enough between the both of us, I think, Tighnari.” Cyno laughed - though, he wouldn’t have expected anything less. This was Tighnari - always witty, always sharp-tongued and ready to fling words back at him. “But, I suppose one won’t hurt.”
Leaning in, Cyno closed the distance between their lips in a fleeting kiss, not nearly enough to make up for the time they’ve spent apart, but it was enough for now. When he pulled away, Tighnari hummed, pleased. “That’s better. I love you too.”
And then, as soon as he came, Tighnari’s consciousness slipped away, once more falling to sleep in the Cyno’s comforting embrace.
The birds begin to sing the song of twilight as they settle into their nests high up in the trees, and Collei returns to the hut with dinner for the two of them, and more medicine for Tighnari. Still, it’s comfortable enough between the two of them that Cyno is in no hurry to wake him to take his food and medicine.
When he finally untangled their limbs, stirring Tighnari with it, the brightness in his eyes was a welcome sight. The fox was all warmth and adoration, even despite the discomfort Cyno knew the other was feeling. Slowly, surely, the sickness would ebb itself out of his beloved’s system. With time, he would make his trek back to Sumeru City, but that was a worry for another day.
For now, these were the things that mattered: the lullaby of the forest, the crackling of the firepits scattered around Gandharva Ville, keeping the village alight even through the night, and most importantly, Tighnari with his messy bed hair and the soft smile on his lips.