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“I feel bad… you guys shouldn’t have to take care of me,” Adira said as they settled under the covers.
Hugh shrugged. “It’s not a big deal. We just want to make sure you are being taken care of.”
“Plus, loving you is never a task, it’s a privilege,” Paul said with a smile in their direction.
Adira drew the blankets up to their face to hide their own smile. “Don’t make this sappy,” they grumbled, trying to sound annoyed but not succeeding.
“Just a heads up, this is just how he gets around kids,” Hugh said with a smile in Paul’s direction. “He really cares about you.”
Paul rolled his eyes at Hugh. “Now you’re making it sappy,” he complained. “But he’s right,” Paul said to Adira.
“I don’t know what to do with you two,” Adira sighed. “I’m not used to having two caring parents.” They turned bright red as soon as they finished speaking, and began to stutter. “Parent-figures, I meant parent-figures, I know you’re not-”
“Adira, it’s fine,” Hugh laughed. He wrapped an arm around Paul’s waist and pulled him close. “If you want to call us your parents you can.”
Paul smiled and leaned his head against Hugh’s shoulder. “I mean, we already think of you as our kid anyways, so…”
Adira’s cheeks grew even redder and they hid behind the blanket again. “See, this is what I’m referring to when I say I don’t know how to deal with you two,” they said, voice muffled. Paul and Hugh both laughed lightly.
“You should get some rest now,” Hugh said.
“Um can I- actually, nevermind,” they started.
“What’s up?” Paul asked.
Adira blew out a breath from their mouth in embarrassment. “Would it be okay if I crashed in your quarters tonight? Just until I get better…” When Hugh and Paul didn’t immediately respond, they waved their hands in the air. “Sorry, stupid question, forget I even asked.”
Hugh and Paul shared a fond look between the two of them. “You can always stay with us,” Paul said kindly. “You’re always welcome.” Paul leaned over and ruffled their hair. “You’re our kid after all.”
“Okay, okay, quit it!” Adira laughed, swatting his hand away. They paused and smiled at the two after a moment. “Thank you though.”
They got twin fond smiles in response. “Come on, let's go to our quarters. You need rest if you’re gonna get over this cold,” Hugh said, holding a hand out for Adira.
Adira smiled and took his hand, then promptly got sandwiched between Paul and Hugh with a blanket draped over their shoulders. They couldn’t help but smile though. It was nice to be cared about like this.