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“Ah choo!” Dion sneezed.
Clive and Joshua halted in their tracks, whirled around to look at their stepbrother.
“Are you okay?” Joshua asked with concern as he approaches. Dion quickly brushed it off by reassuring that it was just dust got into his nose. However, that didn’t stop Clive from placing his hand on Dion’s forehead.
Clive also checked his own temperature before frowning. “No. You’re not.” He uttered. “You are having a mild fever. Better get you to the infirmary for Tarja to examine you before it gets worse.”
By the mercy of Greagor; Not the fire and brimstone of Tarja’s bitter medicines and nerve-racking lectures. Dion immediately declined his administration to the infirmary. Ignoring his pleas, Clive scooped him up in his arms and began carrying the protesting Prince towards that doomed place.
“Put me down!” Dion struggled to get free from his big stepbrother’s strong grip however it was futile. Joshua laughed at that comical sight as he followed behind.
“It’s a fever all right.” Tarja confirmed Dion’s condition. She got up and made her way to the shelves to collect the cold medicine for the sickly Prince.
Dion stubbornly didn’t want to stay in the infirmary and tries to get away but the Rosfield brothers hold him down.
“It’s only a mild cold.” He tried to convince both that he will be fine however Clive isn’t going to accept that excuse.
“Rest.” The older Rosfield said as he settled a soft warm blanket on Dion. Finally, the persistent stepbrother gave in and just laid still with an annoyed face. Clive went on to tease him a bit by ruffling his blonde hair lightly.
“Clive.” Dion muttered.
Tarja returned with a small vial of green potion. She pulled out the cork before handing over to Dion who reluctantly took it. “You know the routine.” She spoke.
Dion let out a deep sigh. He closed his eyes tight and swallowed the entire content down his throat in one gulp. “Yuck.” He stuck out his tongue in disgust. He can’t never get used to those medicines taste.
“I will check on you for the next few days. So be good, rest on your bed. Don’t linger off.” Tarja instructed. “You know what will come if you fail to comply.”
Dion paled.
Tarja patted Clive on the back. “Keep an eye on him.” He offered his sincere thanks to the Healer as she left them alone.
“You want some Rosaria Stew?” Clive asked.
Dion glanced up at him. Rosaria Stew; That brings back fond memories. He remembered Clive made that flavourful creamy meal for him back at Whitewyrm castle. In return, Dion bought Sanbreque famous rich tea chiffon cake for Clive's birthday.
Those were the happy days they both had together before the senseless war changes everything.
“No carrots?” Joshua requested with his big innocent blue eyes.
“With carrots.” Clive crossed his arms while stating that Dion needs healthy nourishment for his ailment. Joshua expressed out a crestfallen demeanour and nodded his head in defeat. He still doesn't want the carrots...
Clive can clearly tell what Joshua was thinking. “I will serve the boiled carrots from the stew separately. How does that sound?” He smirked. In the end big brothers always let their younger siblings have their way.
Joshua beamed up. “Thanks, brother.”
“Thank you,” Dion appreciated.
“Alright. Keep him company while I’m gone.” Clive headed for the kitchen.
When Clive returned, he noticed Torgal including Nektar had invited themselves into the infirmary to visit Dion.
Nektar had cuddled up on Dion's lap as the prince caressed its white soft fluffy fur. Torgal as usual, napped beside the bed stand. While Joshua chatted with Dion on Valisthea lore.
“Stew is ready.” Clive called out as he served it to his two younger siblings. Joshua happily took a quick sniff and spoke, “I can never ever best my brother on cooking.”
“Well, practice make perfect.” Clive sat beside Dion.
“I did but the food always end up burnt and blackened.”
“That’s because you need to control your fire power.” Clive pointed out his little brother’s obvious mistake. “You always ended up unleashing it in full blast rather than cautious. Furthermore, the way you cook is like fighting in the battlefield. I can't help but feel sorry for the ingredients."
Joshua just made a silly grin back at his older brother’s remarks before supping up a spoonful of the creamy stew into his mouth.
“Oh, how I miss this.” He complimented as he took another bite.
“There’s still more if you want seconds.” Clive casts a quick glance at Dion. “Be careful. It’s quite hot.”
Dion gave a few gentle blows and sipped the stew. “It’s delicious.” He was grateful that the taste still remained the same; Homely.
Night has fallen. Joshua wanted to accompany to Dion so he went off to sleep on another bed along with Torgal. As for Clive, he wasn’t tired yet. Dion watched quietly as Clive grabbed a chair and placed it next to the bed.
He excused himself for awhile as he went off to get a book from his chamber. He returned back to the infirmary shortly and sat down. Clive flipped open the book, browsing through the contents within.
“What are you reading?” Dion curiously asked.
“Oh…I'm just checking through the supply book.” Clive replied. “I need to go for a few hunts to earn some gils to purchase materials for Charon’s shop. But due to the current situation, I requested her to send a note to her trader to push back the orders also the shipping schedule.”
“I see. I’m sorry.”
“Why are you apologizing?”
“Because I got sick that you have to delay the shipment as well as the bounty hunts.” Dion said.
“There’s no need for that. Most important is your well-being.” Clive smiled.
“Is Joshua asleep?”
“Yes. Can hear his light snoring from here.” He joked. Both chuckled and gazed at each other tenderly.
“You should go to sleep.” Clive pointed to Nektar who’s now rolled up into a furry ball beside Dion. They can see its Pom Pom sticking out. A cute sight.
“I will.” Dion gently touched Clive’s scarred right cheek. “Can you stay here? Maybe I will get better faster if you’re at my side.”
Clive took Dion’s hand, kissed it and held on tightly. “Of course, I will."
The first person I want to see when I wake up in the morning, is you.