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It started with a pounding behind his eyes one night while doing homework. He took off his glasses, hoping to relieve the pressure, but it did nothing. If anything, it got worse, leaving him with double vision. Figuring that he didn’t actually need to finish this report tonight (it is due in two weeks after all) he decided it's time for bed. He barely turned on the light to his own bathroom before he hissed and quickly shut it off.
“It’s fine, it’s fine. Just a headache.” Azul muttered as he started his bedtime routine.
By the time he finished, he felt like he had been smashed up against the rocks during a bad storm. He stumbled out of the bathroom before crawling into bed. He was asleep before his head hit the pillow.
—sSs—
The next morning, Azul was woken by his alarm, but quickly shut it off and rolled over. He felt so tired, his throat was sore and his head was pounding. The idea of getting up, getting dressed and going to class sounded like actual torture right now, but he also couldn’t let his attendance slip. He groaned loudly, but slowly crawled out from under the comfort of his blankets and started to get ready.
Everything seemed to be too loud, too bright and too much for him right now, but he forced himself to do his morning routine and get dressed. A knock came to his door and he hissed at the sound.
“What!” he yelled.
“Azullllll~ Good morning!” Floyd yelled as he kicked the door open and walked in with Jade following him.
Azul groaned loudly as he sat at his vanity, trying to stop himself from just stabbing Floyd for yelling.
“Floyd, please. Inside voice.” Azul begged.
Floyd leaned over his shoulder.
“Ohhh Azul, you look like shit.” Floyd stated.
Jade leaned over his other shoulder.
“Mah, Floyd, be kinder to Azul. But he is right, Azul. You don’t look very well.” Jade stated worriedly.
“Yeahhh! Like a fish stuck on land!” Floyd cackled.
Azul groaned, placing a hand against his forehead.
“Floyd, please. I am begging you to shut up.” Azul muttered.
The twins glanced at each other, their faces falling.
“Azul, are you not feeling well?” Jade asked.
“I have a bit of a headache. It is nothing. We need to go or we will be late.” Azul stood up.
The whole world started to spin and Azul quickly slammed his hands on his vanity to keep from falling over. The twins tensed, their hands coming up as if to catch him if he fell.
“I’m fine, I’m fine.” Azul waved them off before he slowly straightened up.
He dusted himself off before grabbing his bag before turning to them.
“Are we ready to go?” Azul asked.
The twins glanced at each other again.
“Are you sure you wish to go to class, Azul? You seem very pale.” Jade asked.
“I’m fine, Jade. Like I said, it’s just a headache.” Azul headed for the door.
“Alrighttt.” Floyd muttered, rubbing the back of his neck.
Exiting his room, Azul squinted slightly, despite the fact that the hallway lights were always kept on the lowest level at the request of the various merfolk in the dorm. As they walked through the dorm, Azul gritted his teeth when he heard people speaking loudly in the hallway. He sped up a bit, trying to get out of the dorm faster. The twins upped their strides by half a step to keep up with him. However, everything went downhill when they hit the Mirror Hall.
The second Azul stepped out of the mirror and into the Hall, he stumbled back. The lights were absolutely blinding and the sound of so many people exiting the various mirrors, talking, laughing and complaining about classes, was too much. Azul slapped his hands over his ears as he closed his eyes, stumbling backward, instinctually trying to go back to where it was darker and quieter.
“Whoa! Azul!” Floyd yelped as Azul stumbled back into him.
“It’s too loud! Too bright!” Azul hissed.
Azul quickly turned and buried his face in Floyd’s chest, trying to hide. Floyd wrapped his arms around Azul, trying to help, but unsure of why Azul is acting this way.
“Azul, please. It’s clear you are not feeling well. Let’s go back to the dorm.” Jade said urgently.
“I. Am. Fine!” Azul snapped.
“Clearly not.” Jade huffed.
“Is everything ok over here?” a voice asked.
The twins looked up to see Trey walking towards them, his brow furled in worry. Behind him, Riddle and Cater were watching them.
“Ah, yes. It seems Azul is sick. We are trying to get him back to the dorm.” Jade stated.
“I am not sick.” Azul muttered angrily.
“Then why are you hiding, complaining it’s too loud?” Floyd huffed, annoyed.
Azul gritted his teeth as he slowly pulled away. He lowered his hands and opened his eyes in a squint.
“J-Just startled. We have class.” Azul stated.
“Azul, if you are not feeling well, it’s better for you to go back to bed and rest.” Trey said gently.
“I am fine. Just a headache. I will stop by the infirmary and get a potion after class.” Azul said, adjusting his glasses.
“What is the hold up over here? Classes are starting in exactly 14 minutes. We must not dilly-dally.” Riddle demanded as he walked over, arms crossed.
“Riddle, good morning. It’s nothing.” Azul said quickly.
“It doesn’t look like nothing, Azul.” Trey said worriedly.
Trey pulled his glove off and pressed a hand to Azul’s forehead, much to Azul’s confusion.
“You are burning up.” Trey muttered.
Riddle quickly took a step back, pulled out a tissue and covered his mouth and nose.
“If you are sick, Azul, you must be quarantined immediately! If not, you could infect the rest of the school! I insist you go back to your dorm and stay there until you are better!” Riddle said hotly.
“This is ridiculous! I am going to class.” Azul quickly pulled away from Trey’s hand and turned on his heel, completely ready to walk past them and head off to class.
That was until the world started to spin again. Azul stumbled as black dots started to appear in his vision before it fully went black.
“Azul?” Azul heard his name being called, but it sounded like it was underwater and very far away.
“Oh no.” Azul muttered as his knees gave out and he crumpled to the floor.
“AZUL!” the twins darted in and caught Azul before he hit the ground.
“Oh, that’s not good.” Cater muttered.
Trey immediately knelt down and frowned. He grabbed the tissue from Riddle, who yelped and quickly covered his mouth and nose with his hands. Trey used the tissue to wipe off some of Azul’s makeup. It revealed flushed cheeks and clammy skin.
“He’s very ill.” Trey said worriedly.
“That’s it! As a fellow housewarden, I am demanding that Housewarden Ashengrotto return to his dorm and quarantine until he is feeling better!” Riddle demanded.
“Yeah, yeah. We got it.” Floyd stated as he got up, cradling Azul to his chest.
“B-But I have class.” Azul mumbled.
“Here, how about this, Riddle has the same classes as you. He’ll bring you the notes and homework. Won’t you, Riddle?” Cater said.
“If that is what it will take to keep people from getting sick, fine! I will drop them off by the end of the day!” Riddle agreed quickly.
Azul just groaned and buried his face in Floyd’s chest. Riddle was too fucking loud.
“We will be returning to the dorm. Thank you for your assistance this morning.” Jade pressed his hand to his chest before the twins quickly moved back to the mirror and returned to Octavinelle.
Trey sighed deeply and stuffed the tissue into his pocket as Riddle started to rant and rave about people going to class sick. Cater just nodded along as the three of them left the area.
—sSs—
Getting Azul to bed was a challenge in and of itself. It seemed that Azul was disorientated and moody, refusing to help the twins even a little bit as they tried to change his clothes, wash his makeup off and get him into the shower to cool him down.
“Noooo!” Azul whined loudly as Floyd tried shoving Azul in the running shower.
“Azul! Get. In. There!” Floyd snarled.
“I don’t want to!” Azul cried loudly.
Jade was watching from the doorway, smirking the whole time as he watched his twin and Azul argue back and forth. Floyd shot him a dark look and Jade knew it was time to step in before Floyd did something he likely wouldn’t regret, but would certainly upset Azul.
“Azul, I understand you do not wish to take a shower, but it will help you feel better. Afterwards, you can change into your pjs and go to bed. How does that sound?” Jade said sweetly.
Azul looked at him, teary eyed.
“I-I guess that sounds ok…” Azul muttered.
“Wonderful! Now, let’s get you all cleaned up, hm?” Jade said.
Azul huffed and crossed his arms.
“I can wash myself.” Azul muttered.
Floyd looked like he was going to say something, but Jade just slapped his hand over his mouth.
“Sounds good. We will be right outside.” Jade said.
Shoving his twin out the door, Jade closed the door just enough that Azul couldn’t see that it was still open and the twins settled against either side. They heard him get in and wash up, but after a little while, all they could hear was the sounds of water running. Floyd’s foot started to tap.
“Azul? Are you alright in there?” Jade called.
No answer. The twins glanced at each other before they opened the door. Azul was curled up in the bottom of the shower, sound asleep.
“At least he can’t drown.” Floyd grumbled as Jade chuckled.
Jade turned off the water and grabbed a towel. He wrapped Azul in the towel and pulled him from the shower. Azul grumbled, but snuggled into Jade’s chest and just let himself be carried to the other room. It was times like these that Jade remembered why Floyd and he had picked Azul to be their best friend and darling. Azul was so cute, especially when he was sleepy. Helping Azul into his sleep pants and under the covers, Azul was out cold shortly.
“He’s a pain in the ass when sick.” Floyd muttered, annoyed.
“Floyd, you are absolutely no better.” Jade said as he fixed the blankets around Azul’s chin.
“Neither are you!” Floyd yelled.
“Keep your voice down.” Jade demanded as Floyd quieted down.
“Should we go get some potions or something from the infirmary?” Floyd asked.
Jade rolled his eyes before getting up. Opening Azul’s medicine cabinet, Jade looked at Floyd.
“You know as well as I do that Azul was just using that as an excuse. He keeps his medicine cabinet stocked with potions specifically for merpeople.” Jade stated as he grabbed two, one for a fever and the other to help Azul with his headache.
“Yeah, yeah. I just figured maybe they had something fast acting so we don’t have to deal with him all day.” Floyd replied.
“I doubt it will be all day. Azul is never sick for very long.” Jade stated.
Floyd dropped into Azul’s vanity chair as Jade started to gather other needed materials like a washcloth with a basin of water and some tea for later on. Meanwhile, Azul slept like a baby the whole time, buried in blankets. After a while, Floyd started to get restless.
“I’m going for a walk.” Floyd finally said as he got up.
“Good idea. If you can, please stop at the cafeteria for some soup.” Jade stated.
Floyd just waved his hand as he left. The door closed quietly behind him and Jade sighed deeply as he took the vanity chair for himself. Jade pulled some homework from his bag, figuring it would give him something to do. He had finished his potions and history homework by the time Azul woke up.
“Hmmm?” Azul muttered as his eyes opened.
“Azul, how are you feeling?” Jade asked as he put his homework away.
“Hm mrf.” Azul replied.
Jade snorted quietly, amused as Azul sleepily sat up.
“Jade?” Azul slurred.
“You seem to be feeling better already.” Jade stated.
Azul blinked slowly, his eyes slightly foggy.
“What happened?” Azul finally asked.
“Apparently, you decided to go to class when you weren’t feeling well. Here, I got you some potions from your cabinet. Floyd is getting you some soup as well.” Jade handed one to him and then the second when Azul finished that.
“Ugh.” Azul wiggled his nose, taking the cup of tea to wash it down.
Jade chuckled at his face as Azul settled back down. His eyes were already starting to close again before the door slammed open.
“Floyd.” Jade sighed deeply.
“Jadeee. We got troubleeee.” Floyd sang as he walked in, a bowl of soup on a tray.
“Trouble?” Azul asked as he sat up.
“Azul! You’re awake!” Floyd beamed as he put the tray down.
“What kind of trouble, Floyd?” Jade asked.
“Hm? Oh, some of the firsties are fighting. Azul, how are you feeling? I got soup!” Floyd stated boredly.
“Are they fighting each other? Another dorm? Older students?” Jade pushed.
“You think I noticed? They were fighting in the Mirror Hall, blocking the mirror, so I kicked them out of my way or they would have made me spill the soup.” Floyd said, rubbing his shoulder.
“Floyddd! You can’t kick people unless I give you permission for it! Ugh, hold on, I am getting up.” Azul stated as he sat up, preparing to get out of bed.
“Azul, I think it’s better for you to stay in bed. I’ll handle it. You should have some soup and relax.” Jade said, getting up.
“I’m fine, Jade. I’m already feeling better.” Azul replied.
Jade felt his smile twitch as Azul got up and started to change.
“Are you sure? You don’t look that good still.” Floyd said, leaning into Azul’s face.
Azul rolled his eyes and moved away from Floyd.
“I had two potions. I am fine.” Azul replied as he moved to the bathroom with some clothes.
“Two potions on an empty stomach? Isn’t that a bad thing?” Floyd asked.
“That’s why you should have some soup, Azul.” Jade insisted.
“I’m not hungry. Let’s go.” Azul stated, coming back out fully dressed.
The twins shot each other a look, but followed him out the door. Azul didn’t seem to have any problems in the hallway, but when they got into the Mirror Hall, they found a large commotion. There were two Octavinelle freshmen along with two Pomefiore students that Azul didn’t recognize sitting on the floor, yelling at each other. Vil and Rook were already on scene.
“Azul! Finally!” Vil stated with a huff.
“Apologies, Vil, Rook. Now, what is the issue here?” Azul asked, arms crossed.
He was squinting a bit, his forehead already breaking out in a sweat.
“It seems there has been a misunderstanding.” Vil stated, looking the four over.
“He stole my fucking homework!” the Octavinelle student yelled.
“I did not!” the Pomefiore student yelled back.
“You did too!” the Octavinelle student snapped.
“Oh my.” Rook muttered.
Azul sighed deeply, reaching up to rub his forehead as the four students started to yell at each other again. Azul’s head was starting to pound again and his stomach was churning violently. He could also feel something in the back of his throat.
“Enough!” Vil finally snapped.
The four students stopped yelling immediately. Vil turned to Azul and the twins, eyebrow raised.
“Azul, what is your opinion on this? I do not believe my students did anything wrong and your students can’t prove anything. So I believe it is a he said, he said situation.” Vil explained.
Azul swallowed, trying not to be sick. It would be so embarrassing to be sick in front of everyone!
“I am not sure that is the truth. I am sure we can figure this out rather quickly if I am given the chance.” Jade said when Azul didn’t speak up.
Vil seemed unimpressed, his eyes still on Azul. Azul’s hand moved down from his forehead to his mouth.
“Azul, as Housewarden, I am hoping you would understand that I am not ok with Jade using his magic on my students.” Vil stated.
“If you don’t want Jade’s then I can use mine.” Floyd said, a large grin on his face.
The four students looked terrified, shaking their heads violently back and forth. Azul’s head dropped a bit.
“Absolutely not! Azul! Please say something!” Vil demanded.
“I-” Azul couldn’t even get a word out before he coughed and got pink potion all over his hand.
“Azul!” Jade quickly grabbed him as Azul continued to cough, covering his mouth with his hands.
“Ugh! What is happening here!” Vil jerked back, looking ill.
“Azul isn’t feeling well.” Floyd said.
“He had potions on an empty stomach. Unfortunately, I fear they are coming back up.” Jade finished.
“Potions! On an empty stomach! Really, Azul! I would think out of everyone, you would know better than that!” Vil said agasp.
“Oh my, how unfortunate, Roi d’Effort. You should get back to bed if you are not feeling well.” Rook stated.
“We are trying. Come on, Azul, back to bed.” Jade directed Azul back to the portal.
“H-Hey! What about us!” the Octavinelle student demanded.
“As Vice Housewarden, I am leaving it to you, Floyd.” Jade looked at Floyd and nodded.
“You got it.” Floyd just grinned.
The four students gulped loudly in fear. Jade brought Azul back to his room, helped him change (again) and clean up before handing Azul the now lukewarm soup as he sat in his bed. Azul ate it under Jade’s careful watch when Floyd came back, grinning with delight and smelling slightly of blood.
“It’s all handled now, Azul.” Floyd said with a laugh.
“Ugh, how embarrassing! And in front of Vil!” Azul moaned, covering his face with his hands as Jade took the tray away.
“Well, that’s what you get for not relaxing and letting us handle it. We can handle the dorm while you are resting.” Jade replied as he dumped the tray on Azul’s vanity.
“I didn’t think it would be that bad. I learned my lesson ok?” Azul grumbled.
“Oh, speaking of Vil, he told me to give you this.” Floyd said, taking a small jar out of his pocket and handing it off to Azul.
“Hm? What is it?” Azul asked.
“He said it’s supposed to help your skin or something? I wasn’t really listening.” Floyd replied, yawning.
“Hmm, looks like there is a note on the side. It has a healing agent in it to keep the skin healthy during illness. I will have to send him a thank you note.” Azul sighed as he put it on the nightstand.
“I’m tired. Azul, move over. I wanna nap.” Floyd said, moving towards the bed.
“Floyd, leave Azul alone. You can nap in our room.” Jade sighed.
“Nooo, I wanna sleep here!” Floyd whined.
“Floyd…” Jade started, but was cut off as Floyd flopped onto the bed.
“Jade, it’s fine. I’m still tired myself, so I’m going to rest a bit more. Why don’t you head to class?” Azul said, yawning.
“Very well. I’ll be back later.” Jade stated.
Floyd cheered and grabbed Azul, cuddling with him as they settled under the blankets. Jade turned out the lights as he left the room. Heading for his next class for the day, he found Ruggie suddenly walking beside him.
“Ruggie, how are you on this fine day?” Jade said pleasantly.
“Jade, my man! I’m doing good, but I heard through the grapevine the boss man is sick. Does that mean the Lounge will be closed tonight? Because that would put a damper on my day.” Ruggie stated.
“Hm, I believe it should be open. We have that big event tonight after all. Even if Azul is sick, Floyd and I can handle it. I do hope you are still interested in working.” Jade explained.
“Well, of course! I’ll be there at 5, like always.” Ruggie nodded.
“Excellent.” Jade paused and then smiled at Ruggie.
“Actually, Ruggie, I have an offer for you.” Jade said.
“An offer? I’m listening.” Ruggie replied, ears twitching.
“If you help make sure this evening runs so smoothly that Azul won’t have to worry, I will make sure a little something extra is in your paycheck. Deal?” Jade grinned, hand out.
Ruggie paused for a moment before grinning.
“Jade, you really know how to make it worth my while. Deal.” Ruggie shook his hand.
“A pleasure doing business with you.” Jade chuckled.
“Same here. See you tonight.” Ruggie winked before walking off, a little extra pep in his step.
Jade watched him go before heading to class himself.
—sSs—
Azul woke up about an hour later. Feeling better, but really needing to pee, Azul slipped out from under Floyd’s arm (Thank Sevens he is a heavy sleeper) and moved to the bathroom. A quick glance at the clock told him that he still had enough time to make it to PE if he left now. The idea of running made his stomach turn, but he had already missed two classes today. He could at least do this, right?
Changing into his PE clothes, he left Floyd to sleep and headed for the fields. When he got there, he was a bit late, which Vargas gave him shit for, but sent him on his way to do his laps. He was already far behind everyone else, so he took his time, hoping he wouldn't be sick again.
“Azul? I thought I heard you were sick.” Azul looked up to see Lilia floating there.
“Yes, well, I was feeling better and did not wish to miss class.” Azul replied between pants.
Lilia floated over to him, leaning in close.
“I don’t know, Azul. You seem rather pale to me.” Lilia stated.
“I promise you, I am fine. Please continue with your laps.” Azul huffed.
“We have already finished our laps. We were just watching the other students.” Azul jumped a bit when Malleus’ voice came from his other side.
“Ah! Malleus! H-H-How nice to see you!” Azul stated nervously.
Malleus was floating on Azul’s other side, arms crossed.
“A pleasure to see you as well, Ashengrotto. I apologize, but you do not seem fine to me. Your skin is pale and clammy, but your face is flushed deeply and you seem to be breathing very heavily. Are those not classic signs of illness?” Malleus asked, head tilted to the side.
“Yes, normally, but he is also running, Malleus, and merfolk aren’t known for their stamina.” Lilia replied with a smirk.
“Excuse you, but merfolk are most certainly known for our stamina! It’s just different on land!” Azul stated hotly.
“Is that so? But I remember when Silver would get sick when he was young and he had the same symptoms.” Malleus stated, cupping his own chin.
“That is true, but Silver was very sickly as a child to start with.” Lilia rubbed his chin.
“He would sleep for days, especially when sick. I am surprised you are able to get out of bed, Ashengrotto.” Malleus said.
Azul couldn’t reply, too busy panting heavily. Lilia and Malleus shared a look.
“I believe you are not as “fine” as you keep claiming, Azul.” Lilia said seriously.
“Malleus, Lilia, I appreciate your concern, but I promise you, I am feeling much better. I have had some soup and potions. I am right as rain.” Azul stated.
Malleus and Lilia shared another look over his head.
“I am not convinced. I think you would be better off returning to bed.” Malleus replied.
Azul huffed, feeling a little light headed. Maybe he should have brought some water. Slowing to a stop, Azul bent over to rest his hands on his knees, feeling his stomach churning again. Fuck, maybe this had been a bad idea.
“D-Do either of you have any water?” Azul asked, voice shaking.
Lilia and Malleus shared an alarmed look before Lilia snapped his fingers and a bottle of water appeared. Azul grabbed it and tried to get it open, but his hands were shaking and sweaty, making it impossible. Azul, sharing to feel frustrated, scowled as tears came to his eyes, not realizing Malleus had disappeared.
“Here, allow me.” Lilia took the bottle and opened it.
“Thank you.” Azul tried to take it back, but Lilia pulled it back.
“Here. I’ll hold it.” Lilia held it up and though it was embarrassing, Azul sighed and allowed Lilia to hold the bottle as he drank some.
“What is going on over here? Did I say you could stop!” Vargas barked as he walked over, Malleus beside him, making Azul choke on some water.
“C-Coach.” Azul coughed.
“Vargas, I believe Azul here is ill.” Lilia stated.
“I-I am fine!” Azul said between coughs.
Vargas frowned and walked over to put a hand against Azul’s forehead. He scowled immediately at the heat under his hand.
“Ashengrotto! You’re burning up! Are you trying to make yourself worse! Get off my field until you are better! Get! Go!” Vargas demanded.
“We will see him back to the school.” Lilia said as Malleus nodded.
“Very well.” Vargas walked off and Azul sighed.
“Thank you, I suppose.” Azul muttered.
“Come, let us escort you back to the school.” Malleus nodded his head and Azul yelped as he started to float.
“I-I can walk!” Azul said, clinging to the water bottle in terror.
“I think not. This will be much faster. Do not worry, I will not drop you.” Malleus replied.
Azul just closed his eyes as they floated back to the school. This was not helping his stomach one bit! When they got back to the school, Lilia whistled.
“Oh dear. I believe you might be in trouble, Azul.” Lilia said snickering.
Azul peeked one eye open and found the twins standing there, both smiling darkly. Azul’s eyes became wide as Malleus placed Azul right in front of them.
“Jade! Floyd! Hello!” Lilia said with a big smile as Malleus nodded in greeting.
“Lilia, Malleus, good day.” Jade said sweetly.
Jade slowly turned to Azul, who swallowed nervously.
“And hello to you, Azul! My, you just can’t seem to stay in bed today, even though you are not feeling well and we have put you back to bed… twice.” Jade said coldly.
“J-Jade. Floyd. I was feeling better, so I thought I would go to PE…” Azul chuckled nervously.
Floyd and Jade shared a look before looking at Lilia and Malleus again.
“Thank you for bringing him back to us. We will be taking our leave.” Jade stated.
“Of course. Azul, I hope you feel better soon.” Lilia said with a wave.
“Thank you. Have a good day.” Azul was grabbed by both twins and dragged away.
Back in his room, Azul was stripped of his clothes, forced into the shower and then returned to bed for the third time.
“Since you insist on leaving every time we turn our backs, we have decided not to leave for the rest of the day until we have to go take care of the Lounge tonight. So we are not leaving you alone for even one moment. Do I make myself clear?” Jade demanded.
“What do you mean take care of the Lounge! I will absolutely be working tonight!” Azul stated.
“Azul, stop.” Floyd demanded.
Azul blinked at him.
“You cannot be around food when you are sick. That is a recipe for disaster and you know it. Or you would if this illness wasn’t frying your brain cells. So no, you will not be working the Lounge tonight. Understand?” Jade stated darkly.
“Yes…” Azul looked down. Jade sighed and sat down.
“Azul, we are just worried you are going to hurt yourself. That’s all.” Jade said gently.
“Yeah! So let us take care of you!” Floyd said, sitting on his other side.
Azul sighed deeply.
“Fine. I’ll just relax the rest of the day, but can I at least go to board game club tonight? Idia has been telling me about this board game he got that he really wanted to play.” Azul asked.
The twins glanced at each other.
“Very well. Just board game club and then right back to bed.” Jade agreed.
“Now here, have a sandwich.” Floyd grabbed a tray from his vanity and Azul sighed.
“Fine.” he muttered.
“Afterwards, I will give you another potion for your stomach and hopefully you can get some more sleep.” Jade held the potion up.
Azul grumbled, but ate half his sandwich before he pushed the rest away. He took his potion and then settled down for another nap. The twins watched and waited until Azul was out cold before Floyd groaned.
“Finally. I was about to knock him out myself.” Floyd muttered.
“Azul is being strangely stubborn. Usually, he is a lot more docile than this.” Jade rubbed his eyes.
“Yeah! Usually, you can’t get him out of bed when sick!” Floyd huffed.
Jade rubbed his chin thoughtfully before he grabbed Azul’s schedule and looked it over.
“Hmm, perhaps he feels as though he can’t take a sick day or he will fall behind.” Jade stated.
“But that’s stupid!” Floyd scowled.
“Azul often feels as though he has a lot to prove. I am sure that is part of it.” Jade closed the schedule.
“Well, that’s dumb. Azul’s better than all these losers. He doesn’t need to try.” Floyd grumbled.
Jade just chuckled.
—sSs—
Azul was woken some time later.
“Azul, it’s almost time for board game club.” Jade called, even as Azul muttered something and tried to roll over to go back to sleep.
“Come on, Azul.” Jade shook him again and Azul squinted at him.
“I’m up.” Azul mumbled.
Jade chuckled as Azul got up and moved to the bathroom to wash up and get dressed. After downing another potion, Azul headed out.
“Yo, Azul. You’re late.” Idia stated without looking up from his gaming system.
“My apologies. I was resting because the twins insist I am ill when I am fine.” Azul replied as he sat down.
Idia glanced up over his game and raised an eyebrow.
“You’re sick? Sounds like you need to hit up a healer, not play a board game.” Idia stated, leaning back slightly.
Idia pulled a mask out of his pocket and quickly put it on along with some gloves. Azul rolled his eyes.
“I’ve taken my potions. I am not contagious. Now, what is this new game of yours?” Azul asked, adjusting his glasses.
Idia grinned and shut off his game before pulling a box out.
“It’s called The Muses. The idea is that you collect all 9 of the muses for your color to win.” Idia started to explain all the rules as he pulled the game and pieces out.
As they started, Azul could feel the tension fading from his shoulders. He was just enjoying his time with his fellow club member, arguing over the rules and trying to one up each other. However, about halfway through, Azul’s headache was starting to come back as he tried to make heads or tails of the card in front of him. The words were all blurring together, making it impossible for him to understand it.
“Twisted Wonderland to Azul.” Idia called as Azul blinked his eyes and looked up at Idia.
“Yes?” Azul replied.
“You going to take your turn or are you finally going to admit defeat?” Idia asked and Azul could see the smirk behind his mask.
“Oh hush you. I am just trying to figure out what this card means…” Azul muttered.
Idia raised an eyebrow.
“You played that exact same card three turns ago.” Idia stated.
Azul blinked at him before he sighed and reached up to rub his eyes.
“I think I will have to admit defeat this time. I can’t seem to focus anymore.” Azul said.
“Damn, that sucks, but you were starting to make some weird choices, so I guess we’ll have to play this again when you are better.” Idia replied.
Azul helped Idia clean everything up before they ended club early and Azul headed for his room after entering the dorm.
“Azul? Back so soon?” Jade called as he walked past the Lounge.
“Yes, we decided to end club early tonight.” Azul stated before he paused.
Looking around the Lounge, he frowned in confusion at the decorations hanging up. A very large “HAPPY BIRTHDAY!” banner was hanging above the door. He blinked and tried to remember if there was some kind of event tonight.
“Did I miss a memo?” Azul asked.
“Hm? Oh, Kalim rented out the Lounge for a birthday party tonight, remember?” Jade replied.
Azul blinked at him before cursing.
“I completely forgot! Why did you not remind me, Jade! There’s no way I can miss this!” Azul groaned as he headed for his office.
“Azul, we have already talked about this. You cannot be around food as you are.” Jade said seriously, following him.
“Then I will not help with food, I can just act as a host.” Azul replied.
“You know that’s not a good idea.” Floyd said as he appeared.
“I cannot let this opportunity slip through my fingers!” Azul stated hotly.
The twins looked at each other. Before either of them could say anything, there was a loud gasp from inside the Lounge.
“Look at the decorations! They look amazing!” Kalim’s voice exclaimed.
“They do look rather nice.” Jamil’s voice replied.
“They are here! Already! Shit!” Azul grabbed a spare hat and jacket from his office closet.
“Azul, listen to me. You cannot be in the Lounge tonight. You need rest.” Jade said seriously.
“Jade, I cannot let this chance get away from us! This could be our chance to have Kalim and Jamil as regular customers! I have to be here, sick or not.” Azul replied.
“Azul, Jade, Floyd are you here?” Jamil called.
Azul went to move past the twins, but they blocked the door.
“We will be out in a moment!” Jade called back.
“Jade, Floyd!” Azul hissed.
“No, Azul! Enough! You are sick. You have spent all day pushing yourself and it has done nothing, but make you worse. So please, trust us to do this.” Floyd demanded.
“We won’t let you down. We promise.” Jade said.
Azul paused, looking between them before he sighed and looked down.
“I guess I don’t have a lot of choice. We had to end club early because I couldn’t even read the cards anymore.” Azul muttered, ashamed.
“Then go to bed.” Jade stated, arms crossed.
Azul sighed and nodded.
“We’ll walk you out.” Floyd said.
Azul, Floyd and Jade left the office to find Jamil and Kalim standing there.
“About time.” Jamil grumbled.
“Azul! I haven’t seen you all day! You missed Potions this morning.” Kalim said worriedly.
“Ah yes. Unfortunately, it seems I have come down with something. I was hoping to be here tonight, but it does not seem like that will be possible.” Azul admitted.
“Wait, you’re sick?!” Jamil said, alarmed.
“It is just a small bug, I promise you.” Azul replied.
Jamil grabbed Kalim and immediately pulled him away while bringing his own shirt up to cover his mouth and nose.
“Then please leave immediately! Kalim and I cannot get sick because of you not taking care of yourself properly!” Jamil hissed, his hair practically standing on end.
“I was just on my way out, no reason to fear. Jade and Floyd will be taking care of your party tonight. Have a good night.” Azul said before walking past them.
Jamil continued to move away from Azul, making a face the whole time.
“I hope you all wiped down the Lounge.” was the last comment Azul heard as he left the Lounge.
As the doors closed behind him, Azul’s shoulders slumped as he sighed. He slowly made his way to his room. As he slipped inside the dark room, he noted that there was a bottle of water and juice on his nightstand as well as another bowl of soup and potion. He smiled, went and cleaned himself up before crawling into his bed, eating his soup, taking his potion and slipping into sleep.
Vaguely, he woke up some time later as two bodies crawled into bed with him. He got a kiss from both before the three of them slipped off into sleep.