Archive of Our Own

Honestly, Dumbdog wasn’t sure why he was anxious... he just... was.

He was pacing around the front door, going in and out of the connected living room, over and over. The man had cleaned the whole house the day prior and organized everything else in the morning. Now, it was almost midday and he was left with nothing more to tidy up. He had fluffed the same cushion at least five times by now, wondering when he would finally hear that doorbell ring.

The man sat down on the sofa, frowning at his phone.

got a taxi already
dw😘

sure
see you soon, baby❤️

An hour had passed since he sent his last text which was left on delivered. Maybe he should’ve insisted more on picking him up...

Just then, the sweet sound that Dumbdog had been waiting to hear echoed throughout the house - the doorbell. He jumped out of his seat then frantically stopped at the door, deciding to wait a minute as not to make it obvious that he was impatiently waiting for him. Counting the seconds in his head, he doesn’t get any further than twelve when he opens the door.

On the other side, he’s greeted by Steven Suptic holding a half empty coffee and carry-on bag in one hand and suitcase in the other. He’s wearing a plain red short sleeved shirt with what looks likes a coffee stain in the middle and some knee length jean shorts that look a bit faded from washing, a few smudged droplets. His hair is a mess of curls and his glasses stand lopsided, face looking flushed.

All in all, he looks terrible...

“Oh my god, are you okay? What happened to you?” Dumbdog’s first instinct is that of a mother hen. “Sorry, my battery died after I spilled coffee on myself...” Steve gives him an apologetic smile in return. “Also, I think I may have caught a bug while waiting at the airport.” he adds with a sniffle while walking past him. “A bug?” the man closes the door behind him. “I’m sick you dumb dog.” he glares at him with a soft smile.

“Shoulda just said you got the common cold.”

“It’s the same thing!”

Dumbdog softly smiles, still unable to process that he’s actually here in his house. He goes to hug him, but the other extends his hand, stopping him. “What are you doing, you’ll get infected! And I thought you didn’t like being touchy?” the man huffs. “I did not wait half a year for you to come here and just stare at me, we already do that online. Besides, we’re living in the same house... Now give me a hug.”

Steve hesitates, but ultimately agrees. There was nothing he could do to prevent passing it onto Dumbdog. The man envelops him and they comfortably embrace. “And just so you know, I’m not calling you Apollo. I’m trying to preserve the image of you being a dog in my brain.” the other chuckles. “Wouldn’t want it any other way.” Despite the request, he’s the first to let go.

“You’re right, but... when it’s you, I don’t mind it as much.” he almost regrets saying it as he’d kept it a secret for a long time, but it’s worth it when he sees the massive grin on Steve’s face. “That’s right. I’m better than all those other bitches in the morning lobby!” aaand now he regrets it. The man sighs, shaking his head though doesn’t comment on it. Instead, he chooses to take his suitcase and show him to the guest room.

“Make yourself comfortable.” Dumbdog says, already revising any possible remedies to help relieve the cold. “You should have a steamy shower and change clothes. You can put the dirty ones in the basket. Oh, and don’t forget to charge your phone.” Steve smiles softly. “Thanks, bud. I’ll be alright, don’t worry.” but when he turns around, he’s alone in the room. “Guess I’ll go have that shower then...”

***

Steve was mildly amused when he walked into the kitchen and was greeted by a bowl of chicken soup, waiting for him at the table.

“...did you just cook this for me?” he slowly asks, slightly baffled. Dumbdog turns from the stove to him and he notices he’s wearing a green apron. “You think the chicken cooked itself?” Steve chuckles then sits on the table, the other soon joining him with a glass of water and a single pill. “The closest pharmacy only works ‘til noon so I only have paracetamol, but I’ll get you more meds tomorrow.”

“It’s just a stuffy nose and a headache, but thank you.” he downs the pill and starts eating the soup. “This is just the start. We should treat it right away so that it doesn’t get worse. Besides, if I get sick too there’s going to be no one to buy the medicine for us.” Dumbdog wisely explains. “Remind me to give you an extra pillow after lunch. I also remembered I have a spare humidifier in the storage closet so I’ll put it in your room.”

“You pamper me, Apollo.” Steve laughs, but doesn’t protest. The other’s not sure if that’s a worry sign or not. “You should take it easy for the day.” The man agrees. “I still want to appear on stream though. I’m not that sick.” Dumbdog debates it and sees no harm. “Alright. But two hours tops.” he decides. “I’m fine with that. I don’t think I’d last five hours anyway.”

After finishing the soup, they eat some sandwiches that Dumbdog had prepared in the meantime. He had decided that it was probably better and healthier than ordering a pizza. They chatted away for about an hour then Steve lounged on the sofa for a while watching the other set up stream. He set up a camera so that chat could see both of them, mostly because of Steve’s request.

“Setup’s done. Want me to start stream?”

“Sure, put some music on. I’ll go get my water bottle.”

“I can make you some hot tea if you want?”

“Which ones do you have.”

“Only green tea, I think.”

“It’ll do, thanks buddy.”

Dumbdog makes sure the mic’s muted before preparing the drink. “Can you put it in my bottle? It’ll keep it warm.” he puts it on the counter and grabs the box of tissues from the table. When they’re done and finally settled, he unmuted the mic and removes the starting soon screen which reveals their faces. “Surprise motherfuckers!!” Steve shouts enthusiastically, making the other laugh.

“Look who’s here.” Dumbdog smiles when chat blows up and the excited messages flow by. “Short stream today ‘cause he arrived a couple hours ago and he caught a cold at the airport.” Steve blows out his nose in the background, half off camera. “Don’t worry guys. I’m in good hands and I’ve got green tea.” he shows the metallic bottle to the camera. “You probably won’t get another stream in a while so enjoy!”

The next hour is spent on sudoku, random chatter and Steve blowing out his nose here and there. Some of their friends join on call and they play a couple games together, but by the two hour mark Dumbdog notices that the other is tired. “Alright guys, I think it’s time for the rat to get some rest.” he’s interrupted by a sneeze next to him. The man pulls out a tissue handing it over to the other. “Bless you, say goodbye chat.”

“Bye chat.” Steve waves with a sniffle then the stream ends. “Oh thank god...” the man completely slouches in his chair, with his head up to make it less runny. “Maybe you should go take a nap?” Dumbdog suggests. “I’ll go get that humidifier and pillows.” they meet up again in the guest room when he’s brought the stuff he’s promised. “Do you need more tissues?”

“Another box won’t hurt. Man, I already feel better with that thing on.” Steve deeply inhales then exhales, blowing out his nose. He heads for his suitcase and starts unpacking his clothes. “Can I borrow some coat hangers?” Dumbdog stares back at him, a bit stumped. “Why don’t you take a nap then unpack later? I can even do it for you-” the man stops him in his tracks with a hand on his chest.

“I can’t just sit around and do nothing. It’s just a little cold, Dumbdog.”

“Why don’t we watch a movie then? That’s something, right?”

Steve sighs.

“Fiiiine. I’ll be back to normal by tomorrow anyway.”

***

Sure enough, the next day had left Steve feeling even worse.

He had developed a soar throat and was practically bedridden, not by choice. Dumbdog had made sure he stays in bed and gets as much rest as possible. Early in the morning he set out for the pharmacy and bought every cold medicine he could get without prescription. He had also asked Steven what he wanted from the supermarket and got back home in record time with two bags.

“I’m back.” Dumbdog quietly announces. “How are you feeling?” the other just shrugs. “Not much different from when you left... Can you give me a haul at least so I’m not bored out of my mind?” the man puts the two bags up on the bed next to him. “Sure buddy.” he takes each item and shows it off one by one: saline nasal spray, honey-lemon throat lozenges, more paracetamol, a box of echinacea tea and chamomile tea.

“The rest is just some more groceries for making soup. Oh, I also got you some vitamin gummies for adults.”

“If they’re for adults, why are they shaped like animals...” Steve deadpans.

“Look there’s even a rat! Hah!” Dumbdog laughs enthusiastically.

“Yeah, yeah.” the man rolls his eyes, but there’s a smile creeping up the corners of his mouth. “Ah, well. I’ll prepare some salt water for you to gargle.” Steve makes a sound of discontent. “Yuck, that sounds like torture on my throat.” the other packs all the things back into the bags. “It’s supposed to wash the virus out. Half a teaspoon won’t kill ya.” Dumbdog explains, making him scoff in reply.

“Wow! Eureka! I suddenly feel healthy again!”

“Nice try, Steven. You’re still gargling after breakfast.”

In the following days, Steve gets better while Dumbdog starts sniffling. Soon enough, the roles are reversed and the man repeats the same remedies for his friend. Though they spent most of their time locked sick inside, it really allowed them to bond more. After ten days, both were healthy and recovered which allowed them to go out too. When the two weeks of his visit were over, it was time to leave for the airport again.

“Try not to bring bugs into my home next time.” Steve snorts at that, hugging the man and grabbing his suitcase. “Maybe there won’t be a next time if the airport is so dangerous.”Dumbdog rolls his eyes at the joke.“You can get sick in anywhere with people, Steve.” he shouts after him, making the other turn back. “Then they should put up a sign: Beware of public spaces!” they both smile and wave their goodbyes.

Maybe next time Steve will just drive instead...