Chapter Text
He stood in front of the door, hat clutched in his hands. “God I look pathetic..” He mumbled to himself. A few minutes prior Jaron had been just…. walking around- and didn’t realize the clouds forming over head with sudden droplets of water falling down softly around him. As the wind started to pick up, a downpour began with aggressive force, making Jaron instantly soaked to the bone and shivering.
———
Now he stood in front of SB737 and RekRap’s base like some wet cat because of course he was too far from his own base. Clothes soaked and muddy, he felt a little light headed which he would leave for future him to solve. He softly swayed on his feet, if he was lucky maybe they would let him dry off.. he didn’t need to overstay a visit anyways.. he just needed to warm up a bit…. His hands fidgeted with his hat as he stood contemplating the decision.
He didn’t want to cause trouble for them both, since he was always being a nuisance to everyone on the server already. “Ugh, stupid Jaron..” He whispered with a shaky voice. He looked up at the door, bit his bottom lip and knocked. In the back of his mind he prayed they wouldn’t answer the door. It was late, they should be asleep… right?
Nope! His stomach fell when he heard the sound of a door creak open and felt the warm buzz of a light flooding over him. “Oh he was so cooked.”
Rek and SB both stood in the open doorway, giving their new visitor a surprised glance. “…… Jaron?” Rek puzzled. "It’s like 1 am dude what are you doing here..?” Reks sleepy voice rang in Jarons ears as he crumpled in on himself. SB looked down at him with soft eyes. “… hi… I was just wondering…. if I could like maybe crash here for a bit..?” He answered awkwardly with a small voice, his hat being crushed in his hands with such force his knuckles turned white. It was embarrassing having to ask them for help like this. He bit down on his bottom lip, the skin beginning to tear. Maybe he could run away now before they could say anything else.
SB could see the way Jaron started to pull away, the flash of regret in the smaller players eyes worried him. “Sure man, come on in.” He rested a hand on the players shoulder and gave him a reassuring smile. Rek took one of Jarons tensed hands in his own and led him inside. “Let’s get you dried off.”
———
Water dripped from Jarons clothes onto the wooden flooring, making a small trail behind where he walked. He was shaking slightly, from cold and fear… but the fear of what exactly..? SB shut the door behind them, the door making a small click as it latched. “I’ll go fetch some towels.” He spoke softly, voice hushed. He disappeared into the base somewhere to get warm towels for the freezing player.
The warden silently helped Jaron take off his coat, the fabric heavy with water and placed it off to the side. Jarons eyes darted around, sharp blue irises glinting in the light. Like a cat. Rek gave the player a quick look over, noting how.. small he looked..”Was he always so thin..?” He also seemed more pale than usual….
SBs soft foot steps knocked Rek out of his thoughts. The penguin returned with a few towels in hand. “Here we are, they should be warm.” He tossed one around Jarons shoulders gently, the action slightly catching him off guard. “Ah, thank you SB...” the warmth soaked into his bones, easing some of his shaking.
He looked between them both, not sure exactly what to say. He was still thinking of running out the door but he really didn’t want to… it was cold and still raining.
He swept his wet hair out of his face, the feeling heavy on his head. “Thanks again you two, I’ll probably be out of your hair soon. Just needed to dry off a bit more.”
“You’re going back out into the rain?!” Rek sounded shocked. Sb chimed in, “I don’t think that's a good idea, it’s still pouring out there and the wind has picked up a lot by the sounds of it.” He looked out the window, watching rain rush past. “I’ll be fine.” Jaron answered shortly.
Rek bounced on his feet anxiously. “I mean, I don’t mind if you stay here tonight…” His tail flicked to the side as he gave Jaron a sad puppy eye look. SB swung an arm around the players shoulder, “I don’t mind either, I would rather ya stay out of the rain mate.”
“Oh.” Jaron looked at the ground. “Maybe.. I still have a chance to run…” His eyes darted to the door. It wasn’t far… he could push SB away and make a break for it…”It’s fine really, I don’t want to be a bother!” He waved his hands dismissively. “You’re still soaking wet and shaking, Jaron.” SB turned Jaron towards him, his voice stead and firm. “Now come on, let’s get you fully dried off.”
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Rek ran a towel through Jaron’s hair, the soft brown curls wet and matted. “When was the last time he brushed his hair properly….?” He sat wondering. Jaron leaned into the touch, the warmth a happy feeling against his cold skin. He was always cold nowadays. Even with his jacket he would always be shivering. The weather didn’t help either, it’s been cold the past couple days…….he couldn’t help but drift off, the warmth lulling him into a sleep.
SB sat down a pile of cloths, fabrics soft and comfortable, and smiled warmly at Rek. The clock read. 1:47am.
The penguin looked down at Jaron, and saw the bags under his eyes and just how… unwell he looked. “I'm worried…” Rek filled the silence, “I'm worried about him.” His eyes were sad. Sb placed a hand atop the wardens, giving him a comforting squeeze. “Then let’s help him, ok?”