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It had started with a sneeze while out on patrol and Illuga thought nothing of it. The blooming Winter Icelea in Amsvartnir let off pollen therefore he must have inhaled some, so he just wiped his nose and continued forward.
Yet the sneezing started again after returning from patrol and several ratniki from his squad had sent him concerned looks. Illuga brushed them off saying the pollen was bad this time of year and it had probably stuck to his clothing. A quick wash will fix the problem.
The next day, the sneezing had yet to disappear despite Illuga’s now clean clothes. To make matters worse, there was a tickle in his throat that he tried to get rid of by clearing his throat and coughing quietly into his elbow so as to not alarm his fellow ratniki.
Later on that same day when dinner time came around, Illuga was glad to see that a hot soup was on the menu that night. The broth soothed his ticklish throat as it went down and he felt better already. It was just what he needed. There’s no possible way he can afford to get sick and leave his squad to fend for themselves.
But when the time came for the nightly patrol, the relief from the soup was only temporary and there was an ache in his throat and his nose was stuffy. Illuga tried not to unconsciously sniffle when giving orders and he hid an occasional cough behind his fist. Illuga then watched as his squad prepared to head out before disappearing from the camp to let out a series of painful coughs that wracked his entire body from holding it in.
The patrol that night had been quiet, literally and figuratively, with no new sightings of the Wild Hunt. Unlucky for him because there had been no way for Illuga to muffle his coughs and sneezes. He tried to, but his eyes would start watering and it was like his body forgot how to breathe if he didn’t let it do what it’s supposed to do when sick.
The ratniki of the Nightmare Orioles were even more concerned about their captain and his health. They tried telling him to go back to camp and rest but he shrugged them off and continued on with the patrol regardless of how tired he had felt. He ignored how they talked amongst themselves, completely oblivious to the fact that they were making plans for Illuga to go back to Piramida to rest up there without being bound by his duties as a captain and as a Lightkeeper.
But Illuga is stubborn and will not leave his team alone and without their captain even though deep down he knows they’d be fine without him. He always worries that if he leaves, he’d once again be the only one left alive in his squad when he returns. Being sick is only temporary. But if he loses his team because he took a break, Illuga will never forgive himself.
Miraculously, Illuga had managed to finish the patrol without coughing up his lungs and sneezing his brains out, but his body ached and he longed to curl up in bed and sleep for a good two days straight. It had seemed his body was going to let him as he overslept the following day and did not rise until late morning.
Presently, panic washes over Illuga seeing how bright it is outside compared to the usual darkness he is used to waking up to, and he stumbles out of bed, sick and confused. He’s thrown into a coughing fit as he opens the door to his current lodgings at Cliffwatch Camp and finds himself face to face with… Flins?
“I’m here to collect you, young master Illuga,” Flins says, looking down at him with a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
Illuga, still coughing his lungs up, is quite confused after waking up so abruptly and with the sickness taking over his body. There’s no need for Flins to be all the way out here. And to… collect him? Illuga attempts to take in deep breaths and looks past Flins to see his squad pretending to look busy and not with guilt all over their faces. After all, they were the ones to contact the starshyna to inform him of the current situation regarding their captain. If they could not get Illuga to take a break, then only Nikita could if he made it an order.
“Huh? W-where are we going?” Illuga asks, voice rough and scratchy as he looks back at Flins.
“The starshyna sent me to retrieve you and take you home,” Flins replies. “You are not to return until your sickness passes and I assume you would not want to infect the rest of your squad, would you?”
“I’m fine,” Illuga says. He’s definitely not fine but he will not admit that even though it’s clearly obvious.
Flins takes a look at him. “You look as if you are to become one of the phantoms that wander my graveyard.”
Surly Illuga cannot look that bad.
“Please get dressed for the trip and we will be on our way,” Flins says, not giving Illuga the option to back out. “But if you need help, I’d be glad to offer a hand—“
Illuga shuts the door in Flins’ face.
“Five minutes, no less, Master Illuga,” Flins’ voice drifts from the other side of the door and Illuga does not hear footsteps which means he is still on the other side.
Illuga groans. Just his luck to be removed from his duties to laze around in bed for possibly a week when he could be doing something productive. Illuga knows better than to ignore an order from Nikita even though he is his father. Whatever the starshyna says, goes. But did he really have to send Flins of all people? Sure he may be his boyfriend but somehow that makes it more embarrassing, especially with the fact that Flins came all the way out here just to escort him home.
He removes his sleepwear and haphazardly changes into something comfortable and warm, forgoing his uniform as he will have no need for it. At the last moment, Illuga remembers to clip his lamp to his belt. He cannot possibly leave Aedon behind. After opening the door again, Illuga sees that Flins has not moved a single inch from his spot. He gives Illuga a smile and follows right behind him as they walk through camp.
“Get well soon, Sir!”
“Don’t worry about us, we have everything handled!”
Illuga’s fellow squad members try to lessen his guilt for abandoning them but he only feels worse. The least he can do is offer them fake smiles and a promise that he won’t be gone for long. Flins explains to him as they leave the camp that Nikita is sending someone to cover for him while he’s gone which does make him feel a little better knowing they won’t be short on manpower.
The pace Illuga sets is slow but he hears no complaints from Flins who walks beside him. His body aches and it’s hard to breathe, but there’s no way he’s going to stop and take a break, they only just started on the path to Piramida.
“Would you like for me to carry you, young master?” Flins asks with a smile, clearly seeing through him. “You may rest on the way there if you’d like.”
“Absolutly not,” Illuga grumbles.
Flins shrugs and they continue onward.
Illuga isn’t sure how much time passes but his body is really starting to ache and he’s so so so tired. He feels lightheaded and before he knows it, his foot catches on a stray rock and he stumbles only for Flins to catch him with frighteningly speedy reflexes.
“The offer to carry you still stands,” Flins reminds him, helping Illuga find his balance as he sways.
No matter how much Illuga hates the idea of someone having to carry him, he knows he’s not going to make it to Piramida without passing out. He swallows his pride and gives a stiff nod which makes his lightheadedness worse. Oh he’s really not going to make it much longer.
Silently, Flins drops to a crouch in front of him and tosses his hair over a shoulder before extending his arms out behind him. Illuga forces his legs to move and he’s throwing his arms over Flins’ shoulders while Flins grabs him from under his thighs. He rises with ease and Illuga screws his eyes shut to get his vision to stop spinning.
Illuga buries his face in Flins’ high collar out of embarrassment as he starts moving. “Try and get some rest. I will wake you before we get there. I assume you do not want to be seen like this.”
“...Thanks.”
Illuga pulls away for a moment to let out a series of coughs into his elbow that leaves him wheezing. He settles against Flins once again and takes in ragged breaths through his mouth as his clogged nose makes it impossible to breathe normally. Flins’ grip on his thighs tightened for just a moment before relaxing again.
Flins starts walking, his hold on Illuga is sturdy. Now that Illuga is up and off his feet and has the permission to rest, his eyes slip closed and he falls asleep startlingly fast. Perhaps because of the sickness and because he knows he’s safe in Flins’ hold.
Illuga doesn’t feel like he’s slept for long before he wakes to Flins calling for him.
“Young master, we are here.”
Flins drops to a crouch and Illuga groggily clambers off. More painful coughs rip through his throat and Flins is rubbing his back soothingly, a frown on his face. They slowly get onto the lift and the movement of it starting up jolts Illuga, causing him to stumble back into a solid body. Flins holds him steady as they ascend up to Piramida and Illuga’s eyes are once again slipping closed.
“Young master, a little more and you can sleep in your bed, but not here,” Flins lets out a quiet laugh and he places a gentle kiss to the top of his head.
Fellow Lightkeepers greet the both of them as they make their way towards Illuga’s house after stepping off the lift. Some catch on quickly to Illuga’s sickness and wish him a speedy recovery, promising to stop by with some medicine and food to make sure he’s eating. Illuga is grateful to have so many people who look out for him and others, treating everyone as family regardless of blood relation. He makes a mental note to return the favor when he’s well again.
Illuga’s mailbox is stuffed full once again and Illuga pretends as if he doesn’t see the letters piling up. He will get to them later but right now he just wants to climb into bed and sleep for a week. He unlocks his front door and shuffles inside, shivering at how cold it is despite wearing a warm coat. He then turns around to face Flins.
“Thank you for coming all this way to accompany me,” Illuga says with a tired smile. “Please be safe when returning to the lighthouse.”
Flins tilts his head. “Who said I will be returning to my lighthouse? I was given strict orders from the starshyna to stay with you until you are healthy again. You are not to be left alone while sick.”
“You’re joking,” Illuga deadpans.
“Not this time I’m afraid.”
Illuga is too tired to argue so he steps out of the way, allowing Flins inside. He’s a frequent visitor so nothing is new and he knows to help himself to anything in the kitchenette should he feel the need to “eat” through his lantern, or to help himself to the books on the bookshelf.
Illuga just hopes he hasn’t read everything already or else he will really get bored babysitting him.
“I’m heading to bed,” Illuga announces with a yawn that is accompanied by a rough cough.
He kicks off his boots and leaves them lying on the floor by the door, not bothered to put them on the shoe rack. He beelines towards his room and immediately closes the curtains then unclips his lantern, placing it on the bedside table. Aedon will come out whenever he feels like it.
About halfway through the process of stripping out of his clothes because he will not sleep in whatever he had on while outside, Flins knocks on the open door to announce his presence, startling Illuga.
“Apologies. I brought you medicine and some warm tea for your throat,” Flins says.
Illuga shrugs on a longsleeved sweater and forgoes pants before climbing into bed and leaning back against the pillows. Flins takes a seat on the edge of the mattress and hands him some pills and a mug, watching Illuga with a fond smile as he tosses the medicine in his mouth with no complaints and washes it down with a mouthful of tea. Ginger with honey.
“Would you like something to eat?” Flins asks as he pulls the blanket over Illuga’s bare legs and tucks it in around his waist. “I’m sure I can find something in the cupboards to make for the time being.”
Illuga is still lightheaded which causes him to be slightly nauseous. The thought of eating at the moment only makes it worse. “The tea is fine for now.”
“Alright, just let me know when you are hungry. I’ll try not to burn down the kitchen.”
Illuga shoots him a glare, remembering the very last time he had let Flins cook and how he quite literally almost burned down the kitchen. Ironic considering the type of fae that he is. But since that incident, Flins has not been allowed to touch the stove, leaving the cooking to Illuga.
While Illuga finishes the tea, Flins sits there patiently and takes the mug afterwards, setting it aside. Illuga sniffles as his nose starts to run thanks to the hot drink and Flins fetches him a box of tissues to keep on the bedside table. Illuga blows his nose so hard he gets dizzy but is still left stuffy. He should really not take being able to breathe normally for granted.
“I believe it’s time for you to sleep,” Flins says and gets off the bed so he can help Illuga lie down. “You need to get plenty of rest if you want to get better.”
Flins leaves a lingering kiss on Illuga’s forehead as he’s being tucked in with the blanket. He’s then attempting to leave but Illuga, half asleep, grabs his wrist and says, “Stay?”
Flins chuckles. “Whatever you say, my dear Illuga.”
He makes quick work of removing a majority of his clothes, remembering Illuga’s “rule”, before sliding in next to Illuga who immediately clings to him, burrowing his face in his chest and intertwining their legs. Flins rubs soothing circles into Illuga’s back while placing gentle kisses to the top of his head. Illuga becomes boneless in his grasp, letting sleep take him.
Not even two hours later, Illuga wakes suddenly and is thrown into a coughing fit that has him gasping for fresh air. His throat feels like it’s being ripped to shreds and he swears he tastes blood. Illuga struggles to sit up as he all but coughs up his lungs, tears filling his eyes from the effort. The force from it has him gagging and bile quickly rises up his throat. Illuga panics, not wanting to throw up onto the bed but he’s not able to get it to stop.
The door slams open and not a moment too late, a small trash can is shoved underneath Illuga’s chin as he throws up what little he had in his stomach, including the medicine.
A hand rubs his back as Illuga gags again and spits up bile that burns his raw throat as it forces its way out. He’s cold, shaking, and lets out a pitiful groan involuntarily. A voice is saying something to him but he cannot make it out as his ears ring, hardly aware of anything going on around him at the moment as whatever illness he’s come down with gets progressively worse.
When the coughing fit subsides and Illuga no longer thinks he’s going to throw up again, he’s left panting as those same hands, that he’s now registering, are helping him lean back against a few pillows.
Illuga cracks open his eyes to see Flins with a concerned expression on his face, something he has never seen before on him. He almost wants to reach out and smooth his furrowed brows but he’s absolutely exhausted and doesn’t think he can even move his arm.
Flins takes a handful of tissues and wipes Illuga’s mouth then brings a glass of water to his lips. Illuga drinks slowly and the cool water is pleasant as it goes down his throat, helping wash away the gross taste in his mouth. He cannot drink more than a few sips before he’s turning his head away and Flins places the glass onto the table. He reaches out to brush Illuga’s hair out of his eyes and gives him a sad smile, one Illuga wishes he wasn’t the reason for.
“I didn’t expect your sickness to get this bad. I hope the medicine the aunties dropped off while you were asleep will work better than the ones I gave you,” Flins says and places the back of his hand to Illuga’s forehead to check his temperature, frowning at the feeling of his clammy, heated skin. “You’re a little warm. How are you feeling?”
“Like I got rammed into by a Slothsheep,” Illuga responds and cringes at the sound of his harsh, raspy voice. He shivers despite wearing a thick sweater and lying under a blanket, burrowing himself even deeper underneath it to try and get some warmth back.
Flins gently run his fingers through his hair to soothe him. “That sounds quite unpleasant. How about a bath? The aunties told me about some remedies that I believe will benefit you. Though it won’t cure you, it will at least offer some relief.”
Illuga holds back a laugh at imagining Flins taking notes while listening intently to the aunties giving him advice for caring for a sick person. Yet he grows even fonder of the man for his efforts so far as he dotes on him. A bath sounds very pleasant at the moment.
“I’d like that.”
“Very well. Let me start the bath while I grab the medicine. I won’t be gone long.”
With that, Flins gets up and seems to hesitate for a moment as if he doesn’t want to leave Illuga alone, then shakes his head slightly and leaves the room with another promise that he will be back soon. Illuga nods and curls up on his side, shivering as he pulls the blanket up to his chin, and lets his eyes slip closed.
Illuga doesn’t even realize he fell asleep until he feels the mattress dip and Flins is handing him a small cup filled with some sort of red liquid that has a strong smell to it. Illuga looks at it with disgust. He is not drinking that.
“Now, now young master, you know you must take your medicine. Only children turn their noses at drinking medicine. If I remember correctly, you are not a child,” Flins says as he helps Illuga up into a sitting position.
Illuga shoots Flins a glare and downs the liquid in one go then immediately gags. Flins reaches for the clean trash can, prepared in case Illuga needs it again, but Illuga doesn’t even have anything left in his stomach and he shakes his head. The glass of water from the bedside table is then handed to Illuga who finishes it off to try and remove the taste that lingers in his mouth. Despite his clogged nose, even that cannot hide the strong flavor of whatever the medicine was made of.
But all things considered, Flins looks pleased with himself. Damn him.
“Come now, I have already filled the tub for you.”
Illuga slowly gets out of bed and drags himself to the bathroom on shaky legs. His clothes plop to the floor and then he’s sinking into lukewarm water with a shiver.
“I apologize that it is not warmer than what you might have hoped for. I was informed that even a warm bath would make you feel worse as you are running a fever. So this temperature is ideal to help lower the internal temperature of your body and bring it back to normal," Flins says after entering the bathroom. “I do hope you are comfortable at least.”
“It’s fine,” Illuga replies, teeth chattering. He hopes to get used to it quickly.
Without uttering another word, Flins crouches next to the small tub and removes Illuga’s earring before placing it on the counter to keep it safe. He then gently tilts Illuga’s head back and pours a cup of water over it to wet his hair. Fingers work soap into Illuga’s scalp and through the strands and he practically melts under Flins’ touch. The suds are washed away and Illuga is on the verge of falling asleep while a soft soapy cloth is now being dragged across his fever-heated skin.
Illuga had finally gotten used to the temperature of the water before it started to get uncomfortably cold, so after helping Illuga wash off, Flins removes the drain plug then helps Illuga up, wrapping him in a fluffy towel. Skin is gently patted dry and Illuga then finds himself sitting on the edge of the bed with Flins standing in front of him running the towel through his hair.
“How are you feeling?” Flins breaks the comfortable silence but keeps his voice low. He sets the towel aside so he can run his fingers through Illuga’s damp strands of hair, untangling any knots that had formed.
“A bit better I think…” Illuga responds, giving Flins a tired smile. “And I’m a little hungry.”
Illuga doesn’t miss the way Flins’ face lights up at the admission. “The aunties also dropped off some food as well if you would like to eat something. I can heat it up and bring it to you.”
“Can I trust you to use the stove?” Illuga teases.
“I promise your stove will be perfectly okay,” Flins leans down to place a kiss on Illuga’s nose. “Now do you require my assistance getting dressed? I was told that a person with a fever should wear lightweight clothing to avoid overheating. I can pick something out for you.”
Illuga returns the kiss with a quick peck on the lips, glad he does not have to worry about potentially infecting Flins with whatever he’s come down with. Perks of being a fae it seems. He lets Flins rummage through his clothes but Illuga dresses himself, ignoring the tiniest pout on Flins’ face that he can see from the corner of his eye. He may be sick but he is not completely incapacitated.
Fortunately, Flins does not break his stove nor set the kitchen on fire and returns to Illuga’s side with a bowl of soup and a glass of water. He offers to feed Illuga but that too is crossing a thin line so Illuga feeds himself, only able to get a few spoonfuls down before his stomach protests. The soup is a little bland but if it were full of spices and seasonings then he would not be able to keep it down so he appreciates the aunties’ consideration.
With some food in his belly and the medicine making him drowsy, Illuga settles down on the bed only after forcing Flins to join him. He has found a book to read to keep him busy while Illuga drifts off into another nap, curled up on his side and his face pressed against Flins’ hip.
A few hours later, Illuga wakes up with his clothes drenched in sweat as his fever has finally broken. Flins helps Illuga into the shower to rinse off and Illuga has to shoo him away, telling him to do something productive other than hover by the bathroom door. Illuga knows he’s worried but he doesn’t need Flins attached to him at all times.
Illuga dresses in a clean set of clothes that Flins had left for him on the bathroom counter and returns to his room to see that Flins is nowhere to be found but notes that the bedding has been changed. Guilt starts eating at him. Flins is technically still a guest in his home yet is doing things that Illuga should be taking care of himself. Sure he may be sick, but that doesn’t mean Flins has to do everything, right? Honestly, he might lose it if Flins does his laundry. That would be too much.
Arms wrap themselves around Illuga and he is pressed back against Flins who all but curls his body around him, holding him close. “You know, I was tasked to take care of you. That also includes taking care of any household chores. You are sick, Illuga. I will not let you run yourself ragged when I am more than capable.”
“I’m not used to someone doing everything for me,” Illuga admits. “I feel useless. I feel like I should be doing something.”
Flins nuzzles his face in Illuga’s damp hair. “If I recall, there is a saying between human partners, a vow to care for each other in sickness and in health. As I would care for you on any given day, it is even more so now that you are sick. It would be unbefitting of me if I were to not accommodate and assist with everyday tasks or provide comfort and support. A relationship is not one sided nor is anyone supposed to shoulder all responsibility. We are mutuals, Illuga.”
Illuga feels something hot drip down his face and he rubs it away only to realize he’s crying. A choked sound escapes him and before he knows it, he’s sobbing in Flins’ arms. Flins rocks them back and forth, pressing kisses to the top of Illuga’s head as Illuga clings to his arms and lets out all the built up emotions he has held inside for so long in the form of tears.
Neither are aware of how much time has passed but Illuga’s cries start to die down and he’s left sniffling and hiccuping. Flins turns him around and coos seeing the state of Illuga’s face. Snot drips from his nose and his eyes are red, skin splotchy. Flins helps him blow his nose and wipes his face clean.
Flins cradles Illuga’s face in his hands and rubs his thumbs over his cheeks then says, “My darling, my Illuga. Will you let me care for you?”
Illuga sniffs and nods, a wobbly smile making its way to his face. Flins looks at him with so much love and adoration that it makes him want to cry again but he’s not sure his body can handle it. He’s absolutely exhausted now.
They share a tender kiss that is interrupted by a knock at the front door.
“Go lay down, I will see who it is.” Flins says and presses a quick kiss to Illuga’s lips before letting him go.
Illuga gets back into bed and listens as the door opens. He hears Flins talking to someone but isn’t able to make out what he’s saying. A minute later, Flins comes back into the room but he’s not alone. Illuga shoots up seeing Nikita right behind him who has an unreadable expression on his face.
“What are you doing here, dad?” Illuga asks.
“What does it look like? My son is sick. What kind of father would I be if I did not stop by to see how he’s faring?” Nikita says, crossing his arms. He looks at Illuga’s face and his eyes narrow. Then he turns to Flins with a slight scowl. “What did you do? Why was my son crying?”
Flins raises his hands in an ‘I surrender’ pose. “All we had was a little heart to heart. You know as much as I do that I would never hurt him or say something to intentionally upset him.”
Nikita just narrows his eyes further then focuses his attention back on Illuga, visibly softening. “I’m… sorry that I removed you from your duties but if I had never received word about your sickness, you would have continued to work and make yourself worse. I entrusted Flins to make sure you rest or else you’d still be out there running yourself ragged.”
Illuga sits there with his head lowered, not able to meet his father’s eyes.
Nikita ruffles Illuga’s hair just like how he did when he was a kid. “Make sure you rest up. I’ll come by later to see how you’re faring.”
Illuga finally manages to look at him and he gives an awkward nod. If there’s one thing he hates more, it’s being the center of attention. “See you.”
When Nikita turns to leave, he places a hand on Flins’ shoulder and sends him a look. Flins’ smile doesn’t change. He leaves the room and the front door opening and closing is the only indication that he’s left. Illuga slumps against the pillows.
“Well then, would you like more soup?”
Over the course of the next several days, Illuga spends a majority of the time either sleeping or reading. Flins is as dutiful as ever as he cares for Illuga, making sure he’s fed, well hydrated, and comfortable. The medicine the aunties had given them is working wonders and Illuga is finally able to breathe out of his nose. His coughing has subsided but has not disappeared completely.
Currently, Illuga is sitting in bed, alone, with a book that he is almost done reading but his thoughts start drifting away from the pages. The past several days have been… domestic with Flins being at his every beck and call. He’s even helped with chores and Illuga’s never seen his house this clean. He’s done whatever Illuga has asked of him with no complaints, almost enthusiastic to help it had seemed.
It has been nice to go to sleep at night and not be alone, wrapped in Flins’ arms. Though when he’d wake, half the time Flins was missing and the other half Illuga was holding onto Flins’ lantern. And during the day when Illuga napped, Flins would often sit next to him in bed, using that spare time to read or he’d run his fingers through Illuga’s hair while he told him a story, regardless if Illuga had fallen asleep and could not appreciate it.
Illuga wonders if this could potentially be their future. But he has his duties to attend to at Cliffwatch Camp and Flins at Final Night Cemetery. A body of water and a stretch of land separates them still. But maybe, just maybe, when Nod-Krai is no longer affected by the dangers of the Wild Hunt, they can finally spend the rest of their days together. No longer restrained to the occasional visits where Illuga would drop off supplies to the lighthouse. Even then he’d only be able to spend the night at most. A full day together was extremely rare.
Flins bringing up that wedding vow drifts through his mind and Illuga hides his face in the book from embarrassment and giddyness. The thought of marriage has never popped up until now. They were too busy and the topic had never come up throughout the few years of them being together. Illuga is a normal human and Flins is one of the last of the Snowland Fae. Their races have different customs and beliefs when it comes to the unity of two individuals. Could they really abide by both customs or would they have to pick and choose?
“Is that a new way of absorbing words? By putting the book to your face?”
Illuga yanks the book away and sees Flins standing in the doorway with a grin on his face. He walks over then sits on the edge of the bed, taking Illuga’s hand into his own then bringing it up to his mouth to leave a kiss upon his scarred knuckles.
“What are you thinking about?”
“Marriage.”
The hand holding Illuga’s tightens. “Oh? And what of it?”
“Do you… do you think that’s a possibility for us? Sometime in the future?”
A pause. “I don’t see why not. Is it the fact that we live so far apart? Worry not, I’d gladly travel across the entirety of Teyvat everyday if it meant I could see you.”
Illuga’s face burns red. “Sap.”
Another kiss to Illuga’s knuckles.
“Perhaps I shall go ask the starshyna for your hand in marriage? Ah but he’d have my head on a silver platter if I asked.”
Nikita almost wrung Flins’ neck after they broke the news to him of their relationship a few years back. He’s very protective over Illuga. Fortunately, Flins is really the only one Nikita trusts the most with his son so he has let it slide as long as Flins doesn’t break his heart.
But Illuga is relieved that Flins feels the same. He’s not sure how he’s going to feel after this week is over and they both return to their posts, so he must enjoy this time while it lasts. Maybe this week was a test, a trial to see what their future could be like. Flins definitely passed, proving himself worthy of being Illuga’s lifelong partner.
Illuga motions for Flins to join him and he does, settling next to Illuga where he’s pulled into a kiss.
“Thank you for caring for me, Kyryll.”
“Anything for you, my dear Illuga.”