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Tapping away at his communicator’s keyboard, Parrot let the dead weight of Wemmbu limp on him as the two sat in the cave together.
Theo, Parrot had sent his name, waiting for a response. The text from Theo back to him was almost immediate as a ping alerted him. Theo had just humoured him by doing the same as Parrot, sending his name with no further context.
He sighed, his fingers tapping against the screen quickly as he tried to explain the situation to Theo briefly.
Wemmbu’s sick. Sorry if you’re busy, but I need you to help me. He has a crazy fever — like, crazy, crazy, craaaaazy fever. I can’t get him out of this spot because either Law is going to kill him while I’m away or dragging him with me will get him killed if any of them spot us.
Not only that, but what made it worse was that even Parrot was on their radar. Lettuce wasn’t forgiving at all towards him — the tyrant had tried everything he could to get Parrot out of his way. Because even if Parrot was morally right, the caracal didn’t care. The juxtaposition between their senses of justice were contrasting; clashing into one another in a way that left no reason for even a slight amount of agreement. So, even if he were seen outside, it’d probably get him killed too. He couldn’t afford to die — not now, not yet. Not when they felt so close to reaching the climax of putting a stop to the Law for once and for all.
The next ring of his communicator, vibrating upon the notification, snapped him out of his thoughts once more as he looked down at his screen. Another ring was sent right after.
Wemmbu? He’s alive? Theo had asked. Thought he already got executed. He commented. But, yeah, I’m coming. Coords?
That’s not nice to say, Parrot messaged back, pointing out his comment. He sent the coordinates of their position right after, before shutting his communicator off. He was sure Theo would be able to find his way to the two.
Parrot turned his focus back onto Wemmbu, shuffling a little to face him a little better. The demon-hybrid was struggling in his feverish sleep, his body completely tensed as he let out laboured and shaky breaths. His skin was still clammy, groaning into Parrot’s shoulders as he huddled closer, seeking comfort in his hold. His hand was constantly trying to reach out and grab onto something, fingers trembling. Letting out a breath, Parrot encased his hand with his own, holding his palm gently. The touch seemed to calm him down a little, his breath slowing down gradually. Though, trembles and tensity were still wrecking him.
“Wemmbu,” Parrot called out softly, checking if he was still awake.
Wemmbu’s eyes cracked open a little, seemingly looking up at Parrot. He didn’t say anything, waiting for Parrot.
Parrot smiled softly, squeezing his hand lightly. “Is there something you need?” He asked. “Like, does anything specifically comfort you?” He spoke softly, patiently waiting for Wemmbu’s delayed responses.
Wemmbu shook his head, dropping back into the corner of his neck. “Just…” He mumbled, taking a deep breath and softly exhaling. “Stay.”
“Yeah,” Parrot breathed. “I’m staying. Theo’s getting some stuff to help you. Stay alive until then.” Parrot’s hand that was behind Wemmbu rose up to his head, brushing his hair gently.
Wemmbu only let out a mumble against his clothes, seemingly of agreement.
The two of them stayed like that for a while. Parrot offered comfort through his touch and reassuring words, helping Wemmbu feel comforted through the sickness in the gloomy cave. Sometimes his fever would randomly break — where he’d seemingly lose his temperature and cool down, relaxing briefly — but then it’d return just like before. Sometimes it was worse, sometimes it was more manageable. At one point, Wemmbu couldn’t keep still, shifting little by little often yet noticeably.
“Hey, hey,” Parrot guided Wemmbu by the shoulders, trying to keep him still. “Moving won’t help it, Wemmbu.” He frowned at the pained expression on Wemmbu’s face, a pang of sympathy ringing in his chest. It was starting to get difficult to wait for Theo to arrive.
“It hurts—,” Wemmbu choked out, repeating the same phrase over and over as his death grip tightened even more — if that was even possible. His hand was fisted onto Parrot’s sleeve, his breaths shallow.
Parrot placed his hand on his head, before cupping his face. “I know,” He responded quietly. “Please, just bear with it for a bit. Theo’s coming soon, I promise.”
And almost on cue, he could hear the footsteps of a familiar person.
“Parrot? Wemmbu?” Theo’s words echoed throughout the cave, bouncing off of the walls. Wemmbu muttered something unintelligible under his breath, looking up from Parrot’s shoulders. Parrot relaxed at the voice he could recognise anywhere.
The cockatiel hybrid took his time turning around the corner into where Parrot and Wemmbu sat. He let out a relief sigh at the sight of Parrot, before his expression turned into concern at Wemmbu’s miserable, disheveled form. Theo jogged over, kneeling in front of the two.
“You really weren’t lying when you said he was really bad,” Theo noted as he ran through his inventory, picking out several things. He took out some medication, a large two litre bottle of water and a pair of clothes.
“Ibuprofen, water and loose clothing,” Theo said respectively to each object as he took them out one by one. “Oh, I also have food, if he needs that? I have no idea how fevers work.” He laughed mid-way, lifting his sunglasses to have a better sight in the already darkened area.
Parrot nodded, shifting again and making Wemmbu sit properly as well. Wemmbu’s eyes opened once more as he was moved, his eyes blurred with fever and eyelids heavy with fatigue.
“Yooo, Wemmbu! You’re aliv—”
“Theo.”
“Sorry.” He apologised quickly at Parrot’s stern and unimpressed look.
Parrot turned to Wemmbu, noticing how he was staring cluelessly at Theo before averting his gaze, towards Parrot. “Hey,” Parrot greeted upon eye contact. He lifted the clothes Theo had brought for him, gesturing towards it. “Wemmbu, mind putting this on? Your clothes are too heavy for comfortability.”
Wemmbu lolled his heads towards the opposite side of where Parrot sat, closing his eyes briefly before lifting it back up again and blinking at the avian. He nodded loosely, his head bobbing like it was barely held by loose screws.
“I can start making the food. Brought broth for Wemmbu and some other light foods just in case,” Theo mentioned. “Also brought some for us.”
Parrot nodded at Theo. “Yeah, that’d be nice,” He smiled, pleasantly surprised by how considerate the other was.
Parrot had helped Wemmbu move away to another spot as he changed into the more breathable clothing. Parrot would make sure to call out his name to check in on him, and Wemmbu would simply mumble something back. He knew that moving a lot would be difficult and time-consuming for someone as sick as him, but it still did worry Parrot when he didn’t see Wemmbu for another minute longer. Eventually, Wemmbu did return, clutching onto the uneven wall for support as his other hand carried his usual attire.
Parrot walked over to Wemmbu as soon as he noticed him, taking his clothes into his arms and letting Wemmbu use him as support as the two sat down. Immediately, Wemmbu went back to slouching against Parrot, this time leaning his head into his lap. Parrot simply placed a hand on his head, patiently waiting as Theo stirred the broth he was making.
“How’d you even find him?” Theo brought up, wanting to start a conversation in the comfortable yet odd silence. “Kind of weird that you found him in a cave.”
Parrot looked up from the resting Wemmbu up to Theo, the warmth of Wemmbu’s fever enlightening his hand. “Was wandering around here,” He began. “Heard a noise that sounded like someone in pain. Walked into the cave, found Wemmbu unconscious. Or asleep, as he had said back when I first woke him up.”
Theo nodded, pretty understanding of how it went. He didn’t really ask anything after about what had happened before Theo had arrived, assuming it wasn’t that bad. After all, what could’ve happened? He doubted Wemmbu tried to threaten him with a dagger. Or something. Probably. Either way, Theo continued to talk to Parrot, both of their voices low so they wouldn’t disturb Wemmbu while he rested. They reminisced in moments that came to mind at the time; talked about what their plans for the future was, after Law was hopefully gone.
The soup began to come to a boil, its watery contents forming a more creamy liquid. Theo used the end of his sleeves to get it off the makeshift campfire so that it wouldn't become too fluffy, a texture that he despised.
"It's done," Theo stated, passing over two bowls for Wemmbu and Parrot. Parrot took them both, placing both on the floor.
Parrot looked down at Wemmbu, noticing how his face had calmed down way more than before. Wemmbu stared back up, already awakened despite them trying their best not to. "Wemmbu, food's—"
"I know." He replied, his voice hoarse. Slowly, he got up with a grunt, a bit wobbly at first. Parrot thought he was about to throw up or faceplant right into the pot, but he was soon able to sit upright. His head lolled slightly as he blinked multiple times, rubbing his eyes. "I know," He repeated another time.
"Yup," Theo snorted. "We can hear you buddy. You know."
The atmosphere was quite peaceful as the three sat down and ate. The fire that sat in the middle of the group lit up the bedroom-sized cave, only their breaths and a few words filling in the quiet. But even if a word wasn't spoken, the crackling of the fire and the outside rain that had settled quite a bit ago played an act for them in the background.
As Wemmbu continued to take bites of his meal, Parrot could notice that he was slowly retaining himself. His eyes didn't seem as fatigued anymore, his skin was cooling down, and in total he seemed to be fine.
"Better?" Parrot leaned forwards to get a better look at his face.
Wemmbu blinked as he turned his gaze towards Parrot, to Theo, then back at him. Then, his eyes went back to his soup.
"...Yeah." He took another bite, mumbling the word.
Parrot smiled gleefully, eating a bit more before gulping down and speaking up again.
"Thank god Theo came," Parrot's gaze leaned onto the aforementioned, a smug look on his face. "If he hadn't, I would've killed him."
"Like you can!" Theo shot back, but his voice was still quieter out of the new habit and calmer environment; it didn't call for him to be loud right now.
"Yeah, bro. I can."
Theo rolled his eyes. "Yeah, whatever." He looked at Wemmbu, his harshness softening a little. "You good, though? How'd— How did you just pass out here of all places?"
Wemmbu paused, putting his spoon back in the bowl. He thought for a moment before responding, his eyes scattering everywhere but them.
"Tired. I guess." He gave a short reply, only noticing they weren't satisfied with the answer when he took a glance back. He groaned like a child, resting his head on his hand. "Didn't get sleep. Running away from Law. That make sense to you?"
"Yeah, but—" Parrot tried to speak up, but was cut off by Wemmbu.
The demon hybrid sighed, his tail twitching a little. "Can we just... not?" His voice was heavy with exhaustion all of a sudden. "Just... leave it be. Egg can probably do something with it. He's— He's good at helping me."
Parrot didn't want to let go of the topic. He wanted to help Wemmbu; to redeem himself somehow, knowing that a majority of the recent events was his fault. But Wemmbu seemed to trust him a little more now, and that was enough for him. He wouldn't try to push it, knowing how Wemmbu can be — loyal, but cautious with it and weary about the mutuality. He simply nodded, acknowledging what he said.
"Yeah, that's fine." A pause. "But do you think you'll be fine without— without help?"
A laugh escaped Wemmbu, one resembling of his usual hysteric. "Yeah, dude. I'm not that helpless."
Theo gave him a knowing look. His stare literally gave out, that's ironic of you to say considering what just happened now.
Wemmbu gave him a stare back, almost scowling.
"Okay, sorry, dude!"
Parrot sighed, closing his eyes momentarily before looking back up. "Well, either way, just take care. Hopefully you can tell by now that not getting enough sleep is bad."
Wemmbu crossed his arms over his chest, leaning forwards a little. "I'm literally the descendants of a demon. It won't—" He caught onto the look Parrot was giving again, sighing as he pulled back. "Fine."
Hopefully he can get to see Egg soon. He needs plenty of sleep, and he's definitely never doing that again around a pair of birds.
Maybe.