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Homelander groaned in pain and annoyance. He was sick with the flu, somehow. Just two days before, he was moving around normally, then this happens. He was the strongest supe on the planet, a god. Yet, here he was, bedridden and drowning in his own mucus, like some mud-person in hospice.
Ryan was also taking care of him for the next few days. He didn’t want it, he didn’t want Ryan to catch it too. But the child insisted it, he wasn’t going to let him suffer like this.
He stood beside him, holding a bowl of soup, the steam curling up in the air and eventually hitting his fingers. He looked down at his father with adoration mixed with concern.
"Here," Ryan held it to him, his voice gentle. "It’ll help with your sore throat."
Homelander wanted it, but he didn’t have the energy to eat anything, he was extremely nauseous and his entire body ached. He closed his eyes, and just groaned again, burying his face deeper into the pillow. "I'm not hungry, Ryan."
"You have to eat something." Ryan coaxed him.
Homelander ignored him and turned over. Ryan set the bowl on the small table and went over to the other side of the bed, he climbed into it and placed his hand against Homelander’s cheek. “God, you’re literally burning…” He whispered.
Homelander grabbed his hand and weakly pushed it away. “I’m going to get you sick, please leave me alone.”
"I don’t care!" Ryan stubbornly raised his voice, and leaned down to press a kiss to Homelander's forehead. His skin was scorching hot against his lips. "I'm going to take care of you until you feel better."
Homelander sighed and mumbled, he nuzzled Ryan’s chest. "You’re too nice, I'm all clammy and gross…"
Ryan ran his hand through his hair, soothing him. "You’re not gross. Do you want me to stay here?”
Homelander thought about it, then stuttered. ”No- Well… I guess.” He didn’t want to admit it, but he did enjoy the affection. Ryan smiled and pulled him closer. He kissed him again, on the lips this time.
Homelander quickly shoved his face away as he went into a coughing fit, muffling it with his arm. Then he let out a deep breath. “Sorry…”
Ryan giggled quietly. “It’s okay.” He cradled his father and continued to caress his head. He felt like he was holding an overgrown baby, well, that’s basically what Homelander was. But, he enjoyed holding this overgrown baby. And that overgrown baby enjoyed being in his arms.