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Xeno was sick.
Stanley knew Xeno was sick, since the smaller boy never showed up to their secret meeting place today. They had made plans to test out this new gadget that Xeno made, and Stanley could remember the excitement in his onyx eyes. Xeno wouldn't ghost him for no reason, and judging from the recent coughing fits he's been having, Stanley concluded that the his best friend must be sick.
He decided quickly that he would go and visit the small boy, running back home to see what he should bring. If Xeno's sick, then he'll need to stay warm, so he grabbed his dark blue hoodie that Xeno liked. He'll get hungry too, right? Stanley stuffed his pockets with snacks and candy. What if he gets bored? Nah, Xeno never gets bored when he's there. Satisfied with his get up, Stanley rushes out the door, shouting to his mom that he's going to Xeno's. He didn't wait for a reply. His mother was used to him occasionally disappearing to Xeno's for a day or two, though the first time he did that his parents grounded him for not coming home and worrying them.
Stanley ran as fast as he could down to Xeno's house, which was a couple streets down, standing outside on the sideway and controlling his breathing. He didn't want to seem too eager to see the white-haired boy, he wanted to remain cool and collected in his eyes. After calming down his pounding heart, Stanley walked up to the front door, waiting patiently as he rang the door bell.
There was no answer. Stanley waited a couple more seconds, before ringing it again. No answer. He hopped onto the grass and peering into the living room window, the lights were off and it didn't seem like anyone was home. That's strange. Stanley knew for a fact Xeno was there, how? Call it instinct.
Stanley knocked on the door, calling out loudly, "Mr. Wingfield? Mrs. Wingfield? I'm here to see Xeno!"
"Stop your yelling, boy!" The old granny next door called out, pruning her flowers, "They left earlier this morning, I saw the car pull out."
Stanley furrowed his eyebrows, "But Xeno's home." Xeno told him once that his parents don't like to bring him places, not that he minded, it gave him more time to do his experiments.
"He probably went with his parents. Anyways, stop your yelling, they're not home."
Stanley decided the only logical way to get to his friend was to break in, because he knew Xeno was inside. Luckily, it wasn't his first time doing so. Stanley eyed the grandma, making sure she was distracted with pruning her flowers before running towards the back, he paused for a second. Turning around and running up to the grandma.
"Excuse me, Miss, your flowers are really pretty, is it okay if I have one? I want my friend to see it too, but he's sick."
"My, miss? You'll grow up to be a real womanizer, eh?" The grandma chuckled loudly, pleased at the title, "Here, take your pick. I worked hard on pruning these pink carnations."
Stanley's golden eyes glistened under the sun, a big smile forming on his face, "Thank you very much, miss!" He quickly focused on picking out the biggest, best carnation for Xeno, deliberating over which flower had the prettiest petals. After a couple of minutes, he quickly pointed to a carnation that he deemed 'the best' out of the bunch.
"This one please!" The grandma smiled and snipped it's stem, handing it over to Stanley.
"You're a very considerate friend." Stanley didn't reply, his cheeks flushing a bit.
"Thank you! See ya later!" Stanley held onto the flower, running back towards Xeno's house. He peeked behind him quickly to make sure she wasn't looking, then ran around to the back of Xeno's house. There was a big tree that led right up to Xeno's room that he's climbed many times now. Stanley made sure the snacks and candy were secure in his pockets, before placing the flower in his mouth so he could use both his hands to climb.
Quickly, Stanley placed his foot onto the truck, testing the grip, once he was sure he could climb without slipping, he was off. He got to the branch fairly quickly, crouching down and shuffling forward so he didn't slip. He peered into the window. The room was neat, exactly how it looked last time he came by.
Stanley had poked fun of Xeno for keeping such a tidy room, who only responded that it was the most efficient way to maintain the room, it was clear where everything was so things were easy to find.
Stanley scrunched his eyes, looking closely at the bed, a small lump. His eyes widened, it was Xeno! He scooted closer, careful not to fall, before pushing the window up and crawling in.
"Xeno!" Stanley whispered, running over to his friend. Xeno was buried under his sky-blue blankets, he looked even smaller like this. Xeno's normally pale face was flushed, eyelashes fluttering but never fully opening. Stanley placed his hand over Xeno's head, concern flooding him when he realized how hot it was, a thin layer of sweat covering his flushed skin.
"….Stan?" Xeno's voice was quiet, hazy dark eyes slowly focusing on the golden-haired boy in front of him, "Am I dreaming?" he mumbled, a small and soft smile appeared, "What a nice dream."
Stanley felt himself flush at those words, he clutched at his shirt, unsure why his heart was pounding so loud, "N-no, Xe, it's me. You're burning up, I'm gonna go get you a washcloth."
He quickly ran into the bathroom, grabbing a clean washcloth and running it under cold water. Stanley made sure to wring it out as best as he could, wanting to get back to his sick friend as soon as possible. His footsteps grew careful as he approached the bed.
"Here, Xeno, this will make you feel better." Stanley placed the wet cloth on Xeno's forehead, watching as the younger boy let out a content sigh.
"feels…nice." Xeno's dark eyes finally focused on Stanley, his voice was hoarse and low, "Thank you, Stan…but what are you doing here?"
"You didn't come to our meet up today, you never miss a meet up, so I knew you must've been sick." Stanley reached for a lollipop in his pocket, popping it in his mouth, "This is for you, Xeno." He handed the boy the carnation, who's eyes lit up briefly.
Xeno chuckled weakly, before coughing again, "Thank you, Stan…Very elegant indeed…"
Stanley grinned, kneeling down on the ground and placing his arms on the bed, "But where are your parents, Xe? No one's home?"
Xeno hummed, he didn't want to move too much, the nausea and migraine eating at him, "They're attending a dinner party today. I already had medicine; I should be fine sooner or later. It's okay, I can take care of myself."
Stanley did not like that answer at all, he huffed, angry at Xeno's parents for leaving their sick child at home, but also a bit at Xeno for not being angry at being left alone, "How could they do that?! You have a fever, for Christ's sake!"
Xeno blinked, not understanding his friend's sudden anger, "It is efficient. Them staying here will not have an impact on my illness. Plus, it's always been like this."
Stanley racked his brain for a response, finally settling on an angry huff, "Well, it shouldn't be like that!" He crossed his arms in frustration, pacing around quickly, "I wouldn't leave you alone if you were sick!"
Xeno felt himself flush at that, a soft and hoarse giggle leaving his throat, "I know you wouldn't, Stan…" It felt nice, having someone care for you. But soon, a pang of concern and anxiety filled his little frame, he glanced at his blonde friend, who sat on the floor by his bed, "How long are you going to be here? Won't you be bored?"
Stanley plopped his head on the bed, "I'll stay till you get better. And I'm never bored with you."
"Even when I'm sick and we can't do experiments?"
Stanley nodded, "Of course, we don't have to do anything. I like just being next to you."
"You'll really be here till I get better?" Xeno whispered, his eyes never leaving his friend, "…promise?"
"I promise." Stanley was determined to show his friend that he would never leave his side, adjusting his position so he could get a good look at his friend's frail form. His eyes brightened after seeing Xeno smile at his words.
"I brought my hoodie too, the one you like." His voice softened into a whisper, "And candy, and snacks, if you're hungry."
Xeno shook his head softly, face paling at the movement, "Not hungry…" His voice trailed off, hand clasping at his mouth as he moved to flip open the blankets.
Stanley knew that look, scrambling to grab the trashcan next to Xeno's desk. He practically crawled on the floor, trusting the trashcan under Xeno's mouth as the smaller boy clutched the rim with shaking hands.
The sounds of Xeno's retching and gagging filled the room. It was awful to see since there was clearly nothing left in Xeno's stomach to throw up, his body heaving, only for a mix of saliva and yellow-green bile to come out.
Stanley helped hold the trashcan with one hand, his other rubbing soothing circles on his friend's trembling back. He didn't mind that his friend's back was soaked with sweat, if anything he was concerned and heartbroken for the smaller boy, he had to go through this alone?
The retching and gagging finally stopped, and Stanley could hear his friend's soft sobs, alarmed he immediately put down the trashcan, making sure he wouldn't accidentally kick it with his feet.
"Xeno? What's wrong? Is it your head?" His voice was soft, afraid of triggering any more pain in the smaller boy. Xeno didn't say anything, tears falling in big drops as he looked away from Stanley, wiping his mouth with his pajama sleeve.
Stanley gently pulled him back, "Xeno, it's okay, I'm right here."
"…sorry…inelegant," Xeno muttered through his tears, big eyes filled with anxiety and fear, "I won't, be so disgusting, don't leave…" he reached for Stanley's hoodie, before retreating and gripping the bed sheets instead.
Stanley wrapped the younger boy in a hug without a second thought, "It's not disgusting Xe, you're sick. It's normal, and I won't leave. I promised, remember?" It was very unlike Xeno to cry and be vulnerable, which only made Stanley want to protect him more.
Xeno sniffled, "Really?"
Stanley nodded firmly, "Really."
Xeno nodded hesitantly, "Stan…can you grab me new pajamas? I want to change…"
Stanley wasted no time, turning around and opening the drawer when he knew Xeno kept his pajamas. He handed them to Xeno, then quickly grabbed the trashcan and put it in the bathroom, that could be dealt with later. While he was at it, Stanley decided to grab another washcloth, running it under hot water before wringing it out and heading back to Xeno.
Xeno fumbled with the buttons on his pajamas, his eyes red from the crying. Stanley walked over, running his hand through Xeno's hair, "Xe, look up."
Xeno obeyed, closing his eyes as Stanley gently wiped his face with the warm washcloth. He let out a small sigh, the warmth felt nice.
"Do you want me to wipe your back too?" Stanley asked, he knew how much his friend liked being clean, he probably didn't feel happy since he's been sweating. Xeno nodded softly, smiling tiredly at him.
Stanley quickly helped him out of his pajama top, wiping down his neck and back, he handed the cloth to his friend, letting him wipe his arms and stomach while he carefully unbuttoned the new pajama shirt. He worked quickly, afraid the cold air would make Xeno even sicker, something his mother always said.
Xeno changed into new pajama bottoms as well, and Stanley quickly ushered the sick boy back under the covers. Xeno climbed in obediently, watching his friend rush around his room, he chuckled softly, the noise immediately gaining Stanley's attention.
His golden eyes questioning the younger boy what was so funny. Xeno hid himself a bit further under the covers, embarrassed of his crying earlier, "No one's ever stayed with me when I'm sick…I'm glad you're my friend, Stan."
Stan puffed out his chest proudly, "Of course, I'll always be there if you need me."
Xeno hummed, eyes growing tired, "I believe you." Xeno scooted further into his bed, patting the empty spot beside him, "Do you want to lay down, Stan?"
Stanley didn't hesitate, laying down beside his sick friend. He thought about it for a second, then got under the covers with Xeno, wanting to be closer to him.
"I won't get you sick like this, will I?" Xeno muttered, his eyes were slowly starting to close. Stanley shook his head, then realized his friend wouldn't be able to see, "No. My mother says I'm as healthy as a bull."
Stanley reached for Xeno's hand, holding it tightly as he felt the younger boy hold his hand back. Now that Xeno was feeling a bit better, he could feel himself getting sleepier as well, his nerves relaxing.
"I'll be here when you wake up, Xe…don't worry." He mumbled, crawling closer to Xeno.
"I know you will..." Xeno whispered back, a smile on his face as he drifted off to dreamland.
.
In his dreams, he was much older, a weird black X mark on his face. But Xeno wasn't afraid, turning around and seeing the familiar figure waiting for him. Even if Xeno couldn't see his face, he knew it was his dear friend.
"Did you wait long?" He asked, reaching for the taller man's hand. Their fingers laced together, inseparable.
He laughed, "I'll wait however long for you." He brought their intwined hand up to his lips, kissing the back of Xeno's hand, "I promised I would always be there for you, don't intent to break the promise now."
"Yes, my dearest friend and ultimate knight, I know you will."
"Just friend?" He seemed unsatisfied, pouting.
Xeno laughed, pulling him down for a kiss.
"My dearest husband, better?"
"Much."
.
Xeno woke up sweating, his friend somehow managed to latch onto him, engulfing him in a tight hug. He didn't mind it though; he liked hugging Stanley. He gently touched his forehead, feeling for a fever, then his own. His friend was still deep asleep, and Xeno didn't have the heart to wake him up. Xeno closed his eyes; he could only vaguely remember his dream. Whatever it was, it must have been a good dream, he concluded, since Stanley was with him.