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"Der, I don't feel too well today… I think we'll have to clean the garden some other day." Avery spoke when Derek came to check on him.
"What's wrong?" The other asked as soon as he sat down by Avery's side of the bed.
"Eh, my head hurts… but not too much. I couldn't really sleep that well last night because of my constant sneezing." Avery replied, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck.
"I'm sorry I kept waking you up."
"Oh, Avery… Don't even try to apologise for feeling unwell. I'll make you some tea, okay?" Derek leaned closer and gently kissed Avery's forehead. He then let his thumb run across Avery's cheek.
"You're a bit warm too. Could be a fever…"
"It'll be alright, I think." Avery leaned into Derek's touch. "Could I get some nettle tea, please?" He spoke with a sweet smile.
"Anything you want, love." Derek smiled back and resisted the urge to pepper kisses all over Avery's beautiful face.
"I'll be right back."
Before leaving he made sure Avery was comfortable and wrapped in warm blankets. The other was very grateful it.
He looks exhausted, Derek thought to himself as he headed towards their neat kitchen.
He started making tea by pouring water into a kettle and carefully settling it onto the stove once it was filled.
Then he looked through their reach tea collection in one of the cabinets.
From the calming chamomile to the gentle hibiscus, they had it all.
Derek took nettle and peppermint tea. And just a bit of ginger root for later, it's good for headaches after all.
The kettle wheezed as steam billowed out.
He found their favourite mugs, both bird themed - an owl on Derek's and a yellow bird on Avery's. A sweet little inside joke between the two of them…
Each teabag was placed delicately into its designated mug, the sweet scents mixed and filled their small cozy kitchen.
It already felt as if late autumn and winter were knocking at their door. Derek took a moment to gaze outside, through the kitchen window, at the bare treetops. In spring, they were always full of vibrant blossoms, and in summer, of delicious fruit.
It was windy today. He could see branches swaying with the strength of northern winds.
Derek turned his gaze away to add a few teaspoons of brown sugar to their tea.
He slowly grabbed the mugs and started making his way back to their shared bedroom. Back to warmth.
He walked just a bit quieter and stole a peek before fully stepping in.
Avery was laid back, his body swallowed by soft pillows and blankets. His breaths were noticeably heavier and it looked like they hurt.
Derek's expression was one of concern and care as he reached closer.
He silently placed both mugs on the bedside cabinet and planted a soft kiss into Avery's curly hair. Derek could see Avery's lips forming a kind smile as his lashes fluttered.
And he sluggishly opened his eyes to lovingly gaze up at Derek. He truly looked beautiful.
"How're you feeling now?" Derek spoke softly as he gently caressed Avery's cheek.
"Somehow a lot dizzier, but I'll manage." Avery giggled lightly. The other kissed his feverish cheeks.
"You need to stay hydrated, my love. Don't worry about a thing… I brought you tea, just how you like it."
"Aww… Thank you, darling." Avery mumbled as he sat up in the bed.
Derek helped him drink a bit of his tea; cooling it to the right temperature and holding it to Avery's lips.
"Try some of my peppermint tea. It's just as good and warm." Derek whispered with a smile. Avery shook his head.
"And risk getting you sick? Not a chance."
"What, you think some fever would keep me from you?" He said and gently kissed Avery's cheek again, eliciting a soft laugh.
"In sickness and in health, huh?" He spoke smugly.
"In sickness and in health." Derek nodded readily.
Avery continued sipping his tea while Derek grabbed more items Avery could use in case he felt worse.
He then shuffled into bed beside Avery. The other immediately snuggled closer, seeking Derek's warmth and tenderness.
"Are you still cold?" Derek began. He let Avery lay completely against him and rest his head on his chest.
"A bit." Avery admitted. He yawned and wrapped his arms around his partner.
"You're warm, though. Can you be my very own heater?" He chuckled quietly.
"I'd love to keep you warm, Avery." Derek smiled gently, lovingly. He'd do whatever Avery asks of him.
He watched Avery struggle to take deep breaths through his nose.
"I really hate this part of being sick." He let out a heavy sigh.
"Me too. Has the headache eased up at least?"
"A little. Thanks to your magical tea."
That seemed to lighten Avery's mood, at least a bit.
Derek kissed his forehead once more. He nuzzled into Avery's neck and pulled the blankets to keep his dear partner as warm as possible.
His arms stayed protectively wrapped around Avery.
And Avery was comforted by the feeling of Derek's deep breaths against his skin. He listened to the quiet inhales and exhales, felt them just by his side.
It made him lean closer as he let his eyes flutter shut.
Derek started rubbing his back gently, hoping to offer both closure and a soothing touch.
"I've got you Avery. And I'm not letting go… Not now, not ever." Derek whispered gently. "I promise."
He could feel Avery's soft grip bring him as close as possible to the other. He complied, letting his fingers splay across Avery's back.
He continued to caress Avery, tenderly kissing the skin of his neck.
"You need to rest." Derek murmured. "I'll always be here for you."
"I know… And I hope you know I'll always be here for you too." Avery mumbled sleepily.
"I do, my love." Derek sighed, content and at ease as Avery finally let his exhausted body rest.
"I love you so much. Rest now, Avery."