calls Alfred, and hopes he didn't wake the man up.
lifts his head from the couch. Woah. He must have passed out watching Man vs Food. u.u Feels the vibration in his pocket and groans
before sitting up and bringing his cell to his ear, rubbing his eyes. "...Hello?"
"Sorry, love; did I wake you up?" he asks, holding his phone with one hand, and stirring some curry with the other.
shakes his head, humming softly into the phone. "Nah, I was just spacin' at the t.v., 's all good." Smiles. "Whatcha callin' for?"
chuckles, adding a bit more salt to the curry. "Am I not allowed to call for the sake of hearing your voice?"
...smiles warmly, running the fingers of his free hand through his messy locks. "...Mmhmm. I guess there ain't any harm in that." Dang
romantic, buttering him up while he's still half asleep. "Whatcha up to?" He laid back down, stretching.
tastes some of his curry, humming a bit in approval. "Just making myself some food. You ought to sleep on the bed rather than the couch; it
isn't good for your back..."
scoffed softly, sprawling out quite comfortably on his leather sofa. "I was just takin' a nap. I passed out watchin' television." u.u He
sniffled. It was probably for the best. One dose of cold medicine and it was lights out for the American, yessir.
raised an eyebrow, just slightly - yes, only slightly - concerned. "...Alfred, are you sick?"
hummed in the back of his throat, thinking through his response carefully. If he lied, Artie would know. If he told him the truth, Artie
would spazz. Maybe he should find some middle ground. "Naah, it's nothin', just a little cold or something, no biggie. H-How are
you?" ;w; Discrete. Always discrete.
didn't believe him at -all-. He frowned, turning the heat on the stove down. "...Did you take any medicine? Make some soup? What's your
temperature?"
ajdkljfldsa apparently failed. He huffed softly. "Yeah, I took some meds, no, I didn't make soup, and my temperature isn't THAT bad." u.u
frowned even more, and turned the stove off completely. "...And what -is- your temperature, sweetheart?"
paused, considering lying again. But. In the end it would accomplish nothing. "...Onlylike102." >>;
paused, frowning even -more-. "...Stay there, alright? I'll come over with some soup."
groaned, kicking his feet slightly. "N-No, dude, I'm okay, I promise! You've probably got real important stuff to do and I don't wanna
be...afdkjalf...a burden, ya know..." u.u
abandoned his curry to start making some soup. "Nonsense. I can have my work be faxed over to me. Just try to get some rest until I get
there, alright?"
rubbed his palm against his forehead, sniffling again with a frustrated frown. "...Okay, okay, just... Take your time. Don't come until
you get some stuff done, and stop worryin' about me, I'm o-okay." u///u
shook his head, even though Alfred couldn't see. "You're -not- okay. I'll be over soon, alright?" He then hung up to concentrate on the
soup, and made his way over as soon as it was done. Rather than knocking on the door (since that would make Alfred get up), he used the
spare key to enter. "Alfred?"
jolted at the sound of someone entering his home, having been, yet again, half asleep. Who could blame him for totally thinking for a
second that someone had broken into his house. u.u Until, of course, Arthur's voice sounded. ajldkfjaholyshitthankGod. He stretched,
sitting up and shifting his glasses onto the bridge of his nose. "...Mm. Yep! It's...open", he mumbled, only half aware that his
statement made little sense. @x@
made his way to the living room, frowning with concern. He set the pre-made soup down on the table and made his way over, placing a hand on
Alfred's forehead. "Bloody hell, you're burning up! When did you last take some medicine?"
smiled upon the Brit's entrance, lifting his arms for a hug when Arthur instead slapped his palm onto his forehead. "...Well howdy there
to you too, sexy, it's nice to see you again." u.u "...Mmm. I dunno. Like. I took some when we got off the phone, when was that?"
sighed, giving Alfred a brief hug. "That's good. I'm going to prepare some soup for you, so rest in the meanwhile, alright? I might chicken
noodle."
hummed at the hug, no matter how brief, before sinking back into the couch. "...Alrighty. Yeah, I'll just. Lay here. U-Unless you need
me to do somethin', of course! Cause. ...Yeah, I would." Wow. Alright, brain, time to wake up. u.u
chuckled, gently kissing Alfred's cheek. "I need you to rest, love," he replied, before standing to go reheat the soup.
"....Okay", Alfred replied as he flopped back onto the couch, uncertain if he was hot or cold. He ended up going with a half-on, half-off
approach with his big, fluffy comforter.
eventually came back with a hot, steaming bowl of soup. "Sit up, Alfred," he said, waiting. "You need to eat."
Mm. Food. Why did food not sound good, he must have been sick. "Never heard that one before", Alfred muttered with a smile as he sat up,
sitting cross-legged on the couch. He held out his hands. ;w;
sat down beside him, and carefully placed the bowl in his hands. "Be careful, love; it's still hot."
hummed. "M'kay, will do. Looks like it smells good", he commented with a smile, taking a spoon in hand and drawing some to his lips. He
blew on it softly before closing his mouth around it and taking a deep breath. "Mmm. Thanks a bunch, dude it--" Sneeze off to the
side. "--tastes great." Or maybe it didn't. He wasn't sure, his taste buds were malfunctioning, but it was the thought that counted. ;w;
smiled just slightly, stroking Alfred's hair as he ate. "You can't even taste anything right now. There isn't any need to lie. But you'd
better finish it, okay?"
leaned into the touch, the man's cooler hand feeling good on his flushed skin. "Mhmm, will do", he replied around the spoon as he took
another sip.
"Idiot... you should've called when you woke up not feeling well." He continued to stroke Alfred's hair, doing a poor job of hiding his
concern.
frowned, sniffling a bit. "...Well I don't like you bein' worried. I knew you probably had stuff to do, and I had stuff to do, and I
didn't have time to be sick." u.u He continued eating his soup.
scoffed. "...That's absolutely ridiculous. You won't get anything done if you're sick, which means that ultimately, I'll have more work to
do. So just tell me the next time you're feeling ill, alright?"
"...I know, it's just been kinda crazy and I've been freakin' about the Hurricane and so is my government, and... Yeah. I'll letcha know,
but that doesn't mean you hafta drop everything." He didn't wanna go into an explanation of sleepless nights and anxiety and blah. u.u
shook his head. "It's alright. Really. I understand that it must be quite a chaotic time for you... if there's anything I can do, just let
me know. I can always finish my work another time."
smiled down at his empty bowl and set it on the coffee table, leaning over to rest his head on the Englishman's shoulder. "...Mm. I'm
happy just seein' you again."
chuckled, wrapping an arm around Alfred's waist. "As am I, but I'd prefer it if you were healthier. Now, let's get you up to bed."
sniffled, pouting some. "...B-But now I ain't tired, you just got here." ;A;
"That pout won't work on me when you're ill, love," Arthur replied, trying to gently tug Alfred up. "I'll stay until you're feeling better.
So come on, get up. You need your rest."
groaned in the back of his throat. Poo. Arthur wasn't supposed to deny that face. u.u "...Alright, alright." He took hold of the other's
hand and allowed him to pull him upstairs.
led the way up to Alfred's bedroom. "Lie down and get comfortable. I'm going to get some cool water and a rag to lower your temperature."
did as he was told, for once-- mostly cause he was too tired to do otherwise-- and laid down to get comfortable. Kind of. It was a little
hard to do so when he didn't know if he'd rather find a position to ease his stomach ache, or his snotty head, or his cough, or his
throbbing head. So he just wound up laying flat on his back wishing he'd picked up some nice NyQuil.
came back a while later with a basin of ice water, and a rag. He brought a chair up to the bed and dipped the cloth in the water, squeezing
the excess liquid out before folding it neatly and placing it atop Alfred's head. "Is there anything you want?"
hummed at the coolness of the cloth, pretty certain he'd just drooled a bit. "Mmm. N-Nah, you've done more than enough, Artie", he replied
with a weary smile up at his boyfriend, cheeks flush with color.
smiled faintly, and reached to caress Alfred's cheeks. "Idiot... you need to take better care of yourself."
settled into the blankets, eyes closing at the touch. "But you're doin' such a good job", he murmured with a joking smile.
chuckled, keeping his touch light. "...You're just a big baby, still," he murmured fondly. "Try to get some sleep, love."
The boy's smile softened as baby blues flickered open to catch a glimpse of that look spread across Arthur's face. Something told him
he didn't mind taking care of him all that much. "Hnnn". He called him love. Hur. "You gonna sleep with me?"
"I'll keep watch over you until you get better," Arthur promised. "Just go to sleep, you git."
"...I'd sleep better with you in bed with me." ;w;
retrieved the rag, dunking it in water, squeezing the excess out, and putting it back on Alfred's forehead. "You're burning up, though..."
hummed, frowning softly when a shiver shook his frame. "...Okay, okay. ...I love you..." ;x;
Oh, damn. "...Fine, fine." He slipped into bed beside Alfred after making sure to keep the basin of water on the chair, holding him close.
"I love you too."
Yet another point for Alfred. He smiled thankfully and rolled onto his side, facing the Brit to curl his feverish body close, cheek resting
happily on the other's chest. He adjusted the cloth on his forehead to account for his change in position before settling down. ;w;
smiled slightly, gently stroking through Alfred's hair. "Close your eyes and try to sleep, Alfred. You need rest to get better."
hummed in response. "...M'kaay. I'll try. ...I love you. And. Thanks for comin'... I...really appreciate it..." His eyes closed
and he took a deep breath.
kissed the top of Alfred's head. "I love you too, and you're quite welcome." Gahh. Why was Alfred always so damn adorable when he was
sick?! =3=
breathed slowly through his mouth, quietly, mind finally taking the hint and allowing his body to relax. Pssh, like he wasn't adorable all
the time, don't lie. ;3;
gently stroked Alfred's hair, humming an old song quietly to help lull him to sleep. Alfred wasn't cute all the time. Nope.
Alright, you asked for it. Alfred squeaked softly in his sleep, the old song surfacing an old calm that seemed to fill him and soothe
him, body relaxed against the Englishman's.
smiled, continuing to hum as he held Alfred close. N... Nope, still not cute...
ajdfklajfdlcurses. He curled his fingers into the other's soft shirt. It's okay. Won't be long before you crack. Any day now.
GODDAMNIT. Not... going to crack. Nope. Alfred wasn't cute... not cute at all...
buried his face into the strong, oh-so familiar chest of the Englishman-- the same man who had chased away every monster, soothed his
discomforts, and quieted his tears countless times in the past. You don't forget bonds like that, and Alfred was no exception. No matter
how strong the American was or knew himself to be, he coudn't help but feel safe and secure and loved in Arthur's arms. Does the cute burn
you yet?
...Goddamnit, fine. He smiled, pressing a light kiss to Alfred's cheek. "Sleep well, love," he murmured quietly, holding Alfred close. Damn
him. =3=
celebrates his victory internally, and does, in fact, sleep very well. Maybe it was the drugs. Or maybe it was the tight, warm hold of
his boyfriend. ...Or, probably, a mixture of the two. Regardless, he slept very, very well indeed.
remained there the entire night, occasionally re-dipping the rags in cold water until Alfred's temperature went down. It was tiring, staying
up all night, but very well worth it. Sleep was something he'd readily sacrifice for Alfred, both in the past, and in the present.
...Okaythatwasreallysweet. u.u Alfred awoke the next morning with a soft moan, stiff from not having shifted the entirety of the
night. He groggily stretched, a little delirious, but happy to recognize the warm body still beneath his own. "...Hnnnnn. ...G'morning."
smiled, albeit a little tiredly, as he kissed Alfred's cheek. "Good morning, love. Feeling a little better?"
shifted comfortably, smile tugging at his lips at the gentle good-morning peck. "...Mm. I dunno, I think so. Don't feel as hot."
"That's good. Let's get a little more medicine in you, and I'll make you some more soup. How does that sound?"
smiled wearily, a little hesitant in moving from his warm, comfortable place, but sitting up to do so anyway, stretching. "Sounds real
good, Artie."
nodded, getting off the bed. "Wash up in the meanwhile, love. I'll bring the food up."
nodded. A shower sounded awesome. Maybe that'd clear some of the junk out of his head. So, into the shower he went, washing himself clean
and getting a nice steam. It soothed his throat a bit and made him feel less nasty, at least.
made some soup - clam chowder, this time. It tasted delicious, in his opinion, but he doubted Alfred would be able to recognize it. "Come
down when you're done, love!"
clambered down the stairs a few minutes later, having changed from pajamas into more pajamas. He had a feeling he wouldn't be going
anywhere that day, anyway. He blew his reddened nose into a tissue and offered a scratchy-throated greeting. "Hey there, sexy, whatcha
got cookin'?" ;w;
smiled a little, pulling out a chair for Alfred. "Clam chowder. You're going to have to wash it down with some tea - no soda until you get
better."
settled into the seat with a light huff. "Well, sure looks good. ...But I don't like nasty old tea." ;A; Fortunately it didn't really
matter, he couldn't taste it anyway.
sat down on the opposite side of the table. "But it'll help you with your sore throat. Just listen to me, alright?"
hummed, frowning a bit as he tried his first spoonful of the chowder. "...A-And then you'll make me some Apple Cider?" u.u
hummed, thinking. "...I suppose I can... but only when you recover."
grinned. He didn't want to wait, but whatever, at least he would be able to taste it then. "Jolly good then", he replied as he continued
eating away at the chowder.
scoffed, trying to hide his amusement. "...If you were trying to mock me, I'm not going to cook for you anymore."
"So then I'd have no choice but to drink soda and eat Hot Pockets and Mac 'n Cheese and Big Macs." ;w;
frowned, unimpressed. "...Are you deliberately trying to get fat?"
pouted. "...No, I exercise." ;A; Insert some random coughing, wow that sounds healthy.
grimaced. "...Of course you do," he replied, standing and going off before coming back with some medicine. "Take some medicine after you
finish the soup."
Alfred
will
do, is what he meant to say; but when he opened his mouth to do so, nothing came out. Not even that nasty half-drowning-on-mucus sound,
just...nothing. "....." His lips cursed, 'fuck', but his voice did not. u.u
raised an eyebrow. "...Alfred? Are you alright?"
...nodded. ;x; Well. Just...fuck. How did you even function without a voice? America without a voice was like Batman without Robin, or
Artie without eyebrows. It just wasn't right.
sat down beside him, just slightly concerned. "...Lost your voice, love?"
took this opportunity to lower his forehead to the table with a light thump, nodding against the smooth surface. u.u
chuckled, patting Alfred's head. "...Let's get some medicine in you, then," he said, getting two pills from the bottle and handing them to
Alfred. "And then it's more rest for you."
lifted his head and took the pills as directed with a rather frustrated expression. He didn't wanna lay around again. It was awesome
taking sick days, yeah, but not when you were actually sick. Cause...who liked being sick, really. The American got fidgety too
easily. Not that he could talk to Artie about it. u.u He stomped his feet on the ground several times and leaned his head against the
Englishman's shoulder, hoping this would convey his irritation with the situation.
"I know, Alfred, but you need to get better before you can start moving around," he replied, placing the pills down on the table in front of
Alfred. "We can go somewhere fun - of your choosing - after you get better."
lifted his head to look at the Englishman, a frown tugging at his lips. Artie looked exhausted. Had he really stayed awake all through
the night for the American's sake? Fuck. Alfred hated when people worried about him. He hated not being able to take care of himself, and
he hated feeling like he was missing the world and its events as he stayed huddled away in his home. ...But Artie was doing so much for
him. So much. It'd be selfish of him not to be appreciative and just take it. He leaned up to press a kiss to his neck, not wanting to
spread his germs anywhere near the man's lips, and mouthed a thank-you.
smiled fondly, stroking through Alfred's hair. The man could be awfully adorable and sweet, when he wanted to be. "You're welcome. Just
concentrate on getting better; that's the best way you can repay me."
nodded his agreement, eyes falling to a close with the gentle caress. If getting better was the best means of repayment, than by all means,
getting better is what he'd do. Tanned fingers curled around the Brit's. 'Take a nap', he mouthed with a crooked smile, blue hues soft.
shook his head. gently urging Alfred to stand up so he could lead his boyfriend to the bed. "I'm fine. Worry more about yourself, idiot."
pouted, but could offer little in response given his current condition. He allowed himself to be returned to bed did his best to get
comfy despite the aches and nose-running and various other illness related afflictions. Glancing up at the Englishman, he made a heart out
of his hands and then pointed at him, hoping this was enough to convey his thoughts. ;w;
reddened just slightly as he smiled, his expression fond as he leaned in to press a light kiss to Alfred's forehead. "I love you too," he
replied earnestly. "But try to get some rest now, alright? I'll get the water and rag again to help reduce your fever."
nodded, happy to see the color spread across his boyfriend's cheeks, and even happier to earn an affectionate kiss to his
forehead. A smile tugged at the edges of his lips. He wrapped Arthur in a tight hug before he was able to shuffle off elsewhere, before
releasing him and settling into the covers.
chuckled, tucking Alfred in before moving to fill the basin with cold water again. He repeated the routine from the previous night, setting
the cool rag atop Alfred's forehead. "Try to get some sleep."
sighed as, yet again, the cool compress took the edge off his fever, watching the Brit with soft baby blues. Sleep would be easier said
than done. He'd only just woken up. Yes, he could probably fall back asleep; but, it just felt strange. Arthur had gotten there the night
before, and yet it seemed like he had barely seen him at all. Probably the whole illness induced delirium thing. Regardless, he nodded
slightly, and sank into his bed. It'd be nice falling into unconsciousness with the image of Arthur's face, at least. ;w;
smiled a bit as he sat by the bed, gently caressing Alfred's face. He was understandably exhausted, but... it was all worth it. Alfred
energized him, even if the man wasn't intending to do so. "Get better soon, you troublesome git..."
turned his head to press several kisses to the Englishman's palm. Man, that smile. He couldn't get enough of it, of knowing that it was
he who put it there; he who chased away that frown all too often displayed on Arthur's lips. The American flashed him a toothy grin in
return before closing his eyes to rest.
just shook his head, unable to do anything -but- smile when Alfred did something like that. He remained by the American's side for the
entire time, re-wetting the rag every once in a while.
awoke a good four hours later-- so much for not being tired. His body must have been dying for an excuse to just collapse into relaxation,
and a cold was the perfect outlet. He groaned when his eyes fluttered open, only to smile slightly at the face above him. ...Hadn't he
taken a break at all?
hadn't, but that was okay. He'd KO later. Arthur smiled tiredly down at Alfred, resting his cool hand on the other's cheek. "...Slept well?"
nodded, humming at the cool touch. He coughed several times and buried his mouth in his sleeve. How big of a dick move would that be,
giving Arthur his disease after the man had worked so hard to take care of him. "...Yep. Well", he whispered, happy to find that he had
at least somewhat regained his ability to speak.
leaned in, kissing Alfred's cheek. "I'll make you some tea. It should help your throat, so drink it without complaints."
sat up wearily, rubbing his eyes until the room stopped spinning. "Mmm. Alright. J-Just add some honey or something." He'd have to
give the Englishman a little kiss of his own when he returned. ;w;
nodded, heading down to the kitchen to fix Alfred some tea. He added some honey, as requested, and came back up, carefully holding the tea
out to Alfred. "Be careful, love; it's hot."
smiled at the Englishman's return, gently taking the tea from his hands. "Mm, thanks, Artie. But uh. I think you should blow on it, I
would but I dunno if my lungs would take to that too well."
sighed, though not out of exasperation. "Such a child," he chided, smiling a bit as he leaned in to blow softly on the tea.
took this opportunity to press a soft kiss to the man's cheek, breath caressing his skin, smile tugging at his lips as he pulled
back. "...Sorry. You looked a little hot too." ;//w//;
reddened just slightly, unable to be mad at that kind of face. "...I-Idiot..."
grinned before taking a sip of tea, humming into the cup. "I love you too." ;//w//; That's right. What did I say about giving in.
Buah-ha.
Arthur
thinks
Alfred is a dirty, dirty cheater. "Just... shut up and get better, already."