"Hermann?" Newton said when he entered the industrial PPDC laboratory, "Why are you wearing your parka in the lab? It's already warm in here." Hermann coughed and turned round, his nose red from blowing it incessantly.

"Shit, I was hoping you wouldn't catch this from me."

"I knew I would anyway; we practically live in the lab together. It was inevitable."

"And you're gonna stand, all day, when you're sick as a dog. Makes sense, dude," Newton said with as much deadpan sarcasm as he could possibly inject into it.

"Like you were going to do? You nearly fainted."

"OK, I did not 'nearly faint' I had just gotten outta bed and I was a little groggy."

"You were unsteady on your feet."

"Well, you just dropped your chalk and didn't even notice." Hermann looked down, and Newt was reminded of a drunk who realizes they drop change and contemplates picking up the coins. His cane slipped.

"K, Hermann, now it's my turn. You're going back to bed." Hermann gave a rumpled frog face and Newt swiped one of Hermann's notebooks off his desk.

"Here," he said, pressing it into Hermann's sweater vest-clad chest, "If you have an idea you can write it down in this. You're going back to bed."

"Thank you, Dr. Geiszler, MD."

"That's what I get for taking care of you, fine, I'll just go," he said impassively, throwing up his hands.

"New-ahCHOO-ton, I'm sorry, forgive me. I appreciate your concern." Newton softened but tried not to let his expression change. He guided Hermann into his room after he unlocked it and started to remove his coat.

"No, I'd like to keep it on. I've got the chills."

"You can't sleep in your coat, that's goofy. You've got plenty of blankets, come on." Hermann was in no condition to argue and let Newton do as he pleased. Hermann closed his eyes as he felt his shoes being slipped off, and the blankets being piled over him.

"Better?"

"Much. Thank you, Newton."

Newton turned but when he reached the door he stole a look at Hermann. He's breathing from his mouth, a rare sight, with the blankets wrapped around his body like a little baby. A large, thin, grumpy baby with a cane. Newton cursed himself for not removing Hermann's clothing. It would be a great chance to catch a glimpse of him. He's gotta be all wiry and boney under there. His chest is so broad it has to be kinda gorgeous. What he wouldn't give to spread his hands all over it...

Newton slipped under the covers. Hermann practically propelled himself off the bed in shock.

"What are you doing? I'm ill. You'll catch it."

"What? The kaiju plague? I gave you the fricken cold anyway."

"Well, I feel bloody awful, so please leave me alone to fester."

"You still cold?" Newton refused to budge.

"Yes."

"Come on," Newton said as he shimmied up to him, "I'll be your hot water bottle"

"No - Newton," Hermann grumbled, curling further into his fetal position. But he laughed weakly and the corners of his mouth curled up a bit as Newton wrapped himself around the ill man. Newton flung an arm and a leg over Hermann's body and pressed his chest up flush to his back.

"How's that?"

"Oh, you're lovely and warm, Newton."

"See." Newton said, snuggling up to him, nestling their bodies together, nuzzling behind one of Hermann's charmingly sticky-out-ears. Hermann released a pleasured sound and inhaled deeply. Newton kissed his neck softly and rubbed his chest. Hot damn it's flat and solid and it feels so good. He spent a little while listening to Hermann's hoarse breathing as it became easier and started to drift off himself...

Newton felt very melancholy standing at the door, yearning to spoon Hermann and make the man less cranky and more comfortable. He cleared his throat and Hermann wriggled a bit.

"K, tissues are right by you. And later I'll bring you soup like did for me."

"Mm, 'hank you, New~tnnn," Hermann said in mid-doze. Newton did return later to find Hermann wrapped up in all his blankets, writing in his notebook.

"Well, dude, here's your soup." Hermann looked up and Newton fought the urge to laugh at the bundled up form in front of him.

"What?"

"Don't you remember I said I'd bring you soup?"

"Ah, no, I must have already drifted off." Newton set the tray on his bedside table.

"I thought you weren't going to work today."

"The mathematical muses wait for no man. And apparently no illness, either."

"Hey, that was kinda poetic." Hermann hmphed and Newton headed for the door again. Hermann looked up.

"I do appreciate it." Newton pretended not to care and looked back with a smile.

"No probs, dude."