Ch 7 Of Fevers and Strangers
Fevers are one of the worst of medical maladies. Especially when your back was burned in a fire, and the skin has only half-healed since then. Arthur could be very introverted at times. He rarely told anyone what was truly bothering him but he never felt the need to hide his irritation. Alfred and Francis and well pretty much everyone irritated Arthur in some way or another. And he knew that he couldn't hide this from them, he felt too horrible.
Kiku was awakened by Arthur's groans in the middle of the night (or was it early morning?). Arthur had trouble sleeping ever since he had returned from the hospital. Kiku had originally moved out after they had found Detective Wilson's body, the room no longer retaining its homey atmosphere since then. Kiku had returned, at Arthur's request, to help him tend to his wounds. It seemed that Arthur did not trust anyone but him to do an adequate job. Kiku had accepted, knowing that the request had been hard for Arthur. Arthur rarely asked for help.
Kiku rubbed his eyes, hoping to will the drowsiness away. "Arthur-san, are you alright?"
"I'm sorry if I woke you, Kiku. My back is just bothering me. I didn't mean to wake you. Please go back to sleep," Arthur said groggily.
Kiku made his way to Arthur's bed and placed his hand on Arthur's forehead. Arthur tried swatting it away but Kiku was determined. Kiku frowned. Arthur felt slightly feverish. "Arthur, you have a slight fever. Please stop moving. I will get you some ibuprofen and a glass of water right away."
Kiku went through his drawers, trying to locate the painkillers. Once he found them, he went through the small refrigerator they had in their room and procured a water bottle. He found one of Arthur's teacups and poured the water in. He carefully made his way to Arthur and had almost succeeded in getting the water to Arthur when there was a loud shout, loud shouts to be more precise. The noise startled Kiku and made him spill the contents of the teacup.
Kiku frowned. Who could that be? He opened the door to see who it was and saw Ludwig and Feliciano walking towards him. Kiku had forgotten that they had all agreed to do something together today. What that something was Kiku didn't know. Feliciano was the one who suggested it and both Ludwig and Kiku had agreed. Feliciano had failed to specify what they were going to do together.
"Hello Ludwig-san. Hello Feliciano-san. I know that we agreed to go out today but Arthur-san is sick-"
"Arthur is sick?!" Feliciano said with a worried expression on his face. Kiku was not surprised at being interrupted. Feliciano did this often. Ludwig gently shoved Feliciano, giving him a look that was meant to scold. Feliciano did not understand and just smiled back.
"Yes, he is. I am helping take care of him. Now if you will please excuse m-"
"Eh? But you promised! You promised! You promised! Ludwig, he promised!" Feliciano whined, jumping up and down with each protest. Ludwig rubbed his temples. It was going to be a long day.
"If you have to take care of Arthur I will understand, Kiku. And I will try to get Feliciano to understand as well," Ludwig said over Feliciano's continuing whines. Kiku nodded in appreciation and went back inside his room, gently closing the door behind him. He refilled the teacup and handed Arthur the painkillers and water.
"Here Arthur-san. This should help you feel better." Arthur sat up and gulped down the pills and went back to bed, pulling the covers over his head.
"Can you call the attendance office and tell them I'm staying in today? Thank you, Kiku. I appreciate it," Arthur said hoarsely, his voice tired and sleepy. Kiku sighed. Arthur had been through a lot. He deserved to rest.
"It's Saturday. There is no school today," said Kiku, wetting a towel and placing it on Arthur's forehead. Arthur shuffled around, protesting at Kiku's attempts to take care of him.
"Can you make up some excuse for me if that bloody frog and Alfred come looking for me? Anything will do." Kiku knew that Arthur should not lie and avoid his friends but understood his feelings. Arthur did not want to worry them. Kiku knew the feeling. He never wanted to worry Arthur or Feliciano. "Of course."
Kiku heard distant buzzing and tried to locate the sound. He found the source to be Arthur's cell phone. He had received…127 text messages in what seemed to be the last hour. Most of them were from Francis and Alfred. A few were from Sechelles and Matthew. Kiku wondered whether Arthur would mind if he read a few of them. Reading the ones from Alfred was particularly tempting. Kiku thought that reading one wouldn't hurt…much. He opened one from Francis.
From: Francis Bonnefoy
Sent: 06:48
Subject: [no subject]
Arthur~! What is wrong with you, mon ami? I had to hear from Matthew about the steamy moment between you and Alfred! I need to know these things! Are you still angry with me for the kissing booth? It was harmless fun. You need to loosen up, Arthur. Me and a bunch of us are going to the city today, do you want to come? Unless you prefer to stay with Alfred and do a certain something? Text me, mon amour.
Kiku blushed at the message and decided that reading one more wouldn't hurt.
From: Alfred F. Jones
Sent: 07:57
Subject: HI!
Um, hey Arthur, are you like mad at me or something? You haven't really responded to any of my calls or texts. I've left like 10 already. Francis told me about the rendezvous later. Are you coming? Let me know.
Kiku had thought that now would be a good time to stop. Otherwise he would never be able to put the phone off. He went back to check on Arthur's temperature and found no change yet. Kiku sighed.
Kiku heard more loud noises outside. He walked to the door and opened it to find the hall filled with people. The first person he saw was Alfred, who shoved his way towards the door.
"Hey, Kiku, what's up with Arthur? He hasn't responded to any of my texts. Is he sick? Is he ok? Kiku? Kiku? Say something," Alfred said rapidly, not letting Kiku get a word in.
"Arthur is resting. He is simply exhausted by yesterday's activities," Kiku lied, hoping it would satisfy Alfred's overbearing curiosity and concern. Alfred frowned.
"That can't be right. Iggy is always fine. Just let me in, Kiku-"
"NO! Do not let him in, Kiku," Arthur said, pushing against the door, trying to get Alfred to stay outside.
"Arthur-san, you really shouldn't be up. You should be resting. Go back to sleep and I will take care-"
"IGGY! Hey, why haven't you responded to my messages? You always respond to my messages even if it's just to say 'Sod off, git' or something. Let me in, will you-"
"No, I will not let you in, you bloody prat. Now stop-"
"Arthur, ma cherie! Why are you not coming out to greet your big brother, Francis? Hmm, Arthur? Now don't be rude-"
"Belt up, frog. Now all you gits, leave me alone. Kiku, close the door-"
"You can't, Kiku. Arthur, I'm the hero so I have to come in and make sure that you're alright," Alfred interrupted, pushing the door open and forcing his way in, knocking both Kiku and Arthur to the ground. Alfred frowned once he made his way and found them on the floor.
"What are you guys doing?" Alfred asked, puzzled. Arthur groaned, his face red.
Alfred placed his hand on Arthur's forehead and tsked at him. "Really Arthur, you always get in trouble when I'm not around. But it's ok! I'm the hero and I'm going to protect you! You are my damsel-in-distress, after all," Alfred grinned, giving Arthur a thumbs up.
" I am NOT your damsel-in-distress or your anything for that matter! Stop with this ridiculous hero business of yours. You're not really a hero and you're not a child so stop acting like one. And stop-" Arthur was interrupted when Kiku placed his hand over Arthur's mouth, effectively silencing him. "You must not say such things, Arthur-san. You will hurt Alfred-san's feelings," Kiku whispered in Arthur's ear. Once Arthur shrugged in acceptance, Kiku removed his hand. Meanwhile, Alfred seemed completely unfazed by Arthur's speech. He was used to Arthur ranting like that, although, the part about being nothing to Arthur stung a bit. He had hoped that since they had…kissed, things would be better between them. Then again, it wasn't like they really established anything. After all, he had heard from Matthew that Francis had kissed Arthur as well. Alfred sighed inwardly. Arthur was so difficult to understand sometimes, he rarely honestly stated his feelings for others.
Alfred grinned widely. "I'll get some medicine for you. I don't mind," Alfred said, winking at Arthur.
"I do not need your help," Arthur fumed, his fists clenched in silent fury. He gave Kiku a look, suggesting that he politely make Alfred go away. Kiku nodded. "Alfred-san, Arthur needs his rest. Perhaps you can visit him later when he is feeling better," Kiku suggested.
Alfred shook his head, still smiling. "No can do. A hero has got to do his duty. What kind of hero would I be if I left Arthur to suffer on his own?"
"I'll be fine. I cannot understand your reasons for fussing over me. It's just a slight fever, nothing to get concerned with. Now please leave. Now," Arthur said trying to push Alfred towards the door. Alfred stood his ground. Arthur tried harder to push him, but Alfred was far too heavy and Arthur did not have that kind of strength, especially now.
Arthur let himself go limp against Alfred's back. "Just let me rest, Alfred. Kiku is more than capable of taking care of me. Go enjoy yourself with Francis and the others. I'll be here when you return. You need to rescue other people anyways. You are the hero, after all," Arthur said softly, his fever taking a stronger hold on him. Alfred sighed in acceptance. He turned around and placed Arthur on his bed, wrapping Arthur in his blankets.
Alfred took one last look at Arthur before leaving and closing the door behind him.
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Arthur had been fitfully sleeping since Alfred left him. His fever had also gotten worse, making him almost delusional. Arthur could scarcely distinguish right from left and up from down. He had stayed in bed, like Kiku had instructed. Kiku had left on his own for a bit, to get some stronger medicine from the local pharmacy. He had said that he would return as quickly as he could.
After his third disturbing dream, Arthur had gotten up. He kept dreaming of Evan and Detective Wilson and of their vacant, open, lifeless eyes. Those eyes haunted him. They kept reminding him of how he was next. He briefly wondered how painful his death would be. Arthur shook his head fiercely, trying to shake the thoughts out. He groaned and sat up, searching for his teacup.
As he scanned the room, his eyes came across a dark, wet figure, staring straight at him. It was the student. The one he saw outside the mathematics building right before it went up in flames. Arthur stared at him, stupefied. The student smiled gently at him, and walked past him and through the door and vanished without a trace.
Arthur jumped up from his bed and searched his room for the student. After looking everywhere in his room, he opened the door and glanced outside, still no sign of the student. Arthur shut the door, wondering where the student had gone and how he had disappeared into thin air.
He was about to go back to bed when he heard a sharp click coming from the window. Arthur turned and headed to the window. He opened the drapes and glanced outside. He saw the student waving at him, motioning with his hand to come down.
Arthur blinked in disbelief before rushing to get his shoes on and slamming the door open. He ran down the stairs and rushed to the spot where he saw the student. He was still standing there, and seemed startled by Arthur's presence. The student motioned with his hands to not get too close. Arthur understood and stayed where he was.
Arthur was at a loss as to what to ask. There were plenty of things that he wanted to know but he was sure of what to ask first. He decided to start with the most obvious one. "Who are you?" The student shook his head, pointing at his throat. So he couldn't speak.
"Do you know anything about what has been happening?" The student nodded. Good, he was finally getting somewhere.
"Can you tell me about what you know? I'll get some paper and pencil…" Arthur drifted off as he saw the student shaking his head. Arthur wondered what could prevent the student from telling him. Was it fear? Fear of being attacked for revealing information? Or was it something different entirely?
"I saw you, when the fire started. Were you responsible for it? For starting the fire?" Arthur asked with anticipation. This was it. The big one, the one question that could, perhaps, lead to some answers.
The student instead frowned and turned his back on Arthur, walking away from him.
"Wait! Come back! Answer me!" Arthur yelled as he ran towards the mysterious student.
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Throughout the whole outing and adventure in the city, Alfred had been thinking about Arthur. He just couldn't understand why he felt so…anxious. Ever since he had left Arthur, he kept feeling as though there was something wrong. He couldn't quite put his finger on what it was. Alfred had been so pensive that even McDonalds couldn't bring him out of his thoughts. Matthew noticed this and gently nudged his brother in the shoulder.
"Alfred, are you alright?" Matthew asked softly, sitting next to Alfred, clutching his bear closer to his chest. Alfred turned and faced Matthew, a confused look on his face. "I'm fine. It's just that I have this nagging feeling that something's wrong. I can't help it," Alfred said, lowering his head and staring at his lap. Matthew patted Alfred's back in sympathy.
"It's understandable for you to be worried, Alfred, after all that's happened. You should get Arthur something, to cheer him up," Matthew suggested, getting up and leaving to sit next to Francis. Alfred eyed them for a moment before returning to his thoughts. How did Matthew know that it was Arthur that he was worried about? Sometimes Matthew knew him a little too well.
Matthew's idea about getting Arthur a present didn't sound too bad. Once they had all left McDonalds, they had parted ways to explore shops, agreeing to rendezvous in two hours. Alfred followed Matthew and Francis. Francis respectively looked both pleased and slightly irritated. Alfred didn't approve of Francis trying to get his claws on Matthew but he respected Matthew enough, but just barely, to let him make his own decisions. That didn't stop Alfred from keeping a close eye on them though. He watched Francis like a hawk, eyeing his every movement, making sure that Francis didn't do anything too inappropriate.
It was in a pawnshop that Alfred had finally found something decent to buy Arthur. It was an antique Victorian pocket watch. It was small and in good condition. Alfred fingered it reverently, tracing his thumb over the intricate floral designs on the cover. Alfred grinned, deciding that this was perfect for Arthur. He loved old things like this. Alfred made his way to the counter and purchased the pocket watch, buying a nice case and chain to go along with it.
They had gone to other shops and an hour later arrived at the place they had all agreed to rendezvous, just in time to escape the light rain. Alfred headed to his car with Francis and Matthew at his heels. Alfred was eager to return back to the Academy, to show his gift to Arthur. He was keen on seeing the expression on Arthur's face when he gave him his present.
After getting through light traffic, they had returned to Little Flats. Alfred willed himself to slow down after both Matthew and Francis had yelled at him. He drove at the speed limit, which he thought was far too slow.
Alfred blinked when he saw Kiku walking in the street. He pulled his car next to the sidewalk. "Hey Kiku, what are you doing here?"
Kiku looked up, surprised to see Alfred. "I was buying some medicine for Arthur," Kiku explained, lifting the bag he held in his hand.
"Hop on in, I'll give you a lift to the dorms," Alfred said, motioning with his hand for Kiku to get in. Kiku nodded in appreciation and stepped inside the car, sitting next to Francis in the backseat. Alfred drove them to the dorms, managing to find a good parking spot near the handicapped section. Alfred gave Matthew a look of annoyance before opening his door and getting out. Matthew shook his head, wondering when Alfred would get over it. Once Matthew had gotten injured playing hockey and was given a handicapped sign to place in his car. When he recovered and the sign had expired, Alfred had asked him to get a new one. Matthew refused and Alfred held a small grudge ever since.
Once Kiku had gotten out of the vehicle he had noticed the bag Alfred had in his hand. "What is that, Alfred-san?" Kiku asked, eyeing the bag.
"Oh, it's a little something I got for Arthur. I thought it might cheer him up," Alfred said happily, placing a protective hand on Matthew's shoulder once he saw Francis get too close.
It was on the way up the stairs that the strange feeling that Alfred had earlier returned. Alfred frowned, his heart beating faster in his chest. He tried to calm himself down, knowing that he was just exaggerating. Everything was fine. Once he was in Arthur's room he would see Arthur, safe and sound, sleeping on his bed.
On reaching the final step, he saw something that confirmed his fears. The door, the one to the room Arthur and Kiku shared, was wide open. Alfred ran towards it, looking inside finding Arthur's bed empty.
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"Wait! Come back! Answer me!"
Arthur ran as fast as he could in the cold wet floor. It was raining? He hadn't noticed, too preoccupied with the student.
The student kept walking, Arthur's cries falling on deaf ears. If he wouldn't listen to him, he would stop him, physically. Arthur took large strides and had finally managed to reach the student and tried to grip his shoulder. The student was surprisingly solid. Arthur had almost expected him to be a ghost, the way he disappeared.
The student was startled by the touch and scowled, his face contorting in fury. The irises of his eyes, which had been a hazel brown, turned a lucid yellow color, the white sclera darkening into a deep black. His face transformed in shape, darkening and becoming more animalistic with every second, the teeth growing larger and sharper. His hands became gnarled and clawed; his nose became a large snout. As his face and hands changed shape, the student's body enlarged and his uniform ripped, revealing dark rough skin.
Arthur just stood there, rooted to the ground, an expression of horror on his face. The former student fixed his gaze at Arthur and let out a long howl. Arthur took this as his sign to run.
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Alfred gaped in surprise and horror when he saw the empty room, his worst fears confirmed, letting his gift to Arthur fall to the ground. He was so shocked that he didn't even hear Matthew, Francis and Kiku come up the stairs. Matthew saw the look on Alfred's face and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What's wrong, Alfred?"
"Arthur's gone. He's not here," Alfred said as he searched the room. He was about to give up when he looked out the window and saw Arthur outside in the rain. Alfred ran out the room, leaving Matthew, Kiku and Francis all confused in his wake.
He ran down the steps and then rushed to the spot he saw Arthur.
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Arthur had tried to run but had slipped and fallen, his head hitting the stone floor. Arthur tried to get up but found that he couldn't. His vision grew dimmer and all he saw was the dark figure approaching him.
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Alfred had hoped that he wasn't too late. He saw Arthur pass out on the floor, the rain drenching his clothes and making it stick to his skin. Alfred took his leather bomber jacket and wrapped it around Arthur. He picked Arthur up and carried him away bridal style, all the while wondering what it was that Arthur was running from.
Alfred took Arthur to his room and placed him gently on the bed, wrapping him in his blankets. Alfred took Arthur's hand in his own and stroked his palm. He looked up at Kiku angrily.
"You were supposed to stay with him. You said that you would," Alfred nearly shouted, his voice conveying his anger. Kiku bowed his head in remorse. "I am sorry, Alfred-san. I had no idea that Arthur would think of going out-"
"You were supposed to stay with him and you didn't!" This time Alfred did yell. Matthew looked at his brother and Kiku in concern. "Alfred, please, calm down," Matthew said, pleading, his hand on Alfred's shoulder trying to soothe him.
"Don't take his side, Matthew! Arthur could have been attacked and we wouldn't have even known!"
"Oh, so when you're displeased with me it's 'Matthew,' but when I'm agreeing with you its 'Mattie.' And is Arthur everything you think about? I mean, I know you love him but-"
"I don't…love him," Alfred faltered, his statement lacking conviction. He really wasn't sure if what he felt for Arthur was love. After all, he had never loved anyone before.
"Yes, you do. Lately, your whole life has revolved around Arthur. When Arthur was angry at you, all you talked about was how much of a big jerk he was. And now, all you think about is him. You're always worrying about him or wondering what he's doing and what he's thinking about. You're acting like a schoolgirl, Alfred. And you're taking this way out of proportion. Arthur's ok now, isn't he? And that's all that should matter," Matthew said fiercely, his pent up anger finally been unleashed.
Alfred shook his head in denial. "Still, he shouldn't have left Arthur alone. Especially since we all know that the killer's after him," Alfred said calmly, not even trying to disprove any of Matthew's claims. Matthew was better at words than he was and Matthew would have won anyways. Matthew was probably one of the few people who knew how to make Alfred back off.
Matthew sighed in relief. Alfred could get quite violent when he was angry, something that he had inherited from their father. Matthew felt that one of Alfred's violent fits was the last thing they needed now. Francis rubbed Matthew's shoulder in sympathy, trying to soothe him. Matthew smiled at Francis in appreciation.
Kiku was grateful to Matthew for coming to his defense and relieved when Alfred seemed to calm down. "Alfred-san, Matthew-san, Francis-san, if you don't mind leaving. I need to change Arthur's clothes," Kiku said softly, almost afraid that his voice might provoke Alfred somehow. However, Alfred just nodded in reply.
"Kiku, if you don't mind, I'd like to take care of Arthur for a bit. I've caused enough trouble and I need to make things right," Alfred said stoically, his eyes focused on Arthur's sleeping form.
"It is fine, Alfred-san." Kiku, Francis and Matthew made their way to the door.
"Kiku?"
"Yes, Alfred-san?" Kiku asked, stopping his progress to the door. "I'm sorry I yelled at you. I was just worried…about Arthur. I just don't want anything bad to happen to him." Kiku nodded in understanding.
"I understand," Kiku said kindly as he headed at the door, behind Francis and Matthew. Kiku closed the door behind him, leaving Alfred alone to tend to Arthur.
Alfred started with Arthur's wet pajama top. He unbuttoned it carefully, taking care not to brush Arthur's back. Once his shirt was removed, Alfred then removed the bandages wrapped around Arthur's torso. He carefully removed them and set them aside. Alfred flipped Arthur on his stomach, applying some ointment on his burnt wounds. They weren't as bad as he had thought they were. The new skin was a strange color though and very sensitive. He wrapped some new clean bandages around Arthur's torso, making sure that they weren't too tight.
Alfred proceeded to get a new shirt and put it on him. Alfred had to admit that taking care of Arthur wasn't what he had thought it'd be. And now came the hardest part. Alfred removed Arthur's pants, blushing the whole time. He knew Arthur would kill him once he woke up. He had gotten through his pants. All he needed to do now was remove his…Alfred gulped. He removed the garment as quickly as he could and replaced it with a clean one, sighing once his task was done. Alfred found some clean pants and tried, with some difficulty, to put Arthur's leg through them. After a good five minutes, Alfred had finished dressing Arthur. He wrapped all the blankets he could find on him. He dried off Arthur's hair using a towel.
Once he was finished, he took Arthur's temperature. It seemed to have gone down slightly and he showed no sign of catching a cold.
After a good half-hour had passed, Arthur showed signs of waking. He opened his eyes slowly, letting his eyes get adjusted to the light. He blinked twice before he saw Alfred asleep in a chair next to his bed, one hand clutching Arthur's hand. Arthur blushed at the action but did nothing to remove Alfred's hand. Instead, he stroked Alfred's hair softly. Alfred was quite pleasant when he was asleep, not the usual annoying git that he was.
Arthur continued until he felt Alfred stir. Arthur stared at Alfred as he stirred. Alfred blinked a few times before registering where he was. He yawned. "How are you feeling, Arthur?" he asked, smiling with that stupid grin of his.
"As fine as one could be with a fever," Arthur said, irritably.
Alfred chuckled. "Glad to hear. I was worried about you, you know," Alfred said, good-naturedly. Alfred seemed to be in a good mood.
Something was troubling Arthur and he felt that maybe only Alfred would be able to answer his question. "Alfred, you saw me earlier, when I was outside. Am I correct?" Arthur asked seriously. Alfred noticed this and turned more somber. "Yeah, I did."
"Tell me, did you happen to see anyone with me?" Arthur clenched his fists in anticipation.
"No, you were alone. Why do you ask?" Alfred seemed concerned for him.
"It's nothing, Alfred. Don't worry about it." It was worse than Arthur expected.
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