Down the hall, Arthur was shaking Francis awake. He shifts groggily looking up.
"He's waking up!"
Francis sits up glancing over. Iain was groaning, brow pulled together as he tried to open his eyes. They sit waiting.
It took a second, but his eyes fluttered open, back to a dull green. "Wha...?"
Francis sighs laying his head on the mattress. Arthur smiles, gently pressing against his brother's chest as he tries to sit up. "Not yet..."
Francis glanced up again. Iain looked around, confused. "What happened...?"
"You gave us all a heart attack.." Francis mumbles.
"Francis?" he tried to sit again, grimacing. Francis frowns. Arthur pushed him down again; insisting he rest.
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"Bout what?" Iain rolled onto his side, coughing harshly.
Francis frowns. "About you running dry.."
He shrugged. "Not like anyone could take over..."
Francis sighs rubbing his eyes, muttering in French. Iain paled suddenly and Arthur jumped back just in time to avoid being puked on. Francis didn't make it though. He sighs again. Iain wiped his chin with a grimace and Arthur went to fetch a mop.
Francis glanced up at him as he left and turned to Iain. "I'm starting to rethink that promise to get you booze.."
"Brilliant," He flopped back. "I don't even remember you making it..."
"Well I promised Molly not you.."
He blinked at that. "Molly's here...?"
"We had to cut you off somehow.."
"She took the shield?!" He bolted upright and regretted it instantly.
"Hey! Sit back down!"
He sank back, hunching over and hugging his chest. Francis stands frowning, he was stressed, messy, and slightly pissed, but it still didn't stop him from checking Iain over. Iain just let him, in no real position to object.
He checks his pulse and temp, sighing when he found them still off. Iain was making progress, but still sick... And Scotland was one of the worst at being sick. He'd try to get up far before he was ready. Where did he put that rope...
For now though, Iain would admit weakness. He lay back on the bed, winded from just that little show. Francis sighs sitting on the bed, he really needed to go wash, the smell was starting to get to him. Matt came in with a mop and bucket, dismissing Francis the moment he saw him...
Francis glanced back to Iain once more before leaving. Matt stayed to clean up the room and tend to the man in it before checking on Francis.
He had changed and washed a bit, now sitting in the den.
"Papa? You alright?"
"I think so."
Matt frowned a bit. "Tea?"
Francis nods. Matt slipped off, making a pot. Francis sits trying to relax, he was getting a bit of a headache. As if clairvoyant, Matt had slipped painkillers on the tea tray. Francis glanced up as he came in and smiles. Matt smiled back and set it down; having brought snacks too. Francis picks up a cup and takes the pills. He sits sipping it.
"Don't suppose you've seen Al...?"
"No I haven't.. Where was he last?"
"With me. Said he wanted a shower."
Francis frowns at that.
Matt looked up the stairs. "Nap, maybe...?"
"I can help you look?"
"It's okay... You need a chance to relax..."
"No it'll bug me anyway." He sets the cup down pulling Matt up with him. They go up and start peeking into the rooms, looking. Francis peeks in on Iain on the way as well. He'd fallen asleep again, hard breaths filling the room. Francis shuts the door quietly, continuing.
They come to the room last, finding Al and Molly still cuddling, but Al must have slipped because he now lay on her, pinning the poor girl against the floor. Her leg bent awkwardly.
Francis chuckles softly and lifts him off. She gasped in her sleep, lungs filling with air again. He passed Al to Matt and picks up Molly. Matt took him easily, smiling when he realized he felt heavier. Molly whined, wiggling a bit.
Francis sets her in the bed covering her up. She rolled onto her side, hugging the blanket. Matt slipped Al back in with her. They fell asleep together, so it must bring them comfort.
Francis smiles a bit before leading Matt back downstairs to the tea. They sat then and relaxed, finally breathing. He was glad for the chance to unwind a bit.
Everyone was safe and tended to. They needn't worry. He picked his cup up again. The only disturbance they had was Ro moaning for one of the biscuits. Francis finally felt relaxed again.
A soft lull had enveloped the house. He had nearly dozed off again. Matt smiled and assured him he could. Seemed it was communal naptime right now anyway. Well it was getting late.. He sat back and drifted off. Matt looked to be following. But everyone was tended to so who cared? The night passed on.
Morning came around and Matt woke with a crick in his neck and a grumpy fae in his ear. Francis had slumped over onto the armrest. Matt sorted Ro out then smiled at him and shifted him a bit so he was comfier. He twitched a bit but otherwise didn't stir.
Matt hummed softly before going to check on the others. Al was twitching, close to waking up. Molly had cuddled into his arms during the night, looking oh so cozy. Matt watched quietly.
Al opens his eyes and looked around slightly confused. Matt let him, gauging his responses and actions He turns seeing him.
Matt smiled softly. *Morning. Hope you didn't mind sharing, we found you cuddling...*
He looks down seeing Molly, then last night came back and he rubs his face.
She still clung, smiling softly in her sleep. *You okay bro...?*
*Yeah.. Just uh.. She walked in before I could shower...*
He suppressed a chuckle. *Oh... you think she saw a lot?*
Al pouts. He was hesitant to say her comment on how he was healing. Matt sensed anxiety from him and changed subjects. *You hungry?*
*Yeah.*
*You coming down or you want it in here?* Molly seemed pretty attached...
He looks down trying to pull away. She whined a bit, but it wasn't too hard to wiggle free. She looked a bit upset, but still sound asleep..
Al gets up following Matt downstairs. They head into the kitchen to let France sleep and start making breakfast. Al was glad to do something to help. He was getting stronger now and they would let him do more.
They cook up a batch of pancakes and eggs. As it finished, Molly slunk down, still half asleep. "Morning..."
Al smiles at her. She smiled bashfully. Al sets up some plates coming to the table. She sat down, Matt giving her a drink and a plate. Al sits starting on his. Francis comes in sleepily.
Matt served him too. *Something wrong bro?*
*I donno.. something just feels off today..*
Matt hummed softly, pottering around still. They sit eating for a while. Arthur came down long enough to take two plates and leave.
Al glanced up as he left. *What was that for?*
*Probably tending Iain... He woke up yesterday.*
Al turns to him *What? He did?!*
*Yeah... You were asleep already...*
Al turns back to his plate. He was slightly relieved but he still felt kinda bad about it.
*Wanna go see him?*
He paused. *Maybe later?*
*Alright... Why were you sleeping with Molly, by the way...?*
*Well.. Really I just went to see if she was ok.. Then I guess we just fell asleep hugging it out.*
Matt shrugged and started the pots. Al continues with his meal, glancing to Molly from the corner of his eye. She seemed okay this morning, but had stayed silent for a while. He didn't push it, last night was pretty awkward..
She finished eating then dumped her plate and left. Al finished his and goes to help Matt. Francis went upstairs to Arthur and Iain.
Arthur sat on the side of the bed, patiently watching as his brother stubbornly and slowly fed himself. Francis comes over sitting by his feet again. Arthur smiled down at him tiredly. Francis smiles back a bit, glancing to Iain.
He was still eating, only half done. He didn't bother looking back. Francis just waits patiently. Iain ate a bit more then gave up, sinking into his bed. Francis glanced back up. Arthur sighed; taking the plate. Francis frowns softly. Arthur shrugged and muttered "It's the best I could do..."
He just shrugs back. Arthur stood to take the plate down. Francis stays where he was. Arthur left and Iain sighed. "Wadda you want...?"
Francis shrugs. Iain huffed and rolled onto his side.
Well at least he was well enough to give attitude.. He was getting better fast. Should be alright again by tomorrow.
Still Francis didn't like being grumped at..
Why was he with Arthur then? He was nearly always grumpy...
Good point, but he supposed he was just used to being around the Kirklands. They were trouble, but easy to love once you got to know them properly. Francis sits back, leaning against the bed.
"How's Al...?"
"He's alright. Healing fairly well."
"Could you fetch Molly for me...?"
"Sure, be right back." Francis gets up searching for her. She stood by the backdoor, watching the rain pour outside. He touched her shoulder. She jumped and spun round, eyes wide.
"Sorry.."
She looked down, rubbing her arm. "It's okay, you just... surprised me."
"Iain's awake.. He wants to see you."
She nodded softly and slinked up to him. Francis follows after. She opened the door and Iain offered her an arm. She smiled and rushed straight over. Francis stays in the doorway.
The Celts cuddled. Iain always had had a soft spot for his only sister, and was more than a little protective. Francis smiled softly.
"Thanks." Iain smiled over at him a minute later.
Francis smiles back.
"We're going to share the shield now," Molly smiled too. "Pass it over every so often."
"Good. Just don't go passing out again."
"We won't." They chorused then laughed.
He smiles again.
Things were looking up again. Hopefully, Al would feed off the good energy. Maybe it was just the sad vibes putting him off earlier. With any luck. The last thing they needed now was for something to go wrong. Francis walks over sitting on the floor again, just keeping them company. They just sat for a while, enjoying the calm.
Meanwhile Al sat by the window again. He still felt edgy for some reason. Matt was feeding off it, starting to fidget.
Al finally stands, trying to find something to do to calm down. He couldn't really go outside... There was his knitting from a few days ago? He ended up going up to the attic and climbing onto the rafters. It felt high up and the wooden beams were sort of branch like, hopefully it would take the edge off. Matt followed him half way, unsure if he should bother him...
Al sits with his legs curled to his chest. He didn't know if it was being trapped by the rain or something else setting him off. Being trapped in that cell for two months had severely cut his endurance to stay indoors.
*Al... Alfie, please...* Matt crept up again, wanting to soothe him, but unsure how.
Al glanced to him. His eyes gold-lined again.
Matt bit his lip and offered his hand. "Come on..."
Al grips it. Matt pulled him downstairs, grabbing a coat and an umbrella. He followed along, seemingly only half there. Matt wrapped him up, making sure he was warm before taking him out, walking under the umbrella.
He glances up slightly as they step out. Eyes drawn to the strip of sky visible from the umbrella. It was grey, but everything always smelled sweet in the rain. He blinks sighing softly.
Matt held his hand, just taking him for a walk around the gardens. Al clings, taking in the scents of the air and rain. Matt just roamed. They were fully protected for a mile around the house, so it was fine.
It took a while, but finally Al had calmed down enough to be coherent again. He sighs leaning on his brother.
Matt hugged him, resting his head on his hair. *Okay...?*
He nods. *Sorry...*
*It's alright... Just tell me next time, okay...*
Honestly he should have lasted longer, he felt kind of weak for it.. Considering his stay in a cell though, it was understandable that he was having issues staying shut away. It would take a while for him to be comfortable again..
They would wait. Until he was ready again... Matt would never leave him, and Molly looked ready to stick by him too. Al sighs again, he turns hugging Matt. He'd probably would have already lost without him.
Matt balanced the umbrella between them and hugged back, humming softly. *It's okay...* They stay like that a few minutes. Al let's go smiling softly at him.
Matt smiled back, holding his hand. *Want to walk some more, or are you ready to go back in?*
*I think Dad would throw a fit if he caught us out here..* Al smirks slightly.
*Oh well,* Matt chuckled. *You needed it and he worried tooo much anyway.*
Al chuckles. Matt grinned. Al takes one last glance around before letting Matt lead back inside. Matt walked slowly, humming cheerfully.
They go in and take off their wet shoes. Matt threw aside their coats and went to put the kettle on. Al follows hopping up to sit on the counter, he still felt a slight need for heights.
Matt just smiled at him, making drinks. *Tea or cocoa?*
*Cocoa.*
He made it up just how he liked it then handed it to him.
Al smiles. *Thanks.*
*No problem.* Matt smiled.
Al sits drinking it. Matt sat with his tea, enjoying the companionable silence. Al glanced out the window before back to Matt.
It was still pouring, but he just smiled. *Want to go out again?*
*I donno.. How's the others doing?*
*We can go see, if you like?*
Al hesitated before nodding. Matt took his hand and started upstairs, figuring they might as well go to Iain's room first. Al follows behind pausing at the door to look in.
The siblings were still cuddling, and both smiled over at them as they came in. Francis had let them be, going off to find Arthur when he never came back. Arthur had ended up going back to bed. He was just feeling tired today. Francis had crawled in with him.
Al waved slightly at the gingers. Molly waved back and Iain ushered them over. Al steps in pulling Matt with him.
They sit on the side of the bed. "How're you feeling?" Iain hummed.
Al shugs. 'Ok.'
"Well that's better than shit." He laughed.
Al smiles at that.
Molly sniffed softly. "...you went outside."
Al fidgets, he had too. Both he and Matt were born in the wilderness, and with their animal sides even in the current years they could only tollerate the inside so much.
She didn't tell them off, just pouted a bit. "I was going to come with you..."
He blinked a bit. 'Sorry..'
She shrugged. "It's fine."
He sits fidgeting with his hands. She reached over, gently stopping him. Her hands were tiny in comparison... He glanced up. She just smiled softly, comforting silently like last night. He smiles back.
She opened her arms to him, inviting him into the hug she had going with Iain. He reached in. They both wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close. He stayed there a moment enjoying the contact. Molly pulled Matt in too and they all hugged it out a while. Al smiles.
As did the others. Matt grinned. *Feeling a bit better now?*
*Yeah.*
*Brilliant!*
/Hey, Al-ie... can -ou h-ar me?/ It was Iain, but his thoughts were distorted, like a poorly tuned radio.
*Kinda?*
/Wh-s up w-it?/
*Staticy..*
Iain hummed and shrugged, leaning back. "Maybe I'm still a bit sick..."
Al glanced at him pulling back as well. He looked tired, hair a mess, eyes dull and skin pale and damp with sweat. Al bit his tongue lightly. A stab of guilt hitting him.
"Don't," Iain frowned a bit. "I chose to do this, so just don't."
He blinks then looks down at his hands again. Molly still held them, rubbing his knuckles gently. He squeezed lightly.
"It's okay sweetie." She cooed.
He smiled a bit. She really was just the mother of the group. Matt smiled too. Al sits as they chat.
Time rolled on and they chatted the day away. Al glanced out the window seeing the dark set in. Iain was starting to get tired again, needing to sleep off the last of his illness. Molly hummed and ushered the twins out.