Brotherly Love fanfic
Rated K
Set in late season 1
I do not own Brotherly Love or any of its characters unfortunately
Enjoy!
"Hey Matt, Joe it's starting!", yelled Andy from the couch. Claire was gone for the weekend visiting a friend in Boston and the boys had a movie night planned.
"I'm comin buddy", said Joe as he walked out of the kitchen with microwave popcorn and a bowl of chips.
"Ah Rocky, a true classic.", Michael said as he sat down next to Andy.
Matt could hear his name being called as he layed in his bed. He wiped a bead of sweat from his forehead as he sat up. He didn't normally take naps but he just felt worn out. He rubbed his temples as he yelled an unenergetic "Coming!".
He sat on the left side of the couch next to Andy as Joe shoved a handful of popcorn in his mouth.
About thirty minutes passed as the sun slowly went down.
"I think Mickey could use a little moisturizer. I've never watched Rocky on a screen bigger than my little VCR back in California and I'm tellin ya people over seventy shouldn't be aloud to have close-ups.", said Joe as him and Andy chuckled. Joe looked over to see Matt surprisingly asleep.
"Huh, Matt fell asleep. I thought he normally didn't go to sleep until around midnight.", said Joe.
"Yeah he does. Weird.", replied Andy.
"I'm sure he just had a long day.", said Joe.
Andy nodded.
The two of them finished the movie as it got to be around Andy's bedtime.
"Alright time for bed Andy.", said Joe as he turned off the tv.
"But mom's not home and it's friday night. That is the perfect recipe for an all-nighter.", replied Andy as Joe stood up.
"Yes but if you don't go to sleep now how am I gonna take you to the amusement park all day tomorrow?", Joe said with a smile as he picked up Andy.
"Alright yeah! You're the best Joe!", said Andy with an excited smile.
"Is Matt gonna come with us?", Andy asked as he got under the covers.
"Well I think he said he's gonna go to the library tomorrow but you and I are gonna have a blast.", replied Joe as he tucked in Andy.
"Sounds good, night Joe.", said Andy excited for the next day.
"Night.", Joe turned off the light as he cracked the door.
He went back into the living room as he quietly cleaned up a little bit. He wondered if he should wake Matt but he figured he would just move his legs up on the couch for him. After all he looked pretty exhausted.
He would've cleaned a little better but he didn't want to be to loud and he figured that Matt would want that privilege.
Joe put a blanket over Matt as he headed to his room for the night.
Morning came quickly as the sun began to rise and the warm rays peeked their way onto Joe's face through the window. He smiled as he took a deep yawn and stretched. As he put on his clothes for the day Andy was doing the same. He could hardly sleep with anticipation for the fun day planned.
Andy grabbed his jacket as he went down to the garage. Joe was heading up the stairs when Andy was coming down.
"You're up early!", said Joe with a chuckle as Andy grabbed Joe's jacket.
"Yeah I know come on!", he said excitedly.
"Wait what about breakfast!?", said Joe as Andy dragged him down the stairs with excitement.
"We'll grab a chili dog when we get there.", said Andy.
Joe just shrugged. "Sounds nutritious.", he said with a smirk.
As Joe grabbed his coat the two of them headed out the door.
The day went by fast as Joe and Andy had fun at the amusement park. As the sun started to go down Joe bought him and Andy two corndogs and some garlic fries.
"What a terrific day Joe. Don't ya think?", said Andy as he stuffed his mouth with fries.
"Yeah it was pretty great! Except when that kid yacked on my shoes.", said Joe as he looked down at his shoes with disgust.
"Now that was funny!", said Andy as they both laughed.
As the sun dissapeared over the horizon they climbed in the car and headed home to the garage.
"Boy it's snowing hard out there all the sudden. At least we had our fun before it started.", said Joe as they walked down the hall.
Joe opened the door and turned on the kitchen light as Andy proceeded towards the fridge.
"How can you be hungry you just had a corn dog and a whole thing of fries.", Joe said with a chuckle.
"What I can't have desert?", Andy replied.
"Suit yourself. Hey you wanna watch somethin? There's a wrestling match on.", said Joe.
"Sure let's go.", said Andy as he followed Joe through the door to the living room with a quart of ice cream and a spoon.
Joe stopped with surprise. A mixture of confusion and worry filled his mind as he saw Matt on the couch in the exact same position he'd left him in the night before.
"Matt?", said Andy also curious.
He didn't flinch. Joe walked over to the couch as he proceeded to lightly shake Matt.
"Matt? Jeez he's burning up!", Joe said to Andy worried as he took his hand off Matt who eminated heat.
"Matt wake up.", Joe said a little louder.
Matt shuffled as he cracked open his bloodshot eyes with a low groan.
"What's wrong with him Joe?", said Andy a little scared.
"I think he's sick Andy. Go get some water okay and a thermometer if you can find one.", said Joe as Andy nodded and went to the kitchen.
Joe tried not to panic as he shook Matt again who's eyes had closed. Matt slightly opened his eyes as he coughed harshly.
"Joe?", said Matt breathy with a quiet hoarse voice, confused and feverish. He glanced at Joe with a glazed over look in his eyes that caused Joe's worry to grow.
"Yeah buddy how ya feelin?", responded Joe.
Matt didn't respond. Instead he closed his eyes again with a sort of whimper that was pure confusion and pain.
Andy came back in the room seconds later handing the thermometer to Joe and setting the water on the table.
Joe took Matt's temperature while Andy sat in the chair near them.
"101.9.", read Joe out loud.
"That's really high. What should we do Joe?", asked Andy.
"I don't know buddy. If he gets worse I don't think we can drive in this weather. First I think we should get some aspirin and cold wet towels for his fever. He's been right here since last night and we never knew.", said Joe feeling guilty and worried.
"I just figured he had already left. I never even saw him. He's gonna be okay right Joe?", said Andy.
"I hope so Andy. Come on let's go get some things to help Matt.", he said as he grabbed Andy's hand.
All Matt knew at this moment was that the room was on fire. He looked blurrily around the room feeling confused and desperate. Suddenly his stomach told him to run to the bathroom.
With red hot vision and weak legs Matt leaned against the hallway wall as he made his way to the bathroom as quickly as his body would allow.
Luckily his hand found the door knob as he went straight for the toilet. Matt unwillingly emptied the contents of his stomach and then some.
Matt rolled against the cold tub sitting up with a hand holding up his head. The chill from the glass tub was the first thing to give him relief from the heat, so he decided to just stay there and close his eyes.
Suddenly before his eyes closed he saw who he was pretty sure was Joe rush in. He didn't really hear what he was saying but it sounded muffled and panicked. Joe's face showed fear and worry which scared him. Joe flushed the toilet and wiped the seat as Matt's eyes closed greedy for sleep against Joe's wishes.
Before slipping into unconciousness he felt an arm slip under his and a sense of being moved. He knew he was upright and he didn't like the feeling.
"Andy gimme the water would ya?", said Joe as he put Matt in a sitting position on the couch.
Andy did and Joe tried shaking Matt.
"Matt you have to drink this. Matt open your eyes for just a second.", said Joe.
Matt wanted to obey, he could tell Joe was trying to help him, but his eyelids weighed a ton.
Against the odds though he cracked them open and took the very appealing glass of water in front of his face. His shaky hand brought it to his lips as the cold water slightly alleviated the razor blade feeling that lined his scratchy throat.
There was no more water as the glass dissapeared from his hand. Matt hoped that meant he could sleep now. Whether or not it did his vision was turning black and this time he knew it would be a while before he woke up again.
"Matt never throws up. I'm scared Joe.", said Andy.
"Me too buddy.", said Joe as he placed cold wet towels on Matt.
Joe put Matt's legs up on the couch as he thought of what he should do next.
"Should I grab any medicine from the cabinet Joe?", asked Andy.
"I don't know. If we knew what he had then we'd know what to give him. I think now would be a good time to call your mom.", said Joe.
"Hey Claire its Joe. Listen don't freak out but Matt's really sick. He's got a fever of 101.9, a bad cough, he's really out of it and he was throwing up just now. I know we're pretty worried. What do you think it is? Okay. Okay I'll give him that thanks. Don't worry he'll be fine I'm sure of it Claire. Okay, bye.", said Joe as he hung up.
"She said it sounds like a virus. She said we should give him some antibiotics when he's awake and lots of water. If he gets worse I'll have to figure out a way to get to the hospital. Your mom said she isn't able to get home because of the storm. It's up to us buddy.", said Joe.
Andy nodded in response.
An hour passed as Matt got worse. His hair stuck to his forehead with sweat and his face was flushed. He shivered and wore a face of pain. The fever caused him to unsettingly toss and turn, mumbling in his sleep.
Hearing Matt's breathing become more difficult scared Joe more deeply than anything ever had. Matt's cough had become harsher too as Joe continuesly checked the weather report praying for a clear road. Andy didn't think about his bedtime but thought it would be a good idea to make Joe some coffee.
Joe tried shaking Matt again to at least drink some water but figured it was hopeless. Though suddenly Matt opened his eyes to Joe and Andy's surprise.
"Matt?", said Joe as he held up some water.
Matt was hard to read at this moment as he loosely grabbed the glass and only took a small sip to his brothers dismay.
Andy and Joe sat staring at Matt who surprisingly was yet to close his eyes.
"Wha-", croaked out Matt who was trying his best to understand what was happening. He sounded confused and defeated. But mostly like he wanted to know why he was in so much pain.
Joe didn't know what to say as Matt slowly closed his eyes again.
"Andy can I have the thermometer?", he asked as Andy grabbed it off the table.
"102.8. Andy we have to get Matt some help. I want you to go grab Matts two warmest coats. One for him and one for me. And I want you to bundle up as much as possible. Can you do that buddy?", said Joe.
"I'm on it Joe!", said Andy as he ran down the hall.
Andy came out a few minutes later with an arm full of winter clothes for the three of them, setting it on the coffee table.
Joe and Andy worked together to put Matt's coat on him along with extra socks and boots. The two of them then bundled up and got ready to go.
"Okay come on Andy we better hurry, now I want you to stay right next to me and hold the bottom of my jacket.", said Joe as Andy nodded.
Joe picked up Matt with both arms as he kept the green wool blanket wrapped around him.
They locked the door and walked down the stairs carefully. Then they quickly left out the garage front door as Andy grabbed the bottom of Joe's coat as promised.
The hospital wasn't more than a mile away which was good but for the darkness and the snow storm. Luckily there were street lights up ahead.
About halfway there Joe was starting to struggle. The wind was blowing hard and Matt was very still. His breathing was slow and some snow had made it onto Matt's eyelashes almost matching his pale skin.
Andy wasn't cold due to the many layers and kept very close to Joe. He was scared though. He didn't know what was going to happen to Matt and he noticed how he wasn't moving.
"I see it!", said Andy as he pointed ahead to a lit up red sign that said hospital.
"Nice Andy! Come on let's hurry.", said Joe as he pushed forward.
After about ten minutes they made it to the parking lot. They rushed in towards the first person they saw.
"Hey I need help my brother-", Joe started as the nurse stopped him and got a gourney as she paged a doctor. She could see Matt's state and knew no one would face this weather unless it was an emergency.
Joe set him on the gourney as the nurse quickly rolled him away. He picked up Andy as he sat down in a nearby chair.
Andy hugged Joe's neck tight as he tried not to cry. He soon fell asleep but Joe didn't let go.
Three hours passed as Joe waited with anxiety.
A nurse had come out to ask some questions but didn't say much about how he was doing.
Another hour later Joe was nodding off when he heard "Roman?".
His eyes popped open as he raised his hand, "Over here thats us.", he said somewhat quietly for Andy's sake.
"Nice to meet you I'm Doctor Wellings the cheif resident here.", he began.
"Joe Roman.", he said sticking out his hand. "Do you know anything about my brother?", he asked.
"Well when you brought him in he was pretty worse for wear. He had a very high fever, fluid in his lungs, inhibited breathing, and a few other things that I'm sure you already new. We did minor surgery to drain the fluid and revitalize his lungs. We also have him on antibiotics and nasogastric tubes to give him nutrients. His ribs are a little beat up as well as his lungs and entire respiratory system. Your brother caught a pretty nasty virus but it looks like we have it under control now. Would you like to see him?", said the man.
"Yeah thanks.", said Joe enthusiastically.
He shook Andy as the doctor lead them to the room. "Andy we get to see Matt.", once he said that Andy was wide awake. Joe set him down and held his hand.
Matt was sleeping when they walked in as the doctor left them alone. Joe sat down next to Matt's bed as he put Andy on his lap. At first they both studied Matt's appearence. His color had come back slightly and his breathing sounded a little better. The sheen layer of sweat was almost gone and he was somewhat cooler to the touch. There was an iv in his arm and he had a bandage over his chest you could see peaking out of his gown. Two tiny tubes went up his nose which kinda made him look like he was dying.
"Matt?", Joe said as he shook his leg slightly.
Matt blinked open his eyes as he began to cough. Joe poured some water and handed it to him quickly.
Matt gulped it down and took a deep breath making a face of pain and rubbing his throat. He then looked around confused and landed his eyes on Joe and Andy.
"Joe? Andy? What are we-", he started as Joe stopped him.
"You've been sick since yesterday. We didn't actually notice until tonight which is when we brought you here. Sorry about that.", said Joe a little guilty.
"Yeah sorry Matt.", said Andy.
"It's okay, really. When can we go home?", he asked with a hoarse quiet voice.
"Uh I don't know but I'll ask buddy.", said Joe as he put Andy up on the bed.
Matt had a lot more questions about what had happened and the details of it but he didn't really have the energy. Plus he figured they would all be answered soon enough.
A couple minutes later Joe came back to see Andy and Matt talking and laughing. Well more Andy though Matt tried but it was clear he was tired and in pain.
"Hey so they said you can go home tomorrow night as long as you promise to stay in bed or on the couch.", said Joe.
"Sounds good.", said Matt followed by a small cough.
Joe knew he was okay but everytime he coughed it scared him. It reminded him of the fear he felt when Matt's cough progressed and it sounded like his lungs were being grated with sand paper.
The thought of the nights earlier events sent a shiver down Joe's spine.
He watched as Matt tried to keep his eyes open while Andy talked. He was always thinking of others, especially family. But Joe knew he needed to rest.
"Hey Andy why don't we try and get some sleep.", said Joe as he patted his knee.
Andy hopped on as he leaned against Joe and closed his eyes.
"Night Matt.", said Andy.
"Night And.", replied Matt.
Joe was about to close his eyes as Matt said one last thing.
"Hey...I'm sorry Joe. For bein' sick I mean. I mean I know it's not my fault but...I'm still sorry anyway.", Matt said with a scratchy voice, feeling like a burden.
Joe couldn't believe what he had just heard. If anyone should be sorry it was him.
"Matt are you kidding? This is coming from the guy who washes his hands twenty times a day? How you ever got sick is beyond me. I'm just sorry I didn't notice sooner, then you might not be here.", said Michael.
"It wasn't your fault Joe.", Matt replied with a comforting smile.
Matt then let his eyelids close as Joe watched him fall asleep.
"G'night Matt.", said Joe as he put a warm arm around Andy and fell asleep.
Afternoon light peaked it's way through the window as Joe slowly opened his eyes.
He looked at the time with a chuckle at how late they'd all slept. Andy remained in the same place on his lap and of course Matt was in the same place on the bed. Though Joe noticed he must've slept through them removing the small tubes from Matt's nose.
Joe decided not to wake either of his brothers as he just sat letting thoughts run around his brain. He figured they both had a pretty good reason for being wiped.
After about an hour passed Andy began to stir as he rubbed the tired from his eyes.
"Morning Joe.", said Andy with a yawn.
"More like afternoon. It's 4:30 already.", said Joe with a chuckle.
"Hey Matt.", said Joe quietly as he tapped his leg.
Matt blinked his eyes open with a yawn as he pushed himself into a sitting position.
"What do you say we all go home?", said Joe.
"I say yes let's go!", said Matt as everyone wore a big smile.
Matt put on his regular clothes and let a nurse remove the iv and replace the bandage on his chest along with a final check up.
It was dark outside now, the snow was coming down as hard as it was before. Joe and Andy put on their coats as Matt put his feet lightly on the ground, his hands still gripping the bed tightly.
Joe knew Matt wouldn't have the strength to walk on his own as he casually put Matt's arm around his shoulder.
"Ready?", asked Joe.
"As I'll ever be.", said Matt as Andy grabbed his hand.
The three of them walked down the hall and discharged Matt as they walked out the door.
The snow and wind blew against them as they walked the way they came the night before.
About a third of the way there Matt started to slow down. He stopped as he leaned against a street light with his hand on his chest.
Joe looked at him worried as did Andy.
"Just need a second.", said Matt as he breathed heavily, wishing he could close his eyes.
"You wanna sit down or somethin'?", asked Joe feeling worried.
"No it's okay let's just get home.", said Matt as they continued. He leaned almost all his weight on Joe now as his eyelids were growing heavier and heavier.
In the light of the street lights Joe saw Matt's level of exhaustion and the pain he tried to hide. He also felt how much more he was leaning on him now and it scared him.
"We're almost there guys.", said Joe.
"I'm gettin' real tired Joe.", said Matt breathy, feeling like he may not make it.
"Matt come on we're almost there. Just lean all your weight on me and close your eyes.", said Joe as he pulled both his brothers closer.
Matt did as Joe said as he prayed the garage was close. His lungs burned and his chest and ribs ached.
"We made it!", said Andy relieved as they walked up to the front garage door.
The three of them went up the stairs as quickly as Matt could. They approached the kitchen door as Joe realized he'd forgotten to lock up the place in the rush.
Matt breathed a sigh of relief as Joe opened the door to a gust of warm air.
Andy ran in as he took off his coat and turned on the living room fireplace.
Joe and Matt went straight for the couch where they both sat down.
"Well we made it huh?", said Joe.
"Yeah we did.", Matt said with a small laugh of disbelief.
"Thanks Joe.", he said with a grateful smile.
"Don't thank me alright just go to sleep.", Joe replied with a smirk.
Matt nodded as he happily closed his eyes.
Andy turned on the television quietly as Joe made dinner.
Joe brought mashed potatoes and a pot of corn into the living room as everyone was starving.
"Dinner is served!", said Joe.
Andy and Joe dug in right away as Matt continued his much needed sleep. Joe figured the food would still be here when he woke up and it was more important for him to rest.
Matt's breathing still sounded difficult and he was ever so warm to the touch along with some painful coughs. His body would still hurt and he'd be exhausted for a while. But Joe knew he was gonna be alright after a few days. He just thanked God that night that Matt was alright.
Being back in the house with dinner and the tv and the boys made Joe feel warm and safe, like everything was going to be okay.
Joe and Andy took care of Matt over the next few days until he had the strength to take care of himself. The storm kept on for awhile resulting in a much later return date for Claire and the boys had fun staying in. As Matt gained back his strength the three of them played games and indulged Andy in playing pretend. The house was full of warmth, laughter, and brotherly love.