TOMMY
The last few days have been rough, but I - and they - survived it. To treat myself, I opened one of the bags of coffee that Hayley sent. I inhale the aroma before I set the machine to brewing. It's her own special blend, discovered while we were in college. I can't begin to remember how many late night study sessions were fueled by this stuff and, man, do I need it now. Last night was the longest, but it was easier to stay awake since I had to actually walk back and forth between the rooms to check on them.
I pour myself a cup of coffee, smirking to myself. For a bunch of warriors, they sure can be whiny. You'd think Zedd actually was dying with as much of a fuss as he put on. On the other hand, it did seem like a pretty bad round. Of course that could just be because they've never had the flu before. I sigh tiredly and start making breakfast.
It's just finished when they come in. I smile at them all and quickly hand round plates and coffee. As Pina reaches for the sugar, I set my hand on her wrist, stopping her. "Taste the coffee first," I advise her. "You might not need as much sugar as usual. One of the things that Jason brought me is some of Hayley's special coffee and it has a hint of a natural sweetness to it."
Interest and curiosity cross the faces of the three Eltarians and they all take cautious sips. Dar and Zedd exchange approving looks, while Pina shakes her head and reaches for the sugar again. "You're right, Tommy. I won't need as much, but I do still need some." Well at least isn't the pound of it that she normally uses.
I nod and lean back against the counter, watching them eat quickly, as if they hadn't eaten in days. Well, in all fairness, they were basically on a liquid diet for four days. "So, do you guys need another day of rest or do you think you're ready to get back to work?"
"Work," Dar says instantly and the other two quickly agree. "Misery aside, being sick is boring."
I can't help but laugh at this. "Yeah, it sucks. Being bored, but not feeling well enough to do anything to stop the boredom," I agree. "Of course, that's why I kept putting movies on and left the books out that I found by your own bed. At least it was something to do until you fell asleep again."
"Thank you for taking such good care of us, Tommy." Pina says. "I wouldn't have had any idea what to do."
"We do appreciate it" Dar agrees much to my surprise. "Especially considering you gave up your spot in bed." Yeah, let's not even go into the momentary sparks of anger I felt at that idea. I mean it's not like I thought they would do anything, especially being sick like they were, but I do know how Zedd moves in his sleep and the idea of him accidentally curling up around Dar like he does me was not appealing. Nor did Pina's comment about them sharing sleeping space before help matters, even if she meant it innocently enough.
I roll my eyes. "Like I was going to ignore you guys? Really now, I'm not heartless. As for my spot in bed, I wouldn't have gotten any real use out of it anyways with how much I needed to do. You might as well have used it, as at least it kept you down and resting long enough to get better."
"I did keep me down, but resting I'm not so sure considering Zedd kept kicking me" Dar states giving his boss a slight look.
"If you didn't keep hijacking all of the covers I wouldn't have had to kick you" Zedd shoots back calmly.
"Well you both have your own beds back now, so there should be no more kicking or cover hogging" I state, unable to help rolling my eyes at their behavior. I gather their dishes and turn to the sink. "I'll clean up in here since I made the mess. You guys go ahead and get done what you can. Pina, I'll be down in a little while so that I can get my treatment."
Hopefully, not being able to be treated for the last few days won't have hurt that much. I don't voice this worry, however, as I'm hoping not to worry Zedd in turn. I'm also very grateful that I've not had another episode while they were down. After all, with all the running upstairs and downstairs, having another episode on the stairs could have ended badly indeed.
Slowly, I wash the dishes. I'm exhausted and still stiff from sleeping in the chair. I didn't mean to fall asleep, but the brief naps just weren't cutting it. Quite frankly, all I want to do is get a quick shower and fall into bed myself, but I know that they aren't as recovered as they think they are. They'll probably make it to lunch and then need to rest. I'd tell them, but I don't think they'll believe me.
I sigh as I push away the little bit of hurt that I felt when Zedd didn't believe me yesterday. I know that I'm not as smart as I once was, but I do know what it's like to have the flu - different genetics be damned. I'm startled when I hear Zedd speak behind me.
"That was a rather deep sigh, Thomas."
"Just tired, Zedd," I answer, turning to him as I dry my hands. "I thought you were going to go get some work done."
"I will, but I haven't really gotten to see you in almost a week, at least not without passing out from fever or throwing up on Dar." Yeah I remember that, I also recall Dar's rather pitiful vow of death as a result of it. "I wanted to spend a few minutes with my mate. Is that so wrong?"
"No, it's not, but you've not only lost five days with me, but with work as well. If I remember what Dar said, you have a deadline coming up soon and somehow I get the feeling that you aren't in the habit of missing deadlines."
He waves this away. "I still have plenty of time."
I give him a look that I've used on Conner more than once. "Stop procrastinating, Zedd. Get it done. I don't want to be worrying about that too."
"Too?"
"Since you guys have never had this before and - despite what you might think - you still aren't fully recovered, you guys might relapse and lose more time. Get done what you can, while you can. Please trust me." I can't help the plea.
"I trust you, Thomas." Sure you do.
Resisting the urge to refute this statement, I say, "Well, then, get going. I'm not leaving the planet. You'll see me later."
I turn to dry and put away the dishes. I hear his sigh behind me followed shortly by the door opening and closing. I'm sure that he's hurt, but with how busy I've been, I haven't had time to give any more thought to the situation with the bond and our relationship. Well, not much anyway.
Once more pushing the thoughts away for now, I plan out the rest of my day. Get my shot, do the laundry, make lunch, check on some plants in the garden for Pina and Dar, probably make dinner too. I'll have to see how they feel at lunch so that I can figure out dinner. I stretch, yawn and head for the infirmary.
