For Amanda

Word Count: 721

"I'm dying!" Albus groans, squeezing his eyes closed for several seconds. It feels like every muscle in his body has been ripped out, beaten with a hammer, and returned to ache and throb. "I'm actually dying."

"That was dramatic," Scorpius says with a snort, rolling his eyes. "It's the flu, Albus. You'll live."

Albus weakly pokes his tongue out at his boyfriend. As if suffering isn't bad enough, Scorpius won't even show him any sympathy. He wonders what he's done to deserve such an unjust fate.

Merlin, maybe Scorpius is right. Maybe he is dramatic.

"Maybe if someone would have listened to me and taken some Pepperup Potion when I suggested it, we wouldn't be here now," Scorpius adds, though his tone is soft, compassion clear in his voice.

"Is the lecture really necessary, Scor?" Albus weakly sits up, groaning at the effort it takes to prop himself against the headboard. "I'm miserable enough without you being a smug git."

Scorpius chuckles and carefully positions the tray over Albus' lap. Once it's steady, he sets a bowl of soap on top. Albus sniffs, breathing in the warm, rich scent of the golden broth.

"Your grandma sent it," Scorpius tells him. "She also sent me a cake. Reward for tending to you, I suppose."

Albus pouts. On top of everything else, Scorpius gets cake. His stomach is upset, and the thought of eating anything sweet makes him feel queasy, but it still isn't fair.

"Stop pouting," Scorpius chuckles. "You look like a kicked puppy."

Albus rolls his eyes, but he can't resist the smile that plays at his lips. "I'm cuter than a puppy."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night."

Albus dips the spoon into the soup before lifting it to his lips. The warmth spreads through his body, working its own magic. Really, he doesn't think there's a potion out there that can rival his grandma's chicken soup. One sip of it, and everything feels a little better.

"Your skin is flushed," Scorpius frets, making his way to the potion cabinet and rummaging through the vials. "Your fever must be back."

Albus wouldn't be surprised. He's run a fever off and on for the past two days, always shifting between burning up and shivering violently when the chills hit.

Scorpius returns with a fever remedy. He sets it on the tray. "Take it as soon as you're finished eating."

"Shouldn't you be at work?" Albus asks. "Have they not noticed you haven't been in lately?"

Scorpius shrugs. "You're more important, so I'm on holiday."

Albus groans. He hates that Scorpius has wasted his saved days off like this. He deserves something amazing, some nice getaway by the beach. Instead, he's been stuck in the house, tending to his sick, miserable, whiny boyfriend.

"I'm done," Albus tells him once he's drained half the bowl.

"Potion," Scorpius reminds him, taking the bowl and tray and sliding the vial into Albus' hand.

Albus takes the top off and down the potion. He feels the effect almost immediately. The heat in his face fades, and he almost feels normal again.

"You're an angel," Albus murmurs, sinking back into the pile of pillows and letting out a content sigh. "An absolute angel."

"I know. Now, you need to rest."

Albus is tired of resting. He's been in bed for what feels like an eternity, and it's getting old fast. Still, he knows it's best for the healing process. Soon enough, he will be able to on his feet and harassing Scorpius again.

"Will you sing to me?" he asks.

Scorpius laughs. "Why would you want that? Your eardrums will burst."

Albus snorts. Scorpius really doesn't have the best singing voice, but he still loves it. There's something adorable about Scorpius happily screeching away, oblivious to the fact that Albus is listening. "Please?"

With a sigh, Scorpius sets the tray aside and sits beside Albus. "Hush little Albus, go to sleep," he sings, his voice out of key, but still beautiful to Albus' ears. "I'll sing you a promise that I'm going to keep. Sleep, my love, you'll be alright. I promise to hold you through the night."

Albus closes his eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He is sick and miserable, but Scorpius is with him. Everything is going to be okay.