Not just for medical either. Ever got smacked with a huge ass fee for "damages" when you move out of an apartment that not just eats your security deposit but tries to take an arm and a leg as well.
Ask for the itemized list, you will be surprised how fast they come back with a "huh, that's weird, I can't seem to find where these damages are coming from" and let that shit go.
People WILL try to screw you on all kinds of routine and mundane shit. Don't let them.
My ideal caretaker is someone who is gentle but firm. Both comforting the whumpee and making sure they stay safe. Caretaker who admits when they mess up and apologize to whumpee.
It’s also fun when caretaker goes I. Over there head and forgets to take care of themselves in the process!
This is Elliot's POV. Cedar's POV will be on @ofclrosewriteswhump 's blog, but I will be adding both to the Worthless Masterlist.
I hope you enjoy!
Content: sickfic, an obscene amount of fluff, overwhelming gayness
-
Elliot had begged Lyra not to text Cedar. They'd been planning their Valentine's date for weeks and Elliot couldn't bear to be the reason it was ruined.
He'd woken up that morning feeling achy and lethargic. His throat was sore, his nose was stopped, and beads of sweat continued to appear at his hairline, no matter how many times he tried to wipe them away.
Of course, Lyra had noticed right away that something wasn't right, despite how hard he tried to hide it.
Lyra already had their phone out with Cedar's messages pulled up. “Sunshine, you're sick. Your date isn't for another week, it's no big deal.”
“But if he finds out, he'll cancel it! He'll be too worried about me. He always—” Elliot coughed and gagged as he was forced to swallow back down the phlegm that had traveled up his throat.
Lyra sighed. “I'm sorry, sunshine, but I can tell you feel awful. It's only gonna get worse if you don't rest.” They sent the text and Elliot felt his heart plummet. “Now, let's get you to bed.”
That's what led to Elliot laying in his bed, sobbing quietly into his comforter with Dumpling curled up against his side, but that was several days ago. Since then, Lyra had been doing everything they could to help him rest and heal enough before their date. However, it wasn't enough. It was the day of Valentine's, and Elliot was still bedridden. That morning, Lyra had informed him that they were going to run some errands, but that Marlie was on her way over to keep him company. That eased his worries a bit, until all that was left was the guilt of ruining Valentine's Day.
Elliot was cuddling with Dumpling while watching a movie on Lyra’s computer when the door to his room suddenly opened. He glanced up to see Marlie standing in the doorway and instantly brightened up a little.
“M-Mar—” Elliot dissolved into a coughing fit, his throat burning as he did so. His eyes watered and he reached for a tissue, only to find the box empty. Elliot groaned and laid back down on his bed.
Marlie rushed to his side, mumbling a quick “be right back,” before returning with an unopened roll of toilet paper. “Sorry, Bluebell. I wanted to be quick. Do you need water?” she asked softly, sitting next to his bed.
Elliot nodded. “I'm sorry, Marlie. You-You don't have to d-deal with this.” He ripped off a square of toilet paper and blew his nose.
Marlie put a gentle hand on his shoulder, comforting him the best she could. “I don’t mind. I want to help you.”
Elliot sniffled and threw away his makeshift tissue. “Are you sure? You-You don't h-have to.”
Marlie nodded. “Of course. I brought a couple bottles in my bag. Here, Bluebell.” She handed him a water bottle before thinking of something. “Do you want help with anything?”
Elliot shook his head. “Can-Can you just k-keep me company? I-I don't know where L-Lyra went and-and I don't wanna be alone.”
Marlie nodded, knowing he was overthinking. “Of course! Do you want to watch anything?” She offered to hold his hand, knowing she’d get sick anyway with her weaker immune system.
Elliot shrugged. “I was just watching some m-movie that Lyra had saved. I'm not really p-paying attention.”
“Okay, want to keep watching it? It's fun being with you. Is it okay that I’m holding your hand?” Marlie spoke softly, hoping to comfort Elliot. She giggled when Dumpling’s whiskers tickled her hand.
“Are-Are you sure?” Elliot asked. “I-I don't want to g-get you sick.”
Marlie nodded. “It’s okay. I've always gotten sick easily but it’s worth it for you.” She smiled at him gently.
“O-Okay then. Um…can-can you h-hold me while-while we watch the movie?”
Marlie smiled and immediately climbed into bed next to him. She opened her arms. “Of course, Bluebell. I'm always happy to hold you.”
Elliot smiled and crawled into her waiting arms. He snuggled into the warmth of her embrace as Dumpling curled up beside the two of them. Just as Marlie repositioned Lyra’s laptop, the sound of her phone buzzing startled them both. Elliot looked up at her, confused. “Who is it?”
Marlie reached over with one hand, keeping her arm around Elliot. “Lyra, they want to know how you're feeling. Are you doing okay?”
Almost as if on cue, Elliot broke into a coughing fit, his lungs and throat burning. He reached for the glass of water Lyra had left him and downed half of it in a matter of seconds. Once he was finished, he wiped his mouth dry and set the glass back onto the bedside table to his left. His voice was raspy and nasal as he said, “N-Not r-really.”
Marlie rubbed his back. She tried her best to comfort him and make him feel better. “Do you have any cough medicine?” she asked after sending a quick text to Lyra.
“I-I'm not sure,” Elliot answered. “B-Broderick was supposed to g-get some, but-but I don't know if he's b-back yet.”
“Want me to text him?” Marlie asked, holding Elliot close and offering the comfort she could.
Elliot nodded. “If-If you don't m-mind.”
Marlie nodded. “I don't mind at all. Want me to keep holding you?” She asked, pulling out her phone to send the text. “Done.”
Elliot nodded. “Y-Yes, please.” He shivered and curled up to her.
Marlie held him close, trying to warm him up.
“Can-Can I have a blanket?”
Marlie nodded, “Of course!” She wrapped a blanket around Elliot, holding him close in her arms. “Now we wait for a response.”
It was a few minutes later that Broderick finally responded, the text reading, “Just picked up some cough medicine. Should be back in a couple minutes.”
Marlie looked at her phone, once again startled by the sudden noise. “Broderick says he'll be back soon.” She sent back a quick response, thanking him.
Elliot nodded. “Th-Thanks, Marigold.”
Marlie held him closer. “Happy to help, Bluebell.”
Elliot was still shivering, though much less so than before. “You're so w-warm.”
“I’m happy you think so.” Marlie smiled, relieved to feel Elliot relax. “Want me to ask Broderick for another blanket when he gets back?”
Elliot nodded. “Yes, please.”
Marlie brushed his hair, knowing how much he liked the feeling. “It should only be a few minutes. He’ll be here soon.”
Elliot closed his eyes and reveled in the gentle touch at the top of his head.
Marlie smiled, humming quietly until she heard footsteps approach the door.
Elliot opened his eyes just in time to see Broderick peek his head into the room. “Hey, guys,” he greeted. “I've got some cough medicine and an extra blanket.”
Marlie smiled. “Thanks.” Not knowing what else to say, she resumed brushing Elliot’s hair.
Broderick stepped into the room, set the medicine beside Elliot's bed, and handed the blanket to Marlie. “How are you feeling, sweet?”
Elliot briefly glanced up at the medic and shrugged. “N-Not great. S-Sorry for-for causing so much trouble.”
“It's no trouble at all, sweet. This is my job. Just take one of those tablets every six hours and let me know if there's anything else I can do for you, okay?” Elliot nodded, and with one last friendly smile, Broderick left the room.
Marlie helped Elliot with his medicine; the tablet being small helped. She wrapped Elliot in the fluffy blanket and held him close.
Elliot cuddled up to her and laid his head in her lap. “Marlie?” He asked.
Marlie responded with a quiet hum, continuing to gently brush Elliot’s hair while he rested his head on her lap.
“Do you think Cedar's m-mad that-that I ruined our date? I-I haven't s-seen him in almost a-a week.” Tears flooded Elliot's ocean-blue eyes as he imagined the worst. “What if he b-breaks up with me?”
Marlie looked at him worriedly. “He's not breaking up with you. He's been trying to find a way to make your date fun while you're sick. I don't know exactly what he's planning but he's been trying lots of Spanish recipes.” She gently brushed his hair.
The worry and fear in the pit of Elliot's stomach didn't fade. “Then-Then why hasn't he come to s-see me?”
“He wants to perfect it. You know how you were going stargazing? He's going to bring the stars to your bedroom. Want to call him to feel better? I'm sure he wouldn't mind. Lyra’s helping him out with the finishing touches.” Marlie softly brushed Elliot’s hair. “It was going to be a surprise so I can't tell you what exactly Cedar’s bringing for food or how he's going to make a stargazing date for the both of you. I just know he's been tracking stuff down at thrift shops and astronomy places.”
Elliot felt even more guilty. “I-I ruined the surprise?”
Marlie shook her head. “Not at all. You know the basics of it but you don't know what Cedar is bringing here. That’s not ruining the surprise.”
“O-Okay,” Elliot said. “Um…when-when is he gonna be here?”
Marlie glanced at her phone. It was around late afternoon or early evening. “About an hour. I think he wants the sun to be down before coming.”
Anxiety swelled in the pit of Elliot's stomach. “Do-Do I look okay?”
Marlie nodded, not wanting to overwhelm him. “You look great. How about putting on a skirt or your new dress if you want. I can do your hair while you're in bed too.”
Elliot nodded and quickly jumped out of bed to go change.
Marlie followed, ready to catch him if he slipped. “Careful, you're still sick. You don't have to dress up a lot. Just do what you can, okay?”
Elliot ignored her concern and quickly scanned his closet for something nice to wear. “I just wanna look nice,” he said. “If he's putting all this effort into a n-nice date, I-I don't wanna look like I've been sick.”
Marlie nodded in understanding, walking over to Elliot to help him find something he liked. “What about your flower dress?”
Elliot examined his black, floral-patterned dress. It hung to his knees and had puff shoulder sleeves. He'd gotten it recently on a trip to the mall and had yet to wear it. “Do-Do you think he would like that?”
“He’d love it.” Marlie smiles at him. She was so happy to see him excited for a date.
“O-Okay.” Elliot grabbed the dress and bolted into the bathroom to get changed.
Marlie waited patiently, petting Dumpling while Elliot changed.
When Elliot emerged, he gave a twirl to show Marlie the whole thing. “What do you think?”
Marlie beamed, eyes glowing at how happy Elliot looked. “You look amazing!”
“R-Really?” Elliot asked, giving himself a once-over in the mirror. “Do you think I need shoes or anything?”
Marlie shook her head, standing next to him. “No, you guys are staying home. Kinda like a movie date but better.”
Elliot nodded, his breathing quickening.
Marlie looked at him worriedly, guiding him to sit. “Bluebell, he wants to bring stargazing inside. You’re safe, I promise.”
Elliot's breathing didn't slow. “I-I just w-wanna be g-good enough for-for him. Wh-What if he doesn’t l-like this? What if he gets m-mad at me for-for being sick? What if he's doing this just to b-break up with me?”
Marlie brought him into a hug, knowing his past relationships were horrendous. “You're perfect to him. Bluebell, he's so happy with you and will love this. He's not mad and he won't break up with you. I promise. Want me around for support?”
Elliot melted into her embrace and tried not to cry into her shoulder. “N-No that's-that's okay. I-I don't want him to-to get m-mad.” Elliot flinched when the distant sound of the doorbell rang. He gasped. “That's-That’s h-him.”
Marlie took his hand. “He wouldn't. Want to walk to the door with me?”
Elliot nodded and shakily reached for her hand.
Marlie gently squeezed his hand. “It’s okay, he’ll be so excited to see you.”
Elliot nodded once more and nervously followed her down to the front door.
...
Marlie opened the door, Dawn helping Cedar carry a box of food.
Elliot's breath caught in his throat. He felt like it had been months since he'd seen Cedar, even though it had only been a week. Anxiety churned in the pit of his stomach at the sight of his tall boyfriend.
“Love? How are you feeling? I'm so happy to see you!” Cedar smiled. “Happy Valentine's day.”
Elliot couldn't help the way his cheeks warmed and the dorky smile that grew across his face. “I'm f-feeling better now. H-Happy Valentine's Day.”
Cedar’s smile matched Elliot’s eyes, smiling as he saw his boyfriend. “Ready to start the date, Love?”
Elliot nodded. “I've m-missed you.”
Cedar set the box down in Elliot’s room, Dawn and Marlie following him. “Same to you, Love. I'm so happy to see you.” Cedar smiled as he opened his arms.
Elliot smiled back and practically collapsed into his boyfriend's strong arms. He had to stand on his tiptoes in order to kiss Cedar, but it was worth it. He just hoped Cedar wouldn't end up sick after this.
Cedar caught Elliot and kissed back. “I love you so much.”
Elliot's cheeks began to ache with how wide he was smiling. “I love you too.”
Cedar’s smile grew. “Ready to start, my Love?”
Elliot giggled and nodded before dissolving into a coughing fit.
Cedar put an arm around him, rubbing his back until it finished. “Do you need to lay down, Love?”
Elliot nodded. “S-Sorry,” he croaked.
Cedar lifted him gently onto his bed. “No worries. How about starting dinner?”
Elliot nodded. “Th-That sounds good.”
Cedar smiled, opening the containers of food that he had brought. “Take your pick, my Love.”
As Elliot's eyes scanned the multiple containers of food, his cheeks warmed. He couldn't believe that Cedar had done all this for him. “I-I can't decide. Everything looks a-amazing. Did-Did you m-make all this?”
Cedar blushed and nodded. “I packed so many. Maybe a little bit of everything? Is that okay with you? I just made our date sick safe, my Love.”
Tears began to prick the corners of Elliot's eyes at the sound of those words. “I-I just can’t believe you d-did all of this for me.”
Cedar gently brushed his tears away, kissing his forehead. “Of course, Love. I knew it would break your heart to miss out and I wanted to see you. I'd come over even if it meant cuddling and falling asleep.”
Elliot's lower lip started wobbling. “Can-Can I have a kiss?”
Cedar replied by gently kissing him, holding him close.
Elliot melted against him, heart pounding. He couldn't believe the lengths his boyfriend had gone just to make him feel special on their first Valentine's Day together. As he looked up into Cedar's forest-green eyes, he whispered, “I may or may not have just gotten you sick.”
Cedar brushed Elliot’s hair. “That’s okay. Seeing your smile makes it worth the chance.”
Elliot's cheeks warmed and he couldn't help the giggle that escaped his throat. “You try to make me blush on purpose.”
Cedar matched Elliot’s smile, chuckling. “I try to make you smile on purpose, my Love.”
Elliot tried to force himself to stop smiling, but it remained stuck to his face. He couldn't help it. Something about looking into Cedar's eyes made him indescribably happy.
Cedar smiled back, happy to see his love smile. “Ready to start eating?”
Elliot nodded, unable to take his eyes off of his boyfriend.
Cedar kissed Elliot’s forehead, serving multiple dishes for the two of them. “How about some candles? I brought some scented ones.”
Elliot nodded, cheeks beginning to ache from the smile that wouldn't leave his face. “That sounds nice.”
Cedar kissed his head gently. “That’s great. I’ll light them.”
Elliot giggled and watched as Cedar lit the candles. As nice as they were, the sudden aromas initiated a round of several sneezes and a few coughs. He reached for a tissue, his face burning with embarrassment.
Cedar looked at him worriedly, rubbing his back. “Do you need anything, Love?”
“Can-Can you hand me my w-water?” Elliot asked as he tossed the tissue into the trash. He sniffled. “I hate being sick.”
Cedar passed the water to Elliot, rubbing his back gently. “I know, Love. It’ll be over soon. I'm just happy I could get everything ready in time for our date.”
Elliot nodded. “I-I was so worried when you d-didn't come to s-see me at all. I thought m-maybe you were b-breaking up with me.”
Cedar kissed his boyfriend’s cheek softly. “I’m sorry I didn't reach out. I wouldn't break up with you, Love.” He felt guilty, knowing how he hurt Elliot.
Elliot nodded again, blushing. “I-I know. I just o-overthink sometimes, I guess. Marlie helped c-calm me down.”
Cedar smiled at him. “She’s good at that. I'm happy you guys have each other. You're amazing.”
Elliot smiled and took a bite of the dinner Cedar had made. He was still in awe of all his boyfriend had done for him. He'd never felt so loved before.
The smile on Elliot’s face made the whole evening worth it. Cedar smiled back, eyes so full of love and adoration.
As Elliot ate his fill and set down his plate, he said, “So, M-Marlie said you were gonna b-bring the stars to me. Wh-What did she mean?”
Cedar smiled, getting up to open a suitcase and take out a few star projectors. He plugged them into the wall and the ceiling mirrored a starry sky. “This is what I did to bring you the stars, my Love.” He kissed his boyfriend’s head, lips brushing his fluffy hair.
Elliot stared in awe at the starry sky projected across the ceiling. Never, in his wildest dreams could he have imagined a date like this. “This-This is the most incredible thing anyone has ever done for me.”
Cedar held Elliot close. “Anything for you, Love. You are the best boyfriend a man could ask for.”
Tears welled in Elliot’s eyes. “Can I have a kiss?”
Cedar brought his boyfriend into a loving kiss.
Elliot melted against him. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so happy, if he ever had before. He felt safe and comforted and so, so loved. In that moment, nothing else mattered; not his illness, not Christian. If only for one moment, Elliot let himself be happy.
-
I hope you enjoyed this! This was so much fun to do because I'm absolutely obsessed with Elliot and Cedar's relationship.
Please be sure to go read Cedar's POV!
Not tagging the taglist because this isn't whumpy Worthless content
Lyra’s text worried him. Cedar was always ready to comfort Elliot and loved doing so, it made him happy to cheer his boyfriend up. However, he knew Elliot would be upset about being sick on Valentine's Day. Marlie went a few doors to help Elliot recover and be there for him.
So the day before their planned dinner and stargazing. Cedar went shopping with Lyra to find a small star projector and pick up a gift and ingredients for dinner. Lyra helped him stop overthinking the packaging for Elliot’s gift and find things that wouldn’t make him nauseous.
Cedar sighed. “Are you sure this is good? I don't want to let him down.”
Lyra nodded. “This’ll be perfect. You could never let him down, I promise.”
Cedar smiled, putting all the needed ingredients in his cart. “Thanks. I just want him to know he’s loved and didn’t ruin anything. He means the world to me.”
It took hours to make everything, and even then it would take hours to finish. Cedar smiled when he saw the meal. He just hoped Elliot would be feeling well enough to eat.
The next morning he saw the cloud-covered skies letting snow fall. He packed a small suitcase with everything he needed and told Lyra he’d be over at the original time.
“I can kick the rest of the team out, if you two want the house to yourself,” Lyra suggested.
“That’d be great! Dawn is having a movie night with Marlie so you guys could hang out at the house. Bear planned a camping trip for Harley so they’ll be out of the house.” Cedar smiled. He hoped Elliot would enjoy his gift.
Lyra smiled. “Great! I'll take the rest of the team out to dinner or something. He's gonna love this, Cedar. He's never had a boyfriend do something like this for him before.”
Cedar smiled brightly. “I just want to see him smile. None of his past boyfriends celebrated with him?” he asked, concerned.
Lyra frowned and shook their head. “Maybe one did. Most of them thought the holiday was stupid. Either that or the relationship didn't last long enough to make it to Valentine's Day.”
Cedar frowned. “that's just messed up. I hope I can make this the best one he’s had.” He was determined now, Elliot would smile..
“It will be, I know it.”
Cedar smiled. “Thanks. Hope he's feeling okay.”
“Me too. I can text Marlie and ask, if you want,” Lyra suggested.
“That’s a good idea, thanks, Lyra.” Cedar smiled.
“No problem.” Lyra fished their phone out of their pocket and sent a short text to Marlie, asking how Elliot was feeling.
Cedar sighed. “I can't wait to check in on him. Even if he's not feeling well I want to help.”
Lyra smiled. “I'm sure he'll appreciate your help, Cedar. Do you need any help packing for your date? We still have a couple hours, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared early.”
Cedar thought for a moment. “I want to make sure the star projector works. Mind testing it with me? Also I have no idea what would go with those flower pants Elliot got for me.”
“Sure thing!” Lyra said. “Do you have a dark room we could test it in? And as for the pants, I would go with something plain and slightly casual on top. Especially since Elliot's gonna be sick in bed, you don't want to dress too fancy.”
Cedar nodded. “How about a black hoodie?” He led Lyra to the storm shelter. “This should be dark enough.”
“I think a black hoodie would look nice,” Lyra said, their voice echoing off the concrete walls of the storm shelter. As Marlie's text response came in, Lyra jumped. The sound of their text tone was amplified as it bounced off the empty walls surrounding them. Their heart dropped as they read the message. “Marlie says that Elliot still isn't feeling very well. He's got a really bad cough.”
Cedar frowned as he plugged the projector in. “I hope his cough lets up. The soup should help too.”
“He'll be fine,” Lyra said as Cedar set up the projector.
Cedar placed a disk into the device and turned it on. “You’re right. I just can't help but worry.”
Lyra stared at the ceiling as thousands of tiny stars were projected onto it. They couldn't help but smile. “Well, this will be sure to cheer him up.”
Cedar looked up in awe. “It will! I tried to find one similar to the spot where we were going.”
“This is incredible, Cedar. He's gonna love this.”
Cedar nodded. “He will. I'm so happy this machine works.”
“Me too. Need help with anything else?”
Cedar thought for a bit. “Not that I can think of. I'm not sure Marlie would want to leave him though.”
“That's okay. She's always welcome.”
Cedar smiled. “That’s nice of you. She's so sweet but also pretty shy until she gets comfortable.”
Lyra nodded. “I've noticed that, and I honestly don't blame her. But I love the relationship that she and Elliot have.”
Cedar nodded. “Me too. They're so sweet and protective of each other. It's sad how they became that protective though.”
“I wish they didn't meet under the circumstances that they did, but I'm glad they have each other.”
“Me too. I'm happy they trust each other so much too. It's good they have someone to talk to about all of the torture.”
Lyra nodded. “I'm so proud of how far they've come.”
Cedar smiled. “Me too. There was a time when he wouldn't even look at me and now he's my boyfriend. Marlie was terrified of you and everyone but now she’ll even cook with Yvonne for hours. She and Karine went to get their nails done last week too.”
“I'm so glad she's so much more comfortable with everyone now, and I'm even happier that you and Elliot got together. All he's ever wanted is to be loved and I couldn't imagine a better partner for him.”
Cedar’s eyes practically had hearts in them as he thought about Elliot. “I can say that Elliot is perfect and stunning. I love him so much.”
Lyra smiled at the way Cedar’s face lit up just with the thought of Elliot. “He loves you too. In fact, he begged me not to tell you that he was sick because he was so afraid you'd cancel your date.”
“I knew that would devastate him so I wanted to make it as close to the stargazing plan as possible.”
“This is amazing,” Lyra remarked. “He's gonna love this.”
Cedar smiled. “It really is. He was so excited about that Spanish place so I looked up the menu and found some soups and dishes that wouldn’t make him sick. I just hope it tastes good. I'm sure it will, with you, Dawn, and Marlie helping.” Cedar switched a disk to a meteor shower, relieved it worked.
“He's never been disappointed by the food there, so I wouldn't worry too much about that. This is gonna make him feel so special, I promise. You're an amazing boyfriend, Cedar.”
“I hope so. I hope he doesn't feel neglected, I haven't spent as much time with him.”
Lyra's lips pressed into a thin line. “I know he misses you. When was the last time you saw him?”
Cedar glanced to the side, guilty. “About when you sent the text. I've been so focused on making sure we could have a date like planned I-I wasn't thinking about anything else. I feel so bad now that I've noticed. I should have noticed sooner and spent time with him.”
Lyra nodded. “I'm not trying to make you feel guilty or anything, but he's probably feeling a little neglected. This is probably the longest the two of you have gone without talking since you got together.”
Cedar nodded. “It is. Maybe I could call him? Or I could be by his side for a week?”
Lyra shrugged. “That's up to you. I'm sure he'd love to hear from you either way.”
Cedar looked at his phone. “Well, I've got an hour before I head over so I'm not sure. I don't want to overwhelm him.”
“Why don't you just wait until you actually head over, then? I'll head back and make a plan with the team to go out.”
“That sounds great! Thanks for all your help. Maybe I can have Dawn pick Marlie up when she arrives. Marlie still freaks out when she's out at night.”
“That makes sense. It was no problem. Good luck tonight!” With that, Lyra made her way out of the basement and back to their safehouse.
Cedar waved goodbye and told Dawn his plan. He perfected everything he could before packing it up.
Elliot and Cedar’s Date:
Marlie opened the door, Dawn helping Cedar carry a box of food.
Elliot's breath caught in his throat. He felt like it had been months since he'd seen Cedar, even though it had only been a week. Anxiety churned in the pit of his stomach at the sight of his tall boyfriend.
“Love? How are you feeling? I'm so happy to see you!” Cedar smiled. “Happy Valentine's day.”
Elliot couldn't help the way his cheeks warmed and the dorky smile that grew across his face. “I'm f-feeling better now. H-Happy Valentine's Day.”
Cedar’s smile matched Elliot’s eyes, smiling as he saw his boyfriend. “Ready to start the date, Love?”
Elliot nodded. “I've m-missed you.”
Cedar set the box down in Elliot’s room, Dawn and Marlie following him. “Same to you, Love. I'm so happy to see you.” Cedar smiled as he opened his arms.
Elliot smiled back and practically collapsed into his boyfriend's strong arms. He had to stand on his tiptoes in order to kiss Cedar, but it was worth it. He just hoped Cedar wouldn't end up sick after this.
Cedar caught Elliot and kissed back. “I love you so much.”
Elliot's cheeks began to ache with how wide he was smiling. “I love you too.”
Cedar’s smile grew. “Ready to start, my Love?”
Elliot giggled and nodded before dissolving into a coughing fit.
Cedar put an arm around him, rubbing his back until it finished. “Do you need to lay down, Love?”
Elliot nodded. “S-Sorry,” he croaked.
Cedar lifted him gently onto his bed. “No worries. How about starting dinner?”
Elliot nodded. “Th-That sounds good.”
Cedar smiled, opening the containers of food that he had brought. “Take your pick, my Love.”
As Elliot's eyes scanned the multiple containers of food, his cheeks warmed. He couldn't believe that Cedar had done all this for him. “I-I can't decide. Everything looks a-amazing. Did-Did you m-make all this?”
Cedar blushed and nodded. “I packed so many. Maybe a little bit of everything? Is that okay with you? I just made our date sick safe, my Love.”
Tears began to prick the corners of Elliot's eyes at the sound of those words. “I-I just can’t believe you d-did all of this for me.”
Cedar gently brushed his tears away, kissing his forehead. “Of course, Love. I knew it would break your heart to miss out and I wanted to see you. I'd come over even if it meant cuddling and falling asleep.”
Elliot's lower lip started wobbling. “Can-Can I have a kiss?”
Cedar replied by gently kissing him, holding him close.
Elliot melted against him, heart pounding. He couldn't believe the lengths his boyfriend had gone just to make him feel special on their first Valentine's Day together. As he looked up into Cedar's forest-green eyes, he whispered, “I may or may not have just gotten you sick.”
Cedar brushed Elliot’s hair. “That’s okay. Seeing your smile makes it worth the chance.”
Elliot's cheeks warmed and he couldn't help the giggle that escaped his throat. “You try to make me blush on purpose.”
Cedar matched Elliot’s smile, chuckling. “I try to make you smile on purpose, my Love.”
Elliot tried to force himself to stop smiling, but it remained stuck to his face. He couldn't help it. Something about looking into Cedar's eyes made him indescribably happy.
Cedar smiled back, happy to see his love smile. “Ready to start eating?”
Elliot nodded, unable to take his eyes off of his boyfriend.
Cedar kissed Elliot’s forehead, serving multiple dishes for the two of them. “How about some candles? I brought some scented ones.”
Elliot nodded, cheeks beginning to ache from the smile that wouldn't leave his face. “That sounds nice.”
Cedar kissed his head gently. “That’s great. I’ll light them.”
Elliot giggled and watched as Cedar lit the candles. As nice as they were, the sudden aromas initiated a round of several sneezes and a few coughs. He reached for a tissue, his face burning with embarrassment.
Cedar looked at him worriedly, rubbing his back. “Do you need anything, Love?”
“Can-Can you hand me my w-water?” Elliot asked as he tossed the tissue into the trash. He sniffled. “I hate being sick.”
Cedar passed the water to Elliot, rubbing his back gently. “I know, Love. It’ll be over soon. I'm just happy I could get everything ready in time for our date.”
Elliot nodded. “I-I was so worried when you d-didn't come to s-see me at all. I thought m-maybe you were b-breaking up with me.”
Cedar kissed his boyfriend’s cheek softly. “I’m sorry I didn't reach out. I wouldn't break up with you, Love.” He felt guilty, knowing how he hurt Elliot.
Elliot nodded again, blushing. “I-I know. I just o-overthink sometimes, I guess. Marlie helped c-calm me down.”
Cedar smiled at him. “She’s good at that. I'm happy you guys have each other. You're amazing.”
Elliot smiled and took a bite of the dinner Cedar had made. He was still in awe of all his boyfriend had done for him. He'd never felt so loved before.
The smile on Elliot’s face made the whole evening worth it. Cedar smiled back, eyes so full of love and adoration.
As Elliot ate his fill and set down his plate, he said, “So, M-Marlie said you were gonna b-bring the stars to me. Wh-What did she mean?”
Cedar smiled, getting up to open a suitcase and take out a few star projectors. He plugged them into the wall and the ceiling mirrored a starry sky. “This is what I did to bring you the stars, my Love.” He kissed his boyfriend’s head, lips brushing his fluffy hair.
Elliot stared in awe at the starry sky projected across the ceiling. Never, in his wildest dreams could he have imagined a date like this. “This-This is the most incredible thing anyone has ever done for me.”
Cedar held Elliot close. “Anything for you, Love. You are the best boyfriend a man could ask for.”
Tears welled in Elliot’s eyes. “Can I have a kiss?”
Cedar brought his boyfriend into a loving kiss.
Elliot melted against him. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so happy, if he ever had before. He felt safe and comforted and so, so loved. In that moment, nothing else mattered; not his illness, not Christian. If only for one moment, Elliot let himself be happy.
