Sickness with Baptiste x Cassidy Themes: sick/hurt, established relationship, mlm, comfort, dialogue heavy Word count: 899
“Stop movin' already, you're making this impossible.” Cassidy exclaimed, as his hand pulled back from Baptiste. The water-soaked towel in his hand was steady, as it slowly dripped across his hand, and down his hair-adorned arm. Baptiste stared above, observing anything but the stern look on his partner's face as he started rolling his eyes.
“Don't even consider it.” Cassidy quickly retorted, making Baptiste swiftly turn his gaze to his partner. If he could, and if it didn't hurt as much as it did, he would've let himself chuckle at Cassidy's words. They were oddly still comforting though, with his voice and tone.
Baptiste continued to lie there as he grunted in an agreeable manner. He knew just as well that he had to be still, had to for the sake of his health. Of course he had to be the one to catch an illness whilst on holiday, and of course his trusted doctor Angela couldn't make it in time to help him. Just his luck, after all. All he could do was accept the help from his partner and guide him with advice (when his voice wasn't hoarse and too painful to speak with). He tried his hardest to tolerate it, but a part of him couldn't settle - was it the fever, or the vulnerability? He didn't care to figure it out as he watched Cassidy bring the towel back down to his head.
“You still nauseous?” Cassidy asked in a much less agitated tone compared to before. His expression had shifted, too. It had become softer, Baptiste noticed, as his eyes drifted towards him and his hand moving towards his forehead.
“Not really…” Baptiste replied, watching his expression twist and turn to that of a more… concerned look. His voice was soft, croak-y still but legible as Cassidy considered his next response.
Cassidy's hand hesitated as he began to stutter his words. “You sure…? Y' don't have to hide it from me, Jean.” he uttered softly. Baptiste could see his eyes were drifting towards the bucket that lay next to the bed. Freshly clean, freshly ready for if his suspicions were correct. One of the many joys of caring for someone, Baptiste had reminded him before when Cassidy complained of this role.
“Very sure. I'm past that stage - just need to get my fever and throat pain fixed.” Baptiste replied, “You can handle that, surely.”
A smirk grew on Baptiste face as he uttered those last words, as Cassidy chuckled lightly. His hands had finally returned to work, and started dabbing at Baptiste's forehead lightly. It was cooled down now, enough to give him some relief from his spiked temperature.
“Sure I can, just gotta trust me hon'.” he uttered, as he continued working on his partner. Cassidy had finally gotten the hang of this and found himself relishing Baptiste's state for a moment. Baptiste's face stirred at his words, finding himself conflicted.
He hated being sick. It was always Baptiste taking care of people - he had done so his whole life. So, when he was sick himself, it was troublesome for his mind and soul. Baptiste doesn't give up control easily; the idea of being vulnerable infront of someone, whilst being powerless to their care, is frightening to him. So, as Cassidy sat above him, he couldn't help but feel himself trying to keep grasp of the situation. He trusted him, truly, but it was uncontrollable for him.
Baptiste inhaled deeply, his throat raspy. “You know, you don't have to do this…” he began, “I'll be fine, and I don't want you getting si-”
“Shush. I'm not g'nna leave you like this.” Cassidy replied, his tone light hearted with a smile stained on his face. Baptiste sighed in response, letting himself relax in the bed and slowly give up trying to come up with a retort, or a statement, or anything that might give him control again over this situation. He didn't have the energy to fight more, as he felt his fatigue overwhelm his body now.
Cassidy sat by his side and watched him drift off - it happened often enough now that he wasn't concerned, just remained steady in his mind. Panicking over anything small wouldn't help either of them, he thought, as he brought his hand back and rested it gently in his lap. Soon enough, he could hear Baptiste's croak-y snores fill the room, with his body rising and falling in time with Cassidy's own breathing. It was as though they were in sync now, as Cassidy let his mind wander.
Something about finally being able to take care of the man who vigilantly always looked out for him was satisfying to Cassidy. He never expected their holiday to turn out like this; no one ever thinks that they'll be trusted with taking care of someone who hates to be sick. But he still loved it. Truthfully, deep down, he was thankful for this moment. Baptiste finally showed him that he trusted Cassidy enough to take care of him, put up with his groggy attitude, and make sure he was okay and safe. The responsibility lay heavy on his heart, but he wouldn't trade it for a moment.
“Besides, if I got sick I know you'd take care of me. J's let me take care of you now, darlin'.” Cassidy practically whispered, as he refused to leave Baptiste's side through his rest.














