( * sick starters | @bustergrown )
‘ what are you doing out of bed? ’
instantly, he froze, arms falling to his sides as he lowered himself flat onto his feet. his smile wavered, a faded pink decorating his cheeks at the realization that he’d been caught–––– he at least had the good sense to look ASHAMED. his fever had yet to break, & he knew that meant he should have been in bed, tucked under the covers. yet, he’d forgotten all of that the moment marlene had come to deliver her news, wrestling himself out of the covers in hopes of getting a glimpse at his hero.
❛ marlene said you came home early. ❜
it was a simple statement, spoken as if cloud’s arrival alone was all the reason he needed to get up despite his sickness. he deserved his attention & energy–––– the closest thing to a real HERO’S WELCOME that the boy could manage.
❛ i wanted to see you! i didn’t get to before you left this morning. ❜
it was rare that he did most days. rest was a necessity, & often by the time his eyes shut & opened again cloud was gone for the day, & when he did come home he was often too WEAK to join him. some time with him was
❛ i’m feeling a lot better––––. ❜ he almost expected cloud to call him out on his FIB, as if he could just look at him & know. but he had a chance, & he wanted to take it.
❛ tell me where you went today? please? ❜
