Appa’s Sick Day (Part 1?)
Summary: Jungkook was supposed to take his son to a baseball game. But he gets sick the day of the event. It’s up to Taehyung to keep the peace.
Pairing: Taekook- Married with kids AU
Warnings: tw!panicattack || tw!anxiety || tw!illness
Word Count: 3791
Joongi woke up before his alarm. The baseball cap set on his bedside table served as a visual reminder of what today was. With a wide toothy grin, he jammed the cap on his bed head and sprinted down to his parent’s room. They both were still sleeping soundly in their dark room. Joongi didn’t care though; he jumped right into bed and sprawled himself over their bodies. “Appa! Appa! Time to wake up!! Today’s the day!” He cheered excitedly and repeatedly.
Taehyung was the first to stir, always a bit more attuned to their children's cries. He sat up in the bed and took in the sight of their son adorning a baseball cap, cheering joyfully. “Good morning Joongi.” He greeted through a yawn. Taehyung glanced over to the clock on his side table. It was only a few minutes after 7. The baseball game wasn’t until 4. They don’t have to catch the train until 2. Joongi must have been very excited if he’d woken himself up this early. “You’re up early.” Taehyung chuckled and glanced at his husband, still sleeping like a rock beside them. “Appa’s still sleeping. Think we can let him sleep a little more?” Joongi immediately obeyed, recognizing it was more of a command than a suggestion. He scooted himself closer to Taehyung’s side of the bed. He allowed his father to readjust his cap so that it sat properly on his head. “Want to help me make some breakfast before appa wakes up?” Joongi beamed with a wide smile and ran down to the kitchen.
Taehyung quickly pecked his husband’s shoulder and got out of bed. He made a stop in the nursery to check on Haein. Thankfully, the infant was still sound asleep despite all the noise his big brother made. Taehyung readjusted the cover over the child and headed downstairs to make breakfast. Joongi had already pulled out eggs from the pantry and was waiting expectantly. “Eggs it is, I guess.” He grabbed the frying pan and started cooking enough for three. He expected Jungkook to come trudging down the stairs any minute.
Baby cries soon replaced the sizzling of the eggs in the pan. Taehyung acknowledged the sound, but didn’t rush upstairs. He had eggs on the stove. He figured the crying would be enough to rouse Jungkook. As heavy a sleeper as his husband was, he was never able to sleep through the kid’s crying. Taehyung returned his attention to the eggs.
While Taehyung was plating the food, the infant’s cries came to his attention again. A troubling thought passed through Taehyung’s mind. Before he had time to dwell, Joongi tugged on the hem of Taehyung’s shirt to get his attention. “Appa, Haein has been crying for a while.” the child stated when Taehyung looked down at him.
Joongi looks worried; Taehyung threw on a brave face in response. “Let’s go check on him then,” He smiled, sparing a quick glance around the kitchen to ensure everything was turned off. Taehyung led the way to the nursery, Joongi following closely behind. He picked up the infant and bounced him in his arms a few times. The crying diminished to sparse hiccups in a matter of seconds. It seemed the infant was just ready for attention. And probably some breakfast as well.
With Haein cooing softly in his arms, Taehyung felt a wave of relief wash over him. Still he was concerned as to why Jungkook hadn’t woken up to the crying. If it was that loud in the kitchen, it was naturally much louder in the room over. And it was almost 8:00, his husband should be awake by now. Instinctively, Taehyung walked over to their bedroom.
Jungkook was still sleeping - fitfully, restlessly. Concern washed over Taehyung once again. He asked Joongi to hold the baby and the child held his arms out expectantly. Joongi didn’t hesitate to help out, becoming a bit curious himself. Taehyung set them up in the large cushioned rocking chair in the corner of their room before rushing over to the bed.
Taehyung sat himself in front of Jungkook. For the first time he noticed Jungkook didn’t look well; sweaty and pale with patches of flush on his cheeks and nose. He looked just generally uncomfortable. His usual calm expression was twisted in pain. Taehyung brushed the other’s sweaty bangs away from his forehead and checked for fever. He’s not all that surprised by the warmth that greets him.
“Is something wrong with appa?” Joongi’s voice broke the silence of the bedroom. Taehyung had momentarily forgotten his sons were even there.
Taehyung let out a low sigh. He hated to deliver bad news, but he knew he had to tell the truth, “Appa doesn’t feel very good. I think he’s gotten sick.” Joongi looks crushed, immediately understanding that since his appa was sick, he wouldn’t be going to the baseball game. Taehyung would never be able to erase the look of disappointment on his son’s face from his mind.
Taehyung hurried over to the kids and grabbed Haein, genuinely terrified that the shock of disappointment would cause Joongi to drop him. “Baby, I’m sure you’re upset about the baseball game today. I know when appa wakes up, he’ll be upset too. He was really looking forward to taking you.” He rubbed his son’s hair, “But if appa feels bad, he’s not gonna be focused on getting better. And we want appa to get better, right?” Joongi nodded. “There will be other baseball games. But appa needs us to feel better. Think you can help appa feel better?” Joongi nodded again, “Good, because appa’s gonna need all of our help if he’s gonna get better soon.” A wide smile broke out on the boy’s face at the mention of his father needing his help. “I’m sure he’ll take you to another game once he’s better.”
Joongi removed the baseball cap from his head and ran down to put it in his room. He returned with a beaming smile and a stuffed bear. "Jimin-samchon gave me this, it always makes me feel better. Will it make appa feel better too?” he asked as he set the stuffed animal next to his father’s head.
Taehyung perked up, sending a warm grin to the child. They were truly blessed to be able to raise such an agreeable five-year-old. “I’m sure appa will really appreciate you sharing that with him.” He grabbed Joongi’s hand and started walking them out of the room. "Let's leave appa to sleep some more. Before our eggs get too cold." Joongi pulled away from Taehyung and ran down to the table.
Breakfast passed and Jungkook still slept. Taehyung continued on with his usual morning routine. After completing a few household chores, the brunette took a seat in the family room. Joongi was already set up on the floor with coloring pages, markers and glue bottles scattered all around him. “Whatcha making there, buddy?” He asked.
“I’m making appa a get better card.” Taehyung smiled fondly.
“That’s a great idea, Joongi. I’m sure that will make him feel a lot better.” Taehyung picked up the baby, “I’m going to be upstairs, will you be okay down here by yourself?” He asked. Joongi just nodded in response. Taehyung reminded him of the general house rules anyway.
After he finished getting himself and Haein ready, Taehyung decided to finally wake up Jungkook to check on him. He set Haein in a cradle in their room and sat beside Jungkook on the bed, careful to mind Joongi’s stuffed bear. He gently started to wake Jungkook, rubbing his back and stroking his hair out of his face. He softly whispered Jungkook’s name, along with various other pet names, to wake him when the simple touches weren’t enough.
Jungkook finally started to wake up, breath hitching with dry coughs as he sat up in bed.
Taehyung tried to ease him to the end of the fit. “Morning, sleepyhead.” Taehyung pressed a soft kiss to Jungkook’s hand, “Not feeling so great today?” He prodded gently while rubbing his fingers along Jungkook’s knuckles.
Jungkook slumped his head against Taehyung’s chest. “I feel like shit.” Jungkook spoke against a grating throat.
“Jungkookie, watch your language. The baby is in here.” Taehyung teased, knowing full well that watching their language had always been the hardest part of parenting. Moreso for Jungkook, but he would never say that out loud.
Jungkook tried to muster a laugh, “He’s still too young to repeat it. As long as Joongi’s not here.” Jungkook’s eyes shot wide open and he pushed himself away from Taehyung’s chest. “I’m supposed to take Joongi to that game today. He’s gonna hate me.”
Taehyung pushed Jungkook to lean against him again, noting it took no where near the usual amount of force to maneuver Jungkook’s sturdy frame. “He’s not gonna hate you. Sure, he’s a little disappointed, but I think he just wants you to feel better.”
“Why don’t you take him to the game, Tae. You know the tickets are nonrefundable.”
“And leave you here alone with Haein? You must be really out of it.” Taehyung pressed his hand to Jungkook’s forehead. “We both know you can barely take care of yourself when you’re sick, let alone our 4-month-old.”
Jungkook persisted. “Call the hyungs to take care of Haein.”
“Absolutely not,” Taehyung responded without even entertaining the idea. Jungkook pouted, “Not that I don’t think the hyungs would love some quality time with Haein, and a day of doting over you. But no. That’s my job, as your husband.” Taehyung insisted selfishly and cupped Jungkook’s too-warm cheeks in his hands. “There will always be more baseball games. And besides, Joongi doesn’t want to go to the game with me. He wants to go with you. You’re the one who does the sports thing. I don’t know a damn thing about baseball.”
“Look who’s cursing in front of the baby now?” Jungkook remarked teasingly.
“Hey!” Taehyung playfully flicked Jungkook’s forehead, “What I said is nowhere near as bad as what you said.” He laughed and pressed a kiss to Jungkook’s sweaty mop of hair.
The two sat in comfortable silence for a brief minute, Taehyung stroking his hands through Jungkook’s long hair. Jungkook let out a deep sigh and grabbed Taehyung’s hand bringing it to his lap. “I’m worried about Joongi. We only scavenged the money for the tickets to make sure he doesn’t feel left out because of the new baby. We can’t keep disappointing him like this.”
Taehyung took a moment to respond, squeezing Jungkook’s hand in his own and using the other to scratch the back of his neck. “This is different, Kook. This isn’t something he has to give up because of Haein. This is about you. You are in no condition to go to Ichenon and sit through a 3 hour game in 30 plus degree heat.” He finally rebutted confidently. “And yes, he’s disappointed. And yes, we have disappointed him before because Haein is 4 months old and needs a lot of attention right now. But he’ll understand. Trust me.” Taehyung put a hand on Jungkook’s back and started rubbing small circles.
Jungkook nuzzled his face into Taehyung’s shirt. “Taehyung, are we bad parents?”
“You get so emotional when you’re sick, you know that?” Taehyung disregarded the question, knowing that deep down Jungkook knew the answer. “It’s cute.”
The conversation ended abruptly and awkwardly as Joongi ran into the room. Jungkook and Taehyung exchanged glances of worry, wondering how much their older son heard. Neither of them dared to ask.
“Appa, you’re awake!” Joongi’s cheerful exclamation broke the tension as he jumped on the bed to hug his sick father. “Appa said you don’t feel good.”
Jungkook wrapped an arm around his son, cautious not to get too close in fear of spreading it. “Yeah, bud. Seems I’ve come down with something yucky.” He coughed as if trying to prove his illness to his son, “Sorry, baby. Looks like we won’t make it to that game today. You’re not mad at me are you?”
“No. It’s okay. Appa told me you will take me to the next one.” Joongi stated matter-of-factly. “Appa said the important thing is that you get better.” He picked up the well-crafted card he made for his father and handed it to him.
Jungkook took the card. The paper was still soaked with too much glue that never dried. Bits of construction paper were slowly sliding off the page and smearing the marker scribbles and the few discernable doodles that covered the card. Upon opening it, even smaller bits of paper fell onto the comforter in the bed. “Confetti,” Taehyung commented with a chuckle. Jungkook looked inside and found more scribbles that were probably meant to be words and adorable attempts at hearts.
Jungkook smiled back at Joongi, “My head is a little foggy from the flu. Can you read it to me, sweetie?” Jungkook asked, positive that only the five-year-old knew what it said.
Joongi nodded his head vigorously as he nestled in beside Jungkook with a wide grin and started reading, “It says ‘Dear appa. Feel better soon so you can take me to a baseball game. Love Joongi’”
While Joongi was reading, Taehyung heard Haein cooing from the cradle and went over to pick him up. “See, babe. Everyone just wants you to feel better.” Taehyung remarked as he carried Haein over to the bed, keeping him postured as far away from Jungkook as possible. “You worry too much.” He whispered discreetly in his husband’s ear.
Jungkook took a fond look around the room, basking in this moment with his family. He rustled Joongi’s hair and pinched Haein’s cheek with a warm smile. Taehyung was probably right. They were doing just fine.
“Alright, Joongi. We should probably leave papa to rest some more. What do you say we have a little lunch then you can help me put Haein down for a nap?” Taehyung suggested. It was the best way to get Joongi to go down for a nap as well. The two of them laid on the blanket together; and before Joongi knew what was happening, he was fast asleep beside Haein. It was the easiest way to get Joongi to take his nap, and they were going to continue milking it until Joongi caught on.
Joongi quickly jumped off the bed and raced down to the nursery to grab his brother’s favorite blankie and stuffed dinosaur.
Taehyung was slow to follow, carrying Haein in his arms. “I’ll be back with some food and medicine for you after they go down. Do you need anything else? Or want anything? More blankets? A cup of tea? A damp cloth?” Taehyung chuckled when he realized he was rambling. “You name it, I’ll get it for you.”
“Cuddle with me,” Jungkook responded with a slight pout. He knew it was a selfish request. But he recalled a time he got sick when they were just dating. When Taehyung said he would be by his side, and truly meant it. He didn’t even see Taehyung leave to use the bathroom.
If Jungkook were to be completely honest, he missed those days. Jungkook would never admit to it, because he loved his kids to death, he loved the life he built with Taehyung. But some subconscious part of him missed when it was Taehyung and Jungkook. And his fever-ridden brain must have brought those thoughts to the surface.
“Sweetheart, the kids have to eat. And nap. And I need to get stuff together for you.” Taehyung confirmed, though had an aura of reminiscence about him.
“Please,” Jungkook pleaded with downturned puppy dog eyes; he batted his eyelids repeatedly and cocked his head to the side.
Taehyung rolled his own eyes in response, “Babe, you know the puppy dog eyes haven’t worked on me since high school.” Taehyung could hear Joongi calling for him from the bottom of the stairs. He turned his head away from the conversation briefly. “Let me put the kids down, first. We’ll see what happens from there.”
Jungkook let out a small grumble, though he understood that the kids took precedence. He had to agree that were the tables turned, he would be putting the needs of the kids over Taehyung without a second of hesitation. Restlessly, he laid back in bed. Now that he was awake, he was too hyper aware of how awful he felt to fall to sleep. His mind started wandering aimlessly. He wondered where the illness came from, and why he didn’t experience any symptoms until now. Or if he did and he just wasn’t paying attention.
Jungkook suddenly started to feel an overwhelming anxiety fall onto him. What if he’s been contagious for a while. What if the kids get sick. What if Taehyung gets sick. Then who will take care of their kids. Without further warning, he spiraled into a panic episode. He shot up in the bed, eyes hyper-fixated on the infant’s cradle. He clutched his chest, yearning for a deep breath but only managing quick spurts of oxygen. Hitching gasps catch in his raw throat leading to ragged dry coughing fits.
It’s painful, it’s agonizing. Jungkook couldn’t focus. His thoughts were racing a mile a minute. His throat hurt, his chest hurt, his head hurt. He’s not sure how long he could endure. It had been so long since his last panic episode, he’d nearly forgotten how worthless they made him feel. He felt himself fall into the thought spiral, succumbing to the panic. Tears poured from the corners of his eyes, sliding down his cheeks like a neverending relay and leaving a series of wet spots on his comforter. There was nothing he could do. Jungkook had lost control.
After an impossibly long time, Taehyung strolled in with a tray full of supplies. Taehyung immediately entered his line of sight. Just Taehyung’s presence helped to ground him in reality. “The kids went down pretty easy-” he abruptly stopped mid-sentence when he noticed Jungkook in the grip of full blown panic. He quickly set the tray on the dresser and rushed over to his husband. “Jungkookie, jagiya. What do you need?”
Jungkook just grabbed Taehyung’s hand, breathing hard and eyes trained to the far corner of the room. Between rigid shallow breaths, Taehyung could hear Jungkook muttering something along the lines of “all my fault.”
Taehyung was well adjusted to witnessing Jungkook’s panic attacks; though Jungkook hadn’t had one in years. Taehyung assumed the fever triggered it- by delusions or dreams. Or maybe with free time Jungkook’s thoughts finally caught up to him. Whatever the reason, Taehyung wanted it to end.
He continued to reassure Jungkook, providing comfort and support without being too invasive. He encouraged Jungkook to take deeper breaths and make eye contact. He started breathing in an even pattern hoping Jungkook would follow along. Eventually Jungkook’s attack subsided and he was back down to a baseline level.
Taehyung toed the line for a while, staying close to Jungkook but not mentioning the attack or what might have caused it. Instead, he sat beside his husband and provided him brief, comforting touches.
Jungkook was the first to speak, “Tae, I’m so-so-sorry.” He hiccuped, “I don’t know what- and then I just- and it- but then- I’m so sorry.”
The hiccups and voice cracks were a clear sign that Jungkook was working his way to a second attack. Taehyung cupped Jungkook’s tear-stained cheeks in his hands. “We don’t have to talk about it now,” which was Taehyung’s way of saying that they would eventually need to talk about it. He waited, giving Jungkook the opportunity to continue if he chose. Jungkook remained silent, focused on retraining his breaths. Taehyung placed the back of his hand on his husband’s forehead and moved it around to both cheeks, then to the sides of his neck. “You’re warm. I want to give you something to bring the fever down, but you can’t take it on an empty stomach.”
“I’m not hungry.” Jungkook grumbled, repulsed by the mere thought of food. He couldn’t be sure if his lack of appetite was due to the illness or an aftereffect of the panic attack.
Taehyung let half his smile fall into a pout. He hated seeing Jungkook like this. “Do you feel like you might…” his voice faded out and opted instead to make a not-so-subtle vomiting gesture. Jungkook shook his head. “Well in that case, you’re eating.” Taehyung went to grab the tray he so readily abandoned minutes ago. “You don’t have to eat a lot. Maybe a piece of toast and a few spoonfuls of jook?”
Jungkook sat up in the bed and Taehyung was quick to position himself on the bed as Jungkook’s support. Taehyung presented Jungkook with a plate of toast and a bowl of jook. The ‘instant shit’ as Taehyung so gently put it. Like that made Jungkook any more eager to eat the meal he already didn’t want. “I will make you fresh homemade soup for tonight. This is just to hold you over so you can take some meds.” Taehyung explained.
“Thanks, Taehyungie.” Jungkook started nibbling on the piece of toast.
“Whatever you need, love.” Taehyung leaned into Jungkook’s back, stroking his hair gently. “So how are you feeling? I got so busy with the kids I didn’t get a chance to really check on you.”
Jungkook leaned into Taehyung’s touch. “It’s probably just the flu, Taehyung.” he let out a dry cough, “I’ll be over it in a few days.”
“What are your symptoms?” Taehyung asked, longing to feel useful, “how can I help you feel better?”
“Taehyung, I’m good for now. I swear.” Jungkook remarked, hesitantly lifting the spoon to his mouth. “Just stay here, at least while the kids nap, please.”
“I’m all yours, yeobo.” Taehyung replied, rubbing gentle patterns against his husband’s skin. He snuck in a few fleeting kisses for added comfort.
Jungkook worked through the meal in silence, spare a few coughs and sniffles. He managed to clear out half the bowl of jook and one slice of toast before taking the aforementioned medicine. Despite his previous protests, he did feel a bit better now that there was something satisfying and warm in his stomach. He nestled himself up to Taehyung and closed his eyes.
“Aw, is my aein still not feeling well?” Taehyung cooed, threading his fingers through Jungkook’s hair.
“I feel a bit better now actually, just tired.” Jungkook yawned.
“Then sleep, bun. I’ll be right here when you wake up.”
“You promise?”
“I promise,” He kissed the top of Jungkook’s head. Jungkook believed him, drifting off to sleep without hesitation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Thanks for reading until the end! Feedback is always appreciated. This is my first fic post in quite a few years, so I’m just getting back into it. So please let me know if I missed any warnings or tags!!
I have plans to continue this fic with another part or two where Jungkook gets sicker, so lets call this the exposition chapter?? If you liked this, stay tuned for that I guess. Or any of the other dozen fics I’m working on right now.