#oc dancers

[rgartblog]

3 Tugger Designs

I have 3 OC dancers who play Tugger. Matt is the first starting on the left, he’s the main Tugger. Blake usually plays Plato/Macavity but fills in for Matt. Daniel comes in later and is Matt’s official swing. I know they’d technically share the same costume but I wanted to give the other two a different look. Blake is an edit of the newer one. Daniel is based off 90s. Annnd Matt, well he’s based off JP.

[rgartblog]

In Little Prince, Blake (Plato/Macavity) is with David (Skimbleshanks) and they are in love… but David dies leaving Blake all by himself.

Which means as an author it’s my job to make him cry until I can figure out a new Boy Friend for him. 😅😩

[rgartblog]

Sicktember Art 1

Just drawing some of the scenes from the writing I did. Poor Andrew (Misto) can’t win.

Little Prince (c) me

[robingurlscorner]

Little Prince: Sicktember Day 28

Sicktember Day 28

“Ghostly Pale”

Matt and Blake entered the penthouse quietly. They were the last two to come back home after the show. Andrew had stayed home alone for the first time in a week and they hoped it went well.

Matt stepped down the hallway looking into their room but it was empty. He blinks looking in and out then turns to look into the other bedroom.

Blake just smiled – the other three had fallen asleep together.

Andrew was in between Eiden and Darin, his breathing shallow. His cheeks were flushed but the rest of his face was pale from being sick. It was hard watching the life go out of the usual happy brown eyes and the color leave the usual rosey face.

Matt walked in quietly to get a look. He had to reach out and make sure Andrew was breathing for his own sake.

Darin stretched hearing the movement. “You’re back.. how did it go?”

“The sponsors were happy. Not sure they expected Plato and Tugger but they were excited none the less.” Blake explained shrugging. “How is he?”

“Clingy and sick.” Their Munkustrap sighed, glancing beside him. He dropped his hand on Andrew’s head gently. “I couldn’t just leave Eiden behind and Andrew needed bodily contact before he could relax.. so… we did this.”

“Eiden agreed to put him in the middle?”

“I tried to sleep in the middle but Eiden insisted. Something about Andrew would wake up and cough so hard he’d fall off the bed.” Darin shrugged.  

“Here, let me go put pajamas on and I’ll carry Andrew in with me.” Matt stepped out to go get changed.

Blake sat on the edge of the bed reaching out to run his fingers down one of Andrew’s arms gently, “He’s just getting worse, isn’t he?”

“Pnemonia is something that gets worse before it gets better. His body is fighting it off as quickly as it can but it's going to take some time.” Their Munkustrap explained groggily. “We need to have someone here… the way he clung earlier…”

The red head turned back to look at Darin. He had heard the other’s voice break for a split second. He smiles sadly, “Our kitten has always needed more physical attention than anyone I’ve ever met. But I think it’s what makes him even more adorable. The more you hug and snuggle him, the happier he is and it shows on his face.”

“It’s just hard when he’s sick with a high fever and should have constant supervision but all of us are required to be on stage at the same time.” Darin shook his head, “I know I keep saying it but I’m going to start taking more shows off.”

“You already took a week off, let the rest of us take off and help.” Blake offered worried. “You don’t have to shoulder this yourself.”

“Not right now. I need to be here.”

Matt reappeared in the doorway, “Alright .. all changed!”

Darin slid out of the bed on his side so Matt could get to the smaller one. He watched as their Tugger gathered their sleeping feverish Mistoffelees into his arms and moved as smoothly as he could not to jostle the sick one.

Munkustrap followed the other as the smaller dancer was carried into the other room. He stopped in the doorway having to take a deep breath. Against Matt’s more tanned skin, Andrew looked a ghostly pale.. almost as white as make up for Mistoffelees. He gripped the door frame with his fingers until his knuckles went white.

Blake stood beside him and pulled Darin into a hug. “He’ll be ok.”

Footsteps were behind them and Eiden appeared half away. He watched Matt tuck Andrew in seeing what Darin did. He sighs and pulls Darin into a hug after Blake was finished. Darin didn’t pull away and he just buried his face into Eiden’s shoulder.

“Come on, Matt’s got him. Blake is nearby. You need to rest. You can’t help our Mistoffelees if you’re sick as well.” Their Alonzo smiled. “Andrew would never forgive himself if that happened.”

“Oh goodness, no he wouldn’t.” Blake added, smiling. “I dare say he may try to play nurse though.”

Darin couldn’t smile at the joke. He glanced one more time to the bed then pulled away and let Eiden tug him down the hallway. They both climbed into their bed and Eiden turned on his side expecting to sleep as he was.

To his surprise, one of Darin’s arms wrapped around his waist and pulled him back to his side. He feels Darin’s face into his neck and smiles sadly. “I know… I’m scared too. He’ll be ok.”

[robingurlscorner]

Little Prince: Sicktember Day 27

Sicktember Day 27

“I’m sick, not stupid”

Andrew rolled over on his back hearing them talk in the den. He glanced over to the clock, it was 8 in the morning. He listened and heard something about Kyle and his lack of skill for Mistoffelees.

He tried to close his eyes and go back to sleep but he couldn’t. He had to know. He pushed himself up right then got to his feet and made his way into where they were.

“Oh, kitten. I’m sorry, did we wake you?” Blake asked, hurrying over to steady him.

“I heard you guys talking about Kyle?” His voice was raspy and it hurt to speak but he wasn’t coughing as much. “Is he still messing up?”  

The other four glanced at each other unsure what to say. Eiden was finally the one who nodded, “Yeah, mate, it’s… it’s pretty bad.”

“He only managed 3 rotations last night and still fell out of the landing.” Matt added. “Honestly we don’t know what else to do. He’s just not retaining the information.”

“But this is nothing for you to be concerned about. You need to go back to bed and rest.” The red head said smiling. “Come on, I’ll go tuck you in.”

This time Andrew didn’t follow him. “I’m sick, not stupid… Do we need someone to train him? I-I know how this works. The current Mistoffelees mentors the upcoming one.”

“Andrew, you are just coming off pneumonia.” Darin started.

“I finished my antibiotic and my fever broke yesterday.” The other argued, crossing his arms. “I won’t be back for another week … he should at least get some sort of real training to land a few turns this week.”

Eiden glanced at Darin as he shifted on his feet, “While I agree with you… are you sure? That’s a lot of work.”

“I can wear a mask and sit when I need to.” Andrew begged. “Come on, he needs help and I’m finally coherent enough to do something about it. He was unfairly thrown into this role after only being there for a few months. He hadn’t had time to learn it all and then to be terrified on top of everything else..” This time he did cough slightly.

“Ok. Fine. Let’s do it. But you will sit down when and if you feel bad. We’re taking a taxi to the studio.”

Matt and Blake blinked, shocked that Darin agreed. “I-I’ll go get his bag ready and help him get dressed…” Matt grinned nervously.

*~*

Kyle stumbled off one of the rotations nearly falling over. He caught himself this time. He hears the bell signaling someone was coming in. To his surprise Andrew was there with the rest of his group. His eyes widen and he runs over, “Please tell me you’re back.”

“Not quite.” Andrew said, pulling a face mask on.

“So what are you doing here?”

“Training you.”

“What?” Kyle asked nervously, giving an unsure smile.

“We threw you out there too fast a-and it hasn’t been fair on you.” Andrew rasped explaining. “I’m going to teach you the turns as it was taught to me.” He coughed into his arm hoarsely. “I just may need to sit down every so often.”

“You need his help, Kyle. He’s here, so use him.” Darin said seriously.

Andrew turned back to his friends, “I need the mats out that the first years use.” He then turned back to Kyle, “How well are your shoes fitting? Have you broken them in properly?”

“They are my normal practice pair?”

“You don’t have a performance practice pair?”

“N-No…”

“That’s a different shoe entirely.” The smaller one sighed. “I think I still have a pair here in my dressing room. What size are you?”

“8?”

“Good, we’re the same size.” He started to head back when Blake came up beside him.

“Where are you going, kitten?”

“He needs to practice in the actual shoes he’s going to wear. I’ve got an extra set in my dressing room.” Andrew gives a weak smile proving to Blake that he was determined even if his energy was dying off.

“I’ll go get them. No need to wear yourself out right away.” The red head hurried down the opposite direction in the rooms.

There were a few smacks as the practice mats were thrown to the floor. Kyle turned around watching them land. “Now look, I’m not that much of a first year.”

“When it comes to the turns you are. Trust me, you don’t want to face plant on a hard floor over and over again. Come on.”

Kyle follows him over and watches him curiously.

Andrew walked in the middle and started to make a space for the other to perform the turns. He leveled out the corners of the mat then looked up. “You’ll practice the rotations here and when you lose your balance, you will hit the mat.”

Blake came back with the needed shoes and handed them over. He nodded to the younger one, “Go on. Put them on.”

Kyle took them and sat down changing his shoes. His eyes widened, Andrew was right they were different. He glanced up and could tell Andrew was smiling at him through the mask.

“Do they fit?”

“Y-Yes sir.”

Andrew blinked before shaking his head, “No formalities needed… just dancer to dancer.” He crossed his arms backing up so Kyle can get back to his feet. “Perform one rotation and step out.”

“T-That’s it?”

“For right now, yes.” The company’s Mistoffelees nodded. “You can’t be expected to do all 24 rotations if you can’t even do one.”

The other’s shoulders relaxed before he smiles, “Y-Yeah I guess you’re right. They just threw me into all of them.”

“We’re starting with one. Go on.” Andrew backed off the mat and turned to cough into his arm. He was feeling dizzy but wasn’t going to abandon the newcomer.

“N-No music?”

“No. Just do a rotation.”

The other got into position and started to attempt a full rotation. He lost his balance and fell onto the mat with a groan. He sat up.

“Again.”

Matt watched from the side lines as his lover got into his rare dance instructor mode. He had only seen it one other time and secretly loved it. Andrew was confident in a way he’d never seen before, confident but kind.

He winced as Kyle fell three more times in a row smacking the mat each time. He walked over to Darin. “Think this is going to work?”

“Do you have a better idea?”

“No…I guess not.” Their Tugger sighs sitting down against the wall.

Darin joins him, “We just need to keep an eye on Andrew. Let Andrew worry about Kyle.”

*~*

Andrew staggered backwards feeling lite headed. Kyle looked up and stopped stepping out of the turn without falling over this time. It had been an hour and the other wasn’t looking great. “A-Andrew?” He runs over steadying him.

“I-I’m ok…”

“No you’re not. Do you need to sit down? I can get Matt.” Kyle looked around for the others worried.

Andrew smiled weakly, “You didn’t crash on your step off.”

“W-What?”

“You didn’t fall over with your s-step off.” Their Mistoffelees doubled over coughing hoarsely as his cough medicine wore off.

Kyle blinked then looked back to the mat. Andrew was right, he didn’t fall this time. He shook his head, “Here come sit on one of the mats.” He took the other’s hands and led him over. “I’ll go get Matt or Darin.”

Andrew sat down watching him leave. He was exhausted and just wanted a nap. He fell backwards wheezing slightly.

*~*

Kyle stepped out back behind the studio and only saw Matt. He was doing a more cardio type exercise. He walked over, “….hey uh…”

Matt stopped grinning, “Did you manage a rotation?”

“I-I did but Andrew’s not doing well. I sat him down and told him I’d come find you.” The other dancer explained.

“He’s probably tired.” Their Tugger wiped his face with the towel he brought. He wiped the rest of himself off as well. The workout he just completed felt good. His muscles burned in a good way. He picked up his water bottle and started to sip at it, “Lead the way. The other three are running laps.”

Kyle held the door open for him and led him inside. The smaller dancer was curled up on the mat breathing heavily, more of the barking coughs were coming out.

“Aw hell.” Matt pushed past their Pounce and hurried over. He knelt beside him on the mat rubbing his side. “K-Kitten? Just breathe as best you can.” He reached up and removed the face mask to give Andrew more room to cough.

Kyle stood watching uneasily.

“You need to rest. Kyle can practice something else.” The other encouraged trying to help him up.

“N-No. I n-need to help him..”

He took a deep breath. He stepped past them and rearranged the other four mats before getting into position. Andrew had come out here sick as a dog to help him and he had only made one full rotation in an hour.

He could do this. Even if not all 24 at least 5 or 6 and then land it properly. If Andrew could do this while sick, he could do it as well.

Matt pulled Andrew out of the way and held him in his lap. They both looked up and watched as Kyle got into position and started the rotations. To their surprise he manages to pull off 2 full rotations without losing his balance. Then three more.

“Y-You’re doing it!” Andrew exclaimed hoarsely relieved.

Kyle didn’t move his eyes on the spot he chose to watch but he looked utterly terrified with each one. He felt his balance start to go and he braced himself for impact as he started to step off.

Andrew winced expecting it as well and knew it was going to hurt. He felt Matt let go to help the other if he did lose his balance.

Nothing hit the mat. He opened his eyes and saw Matt was standing there wide eyed. A very shocked Kyle looked around realizing he hadn’t crashed. He got excited bouncing on his feet. “T-That’s the first landing I ever did properly!”

Andrew got up right and staggered a bit but smiled happily, “I-I knew you could do it…” He wavered unsteadily, a weird darkness was taking over. “N-need to lay down..” His words slurred together as he started to pass out on them.

Matt turned around and caught him just in time from hitting the floor. “A-Andrew?!”

*~*

Eiden opened the door to the studio out of breath but grinning, “I beat you two by several minutes. You’re getting lazy.”

“Says the one who asks for a taxi after each practice and show.” Blake muttered, wiping his face on his t-shirt.

“Say one more word, Eiden and you’re on the couch.” Darin added glaring as he drank from his water bottle. “I hope Andrew has made some movement with Kyle.”

“You always threaten me with that. It’s starting to lose its effectiveness.” Their Alonzo glared back shrugging.

Kyle stepped out of the dressing room area looking terrified. He turned not expecting to see them and ran over relieved.

“Kyle? How is it going?” Darin asked, unable to read what the other was feeling. He tilted his head. “Is everything ok?”

“N-No.. Andrew passed out on us. Matt caught him. He’s in the back trying to lower Andrew’s fever. He hadn’t woken up yet, I was told to come find-“

Darin took off running, not letting him finish. The other two turned to the other dancer. Kyle gave a shaky smile trying not to panic. “I-It’s …it’s all my fault… i-if I could have just magically learned this then Andrew could be resting…”

Blake’s eyes widened, “Oh darling, no. He begged to come out here and help you. He felt awful that you two hadn’t spent a lot of time practicing.”

“Yeah, he was pretty stubborn about it as well.” Eiden reached out patting the other’s shoulder. “Did he help?”

“…oh. Yes. I managed 6 rotations and actually stepped off.”

The other two cheered for him. “Alright! That’s what we like to hear! Progress.”

“..hey..um.. did Andrew really train for Mistoffelees as a kid?”

Eiden smiled laughing. “Yeah, he did. Said he saw CATS on tour when he was 11 and decided from then on to practice and train to be Mistoffelees.”

“How much does he train?”

“It’s not healthy but every single day for more than 10 hours.” Blake sighed. “We’ve gotten him down to 10.”

“Even at our apartment, he’s always trying a turn even if there isn’t any room.” The Australian rolled his eyes, shaking his head.

“H-He really loves Mistoffelees doesn’t he?” Kyle asked, looking around the room nervously. “It doesn’t feel like the right part for me like I thought it would. It could just be I was thrown into it without training but it doesn’t feel magical… it just feels terrifying.”

The other two glanced between each other not sure what to say.

*~*

“Matt?! Andrew!?” Darin called as he stepped inside the dressing room area.

“In here. Third to the left. Our usual.” Matt called his voice was shaking.

The other hurried in to see what they were dealing with. Matt had stripped Andrew of his hoodie and had wet paper towels on his wrists, forehead, and chest.

“Matt…”

“H-His fever got too high, I think? I-I don’t know. I stepped outside to do some cardio and …I shouldn’t have left. But he was doing so much better and even sounded normal… Kyle came out and told me Andrew wasn’t doing well…”

Darin knelt beside the two of them and reaches out feeling for the fever. “If he doesn’t come back soon, we need to call an ambulance.” He reached out and squeezed Matt’s hand, “This isn’t your fault. This was Andrew’s decision to come out here and help Kyle train.”

“I-I know.. but…” He goes quiet as Andrew moans moving his body slowly. His eyes widened with relief, “K-Kitten…?”

“Andrew? Take it slow, you passed out on us.” Darin said steadily. His tone changed to instructor mode. “You’re back in the dressing rooms.”

“…Kyle..”

“He managed to do 6 turns and stepped off perfectly.” Matt explained catching one of the wandering hands. He kissed the top of it, relieved he was moving. “Y-You scared me so bad..”

Andrew smiled weakly, “B-But he did the turns…” His voice was barely audible. “T-That’s all I wanted.”

Darin hovered over him and sighed, “That was the stupidest thing you’ve ever done while being sick. Can we please either take you home or help you get comfortable so you can rest?”

The younger of the three nodded slowly, “P-Please.. I’m s-so tired and dizzy.”

[robingurlscorner]

Little Prince: Sicktember Day 26

Sicktember Day 26

“Slow Recovery Time”

Darin watched Andrew carefully as the other started some light practicing. The fever had broken and the smaller one had more energy but still wasn’t back to full form. “Don’t force yourself.”

The one in front of him only concentrated on enjoying the movement of stretching his body and getting the kinks out. His sides still hurt, and he was pulling on both as he stretched. He tried to hide the wince but then smiled as the rest of his body stretched out properly finally.

He felt hands on his waist and knew Darin was helping him release and come back down. He stood normally trying to ignore the dizziness and exhaustion that hit almost immediately. He was relieved that Darin hadn’t let go yet.

“Andrew?”

“I-I’m alright.” He finally trusts his legs and pulls away.

“I know you want to jump right into your song but I think working through some of the first number would be better for you.” Their Munkustrap explained. “It will help you slowly get back to normal. Since no one is here, we can go as slow as we need.”

The other blushed bright red, “I’m not slowing down the first song.”

“It’s either that or you run laps while singing at the same time. I think you and I both know you couldn’t handle that. Make your choice.” Darin sighed, crossing his arms. “I had to promise to start you slow and make sure you didn’t over do it before she even agreed to let me help.”

“FINE.” Andrew rolled his eyes frustrated but then smiled weakly over at him. “What did she think I gave you kitten eyes or something to bend to my will?”

This time the other blushed bright red. He cleared his throat before walking over to bring the music over to them.

Andrew got into position amused with the other’s response. He took as deep of a breath as he could without causing a coughing fit.

Darin heard him wheezing and looked over his shoulder. The smaller one wasn’t ready to be back on his feet, but he wouldn’t understand why until he actually did something. “I’ve set it to half the speed. Just take it slow and if something hurts or you feel too winded, stop.”

*~*

Matt pushed the door open to the studio ready to work with Andrew a bit. He knew Darin had come in a few hours earlier to help their Mistoffelees warm up properly. He stood in the doorway not saying anything as the first song played from the speakers going half speed.

It sounded like some sort of horror movie but then he smirked. Darin had gotten locked out of the main office where the music was. Not that he was any better but he had Andrew’s dance bag. Andrew always had every version of CATS anyone could need for practice.

He stepped closer and watched intently. Andrew was performing it properly, although a lot slower than normal, his balance was perfect and each sequence was nearly flawless.

However, he could see Andrew was having trouble breathing. The smaller one was fighting it. He walked over hoping to be the voice of reason. He stopped the music. “Stop, stop. Andrew, you need to breathe.”

“C-Can’t.. need to cough…” Andrew was purposefully trying to hold it in. He excused himself and hurried to the bathroom.

Darin watched him go then looked over at Matt. “Well?”

“Well what?”

“How did he look?”

Their Tugger shrugged, “He looked perfect as always. The dance is awkward slowed down, we know this. But he was doing his best. I didn’t see him miss but one step and that was when the coughing hit. You can’t push him on stage like this.”

“I’m not doing anything. She thinks he needs more time as well and I agree with her. But you know how paranoid Andrew is about Kyle taking his slot officially.”

Matt sighed looking away thinking. “Too bad, he can’t just come on for Mistoffelees and be done. Like a second half kinda deal.”

“They would never approve that.” Darin started.

The other smirked, “They would when they remember how many turns Kyle managed to complete without falling over.”

“Regardless, he can’t go on as he is now.”

“No, but we give him something to work towards. Getting back on that stage as Mistoffelees is what he wants. I don’t know if it’s because Andrew makes it look flawless but that dance isn’t that hard to do.”

Darin just stared at him emotionless. “He makes it look easy.”

“Even more of a reason to let him do this.” Matt shrugged, grinning.

They heard the door open and Andrew appeared in the doorway looking more haggard than before he left. He was leaning against the wall wheezing.

“A-Andrew?” Matt ran over and caught him as he sagged to the side. “What happened?”

“C-Coughing fit… got a lot up…but…” The smaller one bit his lip, unable to make eye contact. His eyes widened as he was gathered into the other’s arms. This seemed to give him permission to break down a little and he buried his face into the other’s shoulder. “…I-I’m not ready…”

“No, you aren’t.” Darin said softly making his way over. He reaches up and rubs the other’s back. “But you did get through over half the first song and would have made it completely if you hadn’t started coughing.”

“It’s just going to take a bit to get back on your feet again.” Matt reassured him, hugging his lover closer. “But you know… you’re not over heated at all. I don’t feel a fever.”

Andrew pulled back looking down at himself, “…I-I guess I’ve gotten better after all…” He glanced past Darin at the dance floor before sighing and turning back to rest his head on Matt’s shoulders again. “…can we go home…?”

The other two exchanged glances not expecting to hear that. Darin had been fully prepared to drag Andrew out by his feet, he could tell Matt had the same idea.

He sighs and nods, “Of course. Let’s head back. You can tell Blake how well you did.”

[robingurlscorner]

Little Prince: Sicktember Day 25

Sicktember Day 25

“Medicine”

Darin looked up as Eiden came in with the bag of prescriptions. Matt was close behind. Their Alonzo gave a thumbs up, “We picked up everything that was ready.”

Andrew was curled up on his side attempting to sleep as best he could. He had a wet cold cloth on his neck to help with the fever but was coughing in his sleep. He looked miserable.

Matt hurried over and knelt beside the bed, “Kitten?” He reaches out and places a gentle hand on the dark hair. “We brought your medicine.”

Two glazed brown eyes open and look through their Tugger. He shivered, smiling weakly. “There we go!” There was no emotional response, just a half moan of discomfort followed by hoarse coughing that left him wheezing.

Eiden carried the bag over and helped unpack it. “He said to take the antibiotic as soon as possible to get that moving.” He explains looking at the detailed list the pharmacist gave them. “He mentioned something about the night time cold meds. It has codeine in it so make sure one of us is nearby when he takes it. He said for the first few days that Andrew should take it during the day time as well so he can get some rest.”

Darin nodded looking through the bag. He pulls out the day time cough medicine, setting it aside. His hands brush against a box and pulls it out. “What’s this?”

“An inhaler. It’s supposed to help him open up his airways if used properly.” Eiden smiled as Darin pulled him into a side hug keeping his arm around the other’s waist. “And we picked up some tylenol and a new thermometer. This one works fast and only takes 30 seconds.”

“Don’t forget the decongestant. Those things are horse pills.” Matt pointed out as he forced Andrew to sit up so he could breathe better. The smaller one leaned into him, unable to stay up by himself.

Hoarse weak barking coughs came from the one curled up against their Tugger. He was going in and out of being coherent to being groggy and sleepy. He’d come back each time he coughed only to be in pain right after.

Darin sighed, “Do we force him to eat or do I just give him the night time cough meds?”

“Keeping him awake is like torture, mate. Just give him the liquid. We can feed him after.” Eiden offered, shaking his head.

Their Munkustrap opened the liquid and poured it into a small cup. “Matt, I’m going to need your help. Help him take it.”

Matt took the small cup nodding, “Kitten? We have you some cough medicine.” He waited to get a response, a minute later the other nodded. “Here, drink it. Open-“ He gently helped the other drink it down.

Andrew was so far gone that he didn’t flinch at the taste and only sat there hunched over breathing heavily. He winced as he coughed again, wavering unsteadily.

“He needs to take that antibiotic before going to sleep.” Eiden pointed out.

Blake appeared in the doorway with a full water bottle for Andrew almost on cue. “I finally found a water bottle he should be able to drink out of without a lot of help in his current state.”

“Perfect.” Matt reaches out to take it. “Andrew, sip at it for me. Then we need to take the antibiotic.”

Andrew sipped at it weakly leaning back into Matt’s chest to relax. His chest hurt from the coughing and wheezing, each inhale and exhale sent waves of pain through his body. He pulled away breathless feeling a hand on his forehead. It was cooler than his own feverish skin and felt good.

“Andrew – go on and take this.” Eiden pulls one of the pills out and hands it over.

The younger one holds it as he goes through another coughing fit. “M-Matt…water…”

“I’ve got it.” Their Tugger watched as the smaller one pushed the pill into his mouth. He held the water bottle in front of Andrew watching the other take it. “That’s it.”

Their Mistoffelees curled up into Matt’s arms, his head resting on Matt’s chest. He relaxed knowing he was safe and comfortable. “Can I go back to sleep…?”

Matt smiled down at the one in his arms, “Yes, kitten. Go on back to sleep.”

*~*

“I know it’s not easy but you need to use this inhaler. It will help clear your airways.” Darin encouraged trying to hand it over.

“I-I just want to sleep,” Andrew wheezed groggily. “Coughing keeps waking me up.”

“Which is why you need to use this.”

The smaller one blushed looking to the side, “I don’t k-know how to use it.”

“You could have just said that.” Darin smirked sitting beside him on the bed. “Open your mouth.”

Andrew obeyed and felt the inhaler be pushed into his mouth. He wanted to sleep, his eyes grew heavy as he started to go in and out.

“When I press the button, you’re going to inhale.” The other instructed.

Their Mistoffelees gave a half acknowledgement before moving his gaze to the blurry vision of Darin. Darin smiled pressing the button. “Inhale.”

Andrew inhaled as best he could, he made a face and had to pull away coughing up some gunk. His chest felt a little lighter somehow. He panted, able to get a few breaths in. His nose, however, was still stopped up. “I-It…w-worked..”

“We need to do it two more times.”

The smaller one turned back and together the two of them repeated the process twice. He was left dizzy but able to breathe properly for the time being.  He fell forward into Darin resting his head on the other’s shoulder, he felt one arm wrap around his side. “…do you n-need to g-go with Eiden…?” He asked hoarsely barely audible.

“No, I’m here with you right now. If Matt comes in and takes my place I will. So until that happens you have my undivided attention.” Darin sat back placing the inhaler in the small bin they had that collected all the medicine then leaned back into the stack of pillows. He eased Andrew towards him and the smaller one curled up contently all but straddling the other. He rested his head on the other’s chest, unable to stay awake.

Their Munkustrap sighed giving a warm smile and pulled up one of the blankets on the bed to cover up the smaller dancer. He rubs his back gently, getting comfortable. He knew he wasn’t going anywhere for a while.

*~*

Blake lifted his head from his cast notebook for Plato, he finished taking a quick note then glanced over to the couch. He smiled.

Andrew was curled up against Matt and was passed out. The codeine medicine was working and it helped knock him out and keep him from coughing too badly. Matt was flicking through the TV channels, his arm around Andrew as his fingers ran through the sweaty dark hair.

Darin and Eiden had retired an hour or so ago to go back to their room and read. Now that Andrew was finally sleeping it was easier for Darin to get away.

“Our kitten is passed out.” Plato finally said closing the spiraled notebook. He got up and walked over, kneeling beside the couch. He reached out to press his hand against their Mistoffelee’s forehead. “He’s hot.”

Matt sat up straighter and gently sat Andrew up. “His fever could be back.”

“I’ll go wet a drying towel, maybe we can lay it across his forehead to help.” Blake got to his feet and hurried to the kitchen. He was startled not expecting Darin and Eiden in there making late night tea.

“Everything ok?” Eiden asked before Darin could. He watches the red head as the other wet a cloth.

“Yes, the kitten is asleep but his fever came back. I’m just going to try and lower it with a cold cloth.” Blake smiled. “I’m so relieved we got that medicine. He was worrying me being unable to sleep properly.”

Darin was fighting every internal battle to not run in there. He only hugged Eiden to him to make sure he stayed grounded.

“Matt and Blake can handle it. If they can’t, we’ll hear about it.” The Australian reassured him then pouring hot water into their mugs on top of the tea bags.

*~*

Andrew woke up slowly. The world was spinning and it felt like the bed was spinning the other direction. It hurt to open his eyes, as soon as it did the vertigo was too much and just closed them again.

He reached out on the bed hoping to find someone there but only got an empty mattress. He curled up on his side as a coughing fit took over. The coughs were deep and sounded almost like barking, with each gasp it hurt more each time.

His body was heavy and wasn’t letting him move very well. He coughed up gunk but was unable to grab anything to cough it up into. Frustrated he tried to sit up but only fell back to his side… he opened his eyes seeing the mess he had made.

He had to clean it. He forced himself to sit up not realizing this wasn’t the first time he had done this in the past few hours. In his drugged sleep, he had gone through two t-shirts and a hoodie.

He tried to get off the bed and stand but his legs gave out and he fell to his knees hard. The sound got someone else moving and footsteps were heard.

“Is everything alright in there?” It was Blake.

The red head made his way in not expecting to see Andrew on the ground. His eyes widened as he knelt in front of him, “Kitten? What are you doing out of bed?”

“M-Made a mess..” He rasped groggily. “On the bed.”

Blake stood to look over at the bed only seeing more of the yellow gunk, “Oh. You just coughed up some of what was in your chest, darling. It’s alright.”

“B-But on the bed.”

Their Plato smiled as warmly as he could kneeling back in front of their Mistoffelees. He didn’t know how to relay to the smaller one that this wasn’t abnormal after 2 ½ weeks of helping him through it all. “It’s ok. I’ll go wipe it up. Did you get any on yourself?”

Andrew looked down at his arms and the hoodie was in. His memory was hazy and his body ached. “….no…” He hunched over coughing again, it left him panting out of breath. “W-Where is everyone?”

Blake wiped the bed off and threw the towel in the hamper with the rest. He noticed it was full and time to do the wash. First, he needed to get Andrew back to bed. “They are at practice. It’s just you and me. I was doing some small chores here and there; I was hoping to be back once it was done before you woke up but I see I misjudged the time.”

He turned back to the other and reached down offering his hands. “Here, lean on me. Let’s get you back in bed.”

“….s-so groggy…”

“It’s the codeine cough syrup, kitten. It’s helping you catch up on rest. I’m surprised you’re awake as it is but after seeing what you coughed up, it makes sense.” He smiles feeling two hot hands grip his own, he pulls the smaller one to his feet.

The other staggered forward and Blake caught him. The bed looked so far away in his drugged mind and he didn’t understand how he made it over so fast. One of Blake’s hands was holding his and the other was around his waist. “…can you s-stay?” He asks groggily.

The red head smiled, “I’d love too. Let me go toss these towels into the wash. Can you curl up and rest for me until I return?” He helped a very unsteady Andrew back onto the bed, helping him lay back. The other nodded, his eyes growing heavy almost immediately. “I’ll be right back.”

[robingurlscorner]

Little Prince: Sicktember Day 24

Sicktember Day 24

“I feel like I’m dying”

“Hold that to his face, make sure his nose and mouth are covered.” The urgent care nurse instructed as she placed an oxygen monitor to her patient's finger.

Darin took it and turned to Andrew who was going in and out on him. “Andrew, this will help you get some air in. We’re at the urgent care.” He couldn’t tell if the other dancer was coherent or not. He pressed the mask onto the other’s face expecting a relieved reaction and relaxing.

The other’s eyes flew up and he weakly reached up trying to push it off his face. He didn’t know where he was or what was going on. He curled up coughing and wheezing as he got excited.

The mask was put against his face again. He struggled trying not to panic. “Andrew. Breathe. It’s me.” He recognized the voice as Darin and opened his eyes to look around to try and find him.

A few seconds later, he saw Darin hovering over him. He didn’t let go of the unknown thing over his mouth but he felt one of Darin’s hands over his.

“It’s an oxygen mask. You were having trouble breathing at home. I brought you here.” Their Munkustrap explained as calmly as possible. “You have to keep this over your nose and mouth for it to help.”

“His blood oxygen level is definitely lower than I hoped.” The nurse wrote it down. “Andrew, can you breathe with the mask on?”

The smaller one tried to calm down long enough to take a proper breath. Darin’s eyes narrowed worried, “He’s panicking.” He watched the brown eyes darting back and forth and felt Andrew’s hand clench the mask tighter trying to fight his own hand.

He was finally forced to pull it off after Andrew pushed him away physically. The smaller one sat up wheezing and heaving trying to catch his breath with no luck. His shoulders shook as he tried to calm down.

“Andrew, you need to try again. If you can’t do this, it will be a next step up and you won’t like it.” The nurse said, taking the mask herself and holding it to his face.

Darin waited to see what would happen. He could see how terrified Andrew was, his eyes were wide. “I-I’m going to call for some reinforcements.”

*~*

Blake and Matt looked up as their phones started to buzz. They step off the floor and hurry to go get it. Eiden saw them and joined.

Matt was the one who answered him and the other three gathered round as he put it on speaker. “Darin? Is everything ok?”

“No. I need some help. Andrew wasn’t able to breathe very well so I took him to Urgent Care. He’s fighting the air mask. The nurse is threatening a higher step up…”

“Higher step as to what?” Eiden asked nervously.

“Can you guys get over here? Eiden, I know it’s going to be a little awkward but can you call Richard down south and ask him if he knows anything?”

The Australian sighed, “Yeah. I can do it. But we’ve only spoken twice.”

“I can’t pull away to do it this time. The way Andrew is acting, something happened to him before and we can’t tackle it if we don’t know.”

“Alright alright, send me his number. I’ll call on the way over.” He nods to the other two and looks down at his phone waiting for the text.

“We’ll get our stuff together and come right over.” Matt relayed getting a nod from Blake. “We may be a bit sweaty but we’ll be there.”

“Speak for yourself.” Plato muttered as their Tugger hung up.

The other just grinned, “Sorry Princess but you are sweating.”

“PRINCESS?!” The red head shoved him to the side. “Well I never.”

Eiden looked up and watched the two of them play around a little. He smiled nervously but got his stuff together. A few seconds later and a ding was heard. “You two call the taxi, I’m going to step outside and see what this guy says.”

*~*

Richard stopped mid practice with some younger girls when he heard the phone in his office ring. He usually ignored it or shut the door so he couldn’t hear it. This time something was telling him to answer it.

He turns to the girls and their parents, “Excuse me.” Then heads into his office shutting the door. He picks up the receiver, “Richard’s Dance Studio.”

“…hey uh.. it’s Eiden, you remember me? I’m a friend of Andrew’s.”

His eyes widened as he sat down at the desk, “Ah yes, the Alonzo up in NY. To do what do I owe the honor?”

“Look, he's not doing great. He’s got pneumonia and he can’t breathe properly. Darin took him to urgent care but he was fighting that bloody air mask they use. The nurse threatened to do a severe step up if he didn’t calm down. You were really close to Andrew and his mom most of his life. Do you know of anything that could cause this?”

The older man sighed, “This really should be on Andrew to tell you.”

“Mate, we don’t have time for that.”

“I wasn’t there so I’m only relaying what I heard. Before he joined dance, his mom tried to get him into sports and sent him to lots of summer camps. As you can imagine with how small he is, that quickly became a physical hazard.” He sat back in his chair. “From what his mother told me, a group of the older boys surrounded him and pushed him into the lake and tried playing a game of “chicken”. Have him freak out so badly he thinks he’s drowning. They put a scuba mask on his face… you can imagine where I’m going with that.”

“I hate kids. I hate them. That's why I’m not a teacher.” Eiden stated angrily. “Thanks, I’ll go call Darin.”

“Keep me updated?”

“Of course, thank you!”

*~*

Eiden hung up as the car was pulling up to take them to where Darin and Andrew were. He quickly dialed Darin as the other two climbed in putting their Munkustrap on speaker phone. "Hey – he thinks he’s drowning. It’s a more complicated story but that’s the gist of it. He thinks he’s dying.”

Matt and Blake glanced over not expecting to hear that. Their Alonzo sighed, “You’re going to have to convince him he’s not drowning to get him to calm down. I’ll explain the rest once we’re there.”

“Got it.”

After Darin hung up the other two glanced over. Matt’s eyes narrowed angrily, “What happened?”

*~*

Water rushed past his face, and he realized he was able to open his eyes. Hands were keeping him down under the surface pushing him as far as they could go. He tried to scream but no sound came out.

He struggled trying to pull free as water started to fill up the mask once the seal was broken.

One held the mask on his face while keeping it there and the other two held him under the water. He kicked and screamed trying to get away.

He knew he was going to die right here if he didn’t get free.

*~*

Darin walked back into the room, “Andrew?! You’re safe – you’re not drowning. It’s just an air mask.” He pushed past the nurse pulling the smaller one into a hug. “B-Breathe as best you can, we’ll try again in a few seconds. You’re safe…”

Andrew didn’t know how Darin knew about any of it, but he clung shaking. He kept reliving it each time the mask went over his face.

Even though he couldn’t breathe very well, he would rather not have it over his mouth. “N-No m-more..” He rasped hoarsely. “P-Please.”

“Your blood oxygen level is dangerously low. We need to try again.” The nurse started but Darin held his hand up.

“Give me a minute.” Darin takes the mask and hands it over. “Here. See? It’s just pushing air through.” He shows the smaller one what it looked like and what it did. He then took Andrew’s hand and pushed it into it slightly, “Feel that? It’s air. Now you have to have this. If you don’t Kyle will take Mistoffelees against his will and will be your cat until further notice.”

The others eyes widened taking a shallow breath. Darin could see the two of sides of him were fighting on what to do. That worried him – usually the threat of losing Misto was enough to pull Andrew out of whatever was going on.  “You can hold it on, but you’ve got to keep it there as long as you can stand it. I’ll be right here.”  

Andrew nods slowly feeling dizzy from lack of air in his lungs. He leaned forward letting Darin push it up over his nose and mouth. He struggled to keep it on knowing he had to and as Darin said it was just air.

The flash backs started again and water started to fill the room around him. His eyes widened as he started to panic again.

“Andrew. It’s air. You’re in the room.” Darin said a little bit louder hoping to get through the panic. “You can do it.”

He had to get the mask off his face and push him off him or he’d never see his mom again. This time Darin held strong. The door opened and the other three were there finally.

Eiden was the one who joined first. He reached out and took one of the flying hands holding it. “Mate, you’re not there. You’re not at that bloody camp. They aren’t trying to drown you for fun. I called Richard. You’re safe. We won’t let them do it again. You’ve got bigger friends on your side this time. Matt will beat them up. Darin will scare them. Blake will chase them off and I’ll pull you out of the water.”

Darin blinked looking over to his lover. He felt Andrew stop fighting him and the panic was slowly dying away. Eiden just glanced over, giving a nervous smile as the smaller one leans into him. He wrapped his arms around him gently. “I know, it’s over. The pricks can’t get to you again. Matt sat on them.” He tried to joke.

Blake turned to the nurse who looked exhausted, “Thank you for being patient. I know in all the commotion it got crazy but is there a way to give him an anxiety med of some sort?”

“That’s what I threatened him with.” She said without emotion.

“No, you threatened him with a step up.” Darin argued, pulling away from Andrew to turn to her. “You could have just said that.”

The red head looked between them then looked behind Darin. Eiden and Matt had Andrew in an uncomfortable but safe position using the air mask. “Let’s fight later. Andrew is using it but it’s not helping if he can’t relax.”

The nurse sighed but went to get the syringe ready. Blake turned to Darin, “Look at me. Our first priority is our terrified kitten over there. Get mad at her later.” He turned his face to look at him. “I mean it. She’s not worth it. It was a tense situation and everyone was freaking out.”

Darin took a deep breath but nodded. He stepped around Blake and walked over to where the other three were. “Andrew? Are you holding it on properly?”

“We are. I’ve got a hand on it.” Eiden reassured him. “I don’t know how coherent Andrew is however.”

Matt looks over Andrew’s head, “Barely.”

The nurse made her way over. Eiden’s eyes widened, “Hey wait what is that?”

“It’s ___. An anxiety medicine. It should have been given earlier.” She wiped his arm with an alcohol wipe then moved quickly.

Andrew startled slightly but Matt held him tightly in his arms. “It’s ok, kitten. It’s just anxiety medicine. We’re here. You need to relax.”

The smaller one’s eyes glazed over then became heavily lidded a few minutes later. Darin took the mask from Eiden and put it properly on Andrew’s face with the strap behind his head. Matt just let him curl up in his arms and doze in and out.

The blood oxygen meter beeped as new numbers started to come in. “It’s working.” The nurse said, smiling relieved.