Fill for @ficcingcaptaincanary‘s prompt: Sara taking care of sick and sleepy Len.
Set sometime post Len’s return to the team/alternate S2 setting? This was supposed to be fluffy, but ended up with some angst/emotional instead...whoops.
Leonard comes down with the flu and Sara takes it upon herself to look after her crook; whether he wants her there or not.
Also on AO3
Leonard was woken by yet another fit of violent coughing, groaning before leaning back onto the pillows once more. Everything aches and he can’t breathe properly through his nose.
“Mister Snart, if you would just allow-“
He cuts the A.I. off with a growl, “Not a chance. I don’t need your help with a cold.” Another round of coughing follows, and he’s pretty sure his ribs will be bruised by the time this is all over. Soon after he gave up the idea of sleep; making a brief trip to the galley for coffee before locking himself away from the crew until Sara called them together for mission briefing. It was a simple mission, they just had to go in and retrieve an item out of its time. But in the end things went about as well as anything did with the Legends. By the end of the fighting it was all Leonard could do to remain standing.
“Len, do you-“ Sara’s voice drew him from his stupor and he turned to meet her concerned gaze. “Are you okay?”
“Peachy,” he drawls, glaring down at the smaller woman. Her gaze hardens in return, but she doesn’t move from his side.
Turning to where the others are gathered together she waves her hand before her. “You guys go ahead. I’m to get this cleaned up.” She motioned to a long cut on her arm and his gut twists at the blood running down her hand.
He caught Mick’s suspicious glance, but then he turned to follow the rest of the team into the small town. Sara walked slowly at his side the entire way back to the ship, only a hair between their shoulders and her good hand brushing his. He wants to ask about her hand, to tell her he’s fine, to go with the others. But the moments he stops focusing on his feet he stumbles. Once they get on the ship she gives him a measuring look, clenching and unclenching her bloodied fist.
“I’m fine Canary, I don’t need you to walk me to my room like a child.” He scowls, turning to make his way toward his room. Truth be told he has very little strength left, but he wanted her taking care of her wound before she bothered with him. Once in his room he placed the Coldgun on his desk and sat heavily onto the bed. Several minutes past before he mustered the energy to remove his boots, even longer before he could push himself to the shower and removing the grime of battle. He had just made it back to bed when there was a knock against his door. “What?”
“It’s Captain Lance,” Gideon replied.
“I figured that,” he grumbled, before he could tell the ship to turn her away she knocked more loudly. He pushed to a sitting position and sighed, “Let her in.”
Sara stood in the doorway, clean jeans and a short sleeve shirt revealing the white banding on left arm. Her hair lays in damp waves over her shoulders, arms crossed over her chest as she steps into the room. “You shouldn’t have been out there today.”
“I told you canary, I’m fine.” He drawls, his arms rising to mimic hers.
“You were compromised,” she levels him with a burning stare, “Gideon says you have an advanced case of the flu.”
“Mister Snart refuses to allow me to treat him.” The ship butts in with frustration.
“Your concern is touching,” he retorts
“I can’t risk my team being less than 100%” There’s anger as she prowls closer. “You could have gotten seriously injured out there, or worse.”
“I know my limitations Captain,” He growls, which dissolves into a round of painful coughing. When he can finally breath again he finds her looking at him with concern. Her hand comes toward his face and he flinches away.
She drops it instantly, “I’m sorry.” Her voice is quieter now, “I was just going to check you temperature.” He considers a snide remark but he’s so tired. Instead he offers a little nod and she reaches up more slowly, laying her hand against his head. She frowns, “Len, you’re burning up.”
“I’ve had worse,” he shrugs, his eyes settling on the bandage around her arm.
She follows his gaze and shakes her head, “Just a scratch, hardly worth the bandage.” Her hand falls from his face. “Can I do anything to help?”
“I can take care of myself Assassin,” his voice is flat, “Go join the others at the bar, or whatever else you do to celebrate.”
She stiffens, and for a moment he thinks she may snap at him again. Instead she turns on her heel, throwing a simple “I’ll be in the library if you need me,” over her shoulder.
~
He’s not sure how long he dozes before the sound of the door opening stirs him. The aching has gotten worse, and he notes how his throat feels raw as he swallows. There’s a weight over his body, and as he becomes more aware of his surroundings he finds a soft blanket, that is not his, has been placed over him.
“Hey,” Sara’s voice is quiet as she turns to face him from her place beside the bed, his favorite mug in hand. “I didn’t mean to wake you, but –“ she motions to the mug, “This will help with your symptoms.”
He glares, voice raspy “I already told Gideon –“
“It’s just herbs,” she huffs, “Nothing in here will dull your senses or knock you out.” After another moment she sighs, setting it on the side table. “I’ll check in on you later.” She states simply before exiting the room once more.
He tries to get back to sleep, but after another round of coughing tearing at this throat he reaches for the mug. It’s only half full, which he’s grateful for as his hands tremble when he lifts it to his lips. It’s a bitter smelling tea, and tastes even more so. It burns down his throat, but after a few more drinks it eases the pain. He puts the mug back before managing to slip into unconsciousness once more.
~
The next time he is pulled from blissful sleep is to his partner’s gruff voice. “Look Blondie, you don’t have to do this.”
“You and Jax are perfectly capable of running the ship,” Sara replies
“Course we can,” there’s a pause, “Boss doesn’t like people seeing him this way. His old man didn’t believe in excuses.” Leonard want’s to growl, to send both of them packing. But he also doesn’t want to move, doesn’t want to break the respite he’s finally found from the pain.
“I know he doesn’t, neither do I.” Sara’s voice is quiet, “I know that’s why he’s trying so hard to push me away.” She sighs, “I just wish he would let me help, would realize he doesn’t have to do it all alone anymore.”
If Mick responds he doesn’t hear it before the darkness pulls him in once more.
~
The next time he wakes the room is quiet and dimly lit. His mouth is dry and he forces himself into a sitting position. There’s a lukewarm cup of medicinal tea on the table which he immediately reaches for. As he drinks his eyes adjust and he takes in the room; settling on the petite figure curled up in his chair. Her feet are pulled up, covered by a blanket and a book open atop it, favorite mug sitting on his desk. For a moment he soaks it in, the way her hair falls over her cheek, how peaceful she seems. He thinks to her whispered words to his partner, and his heart aches in his chest.
He shifts, coughing softly before finishing the tea and returning the mug to the table. He sighs, watching the gentle rise and fall of her chest. “How did I get you?” he whispers, “I spend all this time pushing you away, and you have my back anyway.” He stands, padding across the small space to pull her blanket a little higher. “I want to let you see even my broken days; but I’m scared Sara…”
“I know,” she whispers, voice still thick with sleep as her eyes blink open. She gives him a little smile, shifting to lay a hand over his. “I’m still learning too.” She frowns, “You alright?”
He nods, tucking hair behind her ear. “Fever’s broken, thanks to you.”
She gives a little hum of approval, “Good,”
He smiles, straightening before tugging softly at her hand. “Why don’t you come to bed?” She nods, gracefully getting to her feet. He motions with his head, “Go on, I’ll be right back.”
“Kay,” she turns toward the bed and he makes his way to the restroom. After splashing his face with cool water and getting a fresh set of clothes he makes his way to the bed. Sara is beneath the sheets, and he nudges her over just enough to slip in beside her.
He slides a hand down to her waist and she instinctively snuggles against his chest; an action that not so long ago would have terrified him. Instead he smiles, relishing the way her breath feels on his neck or how her hand is splayed out over his chest. “Thank you,” he whispers, voice thick “for looking after me.”
He feels her smile, “You’re welcome, but-“ she pulls back slightly, offering a half glare. “you better not get me sick like this Crook.”
He chuckles, “I wouldn’t dream of it Assassin,” She tucks her head back into his shoulder and he presses a kiss to her crown. And as he drifts off to the gentle rise and fall of her chest against his he thinks he’s never been so glad for the flu.
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
The holidays are right around the corner, and Len manages to come down with the worst head cold he's had in years. He heads to Saints and Sinners to be alone, the regulars knowing better than to bother him.
Barry Allen is on patrol and in dire need of calories, so of course the only place within reach is Saints and Sinners. Which he could deal with - there's a table in a quiet corner, and he can just speed through his fries and be on his way, right?
Wrong.
Pre-Slash Coldflash and Sick!Len fic I wrote for @kashinoha‘s birthday! Here is the original prompt for anyone interested. Hope you all enjoy!
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
The holiday season is around the corner, which means getting gifts for loved ones even when the circumstances are...less than ideal. Hence why Len has to figure out how to buy some perfume Lisa had taken a shine to, while fighting the beginnings of a cold. The whole trip is going pretty dismally...
Until a certain stranger approaches him, more than willing to help.
(No Powers AU)
AKA I wrote another pre-Coldflash Sick!Len fic. One that’s pretty ridiculous (as opposed to angsty or fluffy or humorous) and I just posted on a whim. Hope you all enjoy the stupidity that is my head :)
“Cuddle?” Len held his arms out at his boyfriend; somehow he managed to get his arms free of the blanket he had been cocooned in.
“Only if you take your medicine okay?” Barry shook a half used cold medicine bottle.
“You’re wicked.” Len sniffed as he wiggled his arms back under the blanket but nodded his agreement to the offered deal.
“And you are clingy when you’re sick.” Barry pecked Len’s forehead fondly as he helped Len take the medicine before curling around Len’s body and happily let Len cuddle up to him.
“You are a walking, talking heat source so yes I want to cuddle.” Len coughed into his elbow before flopping back down onto Barry’s chest and sighed softly when Barry stroked his hair.
“I hate to say it but I like sick you.” Barry teased and Len squinted up at him with a betrayed look on his flushed face.
“I mean normal you is amazing but when you’re sick you are so much more cuddly and soft?” Barry rambled as Len inhaled loudly before he sneezed.
“I am not soft,” Len insisted as he let out another sneeze and Barry handed him a tissue and kissed his head when Len sent him a withering look.
“Of course your not sweetie, now do you want me to get you some hot chocolate?” Barry said fondly.
I've apparently caught a cold now just before traveling for the holidays, boo! Now I need to think of Barry taking care of Len with a cold (since Barry can't get sick, of course.) Would there be cold puns? Would Len be a brat or just suffer in silence? :) -SS
Get well soon hun. Sorry you have to travel sick.There would be so many cold puns. I think Len would suffer with minimal whining (except when it comes to tissues, because owww). Barry would have some of the greatest home remedies (ginger lemon tea using ACTUAL ginger and lemons) with scientific reasons as to why they work. Incidentally, I'm also travelling soon. (Flying south for the winter) Stay bundled up, get some rest, Hail Hydration!
