[He had been vaguely aware of Kaeya tossing and turning all night, but hadn't thought too much of it. The other man's sleep isn't always restful and the best Diluc can usually do is be there if he happens to wake up. They'd had a long, busy day chasing a quest posting around Frostreign, getting wet and cold right down to their bones and only able to warm up when they finally got back to their shared home.
One would think that being so closely linked to Cryo, Kaeya would be less affected by the cold, but it's Diluc who often serves as a human heater for them both.
When morning comes and Diluc wakes up first - as he often does - he's only slightly surprised to find Kaeya flushed and slightly clammy, and he presses the back of one hand lightly to his partner's forehead.]
[An equally miserable night to go with the miserable day they had in Frostreign. And, it's true, being a Cryo did afford some protection but for as soaked as they had gotten and for as long as they had been out there, it was inevitable that he ended up under the weather.
It started with the aching joints and muscles, he couldn't get comfortable. Now, he was clammy even though he felt cold still. Kaeya was curled up against Diluc when he felt the man place his hand on his head.
[But apparently not. He's still just as susceptible to colds as he always was, and it's probably more a wonder that he hasn't caught something sooner than this with how busy they've been.
Diluc notices that wince and touches Kaeya's throat with a warm hand, gently feeling where his glands are swollen along with his other symptoms.]
[Kaeya started to whine but thought better of it when it hurt his throat. He curled up tighter against Diluc.]
...fine.
[He hated keeping still like this, but there was nothing he could do. Not with Diluc using that tone of voice. Ugh, his whole body still hurt.]
I still have some of the medicinal tea Baizhu gave me, can you make it for me?
[The warmth would help sooth his throat, at least. He couldn't remember if it had any pain killing properties though or if it would reduce his fever. Or maybe both? It had been awhile.]
He knows Kaeya is ill and likely feels entirely rotten, but he's still cute when he's like this. Diluc stays where he is for a minute, stroking his fingers idly over the younger man's hair and listening to him speak.]
Mm, of course I can.
[And he may just be in contact with the good doctor to see if he has anything else he might provide.]
Will you be all right by yourself for a minute or two?
[Kaeya shook his head lightly, closing his eyes with a sigh through his nose. At least he wasn't congested right now. Hopefully, it would just be a fever and sore throat.]
I'll be fine, Adelinde.
[He might fall asleep though, but Kaeya also doubted this given how crummy his sleep already had been.]
[His voice even cracked at 'just'. Damn sore throat. But, thankfully, Diluc did not follow through and was gone long enough for Kaeya to doze off a bit. The bed was a little cooler so he wasn't feeling quite as clammy.
But, Diluc was then rubbing his shoulder to wake him back up, taking a big breath through his nose before sighing it out and weakly getting himself to an upright position.]
[It's shocking how quickly a dose of illness can knock the man on his back. Diluc helps him sit up, letting Kaeya lean against him before he hands him a cup.]
It doesn't sound like you're too congested yet if you can still huff and sigh like that.
[Were it someone with a stronger constitution it probably wouldn't have knocked them down like this. Kaeya, unfortunately, did not get that luxury. But, he was thankful for the lack of congestion. He didn't need to feel more gross than he already did.]
Don't jinx it.
[He blew on his cup for a moment, taking a cautious sip to test the heat. He made a face, not from the heat but from the taste. Ugh, medicine is so awful.]
I wanted to be thorough, last thing we needed was to go back if we missed something.
[Had he spoken to Baizhu before making it he would have known he could put sugar in it without diluting the effect.
Ah well...
The face Kaeya makes is so reminiscent of his scrunched up expressions when being given medicines as a child that Diluc can't help but laugh.]
I could have gone back. You're all too eager to throw yourself into freezing temperatures when you're soaked to the skin. [Though he's scolding, he kisses the side of Kaeya's head.]
Mmh... I am not. [He is. Kaeya was known for overworking to those who really knew him.] I feel too awful to enjoy the fussing like I normally would.
[There's another pout in that scrunched face as he took another, longer sip. The warmth was doing wonders, though. He relaxed a little more into the pillows.]
[He sighs in a way that makes it seem like what Kaeya said physically pained him in some way.]
There are people in Liyue and Inazuma who would faint on the spot hearing you claim all that's needed is hot water. Don't be saying such things in front of your doctor friend.
[Kaeya please.]
If it's overly bitter it's because I oversteeped it. I'll keep it in mind for next time.
Oh, please. [A huff and an eyeroll.] I was oversimplifying and obviously I would not say it in front of Mister Baizhu.
[But he also couldn't remember the instructions anymore. He was pretty sure boiling temperature was fine as most herbal teas were handled at that heat. But how long to steep? He forgot. He is sick, cut him some slack!]
I can't really tell if it is too bitter. How long did you steep it for?
No, he is not, but I prefer him over any other doctor.
[Mostly out of familiarity here. The pharmacies here in Ellipsa were just too weird for him. Also, medicinal teas worked much faster than those pills.]
He did, I just misplaced them. I haven't gotten sick in a long time and certainly not this badly. [He leaned against Diluc, resting his head on the other man's shoulder.] I could always send him a message later.
[He shifts a bit to make himself more comfortable to lean on, and has another sip of his own drink.
In the end he's just glad Kaeya had found a doctor he can trust, despite all the strange things Diluc had heard about him over the years. Above all that, he's always heard that Baizhu is an excellent doctor.]
I could make some chicken soup later. What do you think? If you'll be in the mood to eat it.
[The pain was lightening up in his joints and it seemed like the fever reducing properties were also taking effect. It certainly hurt less the swallow, in any case.]
I think that sounds delightful. I should be hungry for lunch, at least.
[Breakfast not so much. Kaeya's eyes were drooping as his body was relieved of some of the discomfort.]
[He smiles a bit, settling into place and leaning his head lightly against the top of Kaeya's. Despite the other man being unwell, it's still nice to spend time together like this. He can't complain too much.
When he speaks again, his voice is soft.]
Think you'll be going back to sleep, or do you want to get up?
Mmm... [That was a good question. He would like to get up but he was certainly getting sleepy now that the medicine was kicking in.] A small nap before I get up?
[He definitely didn't want chicken soup in bed. But on the couch where they could cuddle and maybe watch a little something on that TV? That sounded nice.]
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one morning...
One would think that being so closely linked to Cryo, Kaeya would be less affected by the cold, but it's Diluc who often serves as a human heater for them both.
When morning comes and Diluc wakes up first - as he often does - he's only slightly surprised to find Kaeya flushed and slightly clammy, and he presses the back of one hand lightly to his partner's forehead.]
Mmn.
[Feverish. A sigh.]
I keep forgetting how fragile your health can be.
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It started with the aching joints and muscles, he couldn't get comfortable. Now, he was clammy even though he felt cold still. Kaeya was curled up against Diluc when he felt the man place his hand on his head.
He huffed quietly.]
's not supposed to be this fragile anymore.
[His throat burned, he winced as he swallowed.]
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[But apparently not. He's still just as susceptible to colds as he always was, and it's probably more a wonder that he hasn't caught something sooner than this with how busy they've been.
Diluc notices that wince and touches Kaeya's throat with a warm hand, gently feeling where his glands are swollen along with his other symptoms.]
You'll be staying in bed today. No arguments.
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...fine.
[He hated keeping still like this, but there was nothing he could do. Not with Diluc using that tone of voice. Ugh, his whole body still hurt.]
I still have some of the medicinal tea Baizhu gave me, can you make it for me?
[The warmth would help sooth his throat, at least. He couldn't remember if it had any pain killing properties though or if it would reduce his fever. Or maybe both? It had been awhile.]
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He knows Kaeya is ill and likely feels entirely rotten, but he's still cute when he's like this. Diluc stays where he is for a minute, stroking his fingers idly over the younger man's hair and listening to him speak.]
Mm, of course I can.
[And he may just be in contact with the good doctor to see if he has anything else he might provide.]
Will you be all right by yourself for a minute or two?
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I'll be fine, Adelinde.
[He might fall asleep though, but Kaeya also doubted this given how crummy his sleep already had been.]
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[He would not, and he leans down to kiss Kaeya on the head again before shifting off the bed to fetch some tea and medicine.
By the time he gets back he expects that Kaeya might have dozed off again, so he's quiet and cautious as he sits down and gently rubs his shoulder.]
I'm back.
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[His voice even cracked at 'just'. Damn sore throat. But, thankfully, Diluc did not follow through and was gone long enough for Kaeya to doze off a bit. The bed was a little cooler so he wasn't feeling quite as clammy.
But, Diluc was then rubbing his shoulder to wake him back up, taking a big breath through his nose before sighing it out and weakly getting himself to an upright position.]
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It doesn't sound like you're too congested yet if you can still huff and sigh like that.
[Affectionate.
He picks up his own coffee and takes a sip.]
I told you we should have come home right away.
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Don't jinx it.
[He blew on his cup for a moment, taking a cautious sip to test the heat. He made a face, not from the heat but from the taste. Ugh, medicine is so awful.]
I wanted to be thorough, last thing we needed was to go back if we missed something.
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Ah well...
The face Kaeya makes is so reminiscent of his scrunched up expressions when being given medicines as a child that Diluc can't help but laugh.]
I could have gone back. You're all too eager to throw yourself into freezing temperatures when you're soaked to the skin. [Though he's scolding, he kisses the side of Kaeya's head.]
I think you just like me fussing over you.
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Mmh... I am not. [He is. Kaeya was known for overworking to those who really knew him.] I feel too awful to enjoy the fussing like I normally would.
[There's another pout in that scrunched face as he took another, longer sip. The warmth was doing wonders, though. He relaxed a little more into the pillows.]
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[Diluc, this is clearly bullying.]
How is the tea? I did my best with it, but medicinal blends have never been my specialty.
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[Whine. He nudged Diluc's shoulder, too. Don't bully the sick child!]
The blend was already created, all that's needed is the hot water. I'm sure it'll be fine until we can get more.
[There was a reason Kaeya kept a stash, after all.]
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There are people in Liyue and Inazuma who would faint on the spot hearing you claim all that's needed is hot water. Don't be saying such things in front of your doctor friend.
[Kaeya please.]
If it's overly bitter it's because I oversteeped it. I'll keep it in mind for next time.
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[But he also couldn't remember the instructions anymore. He was pretty sure boiling temperature was fine as most herbal teas were handled at that heat. But how long to steep? He forgot. He is sick, cut him some slack!]
I can't really tell if it is too bitter. How long did you steep it for?
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[Maybe he'd curse Kaeya for disrespecting his tea!]
Mm... a few minutes. It may have been too long. [He gives Kaeya a gentle nudge.] Ask him to write the instructions down next time.
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[Mostly out of familiarity here. The pharmacies here in Ellipsa were just too weird for him. Also, medicinal teas worked much faster than those pills.]
He did, I just misplaced them. I haven't gotten sick in a long time and certainly not this badly. [He leaned against Diluc, resting his head on the other man's shoulder.] I could always send him a message later.
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[He shifts a bit to make himself more comfortable to lean on, and has another sip of his own drink.
In the end he's just glad Kaeya had found a doctor he can trust, despite all the strange things Diluc had heard about him over the years. Above all that, he's always heard that Baizhu is an excellent doctor.]
I could make some chicken soup later. What do you think? If you'll be in the mood to eat it.
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I think that sounds delightful. I should be hungry for lunch, at least.
[Breakfast not so much. Kaeya's eyes were drooping as his body was relieved of some of the discomfort.]
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[He smiles a bit, settling into place and leaning his head lightly against the top of Kaeya's. Despite the other man being unwell, it's still nice to spend time together like this. He can't complain too much.
When he speaks again, his voice is soft.]
Think you'll be going back to sleep, or do you want to get up?
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[He definitely didn't want chicken soup in bed. But on the couch where they could cuddle and maybe watch a little something on that TV? That sounded nice.]
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[He leans in to press a kiss to Kaeya's head. Though he never likes seeing the other man unwell, he's always so cute when he is.]
Do you want me to stay here while you're sleeping?
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Only if you want. I'm sure you will get bored eventually.
[Not that he was actually letting Diluc go, not with his arm around around the other's and his head still on the broader shoulder.]
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[It doesn't look like he's going anywhere, anyway? Kaeya, please. You're just far too easy to read.]
Go to sleep. I'll be here when you wake up.
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