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The flu was the last thing Joel needed now.
He woke up in his bed, a headache pounding against his skull, his clothes soaked with sweat. The world shifted and he fell backwards against the pillow.
The fever struck him next. Joel groaned and curled in on himself, a tired sob escaping his scorched throat. Everything was achy and sweaty, and he was in no condition to be a Red Life.
Red Lives had to be so careful on the server. One mistake could mean death. And here Joel was, barely able to get out of bed with a wave of dizziness and nausea pinning him to his mattress.
Lizzie
Joel was unsure why his mind first went to his wife. Well, she always took care of him at home, curling up beside him in bed and making him warm mugs of tea to help him recover.
He sorely missed those. He missed home.
Joel sat up again, nausea swirling in his stomach. He whimpered and attempted to pull his robes around him, with great difficulty. He clung to the wall attempting to stand up, and succeeded on his third attempt.
He needed food. And medicine. And sleep.
He really wanted sleep.
But the server was active, and crawling with danger. And even though there weren’t any Red Names to threaten him, Joel wouldn’t put it past a few of them not to try.
His hands were shaky, as he made his way to his little cooking pot, and he was grateful to have a stool to sit on as he sorted through his supplies for breakfast. At least there were some positives today. This morning’s breakfast would consist of-
-nothing.
..Nothing?
Joel groaned in dismay, and his stomach groaned in hunger, bordering on pain. And Joel certainly didn’t need that on top of his already weak state.
He sighed and closed his eyes, the fever beginning to return. Joel would give anything to be at home right now. In bed, curled up with a mug of tea and swaddled in blankets, and-
-Lizzie.
Again his mind was drawn to his beautiful, caring wife. Joel whimpered, trying to ignore the tears that were running down his face. He hugged himself, desperately trying to recreate the feeling that he felt when Lizzie held him.
He should go to Lizzie.
But would Lizzie help him? He was a Red Name after all, and the last time they’d spoken he had attempted to kill her as the Bogeyman a few weeks before.
It was how he ended up Red
But the room rocked again, and Joel whimpered as his head spun suddenly, gravity pulling him down onto the stone floor. He needed Lizzie.
His wife.
His beautiful wife.
Joel couldn’t stay like this. He was the only Red, and there was little chance any other members of the server would trust him. But he couldn’t do anything for himself.
Lizzie was probably his only chance.
Shakily, Joel stood up, pulling his hood over his head and set off to meet his wife.
•••
Lizzie didn’t expect someone to knock at her door.
It was pouring rain outside, and although the server was active, the chat indicated most people were sheltering from the weather.
Yet someone clearly wasn’t.
Pulling a blade from the table, Lizzie stepped towards the door, prepared for someone to assault her- slam her to the floor-
“..H-Hey Lizzie..”
“..Joel?”
Her husband stood at her doorstep, soaking wet and shivering. The once violent red of his bloodthirsty eyes had melted into a softer colour, mixing easily with his usual hazel eyes.
Lizzie still held the sword tightly, taking a slight step back at the sight of him. She felt a little guilty. He was her husband after all.
Her husband who tried to kill her.
The sound of coughing snapped her back to reality, as she saw Joel leaning against her doorframe, coughing and shaking fiercely. He didn’t look like he was going to attack her.. he looked-
-Sick.
Lizzie placed the sword down on the table and took a step closer to him, her hand meeting his as he looked up, cheeks a flushed shade of red. Tracing her hand up his arm to his forehead, Lizzie was slightly startled by his temperature.
Lizzie gently touched his cheek, guiding his eyes back to hers. “..Joel? Are you alright sweetheart?” She asked, “..You’re running a fever.” Her other hand held him steady as his tired eyes met hers.
Joel sighed, running a hand through his hair and sneezing quietly. “N-No..” he mumbled, brown eyes meeting hers. “I.. just woke up.. like this.. and I feel pretty a-awful..”
Lizzie sympathetically touched his cheek, sighing softly. “You’re sick.. aren’t you baby?” She asked, as Joel looked at her with defeated eyes.
“Y-You don’t have to look after me..” Joel stated, stepping back slightly and wrapping his arms around his torso. “I.. don’t blame you- since I.. y-you know..”
Joel tore his gaze away, and Lizzie noticed tears in the corners of his eyes. He looked up again, eyes distinctly red and wet.
“Sorry.. I know you’ve no reason to trust me.. B-But I just thought you’d be the one person I’d be safe with.. since.. well..”
He trailed off again, wiping his eyes before Lizzie pulled him back, and Joel slumped to the ground against the door, sobbing quietly. Lizzie held his hand, gently wiping his eyes.
“Joel.. I’d take care of you even if you were the last person on this server.” Lizzie whispered softly. Joel sobbed again. “Oh.. sweetheart it’s alright..”
She wrapped her arms around him and let him cry into her shoulder, shuddering and shaking with each sob. Lizzie kissed his forehead and wiped his eyes, as Joel lifted his head again.
“I’ll take care of you..” Lizzie whispered, stroking his cheek and smiling softly. She pressed her forehead against his softly, smiling as she did. “I’ll take care of you babe.. it’s alright..”
“T-Thank you..” Joel stammered, meeting her gaze with grateful eyes. Lizzie wiped away the last of his tears and kissed his cheeks gently.
“Come on,” Lizzie announced gently, helping Joel to his feet. “I’ll go run you a bath.”
•••
Joel had missed baths.
Lizzie smiled from her seated position beside him, helping him wash the grease and dirt from his hair. Joel sighed, relaxing at the contact of her fingers against his aching scalp.
“..When was the last time you washed yourself sweetheart?” Lizzie asked gently, running her hands through his hair, twisting through his faded streak.
Joel hummed in response. “Dunno..” he mumbled hoarsely. “..Didn’t build myself a bath.. if Scar or I needed to wash ourselves it was mainly a river..”
He sneezed again, and Lizzie kissed his cheek gently, washing the bubbles from her hands. “..That might be a cause of this then..” She thought aloud.
She admired him, buried beneath the bubbles. He looked adorable, with his rosy cheeks and soapy hair. He gazed at her longingly, reaching out to tap her nose.
“You’re looking a little better..” Lizzie observed with a chuckle, wiping soap from her nose. She rested her hand on his forehead, frowning. “Still running a fever though..”
Joel pressed himself a little closer, gazing up at her. “..Can I stay here tonight?” He asked, big brown eyes pleading like a puppy. Lizzie smiled and nuzzled his soapy hair.
“Of course sweetheart..” Lizzie assured him. “I’ll keep you all warm and cozy tonight..” Joel giggled, before his laughter turned into hoarse coughing.
Lizzie rubbed his back soothingly as Joel rested his head on the edge of the bath, a soft moan escaping his lips.
“Lizzie.. Lizzie it hurts..” he moaned, turning his face towards her as she touched his chin. “Where does it hurt babe?” Lizzie asked, rubbing his back gently.
“..Everywhere really..” Joel mumbled sleepily, closing his eyes. Lizzie gently nudged him awake. “Hey.. don’t fall asleep on me, alright? I’ll get you out and into some pyjamas, how does that sound?”
A tired smile broke out across Joel’s face. “I-I’d like that..” he yawned, his eyes fluttering for a moment.
Lizzie kissed his forehead and rubbed his shoulder. “I’ll sort that, my love..” she whispered gently, nuzzling his soapy hairline again.
She helped him out of the bath and wrapped him up in a warm towel to dry him off. He looked exhausted, closing his eyes for prolonged periods of time as Lizzie dried him off and carried him back to bed.
“Get into your pyjamas, I’ll be back in a minute.” Lizzie instructed. Joel nodded sleepily, changing into warmer, dry clothes.
Lizzie returned with a bottle of medicine, and Joel grimaced at the sight of it.
“Please tell me I don’t have to drink that..” he whined, as Lizzie poured a dose for him. “Yes you do,” Lizzie chuckled, “If you want to get better.”
“But it’ll taste yucky!” Joel complained, pouting and crossing his arms. Lizzie rolled her eyes. “The sooner you take it, the sooner it’s over..” Lizzie teased.
Joel scowled as Lizzie pressed a kiss to his cheek. “Come on Joel..” she smiled, “It’ll only take a minute.” She traced his lips with her fingers and giggled. “I’ll make you some tea afterwards and we can have it in bed.”
A small smile crept up Joel’s lips. “Oh alright..” He moaned, opening his mouth to let Lizzie give him the medicine. He coughed and spluttered at the taste, prompting Lizzie to rub his back.
Lizzie pressed a kiss to his lips. “Thank you..” she teased, nuzzling him softly. Joel slumped against her and Lizzie tucked him into bed.
Joel started coughing again and Lizzie went to get him some water. She returned to find the covers thrown off the bed, and Joel shivering on the mattress.
“Joel?” Lizzie asked softly, placing the jug of water on her dresser. “Why’d you throw the covers off the bed?” Joel sneezed in response. “Too hot..” He grumbled, still shivering.
Lizzie stepped closer and sat down beside him. “You’re shivering sweetheart..” she explained, and Joel nodded. “I know.. but I’m either too bloody hot or too cold..”
He looked exhausted. Dark circles rested under his eyes and aside from his flushed cheeks Joel was remarkably pale. Lizzie rested her hand on his forehead and frowned.
“Gods, Joel.. you’re burning up..” Lizzie muttered to herself. Joel mumbled in agreement. “I hate this, Lizzie.. I-I hate it so much..”
Joel started to choke up, and Lizzie pulled him into her arms. Her hands combed through Joel’s hair as he started to cry. He gripped her tightly and Lizzie started to hum softly.
It was a simple tune, but one she hummed often when Joel was upset or overwhelmed. Lizzie felt Joel melt against her, his shoulders falling and his breath easing. He shifted slightly so his head rested against her chest.
His hand found hers and he held it gently, tracing her fingers and pressing her palm to his chest. Lizzie felt the thundering of his heart ease as she softly rubbed his chest.
“Lizzie?” His heart began to beat faster.
”What is it babe?”
Joel swallowed and Lizzie felt him tense up. She rubbed his back and Joel relaxed a little.
“Why.. Why are you helping me?” Joel stammered.
Lizzie gave him a puzzled look. “Because you’re my husband, and you’re not feeling well.” She explained, kissing his cheek. “Why’d you ask?”
Joel shifted uncomfortably in her arms and Lizzie stroked his hair again. “B-But I’m a Red Life, Lizzie.” Joel argued hoarsely. “Last time we met I tried to kill you.”
“You did..” Lizzie admitted, “But I know you’re in no state to try attack me, Joel.” She chuckled to herself. “As powerful as you claim to be, even you need rest sometimes.”
He mumbled in agreement, coughing again. Lizzie gave him a glass of water and Joel sipped it tiredly. Joel curled up against Lizzie’s chest as she lay them both down on the bed. The soft, rhythmic beating of her heart started to lull him to sleep.
“..Lizzie?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you-” Joel yawned. “Do you have any tea?”
Lizzie chuckled. “I have some.. I’ll make you some when you’re awake.”
“But I’m- ..I’m not.. tired..” Joel tried to argue, but Lizzie was already fading from his view. “I’m not tired..” he yawned.
He was asleep before Lizzie could respond.
•••
Joel woke up- his headache significantly less painful. The room still spun slightly as he tried to sit up, and his throat still hurt. He turned to see the space beside him empty- and he frowned.
“I see Sleeping Beauty has woken up” a voice said from the doorway. Joel turned to see Lizzie standing there, two large mugs of tea in her hands. He laughed happily, before doubling over in another coughing fit.
Lizzie placed the mugs on the bedside table and pressed a kiss to Joel’s forehead. “You seem a little better.” She murmured, stroking his hair and moving to press a kiss to his cheek.
She handed him a mug of tea and smiled. “Careful.. it’s hot..” She warned him softly. Joel took the mug and grinned. “Me or the tea?” He teased, batting his eyes and taking a sip.
Lizzie pressed the back of her hand to his forehead. “Both actually.” She replied smugly. Joel frowned and shifted over on the bed, letting her slide in beside him.
Joel exhaled loudly, breathing in the scent of the tea and smiling. “Your tea never disappoints babe..” he murmured, pressing his face into Lizzie’s shoulder. She lightly guided his chin up to meet her face, and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. Joel whined and nuzzled into her neck.
“I love you..” Joel mumbled, pressing a kiss against her jaw.
Lizzie kissed his hair and smiled. “I love you more.”
They stayed like that for a while. Not Green Lives and Red Lives.
Just husband and wife.