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Lightning struck, briefly illuminating the dark clouds that covered the sky. Rain pattered against the windows as the world beyond turned into a gray haze.
“Achoo!”
“I told you.”
“...”
Basil sighed. “Come on. Let's sit you down.”
Sunny shivered as Basil draped a blanket around his shoulders. The fabric was warm.
Basil guided him toward the recliner and lowered the backrest before helping Sunny climb into it.
“There.” Basil tossed another blanket over him. “I'll find something easy for you to eat.”
Sunny nodded.
Basil waited for a moment to make sure Sunny was comfortable before heading into the kitchen.
The room felt quieter without him.
Sunny glanced toward the front door.
A pile of soaked clothes sat by the entrance, water still dripping from the sleeves.
Evidence of a poor decision.
“Achoo!”
Sunny sniffled and rubbed at his nose.
More evidence.
Maybe walking home through the rain wasn't the best idea after all…
Basil had warned him — several times.
Sunny heard the kitchen cupboards open and close from the other room. He pulled the blanket closer around himself.
Basil was always looking out for him.
The thought made him smile.
A moment later, the door creaked open.
Basil stepped back into the living room and crouched beside the recliner.
“I've got some soup heating up.” He reached over and rested a hand against Sunny's forehead. “How are you feeling?”
“‘m fine.”
Basil raised an eyebrow. “You have a fever.”
“I'm surviving.”
A small laugh escaped Basil.
“I guess…”
Sunny closed his eyes again, leaning slightly into the cool touch against his forehead.
Basil's expression softened. “Well, try not to die before dinner, okay?”
Sunny nodded seriously. “I'll do my best.”
That earned another giggle. “Good.” Basil started to stand.
Then he paused, and leaned down to press a gentle kiss against Sunny's forehead. “I'll be right back.”
Sunny froze.
The room suddenly felt much warmer. Basil disappeared into the kitchen before he could react.
Sunny stared at the ceiling.
His face felt hot. And not entirely because of the fever.
A few minutes later, Basil returned carrying a steaming bowl of chicken noodle soup.
He carefully placed it on a TV tray beside the recliner. “Here.”
Sunny pushed himself upright.
Warm steam curled into the air, carrying the smell of broth and herbs.
“Careful,” Basil said. “It's still pretty hot.”
Sunny nodded and took a cautious sip. The warmth spread through his chest immediately.
Basil sat down on the couch nearby. “Anything else you need?”
Sunny tilted his head. “A movie?”
“That sounds nice.” Basil smiled. “What do you want to watch?”
“You pick.” Sunny shifted slightly.
“Me?”
Sunny nodded. “Just don't take forever this time.”
“H-hey, I don't—” Basil froze. “I don't take that long…”
Sunny smiled.
Basil shook his head and stood up.
After rummaging through a small stack of old DVDs, he finally chose one and slid it into the player.
The television flickered to life.
Moments later, Basil returned to the couch.
Before he could get comfortable, Sunny shifted off the recliner and quietly settled beside him.
Basil immediately stiffened. “S-Sunny.”
Sunny rested his head against his shoulder.
“You're sick.” Basil said quietly.
Sunny looked up at him, a glint in his eyes.
Basil pursed his lips. Then sighed.
“Fine.”
Sunny smiled.
He wrapped his arms around Basil's and settled against his side.
Basil tried very hard not to smile too wide.
The movie played on, though neither of them paid much attention to it.
Outside, rain continued tapping softly against the windows.
Inside, the room was warm.
Time drifted by. The soup disappeared. The movie reached some dramatic scene neither understood.
Eventually, Sunny's grip loosened and his breathing slowed.
Basil glanced down. His expression softened immediately.
Sunny had fallen asleep. A small trail of drool darkened Basil's sleeve.
“Really?” Basil whispered.
Sunny didn't answer.
Basil smiled to himself. He pulled one of the blankets over Sunny and tucked it around his shoulders.
The movie was finishing up in the background while rain pattered gently outside.
Sunny shifted slightly, unconsciously snuggling closer.
Basil felt his face warm up.
After a moment, he rested his head lightly against Sunny's.
The storm could do whatever it wanted. For now, they were comfortable.
And that was enough.