Chapter 96 96
Chapter 96 96
Dylan knew that at some point all of the training Andre crammed into a week, piled with an injury, was going to catch up with him.
No matter how strong and invincible Andre may seem from time to time—he’s human and this human is sick.
The sun isn’t even fully risen when Dylan jolts awake because Andre’s skin is so hot it burnt when he cuddled into him.
A palm to his forehead proved that Andre is indeed running a fever sweaty fringe sticking all over his face, strands caught in his stitches.
it takes Dylan probably ten minutes to delicately untangle each strand of hair without tugging harshly at the stitches.
when he’s finished, he moves all of Andre’s hair back off of his face.
He's quick to dampen a small towel with cool water returning to his spot beside Andre and using the towel to wipe away the sweat from his face and neck.
Dylan’s heart twinges when he sees the way Andre’s face contorts.
Curling into himself and groaning softly.
Waiting a few minutes to see if his boyfriend wakes up, (he doesn’t) , Dylan immediately gets to work. gathering medicines from the bathroom and Andre’s favorite honey scented lotion and a big bottle of water. but when he has everything set up on the night stand, he feels an arm around his waist, tugging him until he falls back onto the bed.
Andre’s body curled up behind him and breathing against Dylan’s bare side, “you can’t leave me.”
“I'm not going anywhere, was getting you things to feel better.”
He tries to turn to face him but Andre just holds him tighter. “promise you’ll stay.”
“stay where? I can’t stay right here. it’s much more comfortable on my side of the bed.”
Andre’s arms loosen but as soon as Dylan is back in bed, he’s tugged harshly into his boyfriend’s side.
Andre’s feverish face pressed into his neck, “with me. wherever that is. even if I suck and only get one offer in fucking middle of nowhere or something.”
“Are you the one having bad dreams now?” Dylan says softly his fingers comb through Andre’s messy hair and he realizes immediately why Andre loves doing it so much.
The way his boyfriend nearly purrs under the touch alone makes it worth it.
“so hot baby. I feel like I'm dying. dunno, weird ass dream. I'll fight for you. If you try to leave me for someone better, I'm not going down without swinging.”
Dylan laughs too loudly for this early in the morning. nose brushing Andre’s when he leans forward, “would you?”
One of those sleepy hands grips tight on his hip bone, Dylan thinks there’s absolutely going to be finger prints there later.
But Andre is in a mood, so he won’t poke the bear…not when they’ve done so well the last couple days.
Andre’s lips brush his ear, “you’re mine”
God, something needs to be done about feverish Andre, because Dylan is barely hanging by a thread. “Always going to be yours, Dre. ignore the dream. you are my dream, so.”
“fuck.” Andre groans again “goddamn fucking migraine, I just want to hold you but it seriously feels like my head is going to explode and my entire body aches.”
Dylan nods in understanding, sitting up and reaching over Andre for the medicine he brought.
The hand that glides down his spine as he’s bent over Andre’s body has an instantaneous effect.
Dylan’s back arching unconsciously before he sits right up and pops Andre’s hand playfully, “no way in hell. you had better odds before the fever, babe.” he pours a few of the meds into Andre’s open palm, guiding it to his lips and following it with the water bottle.
“wanna go take a shower? it might help you bring your fever down. or at least feel a little better.”
Andre nods but his hands secure around Dylan’s middle. “I feel so weak, baby. I don't think I can even wash myself.”
“ahhh.” Dylan tsks. “do you need help? real shower help, nothing else.”
“just need you close to me. you give me strength.”
Dylan agrees reluctantly and sighs, if anyone of the two of them needs strength to get through this shower, it’s him.
don’t get him wrong…Dylan will always love being pampered by Andre—but it feels really nice to return the favor. a chance to show his boyfriend just how much he cherishes him beyond frantic words and getting on his knees.
Dylan just wants to be the person Andre leans on for anything and everything.
Dylan wants to always be there for him.
The first time Mingyu called him when Andre got checked too hard in a practice, Dylan’s heart stopped before swelling with pride at the fact that he is the one who gets to answer those calls. and that was so long ago now.
Dylan’s space in Andre’s life was brand new… now it’s solidified.
Solidified by the way, what was once Andre’s childhood bedroom now has a closet that’s filled with clothes for two. It is Dylan who gets to treat his stitches and dry off his boyfriend’s drenched body because he’s too tired to do anything but stand there and look gorgeous and god does Andre look as gorgeous as ever. out of the shower and laying in bed, Dylan guides Andre onto his stomach easily. before kneeling beside him and pouring lotion in his palms.
“what are you doing?”
“giving you a massage, you said your whole body aches.”
Andre chuckles deeply against his pillow, “I'm not going to argue with a chance at getting your hands on me.”
“good, because you’d lose.” Dylan starts by spreading the lotion all across his back.
Diligently massaging the honey scent into Andre’s golden skin.
Thoroughly enjoying the feel of Andre’s toned muscles beneath his fingers. Gliding down his spine for a tiny bit of self indulgence.
Then he takes more lotion into his palms and works it over Andre’s shoulders. Stroking down his arms and curling at his biceps.
His chest tightens and his breath gets caught in his throat, god his boyfriend is so fucking hot.
Figuratively and literally. Because Andre’s skin is still burning.
Which brings Dylan right back to the focus of his mission.
Helping Andre feel better.
He continues his massage.
Scooting down the mattress and coming to a stop by Andre’s thighs.
He uses a much more gentle touch on the softer skin, using the back of his fingers to apply pressure to Andre’s inner thighs before wrapping around the back and workout out the knots he can feel.
After taking a little extra time at Andre’s feet, he makes his way up the mattress.
About to ask Andre to roll over so he can get the front half—but Dylan smiles to himself when he hears soft snoring.
Looks like his mission was accomplished.
When Andre wakes up the next time, he feels slightly better.
Whatever little wave of sickness that came over him isn’t completely gone, but he feels well enough to go about his morning.
But once again…he’s awake to an empty bed.
And really…he’s trying so hard to be understanding.
In fact, he absolutely loves how comfortable Dylan has gotten.
He loves that he doesn’t have to encourage him to go get water anymore.
But if he thinks that he gets to just wake up without Andre every single morning…well that’s just not acceptable.
Andre has been trying to be on his best behavior…because admittedly, it’s kind of fucking adorable the way Dylan thinks he’s been in charge for the last week and a half.
He’s thoroughly enjoyed this side of his baby—but right now? Andre needs Dylan to be needy too.
He doesn’t say a single word as he makes his way into the living room where he can hear the soft sounds of the television and a giant bubbly laughter that still only comes out when they have the house to themselves.
Which is the assurance he needs to come to a stop right in front of Dylan on the sofa, “oh…good morning, you look like you’re feeling better!”
Andre’s brow raises but he doesn’t say a word.
Only leans over, tugging Dylan’s legs off the couch. Making it easier for himself to wedge between them.
Positioning them properly on his waist and dragging the man into his arms. “Andre!”
“I’m so tired of waking up to an empty bed, baby. You’re killing me.”
Dylan looks down at him with a subtle pout, “I wanted to let you rest.”
“I can’t rest when you aren’t next to me.” His boyfriend’s eyes roll playfully as Andre moves them to their bedroom, laying Dylan gently onto the mattress.
Hovering atop him and pressing their lips together without hesitation.
And the thing is that Andre has almost nothing left in terms of patience.