Chapter 24 Daniel
Daniel
Soft whimpers had my eyes fluttering open, and I searched in the dark for the origin. The whimpers sounded again, and I looked down to see both boys still curled up together. Their hair was damp and stuck to their faces, their cheeks rosy and gleaming with sweat.
Reaching down, I placed my hand on Tristan’s forehead. His face scrunched in discomfort, and he let out another soft whimper. Shit. he was burning up. I felt Ellery’s forehead next and winced at the warmth radiating from them.
I had two sick littles on my hands. Slumping back on the couch, I gathered up a game plan. Grabbing my phone, I opened my messages and hoped David was already awake. He kept odd hours, so it wasn’t entirely impossible.
Hey man, Tristan and his friend spent the night, and they both have fevers. Any chance you’d be available to drop off some supplies?
The second my thumb hit the send button, I looked at my boy.
If they didn’t wake soon, I’d have to wake them up so I could help them get clean and get their fevers down.
Both little ones looked so sick; my heart broke for them.
Everything was going to be okay. I’d give them both everything they needed to get better.
Being sick while alone was the worst. I was just thankful they were here, where I could take care of them.
My phone buzzed, making me jump slightly. I let out a sigh of relief seeing David’s reply.
Oh man, you’ve got your hands full. I’ve got no plans today. Text me what you need, and I’ll bring it.
If both of them are okay with it, I can stay and help you out.
I quickly thought of everything we would need, plus a couple of extra things to cheer them up, and sent the list.
Thanks, man, you’re the best. They’re still asleep, but I’ll let you know.
You know it ;)
I barked out a laugh and immediately slapped my hand over my mouth, but it was too late. “Dada,” Tristan whined.
“Shh, sweet boy, I’m right here.”
Tristan tried to sit up but winced and flopped back down onto the blankets. “Dada, I dun feel so gud.”
Leaning forward, I brushed his damp curls off his forehead, my fingers tingling from his warmth. “I’m sorry, sweetie. You have a fever, but we’re gonna get you some medicine, and if you’re a good boy and take it, you get ice cream as a reward!”’
He smiled weakly but leaned into my touch, seeking comfort. “It’s gonna be okay, sweet boy.”
Ellery groaned, drawing both of our attention.
“Oh shit, why do I feel like I’ve been hit by a bus?
” While my boy had woken up in little space, Ellery…
had not. I couldn’t help but chuckle at their outburst. “Sorry, Ellery, but you two definitely have fevers. I texted my best friend, and he’s going to bring some things from the store.
If both of you are comfortable with it, he offered to stay and hang out for a bit. ”
Tristan perked up at my mention of David and grinned. I shook my head, knowing exactly why my boy was smiling. “He really nice. he painted my bwocks and told me about Daddy.”
Ellery groaned and rubbed their face. “That’s fine with me. I’m too sick to care, especially if he brings that ice cream I heard about. He can stay as long as he wants.” Weak giggles filled the room, both littles too exhausted to really let loose, but at least they were smiling.
Little over an hour later, I had all the sheets and blankets piled in the laundry to be washed, and both littles were showered and in fresh clothes. They were sitting on the couch watching cartoons, sharing a blanket while drinking juice from their sippy cups, when I heard a knock on the door.
Tristan squealed in excitement as I walked to the door and let David in. “Hey, man, did you see the house next door is for sale?” I took the bags from his hands, and we headed inside. “I didn’t. What are you gonna move in next door?” I laughed, half joking.
David lived in an apartment, and I knew he eventually wanted to find a home to settle down in. He was waiting for the right place. “You’re laughing now, but you won’t be when I move in and come over for dinner every night.”
Tristan squealed and tried to get off the couch, but was thrown into a coughing fit.
I rushed over to him and handed him his half-empty cup so he could take a drink.
When his coughs subsided, I kissed his forehead and stood to check on David.
His gaze was frozen, not even noticing I was looking at him.
I followed his stare and found Ellery, who was looking at my best friend just as intensely.
I must have looked shocked, cause Tristan noticed me and looked over, grinning at what he saw. I hated to interrupt what was happening here, but I also didn’t want my boy to get the chance to poke at his friend.
“David, can you help me in the kitchen?”
Both David and Ellery shook their heads, seemingly returning to the world around them. “Ellery, this is my best friend, David. He’s going to help me take care of you, little ones, and hang out for a bit. David, this is Ellery Tristan’s best friend.”
David stepped forward and nodded at Ellery. His voice was so soft yet deep, unlike anything I’ve ever heard him sound before. It was all I could do to keep the shock from my face. “Hi Ellery, Sorry we’re meeting when you aren’t feeling well.”
Ellery glanced over at me with a slight hesitation, seemingly asking if he could be trusted.
I nodded my head discreetly, and their shoulders sagged ever so slightly with relief.
“Hi, David. You can call me Ellie, and I use They/Them pronouns. Thank you, but it could be worse; at least we’re here with you guys and not alone.
” Their cheeks heated, and they snuggled further into Tristan’s side, their voice higher-pitched and soft. “Your art is very pretty and magical.”
It was hard to tell with the lights dimmed, but I swear my best friend was blushing. “Thank you, Ellie.”
“Okay, why don’t you boys stay here and we’ll be back with medicine and ice cream?” They both cheered weakly as David and I made our way to the kitchen.
When we made it into the kitchen, David got close to me voice shaking slightly. “Why did you say that?”
I looked at him in confusion. “Say what?”
His eyes bore into me… was he angry? “You said boys.” My thoughts raced as I tried to understand what he meant, but then it hit me, making me burst out laughing.
David looked shocked at my outburst, almost outraged.
“Whoa, hang on… Sorry, it’s just barely been five minutes, and you’re already going all protective Daddy on my ass. ”
The tension left him slowly, but he still looked concerned.
“Ellery is nonbinary and doesn’t conform to gender norms. When I asked them what terms they were comfortable being called, they explained they wouldn’t want to be called ‘a boy’, but being one of ‘the boys’ is more about their role as a little and not about gender, but even so, I also use ‘little ones’ to be more inclusive. ”
David looked at me sheepishly. “Sorry… I don’t know-”
“Hey, it’s okay, no harm done. Ellery is an amazing human and a wonderful friend to my boy. If anything, I find it endearing that you’re getting all protective of them.”
David scoffed, grabbed a few of the bags out of my hands, and began setting the contents on the counter. “I was not… I just needed to make sure my best friend wasn’t secretly a transphobic asshole.”
I laughed. We’ve been friends for years, and he knows from experience I’m not transphobic. He was just so blinded by his Daddy side rearing its head. “Yeah, okay, buddy. Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
Not much later, we had everything put away, and both little ones had taken their medicine and were munching on ice cream.
David and I sat in the other chair, talking while Tristan and Ellery snuggled on the couch, snoring away after having gobbled down their ice cream.
After they both woke up, David and I made ourselves lunch, and we spent the afternoon lounging around, watching movies, and talking.
It was amazing, I couldn’t help but wonder what it would look like if Ellery and David got together.
We’d always dreamed that our boys would one day become good friends like us, but I’d never imagined the possibility of them already being best friends.
Thankfully, their fevers had gone down with the medication, but neither one of them was super hungry, so we had a light dinner. I lost count of how many movies we watched, but when the current one ended, Ellery spoke.
“I’m feeling a lot better now with the medicine and rest. It’s getting late, and I really want to sleep in my bed tonight. Sorry, bestie.”
Tristan nuzzled into their side. “Is otay, Ewwie.”
Both David and I started to speak, but he trailed off, so I kept going. “Are you sure you’re okay to drive?”
“Ye-” David cut them off. “I can drive you home. I understand wanting to go home, but you shouldn’t be driving while sick.”
Ellery’s face flushed, their expression slightly hesitant. “What about my car?”
David looked toward me and asked. “If I come back in the morning, will you help me drop off their car?”
“Of course. And before you even say it, no, Ellery, it’s not an inconvenience I need to bring Tristan by anyway to grab a few more things to bring over while he’s staying here.”
Tristan gasped, lifting his head from Ellery’s shoulder. “I staying wif chu?”
“Yes, sweetheart, I want to take care of you.”
My boy beamed with happiness and snuggled back against Ellery, soaking up as much as he could before they left to go home.
“So, Ellery, can I please take you home? I want to make sure you’re safe.”
Ellery smiled, their shoulders slumping in defeat. However, they didn’t seem unhappy about their loss. “Yes, please. Thank you.”
“Of course, Ellie. Let’s get you packed up.”
Tristan yawned, barely keeping his eyes open, still tucked into Ellery’s side. I stood up and gently pried him from Elley, making him whine, but he stopped when I tucked him against my chest.
“Come on, sweet boy, let’s get ready for bed.”
“Say goodnight to Ellie.” My sleepy boy barely lifted his head to look at his friend. “Bye bye Ewwie. I wuv chu.”
“I love you too, buddy… I can’t wait to hang out again.”
Tristan grunted in agreement as I carried him into the hall, leaving David to ensure Ellery got home safe. David had a key for emergencies, so I knew he’d lock up for me.
when we entered my room we passed the bed, walking straight into the playroom. I could feel the warmth radiating from my boy’s bottom. He needed a change.
“I sleepin wif chu?”
“Of course, my love, I missed you last night.”
“I missed chu, Dada. Wan snuggies.”
Pressing my lips to the top of his head, I breathed in his sweet scent before laying him down on the changing table. “I promise you’ll get all the snuggles once we’re in bed.”
My poor, sick boy was fighting sleep as I got him ready for bed. His limbs were practically limp as I changed him. His diaper was the most challenging part, but thankfully, he woke up just enough to lift his cute little bottom.
Once Tristan was ready, I tucked him into my bed. He protested when I left to go to the bathroom, but was contentedly sucking on his pacifier when I returned a few moments later.
My ass had barely had time to hit the mattress before Tristan was wrapped around me like a koala. I breathe a sigh of bone-deep relief at finally having my boy in my arms. It may have only been one night, but there would never come a time when I didn’t want my arms wrapped around my boy.
“I love you so much, sweetheart.”
“I wub chu too, Dada.” His words were slurred around his pacifier, but I knew what he said, and I hoped they were words I’d continue to hear from him forever.