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“Twilight, go to bed.”
Time repeated his earlier command for the third, and hopefully last, time as he sent his protégé as stern of a look as he could currently muster. The younger had been up for nearly two days straight and still refused to go to bed. Not that Time himself had gotten any more sleep either but he doesn’t know that.
Twilight barely looked over at him for more than a second before returning to stare at Wild’s resting face, one of his scarred hands held carefully in both of Twilight’s own as if he were holding something fragile. Wild had come down with a nasty fever about five nights ago and the rancher hadn’t left his side since. In fairness even if his fever hadn’t been bad, Wild being sick at all was still a cause for concern. Wild had a great immune system most of the time, but that just meant when something got through it tended to be extra bad on him.
“Can’t” Twilight refused point blank, eyes trained solely on the rise and fall of the Champions chest. Time resisted the urge to slam his head into the wall.
Four had led them to the nearest inn shortly after Wild had first started feeling ill and they had been holed up there ever since. Warriors had bought every available room they had which ended up being five, and with two beds a room it meant that everyone had even got their own bed which was a rare luxury for their group. Not that everyone was using one.
Clearly.
“Twilight, you’re not helping him by working yourself into the ground.” Time chided, moving to stand next to Twilight’s chair. The young man was in desperate need of some rest, especially after last night when Wild had woken up fever dazed and sobbing, begging nonsense about not being put back in the shrine. It had been a rough night for everyone, Twilight especially, who Wild had decided to latch onto for dear life for hours. Twilight hadn’t been able to force himself away for any reason after that, let alone to sleep. It’s not that he couldn’t relate to the feeling but only one of them was allowed to spiral at a time and Time called first dibs. After all, Wild wasn’t the only person he had to deal with right now.
Sky, Four, Legend, and Wind had all come down with the same thing not long after Wild had taken a turn for the worse. And as they all were coming to learn, some of them fell hard when sick.
Twilight didn’t respond, electing to attempt and ignore him it seemed. Too bad. Stronger wills than Twilight have tried and failed. That in mind, he promptly came up behind his descendant and unceremoniously yanked him up from under his arms, pulling him away from the chair. Twilight yelped and immediately attempted to get away but Time’s grip held firm as he dragged him to the other side of the room.
“Time-!” Twilight squawked and flailed as Time gently shoved him onto the remaining bed, pinning the other with a look when he instantly moved to get back up. The fact Time could so easily manhandle the freakishly strong farm hand was just a testament to how tired he truly was.
“You don’t have to go back to your room, but you at least have to try and get some rest.” Twilight matched his unrelenting stance with a glare that was watered down by the large bags beneath his eyes. When he realized Time had no intention of moving until he complied he finally gave a deep defeated sigh and reluctantly laid back on the bed. Thank Hylia that worked. If it hadn’t, Time’s next strategy was to just have someone sit on him. Or knock him out.
“Promise to wake me if anything changes?” Twilight checked though he was already fading fast as Time carefully adjusted the blankets around him.
“Hyrule is coming in to watch over him. I’ll make sure he knows to wake you.” Time agreed and Twilight gave a sleepy nod as he finally closed his eyes. He was already fast asleep when Hyrule came in to take Time’s place not even a few minutes later.
“You finally got him down?” Hyrule asked softly as he peered over Time’s shoulder to look at the sleeping goat handler. Time gave a small smile as he nodded, ruffling a careful hand in Twilight’s hair once before moving away. When he turned to look at Hyrule directly it was to see the healer aiming an extremely concerned look, not at either of the bedridden heroes, but at Time himself. “When was the last time you slept?” He asked, voice highly suspicious as he looked him over with a critical eye. Time gave him his best attempt at a reassuring smile.
“I slept earlier after I finished checking on Wind.” This was not a lie per se…he had definitely lied down at least. When he had been checking Wind’s temperature earlier that day the sailor had woken up from a nightmare and asked him to sit with him. Time wouldn’t have been able to deny the dazed teary gaze even if he had wanted to. Especially since it was one of the only direct requests for affection the kid had made since getting sick. He laid with him for about half an hour in a half asleep fog until Wind went back to bed and he was able to change out with Warriors.
He thinks Hyrule sensed his deception based on the way his eyes just narrowed skeptically at him. Time thought that was as good a segway as any for a smooth subject change.
“How are Sky and Four?” Time asked instead and though Hyrule sent him a look that said he knew exactly what he was doing he still answered.
“Four is definitely on the mend. Doesn’t even have a fever.” This wasn’t too surprising, Four had more or less passed out for 20 hours straight with a raging fever but had been relatively fine since waking up after. Still scared the h*ll out of everyone though. The most difficulty Four’s posed since then is actually trying to keep the kid in bed. Once he’d felt well enough to move around, he’d immediately tried to start helping despite still looking like death warmed over.
“And Sky?” Time prompted and tried not to feel too disheartened when he saw Hyrule wince.
“He’s better than before.” Is what Hyrule eventually settled on and Time frowned. Better than before isn’t saying much considering ‘before’ was him constantly coughing and wheezing to the point they were all very afraid he wasn’t actually able to breathe. After what felt like an eternity the Skyloftian had regained control of his lungs but it had been a terrifying experience none of them wanted to have again. It did not help that Sky had attempted to make them all feel better by say ‘it was normal for him’. He would even go as far to say that the illness was hitting Sky harder than Wild which was saying something. “His fever has at least gone down some.”
Sky had warned them that he had been a rather sickly child growing up and thus tended to go down pretty hard whenever he did happen to get sick even now. They had all thought he was exaggerating.
He was not.
“Anymore problems with him getting air?” Time was expecting the negative response before Hyrule confirmed it, largely because he had made it explicitly clear should that happen again he be told immediately.
“No. He’s mostly been sleeping.” Well he’s probably happy about that at least. Hyrule paused to once again fix him with a chiding look. “Which is really something I feel you should be doing more of.” And there it is. He hadn’t truly expected their self-assigned medic to let it go that easy, but one could hope.
“I’ll get some more rest as soon as I finish checking up on everyone.” Time promised and while Hyrule didn’t look any happier he still gave a conceding sigh.
“Fine. But I’m holding you to that!” There was definitely a threat there but Time was more than willing to ignore it for the time being. He fully planned on resting…as soon as his boys were all back on their feet. Was that hypocritical considering the conversation he’d just had with Twilight? Unquestionably but he still had work to do. “Go on then. You can skip Sky’s room, I have Four watching- from his bed- and he’ll give a shout if anything changes.” Hyrule shooed him out and Time went easily. He trusted Hyrule to keep a proper eye on both his protege and grand-protege in his absence.
He closed the door behind him as he left and carefully made his way down the hall to Legend’s room. Hopefully he’s still asleep. The moment his fever had risen to a certain degree, Legend had surprised them all by being not only a very spacey sick person but also pretty clingy. He wasn’t even picky about it either, snuggling up to whoever happened to be closest at the time. He even curled up next to Warriors for over three hours earlier that morning, not that he was likely to remember it.
Warriors certainly would though. The look of pure panic that had crossed his face the second Legend had latched around him will live as a treasured memory in Time’s mind for years to come.
The downside to this was he was a bit more…emotional than any of them had been prepared for and didn’t take being left alone well. At all.
Because of this they only ever left him unattended in small increments when they swapped shifts or when he was sleeping. Ideally they wouldn’t leave him alone at all but unfortunately they had five sick heroes and only four healthy ones to go around and, for the most part, Legend was better off than most. When he made it to the Vet’s door he didn’t bother knocking before carefully creaking open the door.
Only to find that Legend’s bed was empty.
For all of a terrifying minute, Time’s heart leapt up into his throat as a cold fear ran through him, his eyes desperately searching the room, images of an sick and vulnerable teen hero wandering alone flooding his mind.
Then he saw the little lump curled up by the window and nearly collapsed in relief. Well either relief or genuine exhaustion finally catching up to him but he preferred relief.
“Legend,” Time called to the person shaped blanket and got no response. Legend had taken the top comforter off the bed and wrapped it around his shoulders before seemingly deciding to camp out propped up on the window sill. Time sighed before crossing the room to be beside the unnervingly still teen. Now closer, he could see Legend was indeed awake-he had been worried for a second he’d passed out sitting up, again- and was staring intently out at the outside. Time followed his gaze but didn’t see anything other than the neighboring building and the tree between them.
“Legend, why are you out of bed?” Time pressed again, risking placing a hand on his blanketed shoulder. Legend jumped slightly but did finally turn a hazy gaze to him. He didn’t look very weepy which was always a good sign, merely blinking slowly a few times before speaking.
“I saw a bird.” Legend helpfully informed him and Time nodded sagely at the not quite coherent answer. Legend had been doing that a lot recently and Time found it was easier- and faster -to just play along and try to gently redirect him. Anything else risked an emotional meltdown which was something no one wanted a repeat performance of. Legend’s cry was, evidently, heartbreaking to see and it had a way of making you feel like Ganon incarnate, so it was to be avoided at all costs.
“That’s nice,” Time commented casually, sitting down on the sill next to him. “What kind of bird was it?” This seemed to have been the right approach because Legend easily moved to lean his head against his shoulder with a content little sigh. Time would be lying if he said he wasn’t touched by the seemingly blind trust currently being given to him.
“A blue one.” He elaborated like that was an actual description and Time couldn’t help but find it endearing. Out of the five sick heroes, Legend was definitely the most entertaining. There was something kind of nice about seeing the usually guarded and prickly hero so open and relaxed, even if it was because he was sick. “It was pretty.” Legend added on after a second and Time hummed, bringing a hand up to gently scratch Legend’s scalp, relishing in the way the younger hero melted into the touch. They’d found out fairly quickly Legend greatly enjoyed having his hair played with, something that had anyone attempted to do any other time would’ve likely cost them a hand.
“That sounds pretty.” Time agreed, subtly shifting so Legend leaned further into his hold, ready to keep him still should his next sentence set him off. “But you’re supposed to be in bed right now, remember?” Time reminded as gently as possible, fully aware any type of chide or criticism would be more than enough to upset the currently over emotional teen. Sure enough, Legend’s face did scrunch up in displeasure but he didn’t instantly break into tears. Which was great because Time was one meltdown away from having one of his own.
“Forgot.” Legend mumbled, burying his face further into Time’s shoulder. “M’ sorry”
“That’s ok” Time didn’t hesitate to assure, glad Legend’s mood still seemed relatively sedate. He must be tired. Time thought and distantly wondered how long he’d been awake here. It’s been a few hours since Time had checked on him personally but he knew Warriors had been in here earlier. Hopefully Legend hadn’t been awake alone for too long. “How about we get you back there, yeah?”
“Mm-mm” Legend denied sleepily and Time should’ve known he wouldn’t go that easily. Nothing was ever that easy when it came to the Vet, sick or not. “M’not tired” I find that hard to believe. Legend was already practically asleep against his side. Still it seemed Legend was determined to make it hard on him.
“Are you sure? It’d be a lot warmer in bed and it’s kinda chilly over here.” Time could feel the tiny shivers Legend’s body gave out even from under the blanket so he knew he was cold. Legend looked to at least consider it that time before shaking his head.
“You’re warm ‘nough.” Legend declared and Time held back a sigh. Plan B then. He thought as he delicately pulled Legend further onto his lap, gathering the skinny teen into his arms. Legend didn’t protest the motion, happily nuzzling into the new hold.
“Well, I’m feeling a little tired, so why don’t we both go sit on the bed for a bit, ok?” He really was feeling tired too, so he wasn’t even lying. So, so tired.
“M’kay” With Legend’s agreement, Time carefully stood up with the younger boy held in a bridle carry (silently noting that he was much too light)and made his way over to the bed. When he got there, he slowly sat down, shifting Legend to be mostly laying down again though his upper half still clung to Time’s middle. It looked like he’d be stuck until at least Legend went back to sleep.
Honestly, Time would’ve just joined him, but he still had to check on Wind. And then make sure everything was still alright with Four and Sky. And also maybe check on Wild one more time because really you can never be too sure-
The feeling of Legend’s grip going slack around his waist alerted Time to his defeat in his battle to stay conscious. He smiled down at him and was pleased to see his face free of any wrinkles of stress or discomfort. Slowly, so as not to risk waking him, Time delicately detangled himself and stood back up, pausing to tuck the displaced blanket back around Legend’s tiny frame.
Only to straighten back up a bit too fast and have a wave of dizziness smack him full force, his vision blacking out at the edges. He swayed but managed to brace himself against the wall before he could truly lose his balance.
D*mn. It seemed his body did not appreciate all the running around he’d been doing. He hadn’t really gotten any rest since the disease had started spreading to the others four days ago. At least when it had just been Wild, he could rest knowing there were seven other capable heroes to jump in and care for him. But then Sky had gotten sick that night, and Wind and Four the following morning. By the time Legend went down, Time was far too worried to even think about stopping.
Not even mentioning how fast it seemed to have come on. It could take out any one of them next. Time had to make sure everyone got better as fast as possible and if he had to sacrifice a little sleep to do that then that was something he was more than willing to give. And it was just the lack of sleep he was sure. He couldn’t afford to entertain the possibility he was actually getting sick as well. Not when they needed him to be healthy. Time waited another few seconds for his head to stop spinning before-gradually this time-straightening up to leave the room.
Upon stepping back out into the hall he was greeted by coming face to face with Warriors doing the exact same thing, clearly appearing to have just shut Wind’s door back behind him. Wait,
“Why did you leave him?” Time asked, already moving to go past the Captain only for him to catch him by his arm.
“Don’t go in there, I finally got him to fall back asleep.” Warriors warned and while Time wanted to check on the small Sailor, he knew how hard it would be to get him back to bed. Wind hated feeling like he was being babied under normal circumstances, while sick he took almost any request or gesture not explicitly asked for as a question of his ability. Telling him to stay in bed was like a declaration of war to him. He got real fussy real fast. That in mind, Time decided to leave Wind’s room alone for now and instead focus on Warriors.
“How was he?” Time asked and was a bit confused when rather than answer, Warriors just gave him a critical stare.
“Better than you. You look awful.” He told him bluntly and Time only barely refrained from rolling his eyes. Sure he hadn’t looked in a mirror lately but he couldn’t look that bad. “Have you been to bed yet?” No.
“I slept for a bit when you were taking a nap with Legend.” Time couldn’t tell him the same lie as he told Hyrule on account that Warriors knew he hadn’t actually been with Wind more than an hour total when he checked on him earlier. Even if the other was to believe he slept at all in that time, it wouldn’t be nearly enough to get him off his back.
This lie was also more difficult to call him out on on account Warriors had actually been sleeping at the time so he wouldn’t know what Time had been doing. After Legend had attached himself to the captain after breakfast he kind of had too. It was either sleep or sit there and Warriors was nothing if not efficient.
“Is that so?” Warriors asked in a way that sent warning bells off in Time’s head. “Because Hyrule told me you spent that time helping him with Sky and Four.” D*mn. He’s already spoken to Hyrule since then. He shouldn’t be surprised. He hadn’t really left Wild’s room for several hours so it would make sense they would’ve already seen one another. He probably would’ve thought of that had he not been so exhausted. “When was the last time you really slept?”
“I’m fine, Wars” For some reason Warriors did not seem at all assured by his words, crossing his arms over his chest as he raised a doubtful brow. Which hey that was his move.
“That wasn’t an answer.” Warriors pointed out, eyes filled with disapproval. It gave Time a horribly reminiscent feeling of an older time where an identical captain did a very similar pose to a much younger-more feral- forest child. He wasn’t a fan. He was an adult now after all. He wouldn’t be guilted by such things anymore.
“I’ve slept enough. Now, I need to go check on Sky-“
“Sky’s asleep and hasn’t had a single problem since lunch. He’s fine” Warriors cut him off and then did just about the worst thing he could’ve done.
He felt his forehead.
“Sh*t, Time” Warriors cursed, placing his other hand behind Time’s neck when he tried to pull away. “You feel hot. I think you caught it too.” Nope, not doing that. Time swiftly pushed Warriors hands away before the conversation got too out of hand.
“I’m not sick.” He couldn’t be sick, not when the others still needed him to take care of them. They were already outnumbered in terms of health without him going down too. “If Sky’s alright, then I need to make sure Wild’s stable and that Twilight’s still asleep.”
“You want to make sure Twilight’s asleep?” Warriors repeated disbelieving and Time had a feeling he may have made a misstep. “Time, you look dead on your feet. You need to lie down.” Warriors affirmed and proceeded to start trying to lead Time back down the hall towards what had previously been Four’s room before they’d moved him to be with Sky for easier access. At this point only one room has been commandeered for that of the uninfected. Not that any of them had gotten to use it in days. The fact it was not the room Warriors was trying to take him too did not go unnoticed.
“Warriors, stop. I-“
“If we keep arguing here we’re going to wake the kids.” Time had forgotten Warriors played dirty. “If Wind wakes up he’ll throw a fit to be let out and if Legend wakes up he’s going to cry. Is that what you want?” No one wanted that. Which of course Warriors knew which is why he was threatening him with it. Threat because Time knew Warriors was fully willing to start yelling in this hall if it got Time to do what he wanted.
So while Time leveled him with a glare, he allowed Warriors to pull him into one of the vacant rooms. The moment the door closed behind them, Warriors jumped right back on him.
“Time, you’re sick and you need to rest.” Warriors stated like a fact completely ignoring when Time shook his head. “Even if you weren't sick- which you are - it’s obvious you need some sleep.”
“I can’t just sleep with half the group down. They need me.” Time denied firmly. He was their leader, a position they all had trusted him with. He couldn’t waste time lying around when all of them needed him to stay strong. He couldn’t let them down.
“Time, me and Hyrule are more than capable of watching over a few, sleeping, heroes for a couple hours while you take a nap.” Warriors punctuated his words by gently guiding Time towards the freshly made bed at the end of the room.
“Wars, I can’t-”
“What you can’t do is go working yourself to exhaustion.” Warriors once again cut him off as they came to a stop just in front of the bed. Unlike Time had done with Twilight, Warriors wasn’t able to just shove him down and keep him there. Then again with how bad Time felt, maybe he could. “You’re right in saying that we need you around. But you’re no good to anyone if you can’t take care of yourself.” Warriors then decided to put the final nail in the coffin. “Isn’t that what you’re always telling me?” Brat. Using my words against me. Did he deserve it? Undoubtedly. But it didn’t make it less annoying to hear. I wonder if this is how it feels when I do it…
He was a wise enough man to know when he’d lost a fight, so with a deep sigh he sat down onto the edge of the bed.
“You better wake me if anyone gets up.” Time warned and Warriors only hummed in a very similar fashion that Time had done to Twilight not an hour earlier.
“I will” Warriors promised and Time could already feel his body crashing from the week's events as he crawled under the covers, leaning into the touch when Warriors ran a hand through his hair. It felt cool against his hot skin. “I’ll take care of things until you wake up.” Warriors reassured but Time was already practically asleep.
“Get some rest, Sprite.”