Justin's Cold

[Coldielocks]

Hey Guys here is a part 2 from another story I wrote. PArt one can be found below, but both stories can also stand alone. Hope you enjoy it!

Christian looked up from the pile of books he was attempting to read and checked the clock. 8:30 pm Justin was extra late tonight. Long hours were the norm for Justin, as his job was regularly a high demand one, but the last week Justin had been putting in even longer hours than was normal. Justin had only just returned to the office this week, having taken 3 weeks off to take care of Christian, the amount of work waiting for him after his extended time away had to be daunting. 9 pm rolled around and Justin finally walked through the door. Christian could immediately tell he was exhausted. His typical upright, slightly cocky posture was more slumped than usual and his eyes normally full of life and laughter looked weighed down by stress and fatigue. Christian got up to greet him and reached up to kiss him warmly. Justin kissed him back passionately.but both stories should be able to

“How was your day, love?” Christian asked once their kiss was broken.

“Fine…. Long though,” Justin answered sighing heavily as he dropped onto the couch, “how are you feeling?” asked Justin looking over Christian critically.

“I’m alright,” answered Christian wondering if Justin would ever feel safe to stop asking him if he was feeling ok. “I still have a ton of classwork to catch up on, but I’m really excited to get back to practice tomorrow.”

Justin grunted in response looking perturbed before asking for what had to be the thousandth time, “are you 100 percent sure you’re ready to go back? Another week taking it easy wouldn’t hurt anything.”

Christian rolled his eyes “I told you a million times I’m fine, I feel good, Doc signed off on it, and I already talked to Mr. Johnson yesterday, he knows all about me needing to ease back into things gradually so he’ll be keeping an eye on me too. You don’t need to worry.” Justin didn’t look convinced but said nothing.

“Have you eaten yet?” Justin asked changing the subject.

Christian look at him sheepishly “I had a bag of chips around 4…” Justin sighed again exasperatedly

“You’re a pain in the ass sometimes you know?”

Christian grinned at him “but I’m your pain in the ass, right”

Justin smiled back at him “Damn right.” And Christian leaned his body against Justin’s feeling his toned abs and strong muscles through the thin fabric of his collared shirt. Christin pressed his lips to Justin’s kissing him feverishly for a couple minutes until Justin broke it off.

“Hey Chris…. it’s getting late and I’m beat. Let’s get you something to eat and turn in… ok?” Christian was a bit surprised by this, it wasn’t like Justin to put the brakes on sex.

He’s probably just wanting to make sure I’m ready for tomorrow, thought Christian and he had to admit it made sense. A good night sleep before his big day was a good idea.

“Yeah, ok that’s probably a good idea,” Christian answered. Justin made a quick plate of scrambled eggs for each of them then they retired to the bedroom. Justin decided to take a quick shower and Christian laid down in their bed waiting for Justin. He yawned heavily he was actually pretty tired. His energy levels were still not quite what they had been before he got sick, and he coughed into his fist a few times as the change in position affected his chest. The last lingering symptoms of his illness annoyed him, but certainly were not cause for concern. He yawned again his eyes growing heavy as he drifted towards sleep. He was very nearly there, when an abrupt noise startled him awake again *Hrmph Hngtxchu* Christian turned to see Justin’s hand clamped over his nose having just stifled a set of sneezes.

“Bless you,” said Christian.

Justin jumped, “Jesus, you scared me, I thought you were already asleep.”

“I was almost,” said Christian. Justin looked embarrassed “Sorry babe, steam from the shower must have gotten to me.” He sniffled once then climbed into bed next to Christian sighing tiredly and closed his eyes. Christian snuggled up to him and laid his head onto to Justin’s chest and soon both were fast asleep.   

[Coldielocks]

The next morning, Christian was up bright and early as he packed his bag for the day of dance classes ahead of him. Justin emerged half hour later still looking tired. He stumbled into the kitchen a poured a large cup of coffee he brought the cup up to his face, then sneezed as the steam hit his nose H-Hmghf Hurmfph Hngxt stifling the last one into his elbow.

“Bless you,” said Christian appearing in the doorway of the kitchen.

“Thanks...” mumbled Justin and he sniffled audibly and he returned to his coffee. Christian watched him for a moment he saw Justin wince slightly as the liquid hit his throat.

“You feeling, alright Justin, you look worn out…?” Christian asked.

“Mm fine.” Justin responded dismissively. “It’s you I’m worried about.”

Christian rolled his eyes, “I’ll be fine. You worry too much.”  

Justin chuckled darkly, ”Yeah because you coughing your lungs out and nearly burning your brain with fever was no biggie, right.” Christian didn’t respond, he knew Justin was right. Justin was justified in hs concern after what had happened.

After a moment he answered “I’ll be careful, ok?... I promise” and he leaned down and wrapped his arms around Justin from behind kissing his neck. Justin leaned back enjoying his touch before Christian scurried off again.

Christian was right about one thing though, Justin was worn out. In fact, he was exhausted in spite of going to bed early. Justin had woken up around 2 am that morning and had been unable to fall back asleep. He passed the time answering several work emails and reading project briefs, trying to catch up on the mountain of work that was still uncompleted and waiting for him at the office. He’d only Just gotten back to sleep an hour ago before Christian was up and getting ready for his day. Justin could still hear Christian bustling around the apartment like some kind of blonde haired tornado.

“It’s not normal to have so much energy this early...” he muttered to himself. After Christian’s fourth trip back and forth to the bedroom and third trip to and from the kitchen, Justin spoke to him reprovingly…” slow down Chris, you’re gonna wear yourself out before you even get to class… You’re making me tired just watching you for Christ’s sake.” Christian stopped rushing around and looked over at Justin.

“Sorry…” he replied sheepishly “I guess I’m a little nervous.” Finally, Christian was ready to go. He kissed Justin on the top of his head and hurried out the door “See you tonight,” he called back and closed the closed the door behind him. Now that Christian was out of the house, Justin leaned back and closed his eyes taking mental stock of his body. He felt tired and heavy, his throat was stinging painfully, and there was the beginning of a headache starting already.

It’s probably just the long hours… he thought to himself, even though he knew that wasn’t true. After a few minutes he pulled himself up and got dressed for work and headed out.

That evening, Christian arrived home first. He was tired but happy. It had felt wonderful to be dancing again, even if he had to take it slow. Slower than he would have liked, in fact. Mr. Johnson, Christian’s ballet instructor, had been true to his word about easing Christian back in. Any time Christian’s breath rose above normal he’d pulled him out to sit against the wall for 5 minutes before allowing him back into the lineup, and the one-time Christian had let a few coughs towards the end of class he’d told him he was done for the day. Still, even with the drastically reduced work load, Christian was worn out and he could feel the shakiness in his muscles from the exertion. He knew he would really be feeling it tomorrow. Four weeks off, and apparently all his muscles had figured the vacation was permanent.

“You should be ashamed of yourselves...” he addressed his reluctant muscles as he unlocked the apartment door, then chuckled at the ridiculousness of it. Christian walked through the door of the apartment and flopped on the couch. He pulled out his phone and texted Justin.

“I’m home, everything went fine, any idea when you’ll be home?”

Justin’s answer came a few minutes later “on my way now, should be about 30 minutes.”

“Ok, see you soon” Christian responded.

A half hour later Justin walked through the door, he looked even more exhausted than he had last night. Justin moved to take off his coat and hang up on the hook near the door, but froze halfway through. Christian looked over at him curiously and watched Justin’s face crumple before he doubled over into a harsh sneeze that he made no effort to stifle this time H-hAaaEShuuu!

“B-bless you said Christian” surprised at the sneeze’s violence. But Justin held a finger, he was gearing up for more. He caught the next 2 in the arm of his coat that hadn’t been removed yet Ha-HA’Ishuu H-h-haAshuu. Justin straightened up sniffling thickly.

“Shit, babe, you, ok?” Christian asked walking over to him.

“I’mb fibe,” said Justin, pulling a tissue from his pocket and clearing his nose forcefully. “Must be allergies or something…” Christian stared at him.

“You don’t have allergies Justin, and it’s November…”

Justin shrugged avoiding eye contact, “maybe I developed some…” Christian didn’t buy that for a second but figured it was best not to pry. Justin removed the rest of his coat and hung it up and crumpled onto the sofa.

“You eaten yet?” he asked Christian tiredly rubbing at his forehead.

“Not yet,” Christian answered “I was waiting for you. You ok with takeout? I don’t feel like cooking tonight.”

“Class harder than you expected?” Justin asked a hint of concern in his voice.

“It was fine, Johnson was really on top of me the whole time.”

Justin smiled, “good.”

Christian glared at him, then continued, “I’m just out of shape, four weeks off and my body decides its cool to just turn to mush.”

Justin laughed then cleared his throat. “I certainly wouldn’t call any part of your body mush… and I think the rest of you has been a little busy making sure you didn’t die to spare an extra energy on your vanity muscles.”

Christian looked at him in mock outrage, “Vanity muscles! I, Sir, am a precision instrument of poise and movement. I use every one of these,” and he gestured flamboyantly down his body.

Justin laughed heartily at this, but it caught in his throat and he coughed into his fist. “Sure you do pretty boy,” he answered after recovering, his voice sounding gravely.

Christian watched this with concern. Then asked, his tone more serious, “sounds like you’re getting sick babe, you sure you’re ok?”

Justin ignored the question waving his hand dismissively and instead changed the subject, “what are we ordering for food?”

Christian sighed not fooled one bit by Justin’s attempt move away from the current topic. “I don’t care, what sounds good to you.”

Justin shrugged “I’m not that hungry, honestly. So why don’t you pick” Christian leafed through the stack of take-out menus on the counter and decided on a sandwich delivery place. He placed the order online and the food arrived shortly. He Justin sat at the table eating. Christian could here Justin sniffling as he picked half-heartedly at his food. He got up and grabbed the box of tissues from the couch placing it on the table near Justin’s elbow. Justin rolled his eyes but pulled two out and blew his nose filling the tissues quickly. Christian didn’t comment. After dinner they decided to head to bed and put on a movie. Justin didn’t make it through the first 15 minutes before he was fast asleep and Christian watched for an hour before giving up and laying down as well.

Justin woke up several hours later, he groaned and looked at the time 2:45. His nose was tickling fiercely, he rubbed at it hard, eager to stop the irritation and get back to sleep, but it did no good. He sneezed into his pillow, attempting to muffle the sound so he didn’t wake Christian *H-H-h hrumphoo Hmchuu Hmrmgph* he rolled over and headed to the bathroom to blow his nose. It took four tissues before he finally felt semi clear. He sat on the toilet and coughed into his fist. His throat stung painfully with each coughed then cleared his throat. He grabbed the tissues from the bathroom then returned to bed and took a drink of water from the bottle on his nightstand, setting the box of tissues next to it. He figuring he would need them again at some point during the night. He got back into bed but tossed and turned restlessly, unable to get comfortable. His sneezes kept coming, chasing away any chance of sleep. Finally, around 4:30 he gave up on sleep and moved out to the living room. No point lying in bed sneezing and risking disturbing Christian, he thought. He grabbed the TV remote and sprawled out on the couch, selecting some mindless show, and tried to rest. He was jerked upright every few minutes by another sneeze and had an impressive pile of tissues piling up of the coffee table. After a couple of hours, he finally fell into a restless sleep.

[Coldielocks]

A few hours later, Christian woke up to find Justin was not in bed with him. He got up and walked into the living room and found Justin passed out on the sofa fast asleep. He was snoring congestedly his mouth hanging open, his nose red and sore looking, and a pile of tissues on the coffee table in front of him. Christian giggled, he looked like the poster boy for a cold medicine commercial. He walked over to the sofa and shook him gently.

”Hey babe, wake up…” Justin looked at him blearily before turning away and sneezing into his elbow HaAIshuu H-h-haashuu  HaAIshooo “ugh” he reached over and fished another tissue from the box and blew his nose productively. Justin groaned as he sat up.

“Looks like you had a wild party out here last night” said Christian light heartedly.

Justin cleared his throat before answering, but when he did, his voice was hoarse are sore sounding, “oh yeah, you missed a rager.” Christian smiled at him.

“You look miserable, babe,” he said sympathetically. “Why don’t you come lay down in bed.”

Justin shook his head, “can’t, I need to get to the office, what time in it?”

Christian looked at his watch “8:20, but Justin…” But Justin was already up,

 “I’m gonna be late,” he muttered irritably. Then sneezed again H-h-haashuu  HaAIshooo

“Justin….” Christian tried again, “why don’t you take the day off? You’re obviously sick.”

Justin shook his head, “I need to go in, I have a proposal I need to get done before the end of the day and I’m already way behind on it.” Christian shook his head; Justin could be incredibly stubborn when he wanted to be…

“You should be resting…”

Justin felt his temper flare, “you’re one to talk Chris, just worry about yourself for fuck’s sake. I’m fine.” Christian looked back at Justin shock and hurt I his eyes then turned away into the kitchen without a word. Justin immediately felt terrible. He knew that wasn’t fair. Christian had had an incredibly rough time these past several weeks. But, ever since he’d literally gotten the wind knocked out of him ending up in the hospital, he had been taking care of himself and following all Dr. Bennett’s instructions. Justin was being overprotective of him, and he knew it. But he couldn’t stand Christian worrying about him and telling him to rest. That was Justin’s job and he didn’t like this role reversal at all. Not to mention the fact that he felt like his position at the company was hanging on by a thread the last month. Justin almost followed Christian into the kitchen to apologize but he really did need to get going, plus he didn’t have any idea what to say. So instead, he got dressed quickly and left with saying anything.

Christian heard Justin leave from the kitchen, and a pang of sadness ripped at his heart. Justin wasn’t usually short with him, unless something was really bothering him. He knew it was almost certainly the result of Justin feeling lousy, but it still hurt. But there was no use dwelling on it. Christian decided to shower and get ready for class. It was a short day for him just the one class this morning then he would be free the rest of the day. He was still on the at-home study program, so he only had to go into the academy for dance and was able to do the rest of his school work online. It was a nice set up and kept Christian from having to spend all day in classes and risk over exerting himself. Christian stood in the shower enjoying the warm water, he was sore, as he’d expected and made a mental note to stretch thoroughly before class today. After the shower he got dressed quickly and headed to class.

Justin arrived at work feeling miserable. His nose had moved from running constantly to be completely stuffed up and no amount of blowing seemed to help, his eyes felt heavy and tired, and his body was aching. He sat down at his desk heavily reaching for another tissue, he could feel a sneezing building behind his clogged nostrils. H-heh-h-h his breath hitched but the sneeze wouldn’t come. He sat there with a tissue hovering awkwardly. Just then, his boss, Finn, poked his head around the corner.

“Justin…” he began. Justin dropped the tissue embarrassed, but the tickle still persisted. Finn continued ”… I was just wondering how you’re getting on with that proposal, we really need to have it ready before ASAP.”

Justin nodded “I’m on-heh-o- h-h on it” he managed to get out before the tickle finally pushed him over the edge. He raised the tissue up to his nose just in time, HaAIshuu H-h-haashuu  HaAIshooo.

Finn watched this performance from the doorway, “bless you, not getting sick are you?”

Justin shook his head “I’mb fibe.”

Finn didn’t look convinced but didn’t push it further, “alright, just please get it finished before the end of the day.” Justin nodded again not trusting his voice enough to answer. After Finn had left, Justin grabbed 3 more tissues and blew his nose hard. It gurgled unpleasantly but did little good to actually clear it. He threw the used tissues in the bin and rubbed at his eyes before ducking into his elbow for another sneeze H-h-haAshuu. He felt sick. Justin started up his computer and began working on the proposal. It was painfully slow. He was constantly having to reread information, loosing his train of thought, and forgetting the figures he needed to be adding to the report. Not to mention the fact that he had to stop every few minutes to sneeze or blow his nose. It was going to be a long day. Lunch time finally rolled around and Justin decided to take a break his eyes were just swimming across the computer screen anyways. He pulled out his phone and called Christian the line rang three times before Christian answered:

“Hey, Justin”

”Hey,” Justin replied, “look I’mb sorry aboud this mording what I said was unfair.” Justin’s voice sounded sore and congested

“It’s all right… I understand, I know you’re not feeling great today…” said Christian kindly “…are you coming home now?”

Justin sighed feeling frustrated by the question then had to move the phone away to sneeze H-h-haashuu  HaAIshooo “Ugh… holb onb a sedond…” he set the phone down to blow his nose then coughed harshly. Then picked up the phone again. “Sorry..” Justin’s voice was threadbare now.

“Bless you,” replied Christian on the other end of the line, he sounded legitimately concerned now. “So… home?”

“dNo, I dold you I habe to work on this proposal or Finn’s gonna kicg my ass”

“You can’t just finish it up tomorrow?”

“dNo, I can’d. I’b been worging on id all borning and I’b barely made a dent.”

“That’s because your sick… come home and get some rest and you can crank it out tomorrow if you’re feeling better.”

Now Justin was getting angry. “Id’s not lide I’d be able do rest wid this hanbing ober my head all day. H-h-haashuu  HaAIshooo Besides, I’mb fide. I’b worked through colds beford for fuds sake.”

“I’m just trying to help”

“Well stop, becausd you’re nod helpind you’re jusd pissind me offb.” Justin sighed heavily feeling guilty again as soon as he said finished the outburst... Why was he always such an ass when he was sick…? He took a deep breath before continuing, “I’mb sorry Chris… lood I feel like shitd and… cad we jusd not do this rightd dow, please?”

Christian was quiet before responding, “Yeah alright, I’ll see you tonight, I guess. Feel better...” Then he hung up the phone.

Justin bent over, laying his arms and head onto the cool surface of the desk. He felt like the biggest jerk in the world. Christian was only trying to help, it wasn’t his fault Justin was a stubborn, workaholic, asshole…. He just wanted to go home, but he knew he couldn’t afford to miss this deadline and potentially end up kicked off the team for it. He just needed to get this project wrapped up and then he could take off a couple of days and get better. He moved to start working again but it felt like his brain was disconnected from his body. It feels so nice here… he thought.” I should just stay here for the rest of the day…” His eyes felt heavy with exhaustion. I’ll just close my eyes for a second…

Justin was awoken by someone clearing their throat loudly from the door of his office. He opened his eyes and sat up slowly. It was Finn. Justin sat up quickly, but the sudden change in position made his head spin. He coughed roughly into his fist.

“Finn!” he croaked out “I’mb so sorrby, I jusd…” but he was cut short by a set of sneezes HaAIshuu H-h-haashuu  HaAIshooo H-h-haashuu Justin buried his nose into a tissue, trying to savor a shred of dignity. His nose was still itching terribly but the sneeze wasn’t coming.

Finn sighed “Justin… go home, you’re obviously sick. We don’t need you spreading this to the whole office.”

“Dno, Finn I’mb fide… I jusd need to finish up thad proposal.” Justin tried to reassure his boss.

Finn looked at him. “Justin, I just walked in here and found you knocked out on your desk, you’re obviously not fine and you’re no use to anyone in this state. Go home get some rest and you can finish up the proposal from home and email it over when you’re done.”

Justin started to protest again “I cad ged it done here, I j-j-ju HRESchoo the sneeze snuck out with warning and he hadn’t quite managed to catch it. Justin blushed red. Finn looked at him with thinly veiled disgust.

“Justin, I’m sending you home now… You aren’t helping anything by staying in the office spreading this around to your team.”

Justin nodded too humiliated and exhausted to try and argue anymore.

Justin drove home and walked up the steps of the apartment. He felt awful. His head was pounding painfully, he nose was still completely stuffed up, and his throat was raw, his voice was hanging on by a thread. He walked through the door. Christian looked over in surprise. After their talk that afternoon, he hadn’t expected Justin home for a few more hours. But one look at Justin and he could see why he was home early.

“You’re home early,” Christian said stating the obvious.

Justin didn’t answer he hung up his coat then pulled wad of tissues from his pocket sneezing into them Hhmghf H-nngph then blowing his nose noisily.

“Finn sentd me homb,” he said dejectedly once his nose was back under control. Christian rolled his eyes of course Justin had to be sent home by his boss.

“I’mb gonna go change.” Muttered Justin and he disappeared into the bedroom emerging a few minutes later wearing a pair of warm sweats and a hoodie.

“Don’t you want to lay down for a bit?” Christian asked him. Justin shook his head sitting down at the table and pulling out his laptop.

“I sbill hab to findish thad proposal.”

Christian looked at him incredulously. “Justin you can’t be serious?” Justin coughed wincing then sneezed harshly H-h-HaAIshooo. He groaned miserably.

 ”Chris, please jusd leabe me alone, I don’d wand to do this righd now…” Christian’s heart felt like it had been stabbed at those words. He felt tears spring to his eyes but he brushed them away angrily.

“Fine Justin… I’ll leave you alone.” Christian stomped to the bedroom and slammed the door.

God what an asshole! He thought angrily. What the hell was Justin’s deal today. Christian was sick at getting snapped at and told off for just trying to help and for caring about his boyfriend. He knew Justin was miserable but he didn’t understand why he kept pushing Christian away and refusing to let himself just rest and be sick. Christian could hear Justin coughing miserably and sneezing through the closed door. He sounded pathetic. Christian almost went out to him more than once but his anger held him back. After several hours Christian decided to leave the bedroom and go make something to eat. He walked out and saw Justin asleep on his laptop.

Christian scoffed, “typical.” “Nice job on that proposal” he said sarcastically and Justin shot upright.

 “Shid! I bust hab fallennd a-a aslee- eep” Justin gasped, then turned his head to the side and stifled 3 quick sneezes into his arm Hnxgt Hcngx Hshng.

Christian rolled his eyes “You shouldn’t hold them in like that. You’ll give yourself a headache.”

Justin scoff chuckled at this, which turned into a painful sounding cough, “I thing it’s a liddle labe for thad.” Christian felt a bit of his anger slip away. He walked over to where Christian sat. He looked even worse that he had earlier. His body was hunched over as he squinted at his laptop screen, his nose was red and chapped, his eyes had dark circles underneath them, and he sniffed pathetically as he attempted to continue working. Christian stood behind Justin’s chair and began massaging his neck and shoulders knowing Justin was prone to tension headaches especially when he was stressed.

Justin groaned and closed his eyes. “thangs, thad’s actually helping… “ Justin’s body wretched away a minute later as he launched forward sneezing hard HaAIshuu H-h-haashuu  HaAIshooo H-h-HaAIshooo. Christian winced it sounded so painful.

”Bless you, babe.” Christian said quietly… Justin groaned in response and shivered slightly.

“Are you cold? Christian asked.

“A liddle..”answered Justin. Christian’s brow creased and he laid his hand on Justin’s forehead.

“You’ve got a fever…”

“Yeah thad makes sense…” Justin answered.

“Have you taken anything yet?” Justin shook his head.

“I’m going to bring you medicine, ok? Wait here.” Christian returned to the bedroom and rummaged through the medicine cabinet until he found a packet of cold medicine and some motrin. He was walking back to the kitchen when he heard a sound coming from their bed. He walked over and saw Justin’s phone sticking out from Justin’s pile of cloths. He must have left it in here when he came in to change. Christian thought. He picked it up, intending to give it back to Justin but a notification on the home screen caught his eye. It was Justin’s office messaging system. There was a new message flashing on the screen from Finn. Christian looked over at Justin who was slumped over leaning on the table holding his throbbing head… A bolt of anger shot through him, why was Finn messaging Justin at this time of night when he was the one who’d sent him home sick. Christian opened the message intending on giving Finn a telling off. The screen opened to Justin’s received messages. Christian read the message that was blinking:

”Justin, I know you’re home sick but we really need that proposal asap, I’ve got the team here and our hands are pretty tied until you can get it sent over -Finn

Man, what a jerk, thought Christian.

He clicked the next message:

Justin, just wondering if you have an ETA for that brief I sent you last week, anxious to get started on it. Let me know asap. -Greg

Next message:

Justin, this is third email I’ve sent regarding the Tokyo project proposal. I need your numbers for it by the end of the day. -Tim

Glad you’re finally back, I need your projections for the Austin merger, end of the day would be best. -Bryan

Justin, heard you’re back to work finally, can you please get me that market analysis for the Seattle project, we’ve been sitting on our hands for the last couple weeks since you were unable to get it in before going on vacation. -Greg

Hey Justin, listen I know you’re out of the office still but I really need an update on your portion of the Tokyo project. -Phillip

Hey sorry to message you I know you’re dealing with stuff at home but I really need that file for the Seattle deal, could you please find a minute to finish it up and then send it over to me. Thanks. -Mark

Justin, heard you’re going to be out of the office for the next few weeks. If you’re unable to get those numbers to me for the marketing presentation I need to know right away. Otherwise, this deal could completely fall apart. -Tim

Justin 911 we need you to come in. -Mark

Justin, hey I know you’re off still but there’s been a complete breakdown of the project managing database and we really need your help on this. It’s urgent. -Finn

Christian exited the app angrily, unwilling to read anymore. Christian had had no idea how much Justin was trying to juggle. Judging from those messages, Justin was completely swamped with deadlines and project proposals and projections, and every member of his team relying or waiting on him for something… Christian couldn’t help but feel responsible. Justin had dropped everything and spent three weeks out of the office to take care of Christain, and now he was trying desperately to play catch up. No wonder he felt like he couldn’t take a sick day and no wonder he’d snapped at Christain when he suggested he just put his work off until tomorrow, he already couldn’t keep up with it all and the idea of falling either further behind must have been incredibly stressful. Christian felt angry at himself… He’d spent so much of the day being mad at Justin for not just staying home, he hadn’t even been trying to help him with what he really needed. He’d been acting like a self-centered prick…

“Chris?” Justin called from kitchen his tone sounding almost pleading. Christian grabbed the medicine and hurried back to the kitchen. Christian was determined to do better now that he understood what Justin was dealing with, he wasn’t going to make it harder on him.

“Sorry, that took so long,” he handed Justin the medicine and got him a glass of water.

“Thangs,” said Justin as he took the medicine gratefully. He swallowed the pill wincing as the liquid hit his throat. He coughed harshly into his fist and winced again.

“Sore throat?” Christian asked. Justin just nodded miserably, not wanting to talk. Christian walked into the kitchen, pulled out the kettle and started making Justin a cup of tea. Justin watched him surprised at this change between them, but grateful for it was well. He still felt guilt for having been so cross with Christian, he hadn’t meant to be, he just felt so tired, and stressed, and overwhelmed, and sick… ugh so fucking sick. Justin sneezed hard again h-haashuu  HaAIshooo H-h-HaAIshooo but they didn’t seem to ease the tickle at the back of his nose . He sat still his mouth hanging open, nostrils, flaring and breath hitching desperately waiting for the rest of the sneezes to make their appearance, but the feeling died away.

Justin dropped his hands and looked over to see Christian smirking at him, “lost it huh?

“yeah, I hate id when thad h-ha ha HaAIshhhooo H-h-HaAshoo h-haashuu  HaAIshooo. Justin dropped his head and laid it against the table sniffling wetly. Christian set down the cup of tea next to him and rubbed his back.

“Guess you found them after all...”

Justin smiled weakly, “Yeah… lubky me…” Christian chuckled and moved his hand up and began massaging Justin’s scalp he felt Justin’s body relax under his touch.

”God, I feel abful,” he moaned.

“I know love,” said Christian still combing his fingers through Justin’s hair.

“So how much do you have left on this thing?”

“Nod much, just need to input this lastb sed of numberds, bud I keep loosding my place.”  Christian sat quietly for a moment.

“Why don’t you come lay down for just an hour or so, that will give the medicine a chance to kick in, then I can help you get this thing wrapped up?” Justin lifted his head off the table and looked at Christian with surprise.

“Reallyb?”

Christian nodded.

“Justin, I think I owe you an apology, I was so focused on getting you to stay home and rest that I didn’t consider what you actually needed. I understand now what you need is to get this done, so you can have time to be sick without this looming over you and potentially jeopardizing your job. I’ve been selfish and I wasn’t thinking about how much stress you were under from being gone for so long to take care of me. And I was major jack ass just because I didn’t think you were being sick the right way. I’m sorry…”

Justin was looking down at his hands.

 “I’mb the one who shoulb apologize. I was acding like a jerdk. I pushed you awayd whed you were only looding oud for meb. I should hab jusd explaind whad was goind od.”

Christian reached over and hugged Justin tight. He felt Justin tense beneath him.

”C-CHr-Chris I’b g-gon-gonna s-sneeze *h-haashuu  HaAIshooo H-hAISHoo* Justin sneezed into Christian’s shoulder.

“ugh… I’b so sorby Chris.” Christian laughed.

“It’s ok, babe. Come on, let’s get you into bed, just for a bit. I promise I’ll wake you up and we’ll finish this sucker together, ok?” Justin nodded he couldn’t think clearly at this point anyways. Christian led him into the bedroom and Justin flopped himself onto bed his face smashed into the pillow sprawled out. Christian chuckled.

“Comfortable?” he asked.

“Dno,”Justin said and he sniffled wetly.

“Here, love” Christian handed Justin a box of tissues. He rolled over taking a few from the box and blew his nose clearing it a bit, but it still felt full and heavy with congestion. Justin coughed and pressed the area between his eyes with his thumb and middle finger…

“Ugh, it hurds,” he moaned. Christian sat on the bed next to him looking concerned…

“I know babe, come here.” and he opened his arms to let Justin rest his hear on his stomach. Justin snuggled against him shivering and Christian pulled the blanket up over him. Then he reached down to feel his head again.

“You’re still pretty warm, babe... Get some rest, ok? The medicine should kick in soon.”

Justin nodded he was already feeling drowsy. Christian rubbed slow circles on his back and listened as his breathing deepened. He leaned down and kissed Justin’s temple gently.

“I love you he whispered.”

Justin had been sleeping for the last hour and a half and Christina sighed. He hated having to wake him up now that he was finally sleeping comfortably. But he knew he had promised. Still, it went against all his instincts. He reached down to where Justin was still sleeping snuggled up against him and rubbed his back.

“Justin, love, its 7 o’clock. Are you ready to get up?”  Justin moaned and rolled over.

“Dnooooo,” he groaned and Christian chuckled at his dramatic protest. Justin laid there for another minute with his eyes closed before his nose forced him awake. Christian watched as a look of irritation crossed Justin’s face his moth opened and his nose twitched. He could tell Justin was trying to fight it back but it was no use. Heh-h-h-h… heh- HaAIshhhooo H-h-HaAshoo h-haashuu  h h-ha ha HaAIshooo Justin launched upright with the last sneeze, and groaned dropping his head and jamming the palms of his hands into his eyes. Christian rubbed his back and handed him the box of tissues again.

“Your sinuses bothering you?” Justin nodded still holding his head. I’ll be right back Christian announced and we went to the kitchen. He returned with Justin’s laptop and a warm towel.

“Lie back,” he instructed. Justin complied and Christian draped the towel over Justin’s nose and eyes.

Justin sighed “Thad feels dice.” he croaked. Christian sat on the bed next to him and opened up Justin’s laptop.

“Alright, tell me what needs to happen with this thing.” Justin explained as best he could which numbers need to go where and how to get the proper figures into correct columns. He stopped every so often to sneeze or cough. Christian typed away, asking questions as needed and together they were able to make quick work of the process. Not having to stare at a screen or stop and find his place after sneezing or constantly trying to clear his fevered head or force his eyes to stay open and focus, made the whole thing so much easier than Justin would have imagined. After a little over an hour, it was done and Christian sent it off to Finn. With a bit of passive aggressive email about how happy he was to get it completed on time even though he felt miserable.

Justin sighed heavily with relief. ”Thang Dod, thad’s done.” He muttered, feeling relaxed for the first time all week. He reached over and squeezed Christian’s hand.

 

“Thang you, Chris, thad seriously made id so mudd easier.” H-h-HaAshoo h-haashuu Justin sneezed and groaned again.

“Bless you… and I’m glad I could help,” said Christian and he kissed Justin’s cheek.

”You hungry?” Justin shook his head.

“Nod reallyb..”

“Soup?” asked Christian, “you should try and east something before bed.”

Justin nodded “okayb.”

Christian went to the kitchen and a quick pot of soup and brought it into Justin. Who accepted it and thanked him. Justin’s sipped it, the warmth did feel nice on his sore throat. But soon his eyes felt too heavy to eat anymore. Christian took the bowl from him, and returned it to the sink then tucked Justin into bed. He grabbed him an extra blanket from the closet and placed a new box of tissue and bottle of water on the night stand for him. Then climbed into bed next to him. Justin was snoring within minutes and Christian soon followed.

It was around 3 am when Christian noticed Justin stirring beside him. H-h-HaAASssHoo h-haaAASSShuu. Christian winced even in the dark, he could hear how painful his sneezes were. He sat up and leaned over.

“You ok, Babe? Those sound like they really hurt…” Justin just moaned and rubbed at his eyes and head.

“By sinuses feelb libe they’dre full ob cemend” he groaned miserably.  Christian reached up and felt his head again, it felt warmer than it had that evening.

“You’re burning up, love. I think you’re getting a sinus infection…” Justin just groaned in response again.

“I have any idea of something that might help… but you’re not gonna like it” Christian said ominously.

”I’ll tryb andythinb…” said Justin resignedly. Christian got up and led Justin into the bathroom. He pulled out a can from the medicine cabinet of saline spray then had Justin sit on the counter.

“Alright,” he said bracingly, “this is gonna burn like hell for a few seconds, but it should help clear out your sinuses. It can be rough though so get ready.”

 Justin nodded. Christian handed him the damp towel from earlier.

“You may need this,” he said. Christian tilted Justin’s head back and sprayed the mist into Justin’s nostril. Justin’s eyes opened wide in surprise. Christian wasn’t kidding, it immediately began burning and tickling his already irritated sinues.

”heh- oh b-by Gob” Justin hitched. Christian quickly sprayed it up his other nostril then pinched Justin’s nose shut.

“C-Chris heh-h… ah..” Justin’s eyes teared up as the itching intensified his nose was twitching heavily under Christian’s fingers.

“I know, babe” said Christian, “just give it a minute to work before you sneeze it all out.”

Justin shook his head… Ah-h-h ib b-b-b-bu-rns…. Heh-hh… C-C- Chris-…hEH-h-h… P-p-lea-se… h-h-h h-ave… to… snee-z-ze.. ha HA…  

“Just a few more seconds,” said Christian. Tears were rolling down Justin’s cheeks now and he continued to gasp and hitch, needing desperately to sneeze but unable to do so with Christian’s fingers pressed firmly over his nose.

“hah he-H-h-h… c—can’d… …s-st-stop… Hah-h-h… nne-ne-ne-need… t-to heh-h-h sn—ee hh—ze.”

 Finally, Christian released Justin’s nose and stepped to the side. Justin crumbled sneezing desperately. into the towel Christian had given him.

h-ha ha HaAIshhhooo H-h-HaAshoo h-haashuu  HaAIshooo h-h- h-ha ha HaAIshhhooo H-h-HaAshoo h-haashuu  HaAIshooo h-h- f-fu-fuck H HaAASssHoo H-h-HaAshoo… I c-c-an’t h-haashuu st.. H-h-HaAshoo stop… h-haashuu  h-haaAASSShuu H-h-HaAshoo h-haashuu. Gradually Justin’s sneezing slowed down.

“Are you tryinb… H-h-HaAshoo h-haashuu H-h-HaAshoo h-haashuu to kill H-h-HaAshoo h-haashuu be?!”

Christian laughed but rubbed Justin’s shoulders sympathetically.

“Sorry, that was more intense that I expected it to be. You alright?”

Justin swayed unevenly, he was dizzy. H-h-HaAshoo h-haashuu he sneezed again. Christian handed him a box of tissues and Justin blew his nose again, and again, and again, and again. After going through what felt like half the box, he slumped back his head resting against the mirror.

“Ugh shitd! Never ever eber make me do that again.” He said exhaustedly. Christian looked at him sheepishly.

“Sorry, I told you you weren’t gonna like it… Does your head feel any clearer now at least?” Justin breathed through his nose experimentally. He was surprised to find he actually could now.

“Yeah.. it does…” he admitted, but he eyed the can of saline suspiciously, as if he was worried it was going to sneak up and attack him forcing him into another sneezing fit while his guard was down. Christian laughed at him.

“So then it was worth it.” Justin just shook his head.

“never again…” Christian helped Justin down from the counter and got Justin a dose of nyquil to help him sleep, then they returned to bed. Justin curled up on his side under the covers, relieved to be able to finally breathe through his nose again, and Christian spooned his body around his and kissed his neck gently.

“Hope you can get some sleep now,” he whispered.

“Thangs” said Justin whose eyes were already closed.

“I love you, even though you did try to murder me with nasal spray…” Christian smiled.

“You’ll thank me tomorrow.” Justin grunted in response and was asleep soon after.

[SneezeAbbie]

This is amazing! I love their bond 

[2SHY222]

I absolutely love this 🥰

[Kolen]

I am in LoVE with your characters they are so precious and Justin's sneezes are delicious 🤤

Keep on keeping on and take your time. I love it!!

[2SHY222]

I hope there's more. Christian and Justin are so cute 💙

[glitterdoll78]

This story is so cute I hope there’s more.

[NotWho]

I don’t know how I missed this. I love these two and look forward to more from you!

[aggedy_ann]

Not sure how I missed this either, but it’s delightful