The Alien Next Door

27- ewe've got to be kidding me

POV: Phoenix
We're back at the farm for a few weeks to help with lambing and Jake is so in his element. It's nice to see him happy and wanting to get out of bed. Some days have been hard for him these past few months, but he's making it through.

We've moved in together in my flat and his is now back up for rent. I love living with him but we are struggling with taking time for us, between me and work it feels like I barely see him at the minute. I'm just trying to keep us both afloat and these next few weeks will hopefully help that happen.

We're awoken to Morgan jumping on top of us in bed. You'd think they'd have learnt their lesson from last time but clearly not. Jake will definitely not want to sleep in the cottage tonight after the way he shouted at Mog. Morgan left the room quickly and Jake was struggling for breath beside me. "Can I help?" He gives the subtle hand signal for no so I keep my distance and watch him calmly. He starts trying to take deep breaths and is playing with the sheets absentmindedly. He was doing so well since being here but clearly he's been struggling and I didn't notice.

POV: Jake
"I'm so sorry Mog. I didn't mean to shout earlier, you startled me." I'd been sleeping all day recovering from this mornings shenanigans. "Thanks for apologising Jay, I'm sorry for waking you up like that I wasn't thinking. Phoenix helped out as much as he could today but it wasn't the same. Will you be working tomorrow?"  "I'm not sure yet I'm still quite tired but I'll try to come out and help. Make sure you get some tea tonight." My phone pings and it's Phoenix asking where I've gone. He was sleeping next to me when I decided to come find Morgan. I send him a quick message saying I'm on my way back to mums house and give Mog a quick kiss on the cheek before heading inside.

"How are you feeling?" Phoenix asks as I step through the bedroom door. "Tired still, can we watch a movie?" I reply as I flop down onto the bed. He runs his hands through my hair and hums in response. "Can we just stay like this?" I change my mind and get more comfortable on the bed. "Of course," he replies as I take his hand and kiss it before putting it back in my hair.

I wake up the next day to my alarm going off and Phoenix groaning at the noise. "You sure you're okay to go in?" He asks as I sit up in bed. "Yeah. The ewes need me, I'll be back with ewe (you) in a bit." "It's too early for puns," he replies. I give him a quick kiss before quietly getting ready to head out.

In my first field check of the day I find a ewe with the water sac hanging out which means she should be giving birth soon. I sit down in the field not too far from her to keep an eye. The sun has just started to rise and I'm remembering why I love this job so much.

I sneak back into bed after a quick shower. Phoenix pulls me into him sleepily and I appreciate his warmth. The ewe needed some help getting the lamb out but both parties were all healthy when I left them. Dad found me in the field and told me to go back when I'd sorted them out as he didn't want me overdoing it after yesterday. I do wish people wouldn't baby me but right now being cuddled up and warm I can't really argue.

I wake up to the sun shining through the little crack in the curtains and Phoenix stroking my hair. "Hey sleepy," he says when we make eye contact. I just nuzzle more into him and he laughs softly. There's a soft knock at the door and I watch as my mum pops her head in. "Hi boys, do you want some lunch?" "Can I just have a sandwich please? Whatever fillings we've got in is okay." I reply and Phoenix puts his order in too.

"You didn't come help today?" Mog questions as they walk in to the cottage living room. "I did this morning but dad sent me back home!" I say a little too defensively. Phoenix looks up at me concerned and i soften. "Sorry I didn't know. Has anyone put anything on for dinner yet?" "Not yet." Phoenix replies as he sits up from my lap. I watch as he goes to the kitchen and Mog takes his place on my lap. "What's up?" They ask me. I wish I knew. "I don't know, I'm just a bit of a mess and I don't mean to keep taking it out on other people but It keeps happening. I really am sorry Mog." "It's understandable, just make sure you're looking after yourself Jay. Don't worry about helping out if you can't right now, just focus on you. Phoenix can always step up if needed I'm sure." "I definitely can," he replies softly from the doorway.

After dinner we said our goodbyes and headed back to the house. I just need to be around less people when I'm like this, it's best for everyone involved. "Do you want to have a bath?" Phoenix asks as I'm unlocking the door to the house. "I'm too tired," I reply. "I'll sort it out, go get ready." He plants a soft kiss on my cheek and I suddenly feel so overwhelmed.

"Your baths ready!" Phoenix says excitedly as he comes into the bedroom. I've just been sat frozen on the edge of the bed since I got in here. I look up at him and smile, but given the worried look on his face it probably looked more like a grimace. "You okay?" I shrug my shoulders. "Can I help?" I shrug my shoulders again and take a deep shaky breath. He moves in front of me and uses his hands to wipe tears I didn't even know had fallen. I pull myself together and take another deep breath. "The bath will be getting cold, do you feel up to it?" He asks quietly, tilting my chin up to him. I slowly stand up and he holds my hand as he leads me to the bathroom.

"Can you stay?" I ask him as he's about to leave the bathroom. I'm in the bath and still feeling a bit too fragile to be left alone. I watch as he relocks the door and turns around to sit on the toilet. "Here?" I say pointing to the floor next to the bath where the rug lays. "Good thing I love you," he says quietly before moving and laying his head on the side of the bath. I lay my hand on his head after shaking the water off. I close my eyes and try to relax.

"I can't feel my bum anymore Jake," Phoenix whispers after a while of us in silence. "Go to bed, I'll be there in a minute," I whisper back before slowly opening my eyes to see him smiling at me. He stands up and gives me a kiss before leaving the bathroom. I get out the bath and wrap myself in a towel before leaving the bathroom and quietly heading across the landing to my room.