Countryhumans Oneshots

A Parental Sibling

Delaware was a horrible patient most of the time, so it was concerning that he was actually being a good patient right now. His fever was so high, and he kept complaining about a headache, so all he was doing was staying curled up in bed, drifting in and out of sleep.

So now Massachusetts was on sick person duty, in charge of looking after Delaware as he tried to sleep off the worst of his illness. It was one of those things that was easier and harder than it looked.

"Come on, Delly, just take your medicine. It's going to help you feel better, I promise." Massachusetts said. Delaware shook his head, his foggy eyes making eye contact with Massachusetts'.

"Don't want it, Papa. It tastes gross, and I'm fine. It's just a small headache." He said, not seeming to realize that he had called Massachusetts Papa, something that Massachusetts was smiling so incredibly wide at. That habit died out when their father learned about them, as they didn't want to offend him. Virginia and Massachusetts hadn't been Mom and Dad to the rest of the thirteen plus Ohio for a long time.

It was nice to hear it when it happened, though. It always brought back good memories of their childhood.

"Delly, you have a hundred-degree fever, and it sounds like you are about to drop dead when you cough. You are sick. Take the medicine." Massachusetts said. Delaware shook his head and pressed his lips shut. Massachusetts sighed. This kid...

"Don't make me bring your mother in here. You know she'll just become overprotective, and I know you won't like that," Massachusetts said. Delaware's eyes narrowed.

"Are you blackmailing me with Ginny?" He asked. Massachusetts smiled.

"Yes, I am. Come on, Del, I'll let you use me as a pillow if you take your medicine." Delaware looked conflicted at the offer but then nodded.

"That is an acceptable trade. But no leaveing when I fall asleep!" He said. Massachusetts laughed.

"I wouldn't dream of it, little bro," Massachusetts said, handing him the ibuprofen. Delaware did his best to swallow the pills quickly, but his face still twisted in disgust as he did so.

"I hate pills." He said, rubbing his face. Massachusetts laughed at that.

"So I've heard," Massachusetts responded. Delaware flipped me off and then broke into a large coughing fit, his body shaking from the force of the coughs as he leaned forward. Massachusetts began to rub Delaware's back as he went to sit on the bed with him.

"I hate being sick." Delaware rasped out, leaning against Massachusetts, his eyes slipping shut.

"Are you ready to sleep now?" Massachusetts asked. Delaware shrugged and just tried to burrow further into Massachusetts' side. Massachusetts moved his hand from Delaware's back and began to play with his hair, trying to soothe Delaware and make it easier for him to try and sleep. He hadn't been sleeping well due to the coughing, so anytime he did drift off, Massachusetts wanted to keep him that way.

Massachusetts placed his hand on his forehead, taking a break from messing with Delaware's hair. He let out a worried breath as he felt how hot it was. Delawre's eyes opened slightly, and he pressured his face into Massachusetts' hand.

"Your hand is nice and cold." He said softly. Massachusetts smiled.

"And your head feels like an oven. Do you want me to get an ice pack?" Massachusetts asked. Delaware shook his head.

"No. You promised to be my pillow so you will stay my pillow. Pa-Mass, it's fine for now. Your hand is enough," he said. Massachusetts nodded, and Delaware then relaxed against Massachusetts' side, his body growing limp and his breathing slowing.

"Sleep well, Dela. I promise you will feel better in the morning."