Healing Milton

five

Milton wakes to the feather-like touches on his skin, a hand gently rubbing at his chest and a soft voice calling his name. He blearily opens his eyes, vision blurry as he takes in the person in front of him.

"Hey, lovely. Time to wake up." Callum coos, watching as Milton's eyes flutter open and closed until he has the strength to stay awake.

It pained him to wake the sleeping boy, but he needed to eat, and the pain medication would be wearing off soon enough. Aldric stands at the room entrance, arms folded over his chest as he leans against the doorframe, just watching. He knew Milton found him a bit intimidating and he really didn't want to give the kid a scare right after waking up.

Instead, he looked on with a soft longing as his mate tends to the child with the utmost of care. One day Milton would grow used to his deep voice and large frame, he only needed to remind himself to take things slow with the frightened human.

"Al, my love, do you mind bringing in the soup?"

He smiles at his love, leaving quietly to retrieve the tray left on the kitchen bench, a small bowl of warm chicken soup and a cup of lukewarm water sitting undisturbed beside three little pill bottles.

Carrying it carefully, Aldric raps his knuckles on the door before entering, placing the tray on the bedside table.

Milton sniffs the air, eyes widening a little at the smell of chicken and salt. When was the last time he had a warm meal? Were they really going to let him, have it?

Aldric chuckles, sitting on the edge of the bed beside his love and patting Milton's uninjured leg. "You're drooling."

Milton frowns, nose scrunching up as he licks his lips, just in case the man is telling the truth. Cal whacks his husband lightly on the chest. "Don't tease."

Aldric only smiles, leaning to press a kiss to Callum's fluffy mane of hair. Milton watches with curiosity, catching the way Aldric gazes at the smaller man with complete adoration in his eyes.

"Now, I know you'd prefer to feed yourself, but your hands are too swollen and bruised to hold a spoon properly."

"Plus, the doctor doesn't want you using that arm." Aldric pipes in.

Callum nods. "Right, that too." He picks up the bowl of soup, dipping the spoon in to give it a stir.

Milton blushes red as his stomach grumbles loudly, but neither man makes a comment as Callum gently blows on the spoonful of soup and gently tilts it to Milton's lips.

He opens his mouth hungrily, eager to have food in his empty belly. As soon as the soup hits his tongue, he can't help the tears that fill his eyes, blurring his vision. It's the perfect blend of mild spices, a hint of garlic and salt. The liquid easily slides down his throat, and all Milton can do is open his mouth for another spoonful as the tears begin to roll down his hollow cheeks.

Callum's smile turns wobbly, but Aldric is there to keep his love from bawling his eyes out, one hand rubbing his mate's back while the other gently caresses the blankets covering Milton's leg.

"One of the pack chefs made us this batch of soup. We have a whole pot of it sitting in the fridge."

Callum laughs wetly as he lifts another spoon to Milton's mouth, blinking back his own tears. "We'll be eating soup for weeks."

Milton sniffles, eyelashes wet from his tears, but he appreciates the way the two don't outright pity him. They don't point out his tears or his sniffling nose, no. They instead continue to subtly comfort him, all while engaging in a conversation to distract his mind.

He wished he could thank them, but he can't manage to fathom the words. He only opens his mouth at each spoonful, gratefully taking in as much food as his body allows.

"Not to mention the fish casserole Leanora made. I know she means well but-" Aldric winces, lifting a shoulder up to an ear.

Callum pauses to wipe some soup from Milton's lip, smiling back at his husband. "Have you even tried Leanora's casseroles before? I wouldn't knock it 'til you try it."

Aldric huffs, not convinced.

Of course, they do really appreciate the meals that now sit stacked in their freezer like a game of Tetris. It was all in jest. Leanora was a lovely woman who no doubt made delicious food but... who wanted to eat fish?

Milton smiles weakly, eyelids fluttering shut as his body relaxes into the bed now that his stomach is full, and his body is warm and fuzzy.

Callum hums, putting the bowl down and turning to the cup of water. "Here's an antibiotic to help your body fight any infection while you heal."

He takes a little pill, pushing it to Milton's lips before following it with the cup of warm water. Milton tries his best to swallow it, struggling to not let the water run down his chin rather than make it into his mouth. He makes a noise of frustration as he swallows the little pill, a couple of drops of water running down his chin.

He did so well not to make a mess of himself while being fed, why was drinking so different?

"It's okay." Callum coos, wiping the drops away. "You're doing so well; your body is just a bit tired."

Al smiles at him in encouragement, watching as his love gently whispers to the boy, giving him the second pill just as patiently. It was concerning. Milton was getting tired too quickly, his motor function deteriorating after only twenty minutes or so.

He would keep it in mind to mention to the doctor, who would visit the boy tomorrow to check in with them.

Callum brushes his hand over Milton's hair, humming softly before reaching for the pain medication and tipping the liquid into Milton's mouth.

His hear was aching, but he wasn't going to break in front of his charge. No. Milton deserved someone to be strong for him, to care for him without losing themselves to the pain and suffering he was so obviously not coping with.

"We'll check on you a bit later, okay? Just sleep now."

Milton barely nods, eyes falling shut in exhaustion as his body goes limp. Cal can't help himself as he leans over, planting a soft kiss to the boy's forehead before getting up off the bed.

Al is right behind him, hands gently brushing over the boy as he tugs the blankets back up, his eyebrows beginning to crease in concern.

"Maybe he should have stayed at the clinic longer." Cal whispers, thumb coming up to his mouth as he begins to gnaw at his nail.

Aldric sighs, reaching out to remove his husband's hand from his mouth, placing a kiss on his knuckles before pulling him into a hug.

"Perhaps, but I think there was a reason Henry wanted him out of the clinic so soon."

"Why?"

Aldric rubs his mate's back. "I don't know. Maybe Milton's not a fan of doctors or hospitals?"

Cal leans back, a frown etched over his freckled face. "But the doctor is supposed to come here tomorrow for a check-up."

Aldric bumps his nose against his mate, taking in his sweet scent. "I know."