"Bunny? More Like Kangaroo"

Fruitful Oatmeal

Aster's POV

"Honestly," I start, staring down at the sleeping form of my beautiful but childish boyfriend, "you just had to go and tire yourself out." I reach out and gently caress his sleeping face, taking note of his unusually flushed complexion adorning his cheeks, his eyelashes fluttering quickly from a dream state, and his lips slightly parted. A wet cloth placed over his forehead and the comforter tugged up to his chin.

After taking a tumble in the snow from a spur of the moment snowball fight with some of the neighbor's kids, Jack had deemed himself healthy enough to continue with work. Despite the fact that he had a fever. It wasn't until North called me from work about Jack barely being able to walk that I took charge. I had grabbed him, despite his weak protests, and marched him over to the car to take him home. This isn't the first time this has happened, but it is the first time that he hadn't put up much of a fight. Something like that really concerns me.

Making sure that he's fine for now, I leave the bedroom and close the door partly before heading towards the kitchen.

'Bloody show pony getting soaked. I even told him to change out of his clothes right away, but no. He just HAD to go and treat the kids to some hot chocolate before taking care of himself.'

Grabbing a pot and some ingredients, I go about making my Snow angel's food. Usually he wouldn't eat very healthily, so his immune system is the best. After finding out of his lack of interest in eating his fruits and vegetables, I took it upon myself to make him healthy meals and snack that he could munch on whenever we're together. Then again, I know that he doesn't eat as healthily as he would when I'm around, but I still appreciate the fact that he tries for me.

Once the oatmeal is prepared, I set it to a slow boil in the pot while slicing up some fruits to go on top. I have his favorite, blueberries, along with slices of bananas. I'm almost done when I hear a weak voice calling out from the bedroom.

"Aster?....Aster, come here..."

Glancing over, I lower the temperature on the stove and makes sure everything's safe before heading back to the bedroom. "Coming, Jackie."

Entering the room, I see Jack trying to sit up, but to no avail. Letting out a loving sigh, I hurry over and help him sit up against the headboard. Moving some pillows behind him so he's more comfortable, I take the washcloth from his forehead and dip it in the bowl of water on the bedside table before gently washing his face with it.

"How do you feel? I making some porridge right now for you to eat, I can boil some tea if you're sick of water." I inquire, caressing his face softly while I look at him in concern.

He gives me a weak smile, but it still makes my heart beat faster all the same. "I'm fine, I just didn't want to be alone." Reaching up, he touches my hand and squeezes it lightly. "I'll have the tea, if it's not too much trouble."

Smiling, I lean over and kiss his forehead gently. "Not at all." I hand over the remote to the TV before standing up. "I'll just be in the kitchen if you need me." Kissing his forehead one more time, I turn and make my way into the kitchen, the sound of the TV turning on behind me.

Taking the teapot, I fill it up with water and place it on the burner at high. Checking on the porridge, I turn off the burner and grab a bowl and mug from the cabinet. Placing them down, I ladle some porridge into the bowl and sprinkle the fruits on top. Putting it on a tray, I then scan through the assortment of tea bags in the cabinet. Finally deciding on the chamomile, I put it in the mug just as the teapot starts to whistle. Turning off the burner, I slowly pour the hot water into the mug. Smiling at the healthy meal waiting for my Snowflake, I take the tray of tea and porridge, along with a bowl of bananas and strawberries, into the bedroom.

"Jack?" I call quietly, peeking into the bedroom. "I have your food. You feel up to eating?"

Turning away from the TV, Jack gives me a smile. "Of course I'm up to your delicious food."

Raising an eyebrow, I roll my eyes and walk over. "Being sick makes you weird." I place the tray on his lap and kiss his cheek. "But endearing at the same time." Taking the tea, I place it on the nightstand next to him, not wanting him to scold himself by tipping it over.

"Uh huh," he says, giving me a goofy grin, "you just think I'm adorable all the time." Picking up his spoon, he takes a bite of the porridge before tears form in his eyes.

Sighing, I sit down on the chair next to the bed before taking the spoon away from him. "I just finished cooking it, if you hadn't noticed from the immense amount of steam from the food." I admonish, taking another spoonful and blowing on it.

Pouting to himself, Jack just crosses his arms while struggling to chew on the porridge.

Taking his silences as him conceding, I make sure that it's cool enough before holding the spoon up to his mouth. "Ah."

Opening his mouth, Jack eats it and gives me a smile while chewing. "It's delicious, Aster." He compliments, reaching over and kissing me lightly on the cheek.

Taking advantage of this, I lean over and kiss him gently on the lips, missing the feel of his soft lips for the last couple of days. Pulling back, I give him a grin, one that's no doubt goofy, before licking my lips.

"Delicious." I mutter, smirking at the blushing face of my beautiful Snow Angel.

"Idiot..." He pouts, but not really meaning it by the way he smiles slightly to himself. "You can't tempt me like this when I'm sick. It's not fair." He whines softly.

"Hmm..." Leaning over, I whisper in his ear quietly. "That's just more incentive for you to get better. And to not get sick all the time."

Blushing once more, Jack looks over at me, his eyes hooded slightly. "So...If I were to get better quickly..."

"Then I would reward you with whatever you want..." I finish, enjoying the look of interest on his face.

"Well then...." He starts before giving me an adorable smile, "I'm counting on you!"

Laughing at his sudden change in attitudes, I peck his lips one more time. "Even if you got sick everyday for the rest of your life, I would still be by your side." Leaning over, I rest our foreheads together, our breaths mingling together as we gaze into each other's eyes.

"Cause you mean too much to me for me to let go."

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Oatmeal Recipe:Ingredients (serves 1)

1 cup milk of choice, or water

1/2 cup regular rolled oats

1-2 tbsp peanut butter

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 tsp cinnamon

pinch of salt

Assortment of fruits/toppings

Instructions

Bring milk (I use an 1/2 c original almond milk and 1/2 c water) to a boil, add oats, and reduce heat to medium.

Once more of the liquid has absorbed, add cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt.

Stir in peanut butter (or swap in your favorite nut butter!).

Add in any mix-ins you have on hand, such as raisins, chocolate chips, or your favorite nut.

When you're satisfied with the consistency of the oatmeal, transfer to a bowl. Serve with another splash of your milk of choice and any additional toppings (shredded coconut, banana, jelly, nuts, etc.).