Broken wings

Chapter 21

Weeks later things are starting to get back to normal. As normal as can be with a crucial piece missing. I've been taking over Patton's job most of the time along with Janet who's surprisingly helpful. Thomas is now officially part of the Royal family and Roman's parents are on their way to look at him. I used to go home a lot the first few days, but lately Thomas has been sick and I've been by his side most hours of the day and night. Illness is more complicated than a wound to heal. It's not just one single piece of ripped skin, it's a virus attacking the little boy's entire body.
"Is he sleeping?" Roman whispers when he walks inside. He decided to put Thomas's crib in his room instead of Yenny's. When he's a little older he'll move to his own room. I nod with my eyes still closed. Thomas in my arms as I concentrate on lowering his fever and getting rid of the virus in general. I hear Roman step closer and I can feel his prickly worry.
"You think he needs a real doctor?" He whispers. I blink my eyes open and look right into his unsure green irises. I shake my head.
"He's going to be fine. He's already better than yesterday." I reassure him. He lets out a shaky breath and nods as if he's trying to convince himself.
"Reports say my parents are in the city. They'll probably arrive tomorrow already. I hope we're ready." He sighs. I hum. Not really convinced I'm going to care much for his parents. He had to organize an entire ball just because they decided to visit their son and grandson. Things have to be strict and perfect and no one is allowed to talk to them unless they tell you too.
"I'm not going to bow." I let him know in advance. He smirks a little nervous. He already knew I'd say that.
"I was thinking it might be best if you just don't come in contact with them at all." He replies.
"Works for me." I shrug careful not to wake up Thomas.
"You do kind of still have to go to the ball, though." He looks apologetic. I squint my eyes.
"Why?" I ask annoyed.
"Because dad doesn't trust it if not everyone is there. He's a rather paranoid man." He explains. I don't see how that's my problem. I sigh and carefully put Thomas down in the crib. One of Roman's armchairs is pulled beside it so I can still rest my hand on his little already darkening hair while sitting. Thomas stirs in his sleep and I sit down to calm him down again. He's a fighter. Even without my help he'd make it. I figured I'd just go home for the time being of the ball. Or perhaps even most of the time his parents are here.
"I'll just stay with Thomas during the ball." I tell Roman my new plan to get from underneath it.
"Thomas will be there too." He replies.
"He's a baby." I quirk an eyebrow.
"I had to go to every ball as well. Didn't matter if I was sick or tired." He recalls. I roll my eyes.
"That's stupid." I accuse before looking back at Thomas. Who would force a sick and tired young boy to attend something as insignificant as a bunch of rich people bragging about how much money they have?
"We can both agree on that, but it won't change anything. I already laid out some clothes for you." He reacts.
"Not again." I let out a deep sigh when I look back up at him. He steps closer with an amused little smirk.
"You can survive wearing human clothes for a couple of days." He speaks up. Don't be so sure of that. I think bitter to myself as I gently let go of Thomas's head again.
"Maybe I should just rethink my decision and stay home after all." I comment dry. He stays quiet and I look up to see he's looking at his own feet.
"I-I wouldn't blame you if that's what you really want." He whispers with a hurt voice. I frown and grab his wrist to pull him closer. He flicks his eyes startled up at me.
"It's not." I tell him truthfully. I'm happy where I am. Able to go home and see my brothers and sisters whenever I want while also staying with him. I act all grumpy and annoyed by all the humans and their customs, but I gladly take it if it means I get to stay by his side. A relieved crooked smile appears back on his face and he leans down to kiss me. I crane my neck to meet his lips. He hesitantly sits down on my lap so we're more at the same height. I wrap one arm around his hips and place my hand on his upper leg to keep him from falling off. Hes's mostly okay with being touched, but from time to time his trauma comes up again and I have to let him completely go in a moment I want to hold him even closer to console him.
He rests his hands in my neck and licks my bottom lip so I'd part them. We deepen the kiss and I can feel him tug at the hair on the back of my head. I'm fairly sure it's an unconscious thing, but I like it nonetheless. He pulls back then to catch his breath. I smirk as our eyes stare at each other for a moment.
"You are the most beautiful person I've ever laid my eyes on." I speak up softly. My heart doing a somersault when he blushes adorably. He tries to hide it by resting his head on my shoulder. I hold back my amused chuckle to not wake up Thomas and peck his forehead. Noticing the big happy grin on his face. We usually don't show too much affection with the others near. Apparently humans aren't too fond of the idea people can fall in love with the same sex. Quite ridiculous if you ask me, but I don't want to make him feel uncomfortable. Besides none of them have any business being part of our relationship. At home some people are confused I'd voluntarily stay with a human, but they respect my decisions because that's exactly what it is. My decision. Not theirs, not anyone's. Roman lets out a sigh then.
"I should get back to making sure everything is ready for tomorrow." He announces as he tilts his head off my shoulder. I smirk softly at how reluctant he is of letting go. I peck his lips and pull back my arm so he can leave. He stands up and looks at Thomas for another moment before turning back to me.
"The clothes are on your bed." He tells me. I scrunch up my nose and he tilts his head pleading.
"Yeah, yeah, don't worry. I'll wear your ridiculous clothes." I reassure him. He smiles big before nodding and leaving the room again to do who knows what. I look back down at Thomas.
"You better get well soon, because you're going to need all your strength for this weird life." I tell him softly. Resting my hand on his forehead again to slowly heal him. He's already a lot better than a few days ago when he refused to eat and he puked a lot. Now it's mainly a slight fever.