Asher went through a few different moods lately.
Either he was extremely grumpy and annoyed, so hopped up on drugs that he couldn't wipe the goofy smile from his face, or just very apologetic about everything he did.
Cailen thought he was the most clear-headed when he was apologetic and was kind of thankful he got to talk to Asher like this tonight.
"There's nothing to be sorry for, Ash," Cailen told him, stroking his thumb along Asher's knuckles.
"Yes there is," Asher said, his voice sounding a bit off, a little shaky. "I- I shouldn't have gone. The..." Asher said, trailing off, and his brow furrowing in concentration.
Cailen waited patiently, wanting to tell him that it was okay now that he was pausing but he knew if he did, it'd only upset Asher more because he hadn't meant to pause.
He was trying to think of a word so Cailen didn't interrupt.
"Chief. The chief asked me to
"Okay, before we go in there, I want to talk to you," Cailentold Ezekiel, pulling on the boy's hand to get him to come to a stop.Ezekielturned and blinked up at him curiously, if not a little impatiently."Ash- Dad, is still a bit tired, love. He can get a bit... grumpy, okay? I don't want you to think it has anything to do with you. It's all the medication he's taking. He might be sleeping, or he might randomly fall asleep, but I don't want you to think it had anything to do with you. He asked to see you, alright? He wants to see you, no matter how grumpy or tired he may seem," Cailenexplained softly, running his fingers through Ezekiel's now short hair.Cailenmissed the longer hair and how it was easier to play with but the shorter hair did look better on him, not so messy."Okay, should I still give him my picture?" Ezekielasked, sounding a bit worried that the picture might upset him."Of course, he'
The next few weeks sort of dragged on.It was the same routine nearly everyday-drop Ezekieloff at school, go to work, and visit Asher.Then Cailenwould pick Ezekielup from school, bring him home to eat and finish his homework and then they'd go to the hospital together and visit Asher.Cailenoften had to work the second half of his shift so either Noahor Williamwould come by the hospital and sit in Asher's room with Ezekieljust in case Asherfell asleep or got cranky.He was actually doing better with that, learning to just shut up when he got irritated, but he was getting more easily irritated everyday.Cailenassumed it had to do with Physio and how it wasn't going as fast as Asherhad liked it to-it never did.Cailendidn't know why patients never listened when they told them that Physio was not magic, that it would take a lot of time and hard work bef
"Come on, get up," Caileninstructed as he walked into Asher's room, seeing that he was awake and staring at the ceiling.Cailenwalked over to his bed and threw back the covers, not having to worry about any wires because Asherdidn't need any of those anymore, thankfully.His lungs were, although not the greatest, good enough to manage on their own as long as he didn't decide to go for a jog... or even a brisk walk, and he was taken off morphine and put on pills to kill the pain in his hip and arm."What are you doing?" Asherasked, obviously confused.He wasn't supposed to go anywhere unsupervised but Cailenfigured since he was a nurse, he technically had supervision.That's what he told himself anyway."We're going out," Cailensaid, holding out his hand to his husband. "We are getting you out of here for a little bit, you're paler than pale," Cailenteased and reached for his right arm w
"Why are you here?" Aireneasked curiously, stepping away from her mother with a curious expression on her face.Cailenwas a little lost as to how the two children knew each other, it's not like they were old enough to have personal lives outside of their parents.Thankfully, he wasn't the only one that looked a little lost.Luciaand Ivanlooked a bit confused as they regarded their daughter, and Asherwas giving Cailena questioning look as if to ask if he knew anything.Cailenonly shook his head as subtly as he could as Ezekielshrugged his shoulder, looking to his feet shyly."Mom, he’s in my class," Airenesaid, glancing back at her mother, but immediately turning back to Ezekiel."Oh, what a small world," Luciacommented politely, smiling at Cailen. "Airene, sweetie, I'm assuming these are Ezekiel’s parents," Luciaexplained softly since Ezekiel&nb
"Alright, you should know," Cailensaid as he walked- yes,walked-Asherup to the door of their flat.Asherwas walking now, with the help of a cane, and at about a quarter of the speed of a normal person, but he was walking so Cailenwas thankful.There was a while there where Cailenknew Asherfigured he would never walk again and was ready to just give up, but he pushed through it and now he was able to come home with the promise of coming back to the hospital twice a week for Physio.It was the first time Asherwould be home since the accident. He had been discharged this morning but had to wait because Cailenstill had to finish his shift before he could take him home."That the second you get in there, you will have a face full of slobber," Cailenwarned him, referring to the dog waiting inside.Loki has been miserable the past few weeks without Asher, not even Ezekiel 
The next little while was just as hectic as it was in the hospital, even with Cailen'stime off.There was so much to deal with, and because Asherwas injured, it was all left up to Cailen, though he could tell Asherfelt bad about that.If Cailenwasn't getting Ezekielready or taking him to school, he was waiting on Asher, changing his bandages, and making sure he took his medication.If he wasn't doing that, he was cleaning the flat, going grocery shopping and taking Loki on walks.And when he wasn't doing that, he was taking care of the legal aspect of Asher's accident.It was pretty straightforward, he got injured on the job and wasn't able to work, and with his leg the way it was now, he wouldn't be able to return as a firefighter because the risk was too great.Asherwas getting compensated at the moment, getting regular cheques as if he were still working, and he would be getting them until
Cailenwas mildly concerned when he dropped Ezekieloff at school one day, watching as the boy walked away but was approached by a familiar little red headed girl.Cailendidn't immediately freak out. He stayed calm and just watched from his car, ready to intervene if needed.Cailenhad spoken to Ezekiel's teacher like he had said he would and she agreed to keep an eye on the children.She also said she would speak to Aireneprivately and hopefully explain to her about bullying and teasing.Cailenhad been given daily updates when he picked Ezekielup from school and she's told him that she hasn't seen anything alarming, but that didn't mean it stopped for good so Cailenkept a close eye on the two children.Ezekielslowed his pace, obviously a little hesitant towards the little girl and Cailencouldn't help but feel a little angry at that.He didn't like anyone making Ezekiel&n
Cailensmiled at the commotion, turning to see Ashersmiling as well before he too was turning to meet Cailen'seyes.Asher's smile grew as he reached over, grabbing Cailenby the waist and pulling him in close to give him a kiss.Cailen restedhis hand on Asher's arm near his shoulder so as not to hurt him in anywayas he tip his toes to reach his husband.Cailenhad been expecting a simple peck on the lips, something small and quick before they could be interrupted by anyone but Asherkept his hold on Cailen'swaist and kept him close, almost lifting him up against his bodyas he slowly worked his lips against Cailen's.Cailendidn't pull away, he let Asherkiss him, returning the kiss as soon as he realized Asherhad wanted more than just a quick peck.Cailenslid his hand up behind Asher's neck, deepening the kiss and sort of getting caught up in it.He k