Playing Doctor [B'jin]

R’nd had never been one to pay much attention to ailments circling amongst the human population. Like everyone else, if a dragon coughed, he was worried and expected the worst. When a kid coughed, it didn’t really register but children rarely did with the flighty bluerider. It was only in recent turns that he had become an acknowledged father and spent time with B’jin’s kids as well that it started to be something he noticed and even worried about. He cared about Amorandii and loved his son so when Benden started with a cough, it had made for an extremely panicked father.

Volfetti had assured him it wasn’t anything to worry over and it would pass soon enough. It was going around the crèche thanks to the change in the weather but they had a healthy son and she would take good care of him. In other words, R’nd’s worrying was annoying and not needed and he was shooed away. That evening had seen R’nd sulking at B’jin about being a useless father but Amorandii saved the day by saying he was a wonderful uncle and gave him one of her patented little girl sloppy kisses.

Three days later and while Benden was indeed fine and back to playing without a care, R’nd was lying in bed, wishing for a swift death. He was stuffed up but his nose still wanted to run away on him. A cough hit him randomly but it hit hard and made him feel like he would be sick from the strain of it and he was utterly drained. He swore he had slept properly through the night but it didn’t feel like it. Moving seemed like a horrible idea and filled with too much effort so he stayed in bed. Ayyonth was told to pass along his apologies to everyone he was supposed to meet or assist that day and promptly fell back asleep.

B’jin had been up since before the sun, bleary eyed and miserable after being up all night tending to Amorandii. The little girl had decided to take the cold to a whole new level, and her fever hadn’t broken until after B’jin had been fretting over her all night, with wash cloths and little cups of water. He could have taken her to Talian, granted, but it was only a cold and B’jin had mastered getting his children through those many turns ago. It was no less stressing, just not something to bother Talian about unnecessarily.

With the little girl tucked up in bed once more, curled up around a stuffed animal she had gotten at some point (B’jin had given up on keeping track of what they were, their names, and from whom they had come.) the greenrider finally felt he would be able to go and bathe and try and wake up. Indamor, left to make sure his sister would not suddenly fall back into an incurable fever, was instructed to call Talian if anything happened. The youngster looked less than impressed, but went about his given task with his usual seriousness.

B’jin escaped into the cool morning air and fled for the bathing house, where warm water and the relaxing scent of lavender were just about worshiped by the greenrider before he pulled himself reluctantly from the pool and went about dressing for the day. It was about then that he received word of R’nd’s lack of health and the greenrider froze. A tremor of terror crept down the man’s spine; clearly his blueriding lover was sick because of him (well, more specifically, Amorandii) and B’jin trembled at the sudden fear of how R’nd would respond to that. He was going to be in so much trouble!

Wide eyed and trembling, B’jin finished dressing and began searching through the community cabinets. Dropping a small glass vial of lavender oil that smashed at his feet, B’jin cursed his trembling hands and paused to take a deep breath. The thick cloud of lavender helped to relax the poor man, who breathed out slowly and went back to what he was doing, not noticing Larrikith and the way she was lurking on the edge of his mind, her emotions ranging from amused to irritated to irked. She hated the way B’jin would fall back into old habits, even when he knew – and he did – that R’nd was not like N’mall.

When his hands were full of a careful selection of jars, B’jin left the bathing house and trotted towards R’nd’s, getting Larrikith to update Indamor on the turn of events. He could feel the conversation take a lot longer than he’d expected, but didn’t bother to investigate; Indamor wasn’t the complaining type, but B’jin figured it wouldn’t be likely even his son would enjoy being dumped to play babysitter of his baby sister. It didn’t occur to the greenrider that the twelve year old boy was standing in the doorway of his sister’s room, arms crossed and lips pursed as he stared in the direction of R’nd’s hut, daring the bluerider to be as terrible as N’mall had been to B’jin.

B’jin arrived at R’nd’s hut only slightly out of breath – apparently running around after Weyrlings was good for his fitness – and gently let himself inside with barely a glance at Ayyonth as Larrikith fluttered down from the sky to land beside her mate with a croon of greeting. Closing the door behind himself, B’jin made his way to the kitchen and started poking around, lighting the fire and filling the kettle pot with water and setting it up to boil. Klah didn’t seem like a good idea, but a warm drink with honey in it would be good for his poor lover’s throat. Leaving that to heat, B’jin made his way to R’nd’s room, only pausing for a tiny moment before taking a deep breath and entering the room.

It was dark, and B’jin left it that way with a quick glance to make sure no light would be peeping in any time soon through curtains or gaps. Content with that, the greenrider quietly made his way to the bed, moving up the side R’nd was mostly sprawled on, and gently placed his little stock pile on the bedside table, shifting the glow lid just barely so he could see without blinding his friend when he opened his eyes. With all of that done, B’jin sat lightly on the edge of the bed, and gently ran a hand down R’nd’s back, watching him with barely visible worry as he waited for a reaction.

R’nd didn’t stir when B’jin entered the room and set down his stock nor did he wake when the man sat on the edge of the bed. It was when B’jin’s gentle touch was felt that R’nd was pulled from his uncomfortable rest. He couldn’t call it sleep since he had been coming in and out of consciousness since alerting Ayyonth to his current state. A nice deep sleep was craved since it was believed he wouldn’t cough then, or at least he wouldn’t feel it if he did. His throat was already starting to hurt and swallowing wasn’t any fun. That thought almost made the bluerider laugh as he thought of several friends that would have quickly pointed out that swallowing was always fun while other friends would bluntly point out he should spit.

Too bad laughing required more energy than he had, especially since everything he had was going into opening his eyes and attempting a smile when B’jin was seen. A frown was quick to follow as R’nd managed a whispered, “you shouldn’t be here. I don’t want to get you sick.” It came out far too much like a whine for his liking but R’nd was just thankful he still had a voice and didn’t cry from the pain of talking. No matter what, R’nd’s number one concern always came down to the well-being of his friends.

There was a touch of self-pity in that claim B’jin shouldn’t have been there since R’nd didn’t want his friend to see him so weak and pathetic. He wanted to hide away as best as he could, like he had done when he was punched by N’gelt and then again when S’kef had worked him over. Both times had been painful, embarrassing, and marred his appearance that R’nd was rather proud of; he could only imagine how he looked right then with sweat-dampened hair, a runny nose, and skin that didn’t know if it was paling or flushing.

Still, he was glad to see B’jin and a hand slowly slid along the mattress until it made contact with the greenrider. R’nd didn’t care where, so long as he had some sort of physical connection with B’jin. “But… please stay.” He didn’t want to be alone despite his worry over B’jin getting sick. It didn’t matter that he had so far weathered the germs of his children and everyone he taught. R’nd was convinced he’d be the one to make his lover fall ill and then he’d have to look Talian in the eye and admit he had failed in keeping B’jin safe and healthy. That thought was terrifying! So was seeing B’jin in any sort of distress and pain again but he was also tough and would come out as wonderfully as he always did. Like a, well, he didn’t know what. Thinking was hard and was making him dizzy. R’nd gave up on keeping a steady train of thought and focused on B’jin’s face. Such a gorgeous face. He wanted to kiss it but it was so far away!

B’jin smiled gently at R’nd as his lover stirred and peered up at him, amusement coming on a little stronger at the mumbled words, the greenrider rolling his eyes just slightly as he leaned down to place a light kiss on R’nd’s forehead. “I won’t get sick, love,” B’jin promised. He did not really believe he would; he was fairly healthy, albeit unfit, and he’d already nursed Amorandii through the worse of it so if he was going to be sick, it was the greenrider’s belief he’d already be sick and miserable. He did not even have a runny nose or a tickle in his throat, so he figured he would be lucky and miss this one. He would probably pay for it twofold next time, though!

“I’m not going anywhere,” another promise, this one spoken with just as much conviction as the previous as the greenrider shifted slightly so he was a little more comfortable. His hand continued to run gently down R’nd’s back as he watched his poor bluerider lie so miserably in his bed. “Amorandii’s fever broke this morning,” he doubted R’nd even knew the girl had been that sick, but B’jin was simply talking, filling the silence of the room with the low murmur of his voice. As he spoke, he shifted again, leaning over to pick up several items he had placed on the bedside table, before climbing over R’nd to the other side of the bed, managing not to jostle his lover too much, or kick him in the process.

“Indamor is keeping an eye on her for me. I brought some stuff over to help you feel better. Um, no not that one.” He put one on the bed, frowned at another, before placing it carefully well away from himself, and then wriggled the third slightly in display. “This one will help you breathe better.” He smiled slightly, a slightly mischievous air lingering about him. “I raided Talian’s cabinets yesterday; he has a lot of interesting things in them, you know.” Cracking the wax seal off the little jar, B’jin’s nose crinkled slightly at the fragrant smell. It was not so much from distaste for the scent, but rather a lack of preparation for the power of it.

B’jin dipped a finger into the waxy contents, and scooped up a dollop. “It takes a little getting used to, but it’s really good. You put it here –” and B’jin demonstrated by smearing the stuff across the back of R’nd’s neck, before dipping his hand under his shirt and down his back. He rubbed it in gently, before extracting his hand and letting the shirt stick as it would. “And on your chest, but we can do that later. And if you put some on a cloth on your pillow, it helps too.” B’jin flashed a bright smile before recapping the jar and putting it aside. He wiped his hand on his thigh, leaving oil stains on his pants.

“I also brought some lavender oil,” he held up a tiny jar and smiled slightly. “If you put some here,” he touched his own temples lightly, “it will help with any headaches.” Putting that little jar back down in his lap, B’jin leaned over and picked up the last of the ones he had brought with him. “If you want it, I also brought numbweed,” he explained lightly, tone belying his distaste for the stuff. He didn’t tell R’nd that if he used it, he’d need to be leaving; he didn’t want his lover to ask questions but nor did he want him to not use it, if he hurt so much he needed it!


ooc; If Pern didn't have eucalypt trees, it does now xD

R’nd pouted and looked distraught for a moment at hearing Amorandii had been so sick. Clearly he had given the virus to her! It took several seconds before a timeline was properly constructed and the bluerider realised that if he had given the virus to the sweet girl, then he would be recovering before her. He wasn’t to blame! That was minor relief and R’nd let go of the fear that he was about to be blamed as he curiously watched B’jin until the man started crawling over him. It was hard to say if he actually was about to be punished or gifted a massage. Further relief came as B’jin settled in beside him and the news that Amorandii was recovering regardless of whose fault it was she was sick to begin with processed.

He shifted a little so he could see his lover better and eyed the collection of jars, especially the one that B’jin cracked open. It had a strong scent to it if it was making its way through his stuffy nose already but when B’jin started to apply it, R’nd was hit by a minor coughing fit that ended with the bluerider trying to suffocate himself by lying face down in his pillow. A few shallow breaths were taken before R’nd was turning his head again to look up at B’jin. “I guess it does take some getting used to. That stuff is strong!” At least, that was what he wanted to say. To R’nd’s ears, it sounded a bit garbled and very unlike him. He had been taught to speak clearly and to always be heard and understood. This cold was so cruel to him!

“Numbweed?” a lazy smile pulled at his lips as R’nd thought about the blessed relief the salve would give him if it was applied everywhere. All he would need then was fellis and he could sleep through the entire experience of being sick! It was turning into a brilliant plan until brows furrowed together in deep thought as his gaze drifted between B’jin and the jar he held. It had never officially been stated and R’nd had learned long ago that asking certain questions either scared B’jin or left the man shutting down on him so numbweed had never been discussed. R’nd was observant though. He saw how B’jin always seemed to keep his distance when the salve or plant was in the area and even now there seemed to be reluctance surrounding the greenrider. It didn’t make sense to R’nd that something that was supposed to help could actually hurt someone but that was the only conclusion he had ever been able to come to. Then again, he also found allergies to chocolate to be mind-blowing so anything was possible.

“Nah, love; I don’t need it.” He needed B’jin and if it did come down to a choice between the dulling of physical pain and the dulling of loneliness, then B’jin would be chosen every time.

Carefully and rather slowly, R’nd managed to turn himself around so he was lying on his back. He didn’t care about the sheets and clothing sticking to the smelly substance B’jin had smeared over his back, he wanted to properly see his friend and he liked the idea of the lavender. “What’s this about lavender and headaches?” He smiled, hoping B’jin would continue to pamper him with massaging the oil on his temples. He did ache all over but the throbbing caused from a simple headache aggravated from coughing was by far the worst. Although the sore throat was a close second.

B’jin giggled softly at R’nd’s garbled attempt at speaking after the coughing fit. He shouldn’t find it funny – his poor lover was being tortured by an illness – but, well, it was funny seeing his gorgeous, well-spoken lover reduced to something that sounded like a toddler’s attempt at speaking. Smiling gently, B’jin leaned forward to place a light kiss on R’nd’s forehead before settling back again.

Luckily for both men, B’jin missed the correlation between R’nd’s lazy smile and the mentioning of numbweed – he was far too busy fighting to open the little jar with the lavender oil in it, his greasy fingers slipping with annoying regularity before any real grip could be achieved. The greenrider gave a great huff, expression rather sour as he used his shirt to assist him, peeking up at R’nd when the sick bluerider spoke. B’jin paused for a moment, studying R’nd’s face with quiet intensity (and a somewhat grumpy expression, but the fault of that lay with the jar of lavender oil) before nodding slightly.

“Okay,” he probably didn’t sound completely convinced, but B’jin let it rest as he started fighting with the jar of lavender again as R’nd rearranged himself. The quiet question caused B’jin to lift his head once more, managing to get the lid off the jar, though he also managed to fumble with it and lose it in the realms of blanket surrounding him. The greenrider ignored that after a dirty glance in the direction it had probably fallen, before looking up at R’nd with a bright grin.

“Lavender is the best!” If his lover hadn’t figured out that was B’jin’s opinion on the stuff until that moment, he probably hadn’t paid enough attention to him. Usually, B’jin was covered in the stuff. Larrikith’s oil, his own soap sand, oils, the fact that his entire hut had been surrounded by the stuff, and that those bushes had been transported to lining the window of the room he used in the Weyrling Barracks. There were usually bushels of it hanging from a corner of the roof drying. Lavender was the greenrider’s best friend, and its healing properties were of particular use to the man, considering his allergy to Numbweed.

Shifting carefully, B’jin tipped the jar just slightly so several drops of particularly pure oil dripped onto his pointer finger. Leaning over R’nd, B’jin set the little jar carefully on the bedside table so as that it wouldn’t spill, before rubbing his hands together to both spread and warm up the oil. “It smells good,” B’jin promised, completely oblivious to the fact that if R’nd couldn’t stomach the scent of lavender, he probably would have gone out of his way to avoid the greenrider, rather than sleep with him so regularly. “It’s soothing,” he brushed his thumbs lightly over R’nd’s forehead and down to his temples. “And it is calming.” Which said a lot about the greendier and his dragon; if they were forever soaked in lavender, how much personality would they display if they ever went without it?

Going quiet, B’jin gently massaged the oil into his poor, sick, lover’s forehead and temples, watching the bluerider’s face with mild amusement.

R’nd wanted to protest all the kisses and how close B’jin was to him. He wanted to say to run away and save himself from the horrible virus that nailed him. He needed B’jin to stay though. R’nd didn’t get sick often and he was discovering how much of a baby he could be when he was taken out and needed the comfort his lover provided. Any further words of discouragement were forgotten as the bluerider stared at B’jin with the glossy eyes of someone who was sick or simply basking in the presence of the one they admired.

A weak smile was given in answer to B’jin’s excitement over getting to discuss lavender. R’nd knew the basics but more importantly, he knew it was the greenrider’s favourite scent. It was part of the calming effect being near B’jin brought on but it was simply B’jin. His lover’s voice was nice, though, and R’nd wanted to hear the man speak about anything and everything. Really, he wanted B’jin in every way possible and wanted to steal all the time he could without actually asking for it. Perhaps it was a bit sneaky but R’nd maintained he couldn’t speak clearly to ask anyway so this would have to do.

He nodded at the claim that the oil smelled good. He knew it did; it was just a shame he couldn’t smell it right then. Perhaps if the bottle was right under his nose he’d be able to get a little hint of it but R’nd wasn’t putting that much faith in his nose right then. A soft moan managed to rumble at B’jin’s gentle touch but when the real massage came to rub the oil in, R’nd leaned into a palm, wanting all the contact he could get from B’jin. Calming. Something definitely was and R’nd let his eyes flutter shut as he enjoyed the moment as best as he could. Anything to keep his mind from dwelling on his current state or even how the oil B’jin and Larrikith seemed eternally doused in would keep their personalities muted in some way.

It wouldn’t have mattered though; R’nd had been unknowingly smitten with the greenrider since they met half a lifetime ago. B’jin was the perfect example of a perfect dragonrider to a teenage boy who wanted nothing more than to Impress as well. It didn’t hurt that R’nd thought B’jin was gorgeous then and now either. If the green pair hadn’t discovered lavender and its wonderful advantages, R’nd likely still would have found something worth admiring and eventually loving in B’jin despite the eccentric antics that would likely spring up and how R’nd would panic daily over upsetting the man in some way.

“Tell me more. Anything.” Grey eyes slid back open to look up at B’jin and another weak smile was given. R’nd felt drained but didn’t want to sleep since he’d already done a lot of that already. He wanted to hear more of that smooth voice and have company. “Please?”

Bjin smiled, the expression gentle and loving, but further containing the most delicate air of mischief as the greenrider lowered his hands from R’nd’s temples and studied the poor (clearly dying) bluerider with obvious affection. “Talk, love?” the question was clearly rhetorical and it carried the whisper of mischievous amusement that could be seen in warm brown eyes as he leaned down, and kissed R’nd first on the lips, and then on the bridge of his nose, between his eyes. The tip of his lover’s nose, which he would normally have kissed, was much too dangerous a location for his tender stomach at that particular time!

“My dear R’nd,” the name was purred out; the vowelless collection of letters was full of promises B’jin would deliver upon when his lover was not bogged down and feeling miserable. “Talk is for those who cannot sing,” there was some teasing behind the words; B’jin could sing, but he was no master of words. R’nd could talk, but B’jin was less inclined to mark the bluerider quite as highly for his singing ability. At least he could carry a tune, though, which was more than B’jin could say for many Katilans!

Kissing R’nd lightly again, B’jin set about putting all the little jars and vials back on the bedside table, clearing the bed itself. When he had finished, B’jin climbed off the bed and wandered around the room, exchanging the clothes he had been wearing for a pair of soft and well-worn pants he slept in. Said article of clothing had been calling R’nd’s hut their home for quite some time, even if they were usually kept under a random pillow (which was technically also B’jin’s) rather than claiming a spot with R’nd’s clothing. What he had been wearing was kicked into a pile by the door.

Making his way back to the bed, B’jin climbed back in and made himself comfortable right in the middle of it, with very little apparent care for how he was presently pushing R’nd out of the way a bit. When he had himself comfortably situated (which had also included stealing all the pillows to pile up behind himself so he could lean back against the bedhead) B’jin slipped his arms under R’nd’s upper arms, and hauled his lover without any real warning into his lap. A low grunt, and a grimace when he jostled the other man a bit more than he meant to, were the only indication B’jin gave that the motion had not been completely effortless.

“Stronger than I look,” he purred, tone whispery and low, into R’nd’s ear as he wriggled to get more comfortable with the bulk of the bluerider situated between his legs and resting against his bare chest. B’jin wrapped his arms low around R’nd and gave a gentle squeeze as he kissed the man on his lavender coated temple. One hand shifted to brush down some of R’nd’s rather uncommonly mussed up hair out of B’jin’s nose, and he rested a cheek on top of R’nd’s head as he took a soft breath in, and began to sing lowly. The song of choice was an old love song, probably giving away more of B’jin’s age than he meant to, but it was soft and gentle and had a happy ending.