Work Text:
“I’m going home- feel like shit,” Levi texted Hange at 11am. He had only been at the office for a few hours but he could not shake the feeling of not wanting to be there at all. He wasn’t sure if he just woke up in a bad mood, thereby making him feel tired, or if his body truly was starting to ache.
“Oh no! Is it bad? Need me to come home?” Hange texted back after a minute.
“No, I think I’m just tired. Getting some groceries first,” Levi replied.
If he was going home early he’d make use of this time. He stopped off at the grocery store, enjoying the peaceful weekday afternoon when it wasn’t busy. He stocked up on whatever vegetables were on sale, eggs, milk, some citrus, honey, and extra tea, just in case he was about to be housebound. With his bags packed, Levi headed back to his car.
After a short ride, Levi pulled into the driveway of the small bungalow home he now shared with Hange. They had met a few years prior at a bookstore. Levi had been peacefully reading an obscure novel in a chair tucked away in a corner, when someone wearing a big purple coat, carrying a stack of books, had almost tripped over Levi’s polished leather loafers. He pulled his foot away in time but the books still came toppling over him. Hange apologised profusely and when they noticed the novel he was reading, proceeded to give him an unauthorized biography of the writer like it was part of the apology. Levi offered to buy them a tea from the adjoining café, thinking it would get him out of the interaction, but instead they ended up talking for hours, he found himself not wanting to leave, and the rest was history.
It had only been a few months living together in their new home but so far their lives had melded together well. If Levi did get sick though, this would break his record of 3 years not getting sick. And he’d never been sick around Hange.
Once home, Levi put away the groceries and got changed into his comfortable sweatpants and sweater. He might as well make use of his sick days from work. Usually he watched whatever Hange wanted to on TV, but since they weren’t there, he randomly picked a cooking competition show and tried to get into it. Not too long after, Levi passed out on the L-shaped couch. He woke up to his phone ringing next to him and reached to answer.
“Hey Levi, I’m on my lunch break - are you okay?” It was Hange.
“Mmm… ya, I just had a nap on the couch. I didn’t sleep well I think.”
“Ooookay… you sure? Any other symptoms?”
“Um… I don’t know, I think I’m just thirsty,” Levi thought his throat was maybe a little sore but held back that information in case it wasn’t true.
“Okay, well, should I pick up anything for dinner?”
“No, I got some stuff before coming home. Thanks, though.”
“Hey I thought you didn’t feel well! Okay I’ll see you when I’m home then, text me if you change your mind, love you!”
“You too, see you soon, Hange, and drive safe” he said warmly.
Now that he was awake, Levi sprung into action. Yes, perhaps he had a sore throat now, but it’s fine. He pulled out his giant stock pot and the chicken and vegetables he had bought and got to work on a chicken soup. He made himself tea with honey and lemon and took some pain meds. He would fight this cold and it would be fine. Once the stock was simmering and the kitchen cleaned up, he figured he would use the time to make oatmeal cookies in case he or Hange craved something sweet. Then it was 4pm and there was dinner to think about. The chicken soup would last them the next few days so Levi got started on an asparagus risotto they could have for dinner. The risotto required him to be on his feet stirring the pot constantly. He did feel a little tired. Maybe he should sit down. But not now when the rice could burn, he thought, so he pushed through the pain.
The risotto was done a little after 5 and Levi finally sat back down on the couch. Hange would be home soon and the rice would just need to be heated up again. His body was aching and his throat felt raw, despite the honey he had swallowed before. Was it really just about sleep? He made an echinacea tea this time and sat down to watch the cooking show.
20 minutes later he heard Hange’s keys jingling and the door unlocking.
“Hi, I’m home! Oh it smells delicious in here, Levi!” Hange sniffed the air and started unwinding their scarf. Usually Levi would get up and go greet them, but his legs betrayed him this time.
“Hey,” he croaked from the couch and slowly started to get up. “I made risotto for dinner.”
“Levi! Oh – you don’t look good, come here!” Hange crossed the kitchen to grab Levi’s cheeks. “You're pale! And you’re warm! Go sit down–”
“I will – just – are you hungry? I can heat up the risotto,” Levi moved to check the pot. He wasn’t very hungry but he guessed he should eat.
“Okay, I’ll get the bowls, but then you really have to rest, Levi,” Hange said sternly.
They took their bowls to eat at the table as Hange first praised the food and then tried to discern Levi’s symptoms. It seemed like a cold really was coming on. Hange polished off the risotto pretty quickly and then got up to pour a glass of wine.
“You’re not eating,” Hange noted.
“I’m not very hungry. But I am feeling kind of cold, maybe I’ll just take a shower to warm up. Want to watch TV after?” Levi got up and put his plate in the sink as Hange looked on.
“Okay, I’ll do the dishes and put on that series we started last night,” Hange replied but couldn’t help but think that Levi was holding back.
Said series was a reality competition show of who could subsist the longest while alone in the wilderness. Hange loved it. Levi emerged out of the steamy bathroom in his plaid flannel PJs. Hange’s eyes widened at this – it was a code 4. The alarm bells they often heard at work went off in their head.
In the years they had been together, Hange had put together a code theory of Levi’s physical/emotional state based on which pyjamas he wore. It was ridiculous, but they couldn’t argue with a 99% success rate.
Codes 1-4 were as such:
Black or green matching set of pyjamas: Neutral Levi. Happy Levi. Proceed as normal.
Ratty t-shirt with pyjama pants: Levi is annoyed/has something to say. Inquire further.
No shirt, pyjama pants: Frisky business. Fun ensues.
Plaid flannel PJs: Something is physically very WRONG. Send assistance immediately.
Hange hasn’t told Levi of their theory. There is some research that should never be published. It might disclose the mysteries of the universe, or have Hange labelled as a renegade.
Levi came to join Hange on the large couch but sat right next to them.
“How was the shower?” Hange asked.
“Maybe it was too warm. I feel dizzy,” Levi said and leaned back.
It was only just a bit past 7pm, Hange noted. “Okay, better come here and rest then,” Hange said and pulled him down so his head was in their lap. Hange pet his head as they turned on the show again and saw Levi’s eyes close immediately. Levi didn’t bicker or complain with them once yet, Hange thought.
The tv show continued on as the contenders built boats and tried to hunt moose to combat their boredom and loneliness. Levi had long fallen asleep on Hange’s lap, and they were stroking his arm. Hange heard a weird noise coming from Levi’s mouth. Was he – grinding his teeth? Hange peered down at him. His teeth were chattering and he pulled his arms close to his chest and began shivering.
“Oh no, Levi, you have a fever,” Hange said quietly. They got up without disturbing him too much and looked down on him, rubbing his shoulder. “Come on, get up grumpy pants. You’re getting sick, let’s get you in bed.”
Levi pried an eye open. “No, I’m not.”
“You’re shivering, come on,” Hange said as they pulled him up and led them to their bedroom. Levi got in on his side of the bed.
“Hange, I might keep you up or get you sick. You should sleep in the other room,” Levi said as his head hit the pillow.
“Whatever you have I already have it too, Levi,” Hange said as they pulled the covers over him and close to his chin. “Stay up – I have to get something.” Hange padded to the bathroom and got an aspirin and glass of water for Levi. “Here, take this before you sleep.”
Levi took the glass of water. “I’ll be fine in the morning,” he said.
Hange raised an eyebrow. “Don’t pressure yourself,” they said. “I’ll come to bed soon, go to sleep and just call me if you need me, okay?”
“Okay,” Levi replied. Hange shut off the light and put on their owl-print PJs and left the door ajar slightly. It wasn’t yet 8pm and they weren’t tired, so they resumed the show in the living room, hoping that Levi would get a good enough rest. Finally around 10pm they felt tired and went to join Levi in bed. He was curled up on his side fast asleep, and he had pulled the covers over his ears.
The sight made Hange pull a sad frown. “Poor baby,” they whispered, and got under the covers with him, nuzzling in close to his back and putting their arm over him, holding his hand as they too fell asleep.
***
Hange woke up to their usual blaring alarm but their arms were empty. “Levi?” they called out. Hange flung off the covers from their side while Levi’s side was already neatly turned up. They padded to the living room and found Levi still sleeping, swaddled under a fleece blanket. His hair was plastered to his forehead and he looked like he’d been sweating for a while. Hange smoothed out his hair and moved to the kitchen determined. It was the first time since they were together that he’d been sick. Hange switched gears into protective-mode, and started on making oatmeal with fruit for them both, being careful not to burn it, and poured him a glass of water with ice and lemon.
When everything was ready, Hange brought it to the couch on a tray and set everything on the coffee table. Levi stirred at the sound and coughed.
“Hey, hey babe,” they cooed and stroked his arm. “Let’s get up and have some breakfast. You need to eat and drink lots now.”
Levi coughed again and opened his eyes. “Hange,” he croaked.
“Drink this,” Hange passed him the water.
Levi chugged the water looking parched and in pain. “You didn’t have to make breakfast, won’t you be late now?” he asked.
Hange looked down at their Pjs. “Let’s eat first, then I think we should do a Covid test. I don’t think everyone at the lab would want me coming in,” they smiled. It was all Hange could think of last night, that maybe Covid had finally come around to Levi.
“Thanks, this looks good,” Levi said as he tried to take a bite of oatmeal.
“Why’d you sleep here last night?” Hange asked. “Weren’t you uncomfortable?”
“I kept waking up and tossing and I was covered in sweat. I didn’t want to get you sick, too,” Levi said.
“I think it’s time you let me worry about you, Levi,” Hange said and eyed him.
Hange grabbed the tray when they finished and headed to the kitchen. “Want me to make you tea? I know how you do it,” Hange said.
“I can supervise,” Levi said as he slowly got up.
“Can you manage to sit for a bit?” Hange said when the tea was made.
Levi sat at the table while Hange washed their hands and went to fetch the at-home Covid tests.
Hange starting unpacking everything and putting the little tubes and solutions in their vials while Levi looked on.
“It’s like you’re at your home lab,” Levi muttered.
Hange chuckled. “Yup, you’re right, now come here and let me swab your nose.”
“Gross,” Levi replied, but let them do it anyway.
A few minutes later, the tests confirmed what Hange feared. “Levi, we both have it. But obviously I’m asymptomatic.”
Levi looked at Hange sadly. “I’m sorry.”
“Why are you saying sorry? It’s not your fault. It could have been me who brought it home.”
“For making you miss work. And because I’m useless now.”
“Levi, I’m not mad you’re sick. I’m worried. And I want to help. How are you feeling now?”
“My throat is burning. I can’t move anything. I think I should just sleep more.”
“Okay, let’s go,” Hange said as they put an arm around Levi and brought him and his tea back to bed.
“Before you sleep, finish this okay? You need lots of liquids right now. I’ll call your work and tell them you’re sick,” Hange said.
“Okay, I’m sorry,” Levi tried to say again but it came out as a whisper and he started coughing again.
Hange rubbed his back and helped him lie down. “Hey what did we say? You can’t be sorry for being sick.”
Hange watched as Levi lay back down with his eyebrows furrowed. Once he looked settled, Hange moved to perform some recovery.
They got Levi’s phone and their work laptop. Hange smiled at his background photo – a picture of Hange trying to eat a grumpy Levi’s face – and made the call to Levi’s boss and friend who they’d met several times before. It wasn’t hard at all — Erwin laughed and said Levi hadn’t taken a day off in over 5 years. He said to take all the time he needed to recover, and to not come back until he was negative for more than two days. And he told Hange to assure him that as the Chief Accountant, Levi’s team under him would handle everything just fine. Hange was glad Erwin knew what a stickler Levi was. Next, they made the call to their lab mates and handed over their supervisory duties to a nervous Moblit for now. Working in a medical lab, everyone took being sick very seriously and of course they assured Hange not to come in. Hange let them know that while asymptomatic, they had to be taking care of Levi, but they’d try to check their email now and then, and to call them if there were any problems.
Work taken care of, Hange went to check on Levi and change into some comfy clothes. They stole their favourite green hoodie from Levi and put it on – it was basically theirs now anyway, Hange remembered Levi saying. Levi was still in the same position, so they snuck out and went to the kitchen.
Hange opened the fridge and marvelled at what they saw – there wasn’t an inch of free space. There was a large pot of chicken soup, the leftover risotto, and two drawers full of fresh vegetables and fruit. Plus the fresh oatmeal cookies on the counter. It hurt Hange’s heart a bit to see. Did Levi not trust them to take care of him, that he had to go through these lengths and troubles to prepare like this? Hange knew they were opposites in most ways – Levi was always extremely self-sufficient, he loathed chaos and change, and he lived by schedules and routine. They were both independent but – Hange would gladly let a friend in when someone wanted to help. Hange liked working as a team, and thrived on interactions with others, unlike Levi. And they let Levi help them, countless times – there were times when Hange was sick or had had a bad day – and they appreciatively let Levi take over to make them feel better. Hange understood, of course, everything that made Levi who he was, and they didn’t want to change him. Just – seeing this chock-full fridge still made them a bit sad. They knew Levi did it so he wouldn’t ‘burden’ them and others, as he probably thought he was. Still, it would be nice if Levi could acquiesce and ask Hange for help.
But, Hange thought, they’d never told him that. So they resolved to tell them how they felt when he was feeling a little better. They put their feelings aside for a bit, knowing that Levi would be clueless as to what it even meant to Hange that he did this. He didn’t mean it, he was just being overly-forward-thinking Levi. It was a trauma response, they knew. Hange got out some oranges and the juicer and got to making him some fresh juice.
Hange brought the tray into the bedroom, laden with the juice, ice water, medicinal cough drops, oil of oregano, aspirin, and more tea. Perhaps hearing them come in, Levi stirred, coughed again, and sat up.
“What’s all this?” he said, his voice stuffed and raspy.
“You’re going to take all of it. I know you hate it as much as I do, but take some drops of oil of oregano. Maybe it’ll help.”
Hange helped him take some drops as he winced and chased it with juice.
“Hange, you should stay away from me.”
“Levi, you can’t get me sick. I already am. Let me help, okay? I want to,” Hange’s voice wobbled a bit and they put their hand on Levi’s.
Something about their voice and sincerity, the quiet way they said that, made him shut up. He should let Hange be good to him, he knew, accepting care was also a form of love. It was just so hard.
“What do you feel right now?” Hange asked.
“My throat is on fire every second. It won’t let up. I can’t sleep very deep because of it and I’m achy everywhere. My head feels like an anvil.”
“Okay, take one of these cough drops for now and drink the rest of the water. Can you manage to eat some soup? It’s lunchtime now.”
“I guess I should. I just really want to sleep but I can’t.”
“I’ll order some things from the pharmacy – I can get you some nighttime flu medicine that will put you to sleep. How’s that?” Hange asked as they stroked his cheek.
Levi could only nod, desperate for sleep as he was.
After lunch, Hange set up Levi at the couch with tea, water, blankets, and his cooking show, as they went online to order some things for pickup at the pharmacy. They got nighttime medicine, cough syrup, more cough drops, and feeling nostalgic, got some ginger ale. They remembered when they were a kid and sick, how their dad always gave them ginger ale. Something about it just made Hange equate it with feeling better, even though it was full of sugar. They made sure to get Levi a natural kind, made with real ginger and honey rather than sugar. If he was feeling bad enough, the cold drink just may soothe his throat.
Everything was just a bit too much for Levi. He couldn’t move a muscle in his body, nor could he pay attention to the TV. He watched with concern as his partner moved quickly from room to room, heard them opening and rummaging around in kitchen cupboards and the bathroom cabinets looking for things.
“I’ll just go out now and pick this stuff up, Levi. I’ll be gone 30 minutes. Are you going to be okay? Want anything else?” Hange came back to the living room and asked.
“No, I’ll be okay,” he said raspily. “Do you know where my phone is?”
“I’ll get it – but don’t try working! Erwin said your team has everything under control.”
“I won’t,” he agreed.
Hange passed him his phone and gave him a kiss on the cheek. “I’ll be back soon. Text me if you need to,” they said, and got ready to leave.
Levi watched Hange leave and get in the car to go out. He sighed and opened his phone. There was only a message from Erwin.
“Hange called me. DO NOT come in. I assure you, everything is under control.”
That made him feel better. Of course, he was feeling extremely guilty for not being at work. He felt like he was letting people down. Somehow, both he and Hange were sick, and now Hange had to stay home too. They loved work, so he wondered if they hated staying home. It would have to be 10 days, or whenever they were negative. Would they secretly be bored and despise him for it? The longest vacation they’d taken together in 3 years had been 7 days long. He wondered if Hange could handle more than that. He hated watching Hange do all these things for him. He felt like a burden. Deep down he knew these feelings were wrong, he knew that his extreme independence and self-reliance was a product of his childhood, from one parent who abandoned him and one neglectful, though his mother had not meant to be. He had already worked this all out with his therapist of many years. He had no anger anymore, and theoretically he understood it all. He had read a lot of books on relationships, and he had come to understand himself and what he wanted. He had read about the five love languages (acts of service, quality time, physical affection, gifts, and words). Of course, he tried to demonstrate them all to Hange. Mainly he relied on the first three, but especially the first. He’d do anything for Hange. He probably did too much. He thought of Hange’s wobbly voice before. He knew they wanted him to let them take care of him. He needed to back down and stop trying to do everything alone. He needed, most of all, to use his words, to tell them how he was feeling. Which was the hardest language for him. He tried for Hange, because of course Hange had many words. They never stopped using words, whether just talking about their ideas or whispering sweet things to Levi, making him bashful. He thought of that fateful day and how thankful he was to have met them and to have them in his life, how he never wanted to lose what they had together.
He looked at his phone. Hange had been gone for 15 minutes. If he texted them, would it sound needy, clingy? He put that thought aside. He just wanted to, and he had resolved to try harder so he followed his feelings. They were hard to sum up though with his head aching right now so he settled on something simple. I love you, he typed to Hange and sent it.
*
Hange had just parked in the curb-side pickup spot at the pharmacy and received their online purchases. They were about to start the car again when they saw Levi’s message and smiled, their heart feeling warm. They were just 10 minutes away and would reply to him in person.
*
“I’m home!” Hange announced and put down their bags, hung up their coat and went to wash their hands. They came to the living room and saw Levi looking pale and miserable, sat close to him and pushed his sweaty hair away.
“I got you medicine and lots of cold, soft treats if you feel like it later to sooth your throat – pudding, jello, ice cream –”
“Thank you,” Levi managed to whisper. His throat was so bad he didn’t want to talk. He nuzzled in Hange’s neck and gave them a weak hug.
“Aw, hey–” Hange squeezed him back. “I love you too,” they whispered in his ear, answering his text. “What about after dinner I run you a hot bath? It could help with the aches and make you nice and sleepy for bed.”
“Okay, I’ll try anything, I can’t even talk,” he whispered.
“Be right back,” Hange said. They prepared some lemon honey ginger tea for Levi, some coffee for themselves, and cut up some apples with peanut butter for a snack. They brought everything to the living room, made Levi drink and eat more, and cuddled up with him to watch his cooking show for the rest of the afternoon.
Throughout the day, Levi seemed to get worse, if it was possible. He was attacked randomly by coughing fits, and had to go to the bathroom as it sounded like he was coughing up a lung. Hange read that moisture in the air helped, but neither of them owned a humidifier, so Hange placed pots of water on all the heat registers and put a warm washcloth on Levi’s forehead. After dinner, Hange made him get in a steaming hot bath, thinking that might loosen up whatever was in his throat. Hange helped him wash his hair and later wrapped him in fluffy towels.
“Hange, I’m not a baby,” he said in his raspy whisper.
“You are right now, an awfully sick and cute one,” Hange said, kissing him again on the head.
It was once again 7pm, but Levi was exhausted from the pain, aches, and not having slept last night. “I just want to take some of that night-time medicine and go to bed,” he said.
“Sounds good, you take that while I dry your hair, then you can go to bed,” Hange said, handing him the medicine and his water.
With his hair fluffy and dry, he went to bed. Hange cleaned up the bathroom and kitchen and still had lots of energy, feeling curious about what happened at work. They logged in to their work computer and read some new reports and replied to emails, before researching some more methods to help with Covid-recovery for the rest of the evening until they retired to bed with Levi.
*
Hange was startled awake at the sound of Levi coughing in the bathroom, the glow of the light coming from the hallway. Hange glanced at the clock; it was 4am. The sound of Levi coughing made them jump up – it sounded bad. It wasn’t regular coughing. It sounded wet and choking, like Levi was gasping for air. They rushed to him where he was on his knees in the bathroom, bracing himself over the bathtub. His eyes were red and wet. He met Hange’s eyes with a scared look as Hange kneeled next to him and rubbed his back.
“Levi, are you okay?” Hange knew that he wasn't. It was a dumb question, but they had to hold together their panic right now.
He couldn’t answer as another coughing fit started. The way he gasped and choked in between coughs, it was like there was something caught in his throat. Hange moved behind him, ready to strike between his shoulder blades and help him dislodge whatever he was choking on. Before they could, Levi took another pained inhale and coughed, spitting a huge brown glob into the tub. He sank to the floor and panted, tears silently rolling down his face. Though thankful the coughing fit was over, Hange saw the phlegm in the tub and thought that wasn’t normal. Anything that colour hinted at blood, or an infection. They couldn’t show Levi they were scared, though.
“Hey, you’re okay, Levi, you’re okay now, it’s over,” they repeated as they hugged him and Levi cried silently into Hange’s shoulder.
After a few moments Levi pulled away and looked at them. He wanted this to be over but it seemed like there was no end in sight. He’d never been so desperate for sleep or some kind of relief, but now it seemed like he had a new fear.
“I thought I was going to die choking, Hange,” he said.
“No, I was right here, I was ready to do first aid if you needed it. I wouldn’t have let you, Levi,” Hange said.
“Hange…” Levi looked pleadingly at Hange. It was the worst they had ever seen him. He looked completely scared and broken as he clawed at his throat. “It hurts… so much. It won’t stop. It won’t let me sleep. I just want to sleep.” His head fell into Hange again as more tears rolled down.
Hange felt their own eyes well up but didn’t let them fall. They clasped him tighter. “It's going to be okay, Levi, I know what to do – Nifa’s working the night shift, I’m going to text her and ask her for advice. Do you want to go to bed? Or sit on the couch, or do you think you’ll cough more?”
Levi shook his head.
“Okay, and you have to have more hot water, let’s go sit down,” Hange brought him to the couch, gave him warm honey water to soothe his throat and some more lozenges. Meanwhile, Hange typed madly into their phone. Their friend Nifa was a night-shift doctor at the hospital that was adjoined to their lab, so Hange knew she was up and about. Hange explained Levi’s symptoms to Nifa, and how regular medication wasn’t working to put him to sleep, how he hadn’t slept in over 36 hours. Nifa replied quickly saying how his symptoms sounded painful, but normal. Still, she sent Hange a prescription of a higher dose of pain medication that would also make him sleep, as well as a mouthwash disinfectant that would numb his throat, and said to call her if he got worse. Hange sent back a million thank you and praise emojis and said they owed Nifa a coffee every day for the rest of her life.
Hange sat close to Levi and rubbed his leg. “Okay, I have good news! Nifa sent a prescription for some high strength pain meds and a mouthwash for your throat! I’m sure this’ll help. We just need to wait 4 hours till the pharmacy opens and I can go get it. Want to stay up and watch TV till then?”
Levi nodded. “I just need some water,” he said.
“I’ll get it–” Hange bounded up before him, thinking this was a good time to bring out the ginger ale. They took out the drink and some ice, poured it in a glass and added a metal straw. They brought along a plain glass of water too.
“Here, a cold drink might be good for you,” they said.
Levi took a look at the fizzing drink in his hand. He took a sip and the ice-cold bubbles felt like a balm to his inflamed throat. “Thank you, it feels good,” he gave a peck to Hange’s cheek, trying to show his appreciation.
“Now, what should we watch since we’re up?” Hange said.
“Something stupid,” Levi replied.
*
5 hours later, after Hange had emailed in the prescription and once again waited outside the pharmacy to pick it up, Levi finally looked at peace as he dozed off from the super-strength pain meds. Hange’s nerves were exhausted from last night’s panic and fear over what could have happened. With a relieved sigh, Hange sat down next to him on the bed and ran their hand over his form under the blanket. With proper sleep, he could be on the mend now. Hange finally let out some grateful tears and stole their arm around Levi to join him in a quick nap.
A few hours later, Levi was still sleeping and Hange was typing away on their laptop in the kitchen. They had also just ordered delivery of Levi’s favourite pho place for lunch when they heard Levi rustling in the bedroom and went to go check on him.
“Changing out of Pjs? Are you feeling better?” Hange said, as they eyed him putting on his sweats.
“These meds are really helping take the pain away. I feel like the worst has passed. And I finally slept well,” he said.
Hange pulled him in a hug, “I’m so relieved. I was so worried,” they said.
“Four-eyes. I’m okay, you take good care of me,” he said into Hange’s sweater, thinking of the fear he felt last night but also the solace that Hange was there through it all with him.
Hange gave him another grateful squeeze. “I’m glad you think so. I ordered your favourite pho for lunch!” they said with a huge smile. “What do you want to do the rest of the day?”
Levi couldn’t have passed a more enjoyable sick day. They had delicious soup for lunch, cuddled more at the TV, Levi curled in Hange’s lap and getting more rubs like a cat. When they were bored in the afternoon, they played Hange’s favourite card game, Hanabi, which was perfect for Levi since that game required zero talking. He smiled as Hange laughed through the game. Later, when he felt a little tired, he started an Octavia Butler novel with his feet tucked under Hange’s legs. They were on the other end of the couch, typing away happily on emails.
“Hey Levi, the sun is setting soon. How do you feel about some exercise, want to go on a short walk outside? You don’t want to get bedsores!” Hange smiled.
“Tch. It’s only been two and a half days,” Levi said. “But yeah, I guess I could. The meds make me a little lightheaded, though.”
“Just hang on to me then, tiger,” Hange winked. “Now come on! I’ll help you get bundled up!”
Hange wasn’t kidding as they wound a long scarf around Levi, pulled his hat down, and zipped up his jacket so that only his eyes were showing. “Really, four-eyes?” he said through all the layers.
“Yes, it’s cold out there, you have to keep warm!” Hange said, and led him by the arm outside.
They went on a walk around the block and strolled through the nearby park. They had to go slow because Levi felt a little dizzy. They walked like they were glued together, with Levi’s arm around Hange’s waist and Hange’s arm across Levi’s shoulders. Levi always loved their sunset strolls; they had gone on a lot of them during the height of the pandemic and also when they first moved to the neighbourhood.
He glanced at Hange who was smiling and looking ahead as they turned back home. “It’s been a nice day, Hange. Are you… okay? You’re not bored, or missing work?”
Hange turned to him surprised. “Me? I’m not bored, I’m having fun with you! Sure, sometimes I feel bad to miss work but I think we have to let go of this need to always be productive, don’t you think? Plus, I know my labmates are grateful that I haven’t come in. They don’t want to be sick I’m sure. So I’m doing them a favour! Plus– I can still work from home anyway. I’ve been checking their reports and writing emails all this time!”
“Yeah, I guess that’s true, we should wind down now and again," Levi agreed, "So then you’re not – I mean you’re not – I mean you haven’t done too much–”
“Levi–,” Hange said sternly. “You’re never ‘too much’ you know. You can’t be. Being with you, moving in together – this is what I want, what I had hoped for. We take care of each other. That’s what we do, right? I like all your sides. So let me do that. You’re my favourite person, you know!” Hange squeezed him and gave him a kiss on the temple.
“Yeah, that’s what we do,” Levi mumbled and pulled Hange in and breathed in their scent. There Hange went again, saying the most perfect words. He wished he could do the same.
*
While Levi relaxed after their walk in the living room, Hange followed their signature recipe for chicken cream stew from start to finish. They were equally as pleased when Levi complimented it and finished his bowl. They watched another movie later, Levi being able to last until past 8pm this time, when he popped another pill and went to bed, with Hange following soon after.
***
Hange stretched and yawned, luxuriating at the blissful feeling of waking up without an alarm clock. It was past 9am. They turned to Levi in the morning light. He was already awake, looking at Hange.
“Good morning weirdo! Were you watching me?” Hange said brightly and reached for him. “How did you sleep?”
“I slept like a log. You looked like you were having a good dream.”
“Hmm I think I dreamt you were a cute fox and you became my pet! How are you feeling?”
“A fox, huh? That’s weird. I feel good, my throat doesn’t feel like a rusty chainsaw anymore.”
“That’s great!” Hange laughed.
“Yeah, but my nose is runny. I’m gonna be gross now, everything is leaking out.”
“Levi, you’ve seen me being gross before, so it’s only fair. One day, who knows, maybe I’ll have to clean your shit.”
“That’s disgusting, Hange. I draw the line there.” Levi got serious again. “So, what if we test positive for another 5 days? It could be up to 10, I read.”
Hange laughed. “So what? There’s so much to do. We could do puzzles, try new take-out places, start a new hobby, adopt a street cat, read books aloud together, watch the top 100 world’s greatest films…”
“Okay, I see your point. If you’re happy to do it, then, so am I.” Levi paused. “Hange, I’m thankful I met you. You’re my favourite person too, I hope you know.”
“Levi!” Hange squealed and poked his side. “And you’re mine, forever. I don’t mind you telling me now and then though,” Hange kissed him.
Hange did it again and one-upped his words. His heart fluttered at the mention of forever.
“Okay. I’ll tell you. Forever,” Levi agreed, and kissed Hange all over the face and neck as they giggled.
“Levi- I’m hungry! Stop!” Hange laughed. “I’m going to make pancakes to celebrate you feeling better – blueberry?” they asked.
“Sounds perfect, just stay here a minute longer,” Levi said as he wound his arms around Hange and burrowed into them, his most favourite place in the world.
***
EPILOGUE: Levi recovered, they spent 5 more happy days at home, their friends brought them groceries and casseroles, life resumed as Levi and Hange got even closer.