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Linc‘s entire body is heavy, as if his limbs were replaced by weights, but that mercy wasn’t granted to him. It feels like someone is sledgehammering the inside off his head, and his kneecaps are being shattered. He wants to have his back broken to hopefully fix the pounding ache along his spine.
Everything is is too much, the light shining onto his face from the bedroom window feels like the flash of a gun being fired in front of him, the ringing in his ears from the noise of his dads outside only elevates that feeling. He hates crashing. This isn‘t just a simple crash though - its proper post extertional malaise. He feels like puking.
He tried out for the varsity soccer team - against his - and his parents‘ - better judgment, and it came back to haunt him 48 hours after. It was all for nothing too - he didn’t even make it into the team. Looking on it now it was probably for the best. Putting that pressure on his body was to much of a risk of sending him back to being homebound. He fought so so hard to get back to a mild form of M.E. - although it was mostly due to luck - thinking about ruining his progress makes him panic. Not that he has the energy for that right now.
He so badly wants to just be a healthy kid again. Play soccer on a team, instead of twenty minutes at a time in his backyard. Manage to go to school all day every day, and still be able to partake in his hobbies, or spend time with his partners.
The knock on his door makes him flinch. It’s his dad, Marco, whos expression immediately turns into one of concern and pity as his eyes fall upon his struggling son. Linc hates nothing more than pity. He loves his dads, so much, and is more than grateful for their support but - anyone’s pity makes him feel worthless. Less-than. He doesn’t want to be pitied. He wants to be helped and understood.
„Oh Linc…“ His father whispers, careful to be as quiet as possible, to not trigger Linc‘s noise sensitivity. Marco calmly moves towards him and helps him sit up a bit. He’s slumped against the wall, his head almost rolling against his shoulder. A steady hand reaches under it for support, and his dad helps him take his medications. He gulps them down reluctantly, and lies back down.
After Marco leaves the room, Linc manages to make out him talking to Grant - before calling him in sick at Teen High. He turns to the side and closes his eyes. His mind is filled with vivid images of school, of playing soccer, and most importantly of the people he loves. He wants nothing more right now than to play Fifa with his Dad, or watch Taylor’s latest anime obsession alongside him, Normal and Scary.
He thinks about their movie nights, cuddling up on the couch, playfully arguing about what movie to watch and who should bring what snacks in their groupchat the hour before. He wishes they were here right now.
With the little bit of energy he has to spend he reaches down to the floor and grabs his Garfield plushie, which presumably fell during the night. He hugs it as strongly as he can - which isn’t very tight - but it still makes him feel better.
He imagines Normals comforting arms wrapped around him, Scarys back pressed against his own, and Taylor lying sprawled out across the three of them. Its not happening right now - it makes him smile anyways. A warmth spreads in his chest. The love he feels and recieves helping him be hopeful, and grateful, despite his current situation and chronic illness.
It’s enough to make him fall asleep. He groggily opens his eyes a while later, being woken up by Grant. His dad gives him a soft, encouraging smile, while helping him sit upright, which makes Linc let out a groan. Grant then hands him a chocolate flavored protein shake, which he unwillingly chokes down. He hates the taste of them - but during crashes solid food makes his heartrate rise an unhealthy amount, and makes him nauseous. Unfortunately protein shakes are the only filling option.
A glance at his alarm clock lets him know it’s already half past three. He thanks his dad and cuddles up in his blanket - with Garfield in his arms - for another nap.
Around halfway down the stairs Grant hears the doorbell ring. He calls out for Marco, before realizing that his husband had just left to go grocery shopping, so he makes his way to the front door himself. He is met with the three very familiar faces of his son‘s partners. He thinks back to the conversation they had as a family, with Linc explaining how he was dating all three of his best friends. Linc seemed so comfortable telling him and Marc about it, it still makes Grant smile.
„IS LINC OKAY?“ Normals half shout takes him aback for a second, but he quickly regains his composure. „Yeah we wanted to like… check up on him because he didn’t show up. He doesn’t usually skip.“ Scarys voice is almost monotone, but Grant manages to detect a hint of worry. He can’t help but be happy for Linc, for the love and care he has found in his partners. „He’s in a crash from the varsity tryout. I’m glad you came to check on him.“
„Can we go and visit him? We’ll be quiet, we just don’t want him to be alone.“ Taylor’s begging expression hits Grant right in the heart. „Sure kids, you can go up to him and ask If he feels well enough.“ The three of them quickly shuffle past him, and he watches them make their way to Lincs room. He knows that if Linc can’t handle it, they’ll understand and accept it. They really are good kids.
Linc wakes up from a knock on his door. He has just enough time to rub the sleep out of his eyes and blink himself awake before it opens. And there they are. All his partners are here for him. He bites the inside of his cheek to check if he’s dreaming - he’s not, they’re really here. Tears well up in his eyes, and Normal seems to spot them, since he immediately rushes over and grabs Lincs hand.
He doesn’t say anything but gives him a concerned look as the other two join him at the bedside. „I’m okay Norm, I’m just happy you’re here.“ He quietly reassures. Taylor sits down next to him, probably to rest his knees after walking up the stairs. Linc hugs him from behind. „Are you staying?“ He mumbles it, his face buried in the crook of his boyfriends neck. „If you want us to.“ Scary smirks.
Linc scoots to the side, and motions to the other to join him and Taylor. It only takes seconds before they’re all in one big cuddle pile, not far from what he wishfully thought about just hours earlier. Instead of having her back to his, Scarys face is inches from his. She puts her forehead against his, and presses a quick peck to his lips. He closes his eyes and gets comfortable. „Thank you Honey.“