Work Text:
The next day seemed to be Cole’s turn for a dance with misfortune. His troubles began as soon as he left for work. Rain poured down on the dreary city, soaking his only good pair of shoes before he could even start the walk to work.
“Fuck…”
He trekked on anyway, knowing bills were coming up. Cole knew Zane would use most of their income to cover the necessities, but the thought of it sent shivers down his spine.
“They work 3 jobs, and I’m over here complaining about going to 1? Fucking A…”
=====================================================================
“Morning, Brookstone.”
Cole rolled his eyes and shook out his rain poncho before heading inside the bank.
“Morning.”
“Ah, don’t head in just yet.”
“...but I need to clock in.”
“Fine, do that. But I want you outside on watch today. Got it?”
“Got it.”
Cole groaned and clocked in before heading back on the front steps. He slumped onto a support column and began to feel himself relax physically. But before he could doze off completely, his boss showed up again.
“Cole?”
“Hm?”
“...I just wanted to thank you for taking that double shift today. After losing Frank and Jim, we need the extra coverage.”
“Yeah, it’s nothing.”
His boss nodded and left him be. Cole did manage to stay awake for at least another hour, but the rain seemed to tire him out more than usual today. He felt his eyes begin to close, and his head began to bob.
“It’s not bad out here… maybe just a minute or two…”
=====================================================================
“COLE!”
Cole woke up to the sensation of his shoulders being grabbed and shaken vigorously.
“What? What happened?”
“Sleeping on the job? Are you kidding me?! Ugh, I trusted you!”
“...I’m sorry?”
“...don’t worry about it. Just don’t come in tomorrow.”
“You just fired me.”
Cole rolled his eyes and handed over his badge, already completely done with the day. He didn’t even notice that he left his poncho behind until the downpour started up again.
“Fuck… I didn’t even get to dry my goddamn shoes!”
=====================================================================
The door slammed open, and Zane knew what happened without Cole having to say a word. Cole stood in the doorway, soaked to the bone and pissed off at everything and anything.
“Fired?” Zane asked.
“...yeah.”
“Let me start the shower for you, so you can warm up.”
“No, Zane… you’re still sick. It’s fine. I’ll start my own damn shower.”
Cole sulked through the door and locked himself in the bathroom. As the room began to fill with steam from the scalding shower, Zane got right to work. They started by grabbing a change of clothes for Cole, warm pajamas and fuzzy socks to help keep them cozy.
“Cole? Your clothes will be by the door.”
“Thanks, babe!”
They set the pile of clothes by the door and headed into the kitchen. As a fresh pot of coffee began to brew, they searched through the fridge to find a quick hot meal to prepare for Cole.
“OK… what do we have? Chickpea curry, fall squash soup…. Oh, this.”
Zane found a bowl of hearty beef stew leftovers and dumped them into a pot. As the stew heated up on the stove, Cole finally came out and poured himself a cup of coffee.
“You didn’t have to do this.”
“And just leave you a shivering mess? I don’t think so.”
A small, rough cough escaped Zane’s throat. Cole sighed and wrapped his arm around their shoulders.
“I’m fine. Go sit down, Cole. Your food will be ready soon.”
Cole sighed, but agreed. As he settled on the couch with his coffee, Zane walked over with the bowl of stew.
“Thanks, honey. Hey, did you find that cough medicine on the counter?”
“No.”
“Huh. considering you’ve had that cough since October-”
“It’s nothing.”
Cole had a feeling Zane was lying, but both of them were too tired to fight about it. Instead, as Cole took comfort in his warm meal and hot coffee, Zane sat next to him with their laptop and pulled up that list for Jay again.
“And… this pet sitting site. Perfect.”
Zane stifled another cough as they sent the list to Jay’s phone. With that out of the way, they settled back into their homework and tried to distract themself. Jay sighed as he slammed the front door open, eventually plopping down on the floor in front of Zane’s legs.
“Thanks for the links.”
“Of course.”
He chuckled and pointed at Cole, who now laid asleep on Zane’s left shoulder. Zane finally looked over and actually found the sight endearing, despite the weight from their beloved’s head aggravating their pain.
“I’ll help you move him.”
“...thank you.” Zane whispered, not wanting to wake him up.
Jay grabbed one arm, and Zane held up the other. Together, they managed to carry Cole over to his bunk without causing too much of a fuss. Jay laid Cole down in the bed, and Zane tucked their partner in.
“Sleep well, Cole.”
Cole woke up slightly and turned to face Zane.
“No… stay with me, love.”
“I would if I weren’t busy.”
“Your homework can wait, Zane. Please…”
Zane didn’t want to admit it, but they were quite tired. Whether it was from school, work, or that illness they couldn’t seem to get over: They didn’t know. But Cole’s offer was enticing…
“If you insist.”
Cole moved more towards the wall, allowing Zane to sit on the outside of the bed. From there, the earth ninja grabbed his partner in a loving embrace and dragged them into a much-needed cuddle. From there, Cole fell asleep in no time at all. And Zane also allowed themself to relax and fall asleep as well.
With them out for the night, Jay snickered and set himself up on the couch. He booted up the game console and grabbed his controller, settling in for a long night of gaming to ease his worries.