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faofinn · 6 months

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The Pride Before The Fall

The best part about the Daniels family life was the family dinners. Of course, Fao was lucky to have such a welcoming family who were able to overlook the differences of the past, but it was made so much better by the support he got from them. He was able to pursue his career, alongside the other, less illegal parts of the business.

But the dinners, especially the big sunday roasts, really were the best part of it. Often Fao mucked in with Fred to get it done, laughing and joking and listening to the radio as they cooked.

More often than not Steve joined them too, the spare room full of his clothes and things. He was a part of the family, and Fao was grateful for every opportunity he'd given him. He was like another father to both of the boys.

This Sunday, the rain was lashing against the windows and the whole family piled around the table, Jess and Ely too, with Arrow at Fao's side, his head in his lap. There was wine, and Sheila scolding Finn for stealing off of Fao's plate.

Steve always enjoyed the family get togethers, feeling like he had a family once more. He'd woken up with a migraine that morning, his old injury playing havoc.

Despite Fred and Fao's cooking, he picked at his food. Every sip he took set him off coughing, and every bite was even worse. He didn't miss the concerned glances, waving off their comments. He didn't need their help.

Fao really was worried about Steve. Something wasn’t right, but it was of course unlike Steve to actually say if anything was wrong. He shared a look with Finn, who seemed equally concerned.

He managed to wait until they'd finished eating before he got up, and moved to pull Steve aside.

“Look, I know you said everything is fine, but something is clearly wrong. What's going on? You barely managed to eat anything tonight.” Fao said, voice low.

He shot Fao a look. "I'm fine."

“Have you actually even managed anything to drink all day?”

"I said I'm fine, Fao."

“I’m worried about you.” Fao said softly.

"Go worry about Finn. I saw him stick a knife in the toaster this morning."

“I'm always worried about Finn, don't change the subject. Look, if you can't manage to drink, I'll grab you some fluids and you can take them with you to bed, no fuss.”

"I don't need fluids." He grumbled, pushing past Fao. "I'm fine."

“Steve!”

"Piss off!"

Fao rolled his eyes, and followed him. “Please don't just ignore whatever is going on. Let me help.”

"I'm not ignoring it, I'm ignoring you."

“By ignoring me you're ignoring it!”

"No, I'm not ignoring it." He turned to face Fao. "Please, just leave it."

“If the roles were reversed, you wouldn't leave me alone.” Fao pointed out, crossing his arms over his chest.

"I'm sorting it myself."

“Let me help.”

He gritted his teeth. "If I need help, I'll ask."

“Sure, this family is really great at asking for help when we need it.”

"Your family is."

“As if you're not just as much a part of this family as I am.”

"Sure. I'm going to bed."

Fao sighed, and his shoulders slumped in defeat. “Fine. You know where I am if you need me.”

"Thank you. Goodnight." He turned away, steadying himself briefly on the wall before walking off.

Fao made a noise as Steve seemed to wobble, but didn't say anything. He wasn't going to get into a real argument.

Free from the stares from the Daniels, he retired to his room. He knew he should ask for help, knew it wouldn't really get better, but he was stubborn. He just needed a few days to rest.

Fao made a mental note to check on Steve when he went to bed, but once he'd walked away, he headed back to the rest of the family. They'd settled in the living room, Arrow stretched out at Finn's feet.

Steve couldn't sleep. He was just uncomfortable, his head pounding.

When Fao went to bed, a lot later than Steve had done, he softly knocked on the door to his room.

“Steve? I know you told me to fuck off, but I just wanted to see if you were okay.”

He groaned. "Go away."

“Can I get you anything?”

"No."

“Can I come in?”

He softened. "If you must."

Fao pushed the door open, shutting it quietly behind him, and crossed to perch on the edge of the bed. “What's going on, Steve?”

"Nothing new."

“New to me, hmm?” Fao said quietly. “What's wrong? I've never seen you like this.”

"I got discharged from the army, Fao. A long time ago now. Head injury, left me with some shit." He admitted quietly.

“Oh.” Fao mumbled. “But now you're struggling, and you won't let me help?”

"I don't need help."

“Could've fooled me.” Fao paused, and then sighed. “Look, you don't have to go into detail. I know you only keep a basic medical file downstairs for a reason, unlike the rest of us. Just tell me what you need and I'll do it, you don't have to explain yourself.”

"I don't need anything."

“Not even something to help you sleep? You've been up here hours, it's nearly 1.”

"I couldn't swallow it."

“We’ve got benzos…” Fao shook his head. “Not a good idea. Do you want the dog?”

"Is that your solution to everything?" He managed a smile. "Benzos and dogs?"

“It usually fixes Finn?” He supplied awkwardly. “I'm serious, though.”

"I'm fine."

“You've just told me you wouldn't be able to swallow meds, Steve.”

"I just need some sleep."

“Well, you know where I am, yeah?”

"Yeah. Thanks."

Fao sighed and left the room, careful to close the door quietly. What Steve said was playing on his mind, but he knew he couldn’t change his stubbornness. He’d reach out for help when he had no other options, Fao knew that. But obviously this was fairly serious, which didn’t reassure him that walking away was the best choice. But he settled in bed with Ely, and tried to get some rest.

Steve tossed and turned, unable to settle. He felt shit; he hadn't eaten in a few days, and his headache wasn't being helped by his inability to drink. With a heavy sigh, he sat, rubbing his face. He didn't fancy the treatment, but he knew he had to do something. Fao didn't need to be involved though, he could do it himself and get out before anyone saw him.

He groaned as he stood, steadying himself against his bed as he shoved his feet in his slippers. Quietly, he headed down to the basement, closing the doors as gently as he could. He grabbed a glass of water from the kitchen on his way, rummaging in the drawers to find a straw.

Of course, it didn't take much to wake Fao up. Steve's door shutting, and the sound of him going down the stairs was enough. He could tell from the way he walked it was none of the Daniels. He listened for a bit longer, and could hear him digging in the kitchen drawers. With a frown, he stood up, mumbled to Ely he was going to see if Steve was okay, and then slipped out of the room and downstairs.

“Steve?”

"'Course it's you." He said, voice rough. "I'm just getting a drink."

“You know I'm a light sleeper.”

"I know."

Fao leaned against the counter. “So, need any help?

Or are you gonna try and do something stupid by yourself?”

"It wasn't going to be stupid."

“Yeah?” Fao asked, raising an eyebrow. “Are you sure?”

He hesitated. "Just shoving a tube down my nose."

“Because that's not stupid at all.” Fao scoffed. “Look, let me. We can place it without hassle, I'll run some fluids to give you a boost. No fuss, and you can go back to bed and get the sleep you look like you need.”

"You've done it with Finn lots, haven't you?"

“Yeah. Finn, but also work, too.”

"Work is different." He said, looking Fao up and down. "You have others there. Here, you're alone."

“Steve, it's fine. Could do it with my eyes closed. If you want someone else there, I can wake Ely?”

He shook his head. "I don't need everyone knowing about it."

“Okay. Just the two of us, then.”

"If you must help." He sighed, glass in hand. "Better get it done now."

“Still got that headache? I can get you some painkillers too.”

"It's just been a while with eating and drinking." He admitted slowly. "It should be fine."

“Fluids and some nutrition, then.” Fao said, softening. “What's going to be most comfortable for you? Midaz to take the edge off?”

"I don't want to be a pain."

“You won’t be. Whatever you're comfortable with. I can’t imagine it would be pleasant to have it done with no sedation, but it’s your personal choice.”

"If you give me anything, I'm not staying down there."

“Well, you’ll have to stay until you can walk upstairs, but I won’t force you to stay down here all night.”

Steve nodded. "Okay. Fine. Let's get this over with then, eh?"

“With the caveat, of course, that you stay down if there’s any complications.”

"There won't be. I trust you'd be able to manage them before they became a problem."

“Of course. But full disclosure before you kick my ass and all. Let me grab a hoodie and I’ll meet you down there - I don’t want to freeze.”

Steve nodded. "Not a problem. I'll get stuff sorted."

“Or you could just sit and rest?”

"It's fine."

“That’s what I always say.” Fao pointed out. “Either way, I won't be long.” He quickly headed back upstairs, threw on a hoodie, and then made his way down to the basement, rolling his sleeves up. In his head, he ran through medication doses, and what he'd need to do. He'd done it loads to Finn, it would be fine.

Steve hadn't settled while Fao was gone, choosing instead to set up. He'd kept his equipment away from the rest of Finn's stuff, and Finn had never really questioned it. The medications would have to be from their supply, and he'd need to source more, but that was something he could work on during the rest of the week.

He startled at Fao, unlike him, but not paying enough attention to his surroundings.

“Sorry.” Fao said softly. “Didn’t mean to startle you.” He crossed the room, stopping to throw his hair up into a messy bun. Steve clearly already had stuff laid out, and Fao moved to stand in front of him. “Mind if I check it through?”

"I'd rather you did."

“Okay, good.” Fao said, busying himself with looking through it. “You've been through this a few times before, then?”

"Too many times."

“Same flare as always, nothing out of the ordinary that should have me worried?”

"It's never been anything to worry work about."

“Just checking, you know I have to.” Once Fao was happy with what Steve had set up, he laid it all out the way he liked, and triple checked the meds. Then he turned away to wash his hands and pull on some gloves. “Cannula first. Have you got a best spot to stick?”

"Anywhere, I'm not like you."

“Even dehydrated?”

"Even dehydrated." He confirmed. "Just stab me wherever."

Fao hummed. “Okay, let’s see what we can find.”

"Have at it." Steve muttered, hopping up onto the bed.

With a nod, Fao grabbed the tourniquet and fussed to find the best vein. He really didn't want to fumble and stab Steve more than was needed. He found a decent one - Steve was right, it wasn't much of a problem, and once he'd cleaned it, he looked up at his mentor quickly. “Sharp scratch, yeah?”

Steve nodded. "You're the doctor here, be confident in what you're doing."

Fao nodded. “I am confident. Just don't want to surprise you.”

"It's fine."

After a deep breath, Fao got the cannula in and flushed it. “That feel alright?”

"Yeah, it's fine."

“Perfect.” Fao murmured. “I’ll start with the fluids.”

"I appreciate it, Fao. It's not how you expected to spend your evening, I'll bet."

Fao shrugged. “Makes a change from Finn in status.” He said, fussing over the dressing on the cannula and then turning away to hang the fluids.

"I suppose it does. I'm surprised he's not up, though I guess having Ely in your bed stops the puppy dog act he's got going on."

“He’d sleep through a hurricane, you know that.” Fao pointed out, triple checking the fluids before he started them running. “That should help the headache. Do you want to try without, or get it done easier and just start with the midaz? You know what you can tolerate more than I do.”

"I've not had to do it in a long time." He said softly. "We'll give it a go, see if it works."

“Alright. You can tap out whenever you need, yeah? Just tap me on the arm. Or swear at me, whatever.”

"Yeah, sounds good." He muttered, setting his shoulders. "Swearing's definitely the way to go."

“You know the drill, can just slap me about if you need.” He said. “Sit back and get comfortable?”

He did as he was told, gripping his cup tightly. "You know what you're doing, right?"

“I know what I'm doing.” Fao reassured. “And I'll go as slow as you need.”

"Righ, okay. Let's just get it done with."

“I've got you.” Fao told him firmly, squeezing his shoulder. “I promise.”

He took a deep breath, his facade starting to crack. "Yeah. I trust you. Just do it and then it's over."

Fao nodded. “I'm glad you trust me. I've got some local spray, yeah? We can do that and then I'll measure everything, let it work.”

"Yep." He said shortly, his foot tapping on the floor. "Just do it."

“Steve? Breathe for me?”

"I am."

“Deep breath, proper breath.”

He did as he was told, giving a short huff. "Better?"

“That’s not a proper breath. From the diaphragm.”

"Jesus, Fao. Just get it done."

Fao raised an eyebrow. “It’s gonna be harder if you’re tense.”

"It's going to be harder if you don't do it."

“I know, I know.” Fao soothed. He knew Steve wasn’t necessarily going to settle any more, so went ahead with the local spray and carefully measured out the tube. He noted where it would need to be, and hummed to himself. “Alright, I’ll get started now. Tap out if you need.”

Steve set his jaw, giving Fao a slight nod. The sooner it was done, the better.

With the tube prepped, Fao moved to stand in front of Steve and gently started to insert the tube. He chewed his lip as he focused, slowly easing it down.

He tried his best, tried to breathe through it, but he couldn't. He jerked back from Fao, pushing the other man's hands away instinctively. He retched a few times before sitting back up.

"Well, that didn't work."

“It’s alright, shit happens.” Fao said gently, stepping back. “We’ll try the midaz, yeah?”

"I should be able to do it."

“It’s shit, and you’re stressy and tense. It’d make me gag too.”

"Just try again."

“Are you sure?”

"Yes, just give it a go."

“Alright. Same as before, just tell me or push me away if you can’t cope, yeah?”

He shot Fao a look. He was talking too much, they weren't getting anywhere with it.

“Finn gives me that exact same look, y’know?” Fao said, gathering the kit and starting again. He tried to move a little faster this time, to get the worst bit out of the way.

"Yeah? Wonder why."

“Alright, try and breathe through this best you can, I know it's uncomfortable.” Fao said gently, slowly advancing the tube. “That's it, you're doing well.”

Steve did his best again, almost managing it before pulling back with a retch. His hands shook as he pushed Fao away again, panic rising and breaking through.

“Alright, okay.” Fao soothed, reaching out to hand Steve a tissue. “Take some deep breaths, it's okay.”

He coughed again, rubbing the tears from his eyes. "Yeah, sorry."

“Don't be sorry, it's okay.” Fao replied. “Take a minute, yeah, focus on your breathing, and I'll sort some midaz.”

"I should have been able to do it."

“I couldn't do it with no sedation, I'm awful. It's okay.”

Steve didn't look at Fao, choosing instead to stare at the floor. They didn't have any other choice but to continue with it, for him to have the midaz to sort it out. He gave a heavy sigh as Fao started sorting the drugs, trying to make himself comfortable.

“What was it you said to me the last time you reset my shoulder?” Fao said, trying to lighten the tone. “Something about being so tense I pushed the limit on how much sedation you gave me without being worried you were going to kill me?”

"Yeah, something like that." He agreed, distracted.

“It's hard when you're tense. And it's only natural to be tense.” Fao said, voice measured. “The midaz will help. Are you comfortable?” He said, turning back to Steve.

He shuffled slightly. "Yeah, go ahead."

“Alright, we're gonna go nice and slow. Start with a small dose and build up. I'll be right here the whole time, so shout if there's anything that you need.” Fao said gently, taking his hand and giving the first, small dose. “It'll make you feel dizzy and spaced, just keep breathing, try and relax. I've got you.”

He appreciated Fao's bedside manner, though the situation was less than ideal. With a shaky breath, he forced himself to relax, resting his head against the bed.

"I hate midaz."

“Yeah, I know. Focus on the deep breaths, they'll help.”

"I am."

“Good. This'll help you get some rest, at any rate eh?”

"Yeah, one positive."

Fao squeezed his hand. “Back in bed before you know it.” He said, moving to sit next to Steve instead of standing. The midaz would need time to work, and he was giving it slowly anyway.

"I'm not staying down here." He told Fao again, his feet starting to tap again. "I'll get this done and then bed."

“Yeah, you’ll go right up to bed as soon as you can.” Fao told him. “Promise. Keep up with those deep breaths, nice and relaxed.”

"I'm trying."

“I know. You’re doing great.”

Steve rolled his eyes. "Thanks."

“Hey, hey. I’m serious.”

"Yeah."

“How are you feeling now?”

"The same."

“Okay, we’ll try a touch more.” Fao said, carefully giving another dose. He wasn’t surprised it was taking a lot - Steve was very stressed, and probably fighting it a little. He gave it slowly, measured and careful.

"You seem nervous."

Fao shook his head. “Just being careful.”

"Sure, sure."

“You’d kill me if I got my doses wrong.”

"I'd be dead if you did."

“Exactly.” Fao muttered.

"You've done it with Finn."

“Different.” Fao said, sitting back. “Let that work, now.”

"I'm trying."

“I know. Just relax, close your eyes if it helps.”

He shot Fao a look. "I'm trying to relax."

Fao nodded. “I know. It makes you feel a bit shit, I get it. Not pleasant.”

"Not at all."

“Think of it as a couple of strong drinks after a long day with Finn.”

"Need more than a couple."

“Well, I’m not one to advocate for alcoholism, but I’m sure midaz is stronger than a couple of drinks. The whole bottle, if you’re that way inclined.”

"You've lived with Finn long enough."

“Yeah. How are we doing now? Feeling more relaxed?”

"A little." He thought about it. "Not much."

“Okay, it's good we're getting there. We'll try a touch more, hmm?”

He nodded. "Sure."

Fao reached out and gave some more, aware he was reaching the limit of where he was comfortable. It wasn't bad, per se, but he didn't like doing it alone.

Steve hummed, gritting his teeth. That bit of midaz had definitely done the trick. He squeezed his eyes shut as the dizziness hit him, trying to block it out.

Fao rubbed his arm. “That's it. Breathe through it, nice and slowly. You're okay, I've got you.”

He cracked an eye open. "Had the the full bottle now."

“I'll bet. What's the tipple, eh?”

"Depends who I'm dealing with." He joked.

“Yeah?”

"One of you two, straight for the tequila. The others, we can work up to it."

“Oh, I see how it is.” Fao said with a laugh. “I won't take it personally.”

"You're always in scrapes."

“Yeah, we are.” Fao agreed. “Do you think we can give this a go in a minute? Now we’re feeling more relaxed?”

He raised an eyebrow before sighing. "Yeah."

“We’ll give it a minute or so more, let that midaz have its full effect.” Fao said gently.

"I'm sorry we couldn't do it."

“It’s okay. Now you get the high. Makes a change from you having to give it.”

"'s true." He said carefully.

“Yeah. You nice and comfy now?”

"Yeah."

“Alright. You keep breathing, I’m gonna try again, alright?”

He nodded. "Yeah, okay."

Fao checked everything over again, made sure he was comfortable with his measurements, and then stood to start again, easing the tube in. “That’s it, I know it’s uncomfortable. Keep breathing, we’ll get there.”

Steve frowned, finally moving slightly, his hand batting at Fao weakly. He wasn't particularly accurate or effective, and he dropped his hand back to his stomach.

“I know, I know. It’s uncomfortable, but you’re doing so well.” Fao encouraged, changing the angle slightly to ease it down. “There we go, that’s it.”

He took a few heavy breaths, clumsily reaching for his cup. He knew he needed to drink to help it down, somewhere deep in his brain.

“That’s the worst bit now, there we go.” Fao said, pausing to pass Steve the cup. “Here, just a couple of little sips, take it slowly. There’s no rush.”

He did as he was told, taking a few moments. It wasn't too bad, though the drink made him cough again. He gagged as he tried again, spilling his drink.

“It’s alright, it’s okay.” Fao soothed. “Try swallowing without the water, don’t worry about that.”

"I gotta have it."

“It’s alright, can you try without for me? I know it's uncomfy.”

He nodded. Fao knew what he was doing.

“That's it, you're doing really well. We're nearly there now, almost done.”

He made a noise. It was harder than he'd like to admit to concentrate, his attention slipping.

“It’s okay, there you go. Nearly done, nearly done.” He soothed. “You’re doing so well.”

He cracked an eye open, looking at Fao. "Done?"

“Almost, not much more to go.” Fao said, checking his markings.

"Jus' tape it and move on." He murmured.

“We’ve got to get a little further Steve, I promise it’s not much more.” Fao said, advancing it just a little further, to meet his marking. “There we go. Just need to check it.”

He batted at Fao's hand. "It's fine."

“You know I need to check. It won’t take long.” Fao said, gently securing it. “That’s it, just relax again.”

"How much midaz?" He asked, before answering himself. "Too much midaz."

“Yeah, a fair bit. You're okay, though. Just sit back, I'm just gonna aspirate to check it, and then you can sleep.”

"'kay."

“Just relax for me, okay?” Fao said, turning away to get what he needed.

"I am."

“Yeah, good.” Fao murmured, taking the end of the tube and checking it before he attempted to aspirate. He carefully tested the pH, and was relieved to find it was correct for the placement. “That’s perfect, Steve, we’re all good. Just gotta finish everything up and then I’ll stop bothering you.”

He squinted at Fao. "Thank you."

“That’s okay.” Fao said gently. “Just gonna flush now, and I’ll get feed started for you.”

"Thanks." He smiled at him again, before grimacing. "Feels weird when you flush."

“Yeah, I know, I’m sorry.” Fao murmured. “Let’s get this feed set up, then.” It was easy enough to get it set up, and Fao hummed to himself as he did. “I’m afraid it’s not quite up to my usual culinary standards, hm?”

"Mm? Oh, no."

“We’ll get you back on the good stuff in no time.” He reassured, checking things over and starting the feed. “There we go. All done. I’ll just go and grab you a blanket and that, you can get some rest.”

Fao had no intention of letting Steve go back to his room for a while, not with the amount of midaz he'd had. When he’d cleared everything up and was happy he wasn't going anywhere for a moment, he nipped upstairs. First he grabbed the blanket off of Steve's bed, and after a moment's thought, grabbed his his little Eeyore from his room. Ely stirred when he came in, and he soothed her with a kiss on the forehead and said he'd be staying in the basement with a patient for the rest of the night. She seemed happy enough with that, and rolled over into the middle of the bed, curled around Arrow.

Back in the basement, Fao draped the soft blanket over Steve, fussing with the sheets to keep him comfortable. He tucked the Eeyore up against him, and then gently reached out to brush some of his hair from his face.

“There you go. Get some rest now, Steve. It's all done.”

He hummed happily, more asleep than not. "Thanks Bel."

Fao smiled sadly, ignoring the way his throat tightened. He might not have known about Steve's injury, but he knew roughly why he was with Fred's men.

“I've got you.” Fao soothed. “It’s gonna be okay.”

"She was his wife, Bella." Finn said softly, crossing the room, odd socks on his feet. "It's why he uses it, the belladonna. A little bit of a fuck you to the people that did it."

He settled in one of the chairs, his knees tucked to his chest. "At least he won't remember this. I never do."

Fao looked over at his brother. “Finn.” He breathed. “He's okay. He… He never said he was sick.”

"An old army injury, all I know."

“Yeah, all I got too. He's sorted now, at least.” Fao said, fussing with the blanket and sitting down. “I had to give a lot of midaz.”

"He's a lot of person."

“Yeah, that's true. He was worried.” Fao murmured. “What brings you down?”

"Was having a piss, heard you come downstairs."

Fao snorted. “Charming.” He murmured. “You know, he was wanting to put his own tube in.”

"Sounds like him."

“It’s done now at least.”

“Yeah, I’ve only seen him with it once before. And to be honest, I thought I was making it up.”

“I’m so on the back foot, I had no idea.” Fao murmured.

“He keeps himself to himself.”

“Yeah. Makes it so hard to treat him.”

“He doesn’t normally need to get treatment.”

“No, but times like these… I feel completely in the dark.”

“You got enough to treat him though, that’s all you need.”

“Well, not really. His medical file is basically redacted.”

"Most of his life is." Finn shrugged. "Perks of writing it himself."

“Yeah. I just wish he trusted us enough to be honest.”

"I don't think it's us that's the issue."

“I know. I just… still feel like he doesn’t trust us?”

"He let you stick the tube down his nose, didn't he?"

“Well, yeah, eventually.”

"Is that not enough?"

“I'm just being stupid.” Fao muttered. “Ignore me.”

"Take it you're staying down here?"

“Yeah, need to keep an eye on him.” Fao said. “I promised I'd be there for him.”

Finn shifted on the chair. "Why don't you get a few hours? I'll watch him for a bit."

“No, it's okay.” He murmured. “I'd rather be here for him.”

"You need your rest too."

“I'll be alright.”

"Have an hour? I'll wake you."

“I'll just catnap here.”

"Alright."

Fao shuffled in his seat, stretching out a little.

"You know he'd tell you to get some proper rest."

“I slept earlier.”

He rolled his eyes. "You know what I mean."

“It’s fine.”

"Please, Fao."

“I'd really rather not leave him, Finn.”

"I'm gonna be here. Just crash in the room for a little." He pushed gently. "Hell, go lie in one of the other bays."

“‘m just fine here.” Fao replied, closing his eyes.

"Alright, alright."

Despite how worried he was about Steve, Fao managed to drift off, sat in the chair by his bed. He was only lightly asleep, his head resting on the back of the chair.

Finn wrapped his arms around his knees, resting his chin on them with a sigh. He'd watch Steve for Fao, make sure the older man was okay. He owed it to both of them.

Fao stirred after a while, and reached out carefully to take a set of obs from Steve. He was sure the older man was fine, but he had to check.

"He's okay." Finn said from his chair, his voice rough.

“I know.” Fao murmured, turning to write his obs down.

“Go back to sleep then.”

“Give me a second.”

“I’ve been watching him. He’s alright.”

“I know, but I need to do obs anyway.”

“Will you go to bed after?”

“Not until he's in bed upstairs.”

Finn sighed heavily. “Sure.”

“You'd be the exact same.”

“I would have let you do the hard work.”

Fao snorted. “Sure.”

“You know I would have.”

“I guess.”

"Go lie down for a bit."

“I don't need to.”

Finn rubbed his eyes with a groan. "You're so stubborn."

“I know.”

"Just accept the help."

“I don’t need to sleep.”

"It's the middle of the night, of course you need to sleep."

“I’ve done more on less.”

He made a frustrated noise. "I'm just trying to help!"

“I know, I know. But I'm alright, I swear.”

"Alright."

“I just want to be there for him, like he is for us.”

"Why you gave him your eeyore?"

“Yeah.”

"You're daft."

“He'd have gone and got Eeyore for me.”

"Eeyore's yours though."

“I give him to you often enough.”

"Basically mine."

“I wouldn't go that far.”

Finn laughed. "I was getting worried there."

“He's definitely still mine.”

"What are you going to do when you have kids? And they want him?"

“Might not have kids.”

“Maybe not.”

“Who knows.”

"Plenty of time."

“Could always adopt.”

“Do you really think we’ll pass their checks?”

“Do you really think you’d have to?”

“Well, guess not.”

"A bonus."

“Is it fair to adopt a kid into this life, though?”

Finn looked up. "I was adopted."

“Yeah, but… You’re still related to Fred.”

"We weren't involved."

Fao was quiet for a moment. “I guess it’s different when it’s family, though. Like even if you hadn’t have been adopted, there’s a chance you’d have ended up involved anyway.”

"I'd rather be adopted by one of us than kept in a shitty household."

“Yeah, I guess.”

"Like if you had to choose, Tomas without his crime bit, or dad with? It's not really a comparison."

“Of course. I'd just feel bad at taking a kid with no relation to any of this and asking them to do what we do, y'know?”

"There's plenty of us needing care that are already involved in this."

“Oh, I didn't really think of that.”

"Especially in some of this work. Their parents don't last long."

“Yeah. That's sad.”

Finn sighed. "Yeah."

“God knows what we'll do. Not even spoken about it.”

"Plenty of time."

“Yeah.”

"If you're not going to accept help, can I get you a tea or anything?"

“Tea sounds good.”

"Biscuits?"

“If there’s some about.”

"I'll see what I can find." He said softly, standing up. "I know we've got some chocolate too, if dad hasn't eaten it all."

“Yeah, sounds good.”

Finn shot him a smile before heading off in search of biscuits and tea. If Fao wasn't going to take his offer of help, he could at least force some food and drink on him.

Fao shifted to tuck his legs up to his chest and settle in the chair again, aiming to get some more sleep in before Steve woke.

Finn didn’t take too long, finding Fred’s ‘secret’ stash of chocolate in the cupboard. For being a master at hiding others, he was rather shit at hiding his chocolate. Finn hopped onto the counter as he waited for the kettle to boil.

Fao sighed, struggling to settle. He just wanted this over, he was worried about Steve. Obviously he’d done the hard part. But somehow this was harder. There was nothing he could do, he just had to sit and wait. And that was hard.

As much as Finn wanted to stay with Fao, he knew his brother wasn’t going to give in. He left the mug by him, giving his brother a half hug before he headed back upstairs. Fao would call him if he needed him, but Steve just needed to sleep it off.

Fao was grateful for the mug of tea that Finn left with him. He wrapped his hands around it and sipped slowly as he let Steve rest. Every so often, he gently took obs, making sure everything was fine. He was desperate for more sleep, but he couldn’t let himself sleep until he was sure Steve was over the worst of it.

Steve woke after a little while again, squinting at the eldest Daniels brother. “What’re you still doing up?”

Fao lifted his head, neck stiff from where he'd dozed off. “‘m lookin’ after you.”

"You were meant to let me go to bed." He grumbled half-heartedly.

“You were out of it.”

“You look like shit.”

“You don’t look so hot yourself.”

“You’re meant to be nice to me.” Steve groaned. “I’m always nice to the two of you.”

“Nah, you’re mean to me.” Fao said, moving to sit forwards. “How do you feel?”

“My throat hurts, but it’s nothing new.”

“You want some water?”

“Just need to get over it.”

“It’ll get better, but water might help?”

He shook his head. “No, thanks.”

“Alright. Anything else I can get for you?”

“Get yourself off to bed.”

“You reckon you can stand? We’ll get you off to bed too.”

“How much did you give me in the end?”

“Uh, about 5mg.”

“Oh, a lot.”

“Yeah. Hence why I’ve been sat with you.”

"Yeah. Appreciate it."

“It's nothing.”

"Still."

“Gotta look after you.” Fao said, adjusting the blanket over Steve. “You deserve it.”

"Nah."

“Yeah. Always do the same for me.”

“I appreciate it.” Steve sighed. “Why don’t you go to bed?”

“I wanted to be here when you woke up.”

"Means a lot. You can go to bed though."

“I know you wanted to be in your own bed too.”

"I'm okay here."

Fao stood stiffly. “Alright. I'm around if you need, yeah? And we can go back up to yours whenever you feel up to it.” Fao said, adjusting the little Eeyore he'd tucked into Steve's bed.

Steve gave him a small smile. "Thanks, Fao."

“I'll only be next door.” He said, and adjusted the blankets one last time before he left his mentor be. He settled on the bed in the little side room, and pretty much passed out.

Steve wasn't far behind Fao, hugging the little eeyore to his chest. It meant a lot to him, that Fao had left him his stuffed toy. He snuggled further under the blankets and drifted off again.

#whump writing #whump prompt #oc #fic #whump #the wolf and the ghost #sorry steve #steve cunningham #steve has a bad day #fao is cute #faolan blackwood #finn daniels #this is sorta cute #how much midaz? too much midaz #Steve's iconic line #iconic lines

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