Cue the Rain

“Got whistled at and cat-called in town today. ‘Twas interesting.”

“Was it a boy or girl?”

“I’m sure we’d all survive.” TJ told her, walking up the stairs now. “Maybe it would make for wonderful TV, watching us all moan and groan and do nothing to better ourselves.” He added with a chuckle, now heading down the hall to Lanie’s room. “I don’t remember the last time I was sick honestly, so I’d say that I’m safe.”

“If they wanted to watch walking dead, I’m sure they’d watch The Walking Dead,” she shrugged. “Great, now I’m the one making bad analogies,” she laughed. “You must have a strong immune system. I used to get sick all the time, especially before puberty.”

TJ nodded at her words and went to the fridge, grabbing a couple of water bottles and going back over to her. “All aboard!” He called with a laugh, facing his back to her and crouching a bit. “Don’t forget your saltines.” TJ told her as well, knowing that while she may not feel hungry, her body needed a little bit of nourishment.

Lani laughed at him and scooted forward so she was on his back again. “Yes, sir,” she chuckled and grabbed the crackers before wrapping her arms around him. “I hope whatever this is isn’t contagious. I’d hate for you and the whole house to get sick,” she frowned. “Wouldn’t make for good TV.”

Sadie walked with Jake to the theater settling in to two of the chairs as they scrolled through the endless movies that came with it all before settling on The Avengers. She looked up at the girl smiling brightly, “Everything’s perfect.” She teased before adding, “I hope you’re okay with the avengers though?”

She sat down in one of the seats with a bag of M&M’s, “That’s fine. I don’t know much about them, but I’ll pretend I understand what’s happening,” she laughed.

“Great, we’ll meet you in the theater then!”

Lanie nodded and went to the kitchen to get snacks. She made a bowl of popcorn and grabbed some boxes of candy. She grabbed two waters and a beer for herself (because why the hell not) and went to the theatre. “I didn’t know what you’d want so I got everything.”

“I promise you’re not intruding.” she shook her head smiling, “We’re just hanging out.”

“Alright, if you’re sure. You guys go pick out a movie and I’ll go get snacks.”

“It’s not pathetic to be sick, besides, you’re adorable when needing taken care of.” TJ told her as he grabbed a fever reducer, reading the label before shaking out the correct amount of pills into his palm and returning to her. “Here, gorgeous, take these.” He requested, handing them over and leaning to press a kiss to her forehead once more. “I’m going to grab you a couple more bottles of water before we head back up. Is there anything else you’re wanting?” He asked.

“Well, I guess that makes me feel a little better,” she blushed. Lanie made a face when she put the pills in her mouth and quickly swallowed them down with a drink of water. She thought for a second and shook her head in response, “No thanks. I don’t really have an appetite right now.”

Sadie gave a small nod now moving to stand beside the boy, “Yeah pretty much going to watch a movie and go for a swim? You’re welcome to join us.”

“I’m down for a movie,” she smiled. “As long as I’m not intruding.”

Sadie looked at the other girl with wide eyes as the boy laughed, “Hi Lanie, I’ve also heard lots of things about you as well. It’s nice to meet you finally.” he smiled at the girl before turning to look at Sadie. 

Lanie nodded at him, “Nice to meet you too.” She moved out of the way so he could come inside the house. “You guys just having a chill day?”

“Either way, saltines in your belly will do you more harm than good.” TJ told her. He chuckled at her words, standing up once she was on his back and adjusting her a bit so she sat comfortably before heading out of his room and down the stairs. “I’m not going to fall.” He told her with a roll of his eyes, heading for the kitchen once they were downstairs. He sat her on the counter and wandered over to the cabinet, grabbing a slip of saltine crackers and a water bottle from the fridge and returning to her side. “Here, drink and nibble.” TJ requested before wandering over to the medicine cabinet next.

Lanie scooted against the wall so she could rest her head against it. She nodded and took the crackers and water from him, “Aye aye, captain,” she mumbled as she opened the crackers. “I hate being sick,” she pouted as she nibbled at one of the cracker. “Feel pathetic.”

“You don’t need to worry about that, Lane, but you are warm so let’s run to the kitchen real fast and start fixing you up.” TJ suggested, before kneeling down a bit. “Hop on, Tomlinson.” He told her with a playful smile, trying to help her feel better not only physically but mentally as well.

“If I eat anything, I can’t promise it’s going to stay inside my body,” she told him. She looked at him delightedly, “You are so cute.” Lanie climbed on to his back and held on tightly, “If you fall down the stairs, we’re both dead so be careful.”

“That’s odd. Maybe it’s just a stomach bug then. Have you taken anything?” TJ asked, pressing a kiss to her forehead to check for her temperature as his parent’s had done to him many times before then wandering over to his wardrobe to pull out a pair of sweats that were a bit tight on him and one of his football hoodies. “Here, love.” He offered.

“No, I’ve just been laying in bed and then the bathroom when I got too hot, but then I started getting too cold so I decided to come steal something cozy,” she explained. She brought her hand to her head when he walked away and frowned when it was hotter than it should be. She took the clothes with a smile, “Thanks. Boy clothes are just more comfortable than girl clothes.” She walked into the bathroom to change quickly. Lanie came out and gave TJ a hug, “I’ll have these washed and folded when I’m done with them.”

“Twice? Did you eat something that went off?” TJ asked, walking over to her now and cupping her face gently in his palm.

“I don’t think so. I haven’t had anything since dinner yesterday and that was a salad and grilled chicken.”

TJ had to take a moment, turning from the girl to walk back to the door of his room and look out into the hallway. It wasn’t as simple as being angry about something and realizing there was nothing to be angry about then just not being angry, not for him. He took a few deep breaths, surveying his temper for a moment before turning back to look at the brunette. “It’s alright, Lane. Didn’t mean to jump down your throat.” He said, rubbing the back of his neck with a hand. “You’re not feeling well?” He asked.

Lanie chewed on her bottom lip and watched him carefully. She knew this was difficult for him and she knew not to pry, so she just stayed quiet. Lanie nodded when he turned back around, “It’s fine. I understand,” she shrugged. “My stomach has been hurting all day and I’ve gotten sick twice. I hate it so much.”

Sadie laughed as she shook her head, “No, I invited him over so we’re just going to hang around here.” she spoke before turning to the boy in the doorway, “Lanie this is Jake the guy I was telling you about.” she smiled 

“Oh, well that sounds like a lot of fun,” she smiled at Sadie. “Hi Jake, I’ve heard lots and lots of things about you. All good, so no worries.”

“No no no no- don’t answer-” she paused at the bottom of the stairs seeing the door now wide open with Jake standing outside “-the door…”

Lanie looked back at Sadie with a smile and mouthed ‘Cute’ at her. “Are you two going on a date?”