#shipathon

Springtime meant lots of things at the Library; No more complaining about the cold, more missions, and of course, Spring cleaning. Jenkins gave each of them their own lists of tasks to complete between missions. Some were simple and could be done fairly quickly, such as cleaning the windows or dusting. Other jobs required team work, like reorganizing the card catalog or reassembling a bookshelf that had fallen apart during one of the few security breaches in the Library. Jake and Ezekiel decided to put their technical skills together and fix it, mainly because A. it would be done faster and B. They could spend some time alone together. Things, however, did not go as planned.

They were picking up the long boards that made up the shelves, a somewhat difficult job despite the combined strength of the two men. The issue was that they weren’t combining their strengths, but trying to both show off and compete with the other.

“Bet I can move these boards out faster than you.” Ezekiel outstretched his hand with a smirk.

“You’re on. What’s does the winner get?” Jake shook his hand.

“Whatever he wants.” Ezekiel answered.

“Really? That’s not much of a prize.” Jake gave him a confused look.

“Whatever he wants, with the loser.” Ezekiel gave a low whisper, reveling in Jake’s crimson blush that managed to work it’s way from his ears down to his chin.

They both quickly began to work, grabbing as many boards as they could carry, leaving the long boards for at the end. Jake ended up getting finished with the shorter boards first and reached down toward the roughly 7 foot long planks.

“I think I’m gonna win.” He smirked as he spun around with the board. It was that unfortunate moment that Ezekiel decided to bend down to grasp for another board, landing him directly in line with Jake’s swinging plank. Jake gasped as he felt the shudder go through the board. He hit him directly in the head, not too lightly either. Ezekiel stumbled back, landing him flat on his back.

“Ezekiel!” Jake gasped, laying the board down and rushing over to him. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to…”

“Jake, I’m fine.” He sat up slowly, rubbing the growing lump on his head. “Man that really knocked me. Rattled my brain a bit.” He chuckled at Jake’s distraught face. “Seriously, it’s just a headache. I’ll be fine.”

“If you say so.” Jake shook his head at him. Ezekiel reached out for a board, still sitting on the floor, before Jake pushed his hand away from it gently. “I’m almost done, just let me finish while you take a minute.”

“And let you win? I don’t think so.” Ezekiel grabbed for the board again, before rising to his feet. He quickly dropped the board and gripped onto the shelf beside him as he fell against the wall lightly. “Woah…” He quickly composed himself at the sight of Jake’s fearful glance. “Just got a bit lightheaded, Babe. Stood up a bit too fast.” Jake still didn’t look convinced. “Would you feel better if I let you finish this up?”

“Yes.” Jake nodded, finally satisfied. “Then we can grab some dinner and I’ll drive you home.” After Jake finished organizing the boards they went out for Korean Barbeque. Jake noticed that Ezekiel wasn’t eating as much as usual which was strange. He knew Ezekiel grew up with a lot less, like a lot less, so food was always tricky for him. He gave him a concerned look, which earned him an eye roll from Ezekiel.

“If I have to explain that I’m fine one more time…” Ezekiel mock threatened. “I’m just not hungry.” Technically true, but Ezekiel did feel slightly nauseous, although he did have some questionable seafood a few hours before. After they finished eating, Jake drove Ezekiel home, which he was grateful for, considering that the noise in the restaurant was nothing less than a roar, giving him a hell of a headache. When he finally got home, he downed two tylenol and went straight to bed, despite it only being about 9 pm.

Jake looked up at the sound of the door opening, eyes widening as he took in the sight before him. Ezekiel Jones, World Class Thief, was clearly hungover. He carried a bucket in his arms, stumbling slightly and wincing at the bright lights. He was pale and he looked exhausted.

“Babe…” Jake got up from his seat and pulled him over to a chair, emitting a low groan from the man. “How much did you drink last night?”

“I don’t know… I don’t think I drank anything but it’s kind of a fuzzy memory. I remember having a headache, taking two tylenol, and going to bed, but I don’t know if I drank before that…” Ezekiel answered weakly, words slightly slurred. “The headache I have now makes that one look like a pinch.” Jake drew his brows together.

“Headache last night before you even started drinking? You weren’t eating much either.” Jake looked into his eyes to find them fully dilated. “Are you drunk or concussed?”

“I don’t know.” Ezekiel answered meekly, sadness leaking into his voice.

“Alright well sit tight, we’ll have Jenkins take a look at you.” Jake felt so guilty. This was all his fault, he should’ve just paid attention. Jenkins looked him over and revealed that he did, indeed, have a concussion.

“I guess I should probably go home and sleep this off.” He staggered to his feet before Jake laid a steadying hand on his shoulder.

“Ezekiel, you live alone. Let me come with you and make sure you’re okay.” It didn’t take much to convince Ezekiel, and together they drove to his apartment. Ezekiel dropped his bag and went straight into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. Despite the door, Jake could hear him heaving from the living room, guilt clenching around his stomach. He got him two more extra strength tylenol, a glass of water, and an ice pack and set them next to his bed on the end table. He fluffed the pillow and untucked the blanket, setting a bucket beside the bed. Ezekiel soon stumbled out of the bathroom, clutching his skull, pausing at the setup Jake had managed to create while he was throwing up, smiling slightly.

“You’re the best.” He whispered as he crawled into his bed after downing the pills. Jake lay on the other side, completely silent. The room was pitch black and cool, if not for the headache that was eating Ezekiel alive, he’d be pretty comfy. His stomach churned as he curled in on himself, eyes shut tightly. Soon a new pressure was added to his head that caused him to open his eyes slightly.