For @tpwk1321. I know how life can be, and I wish you had more respites than you do. You are so awesome, and your energy is so positive, and getting to know you has been such a pleasure and has helped make my fandom life better, even when I'm struggling. This fic is just a small token of my affection and my wish that I could do more for you!
They all had their own ways of helping JJ when he was having a flare up.
John B was tried and true, and he always knew when one was about to hit even before JJ saw it coming. He never made a big deal out of it, just huffed a little and said, "Maybe we should slow it down."  And when JJ didn't listen, when JJ pushed it to far, he would help JJ back to bed or just carry him, strong and safe while JJ's body got the better of him once more.
Cleo was new to it, but she was practical about it. She thought about the things the others didn't, coming up with plans and ideas that made life possible. And when it got bad -- and it got bad a lot -- she helped JJ sit on the back porch and lit the blunt for him, holding it to his trembling lips until he got some semblance of relief.
Pope, as expected, was academic about it. He always had a new idea -- a new blog post, a new research study. Super foods that could make a difference. Exercises that have been shown to provide relief. Sleep techniques, routine modifications, equipment upgrades.  "Anything that makes your life a little better is worth trying," he reasoned.
Sarah was maternal about it, as only Sarah could be. The years had softened her, melting her ice princess facade, and motherhood seemed to have made her complete. She took care of the baby; she took care of JJ. She made sure he ate and drank, and she learned how to prepare foods just the way JJ needed -- making it easier to swallow without taking away the fun of it. When he was too tired to get up, she'd just smooth his hair back and kiss him on the head and asked if he wanted the TV on or the lights off.
The baby always squawked when she had to leave JJ, reaching and crying for her uncle. Sarah soothed her, too, saying, "Uncle JJ will play later. He needs nap time, just like you."
And Kiara was the best at it, because she didn't just help -- she lived it with him. When he hurt, she hurt. When he was happy, she was happy. She never wavered; she never hesitated.  "We'll get through it together, just like we always do."  It had meant something else once, when they were young and healthy, but it means something more now. Something complete, something real. They aren't chasing treasure, just <i>meaning</i> and when she curls up with him, wrapped around him to steady him, he believes, just for a second, that things will be okay.
They all had their own ways of helping him, after all. Flare up to flare up, and all the life in between.
