🩹 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 𝒯𝓌𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓎-𝓈𝒾𝓍: 𝐿𝒾𝓁 𝐵𝒶𝒷𝓎 𝐿𝑜𝑜-𝐿𝑜𝑜 𝐹𝑒𝑒𝓁𝓈 𝒮𝒾𝒸𝓀𝒾𝑒

Lucas whimpered softly, curled up under his pastel blankie with his lion stuffie tucked against his chest. His head felt hot, his throat scratchy, and everything just felt yucky. His mommy sat on the edge of the bed, brushing his damp bangs back.

"Oh, my sweet baby," Mrs. Min cooed, pressing a cool rag to his forehead. "You're all warm."

Lucas sniffled, blinking up at her with big, watery eyes. "Mommy... tummy huwt..." he mumbled, voice thick with sleepiness and regression.

"I know, baby. I made you some warm tea, and Amari's coming over soon, okay?"

Lucas let out a tiny whine, squirming. "Daddy?"

"Yes, sweetheart," she reassured him, kissing his forehead. "Daddy's on his way. He's bringing his parents too. They wanna help take care of you."

Lucas let out a small mewl, reaching for his paci and slipping it between his lips. The gentle sucking helped a little, but he still felt so small and so sickie. He needed his daddy.

🚪 𝒜𝓂𝒶𝓇𝒾 & 𝐻𝒾𝓈 𝒫𝒶𝓇𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓈 𝒜𝓇𝓇𝒾𝓋𝑒...

When the doorbell rang, Mrs. Min quickly went to answer it. Amari stepped in first, still in his football hoodie, followed by his mom and dad.

"How is he?" Amari asked, already pulling off his shoes like he was ready to be there all night.

Mrs. Min sighed. "He's really not feeling well. He's regressed and so clingy."

Amari nodded. "Lemme go to him."

His parents followed into the kitchen, offering to make some soup while Amari immediately went to Lucas' room.

🍼 𝒟𝒶𝒹𝒹𝓎 𝒯𝑜 𝓉𝒽𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝓈𝒸𝓊𝑒...

Lucas peeked up from his blankie when he heard footsteps. As soon as he saw Amari, he let out a soft whimper, reaching his arms out.

"Daddy..." he mumbled around his paci.

Amari felt his heart melt at how small Lucas looked, all wrapped up in pastels with his flushed cheeks. He sat down beside him, running a hand through his soft hair.

"Hey, tiny," he murmured. "I heard my baby's not feeling good."

Lucas sniffled, nuzzling against Amari's chest. "Tummy huwt... an' heawt goin' boom boom boom..." He placed a tiny hand on his chest, showing how fast his heart was beating.

Amari gently scooped him into his lap, rocking him a little. "Shhh, Daddy's got you, baby. Breathe for me, okay?"

Lucas sucked on his paci, eyes fluttering tiredly. "Daddy's warm..."

Amari smiled softly. "Yeah? You wanna cuddle?"

Lucas nodded weakly, already curling closer, his tiny hands gripping Amari's hoodie.

🍜 𝒲𝒽𝑒𝓃 𝒮𝑜𝓊𝓅 𝒞𝑜𝓂𝑒𝓈...

Amari's mom peeked into the room, smiling at the sight of Amari holding Lucas so gently.

"I made some soft soup," she whispered. "Think he can eat?"

Amari looked down at Lucas, who was barely awake now. He stroked his cheek. "Baby, you wanna try some soup?"

Lucas fussed a little, shaking his head. "Nooooo..."

Mrs. Min came over with a small spoon. "Just a little, sweetie?"

Lucas whined but opened his mouth just enough for Amari to feed him a tiny spoonful. He made a tiny face but swallowed.

"Good job, baby," Amari praised, pressing a kiss to his forehead.

🌙 𝐵𝒶𝒷𝓎 𝒢𝑒𝓉𝓈 𝒮𝑜𝓂𝑒 𝑅𝑒𝓈𝓉...

After a few spoonfuls, Lucas was too sleepy to stay up. He snuggled deep in Amari's arms, letting out a content sigh.

Mrs. Min smiled. "You really have a way with him."

Amari's dad patted his shoulder. "You're a good boy, Amari. We're proud of you."

Amari blushed a little, holding Lucas closer. "He's my baby. I gotta take care of him."

And as Lucas drifted into a peaceful sleep, safe and warm in his daddy's arms, he knew he was loved.