"All that meat and no potatoes."

[everythingdesigner]

Who: Tristan Hewitt and Caden Drake
What: Juggling act
Where: Tristan's home, Fifth Avenue
When: Monday morning

Tristan felt like he didn't have enough hours in the day right now. Usually, he didn't mind Mondays, and usually he was an easy early riser because he did yoga every morning before work. That wasn't a fitness regime for him, that was about inner peace, and that was just part of his life, and also his chosen spirituality. His schedule for this week was absolutely nuts, so he had planned to wake up at 4.30am to get a head-start. Not only did he have a crazy work schedule, but he and Caden had clearly had a moment of nuts when they decided to invite their families to their place for Thanksgiving dinner that week. It had seemed like a good idea at the time, and it was a huge step in their relationship, bringing their families together.

Now, up at the fucking crack of dawn, standing in the kitchen in his pyjama pants and looking at the growing shopping list, he was wondering what the fuck he had gotten them into. For one, this had been planned before Paris fell seriously sick, and ultimately diagnosed with a brain tumour. It was also before Gen had to fly to Australia urgently. Tristan was left completely holding the reigns at FABULOUS and even if he didn't like to fold at any challenge, he was feeling exhausted and bewildered staring at his shopping list. He wasn't even usually a coffee drinker, but a half-spent cup was sitting on the counter by his iPad. It wasn't even touching how tired he felt that morning, and he was struggling to find much to be thankful about that week.

Comments

[deepinmysoul]

"I am going to emphatically second the lying down and sleep idea," Caden agreed, though he wasn't sure if it was a good idea to get Tristan moving. "I'm going to help you get there, and no, we're not taking your iPad. If I can get you there without protest, then you're going to rest like you clearly need to." He didn't want the conversation to be over, because he needed Tristan to try to keep the dialogue going here otherwise it could just get worse. Caden had dealt with a lot in his life, but this was new. He would do whatever Tristan needed for help, he would just be less nervy that he would pass out again if he was horizontal in bed. Caden was already wondering if he could call Ajay up and ask him for some advice, but the best option was to actually get the information from Tristan.

They didn't get to the bedroom in a rush. Tristan was doing better than he had been a few minutes ago, but he looked like he could sleep for a week. Or a month. Caden held him securely around the waist and when they got to the bedroom, he pulled the covers back and helped Tristan back into bed. Then he got in beside him and wrapped his arms around him in a hug, giving him a soft kiss. "I'm worried about you. This is uncharted waters for me. I don't want to step on your toes, or piss you off for sticking my nose in if you don't want me there. Can I help with this? Just guide me, I'm here for you."

[everythingdesigner]

Tristan wasn't expecting to feel the relief he did climbing back into bed and feeling the warm covers wrap around him again. He felt like maybe he was coming down with a flu, but that wasn't the only reason he found himself suddenly feeling poorly. Then Caden was climbing back into bed with him, and cuddling up with him. That was the best part of all. Tristan hadn't come this close to committing to anyone before. He had sort of hovered in the maybe realm a few times, but his career had gotten in the way, or more recently, he didn't want to take anything further if he didn't feel a more spiritual connection to them. He did believe in soul mates, and hoped one day he had a shot at finding his own. He was starting to feel that Caden might just be the one. Moments like these, he believed it even more. Caden was so caring and tender. He had always been softly spoken and classy. They seemed to cross each other's path at the right time. Now stress was just getting in the way.

He settled into a comfortable spot and let his eyes fall closed, basking in the cosiness of Caden's arms. "I don't push you away or block you out. I did plenty of that when I first fell ill, and went it alone. I didn't intend to let myself fall back into these terrible habits so easily, but I'm weak and woozy, and I can't remember the last proper meal I've had. It's been one thing after another, trying to keep things going at work. I wanted to help out the best I can, so they didn't have to worry. You're not stepping on my toes, babe. I probably need to address this before it gets out of hand. I feel wiped out, though. There's not enough hours in the day."

[deepinmysoul]

"With all due respect to Mark and Gen, Gen needs to find a way to balance her business' obligations with her private life now that her brother has fallen ill. It is still her company, and no matter how difficult her life is, she needs strategies to handle that that aren't just dropping everything in your lap and running. That's not fair, and look where it has gotten to." Caden understood that perhaps Tristan had stepped up into either Gen or Paris' place in their absences in the past. Both at the same time, however? That wasn't fair. He didn't know if Tristan would ultimately speak up and say anything, because Paris did have cancer. It was a difficult situation, but Caden didn't want the person he loved ill and weak because of this. It was his job to care for Tristan.

"You are wiped out, love. You should see yourself. You're so pale. You look ill. I'm worried about you," he murmured, kissing Tristan's forehead. "Do you think you need to see a doctor? There's always a chance you're not well and it's affected your appetite. I don't want you feeling like every time you don't eat, you're relapsing. But if you think you might have without realising, do you need to talk to someone? I can come with you to anything you need. If you want me to. If you don't, I understand."