Title: Henry's Little Cherub
Author: JR
Archive: Yes
Category: Hurt/Comfort
Rating: PG
Summary: Chan and Henry take care of each other.
Feedback: yes, off list

They were driving home again, back to the Ravenswood. Another Morlock was dead and gone. Neither one of them seemed any worse off than before except for the sleep they had been missing. Henry shifted in his seat and tried to concentrate on the road. The radio was always available, but he would much rather be listening to Chandler. Unfortunately, that did not seem to be in the game plan. His partner had not said anything the whole trip and his head would tilt back in sleep only to jerk awake after a few seconds. Henry was glad that he was finally resting, if only for a little bit, but he really missed their talks. Perhaps tonight would be a good way to get his old Chan back. "You up for tonight, man?"

"Yeah. Of course. Why do you ask?"

"Nothin'. You just looked a little tired is all."

"I'm alright, H."

But Henry wondered if he really was. Something was wrong. Smythe was a work maniac and this case had been a doosy. Seemed they had been running around all over Hollywood for this one. And as the case wore on, Chandler had gotten quieter and quieter. Maybe he was imagining it all. Maybe he was tired and that was it. No, that was not it. They did not interact; communicate like they used to. No, Chan, you are most definitely not alright.

"Huh? H? Are you even listening to me?"

Henry mentally jerked himself out of his musings. "Sorry, Chan. What were you saying?"

Chandler sighed. "I was asking if you had any food. Do you? Or do I need to bring something?"

"Oh, yeah. No problem, man. I got plenty of food."

"What about beer?"

"Plenty of that too." Henry grinned and glanced over at him. But the look on his face bothered him. "What's wrong, Chan?"

"Nothing."

"Why don't you ever talk to me?"

"What? I talk to you. I'm talking to you right now."

"No, I mean really talk. Like what's going on in that head of yours, ya know?"

"Nothing's going on, Henry, nothing!" Chandler waved his hands wildly.

"Sorry, man." Shit, I've upset him. This is obviously not a good time.

"Forget it." Smythe ran a hand through his hair and stared out the window.

Neither man said another word until the car was parked and they both got out.

"Look, Chan. You don't have to come if you don't want to. It's cool, alright?"

"Henry, what are you talking about? Of course, I want to. What the hell else am I gonna do?"

Henry smiled at that. "Alright, alright. Just makin' sure."

Chandler actually smiled and Henry felt good inside. Nice to see that smile, he thought. Nice to see those eyes sparkle.

"See you in a few." Chandler called and headed for his room.

With a little spring in his step, Henry hurried to his room and put dinner on. A few vegetables and some steaks would be just right. He set the table and tidied everything up a bit. He took a quick shower while the food was cooking and splashed on his favorite cologne. Casual clothes were the order for the night so he decided on his red shirt and his black pants. He observed his reflection in the mirror. "Lookin' pretty handsome tonight, my man. Play it cool though, son. Don't screw things up. My little fox is coming over. But everything's gonna go just fine." Reassured, he went back to the kitchen to check on the food. He had prepared a pretty nice meal and he began to get worried when it finished cooking and Chan still had not showed up. What if he went to sleep? Just as he picked up the phone, there was a knock on his door.

"Sorry it took me so long." Chandler walked in when he opened it.

He wore a deep blue shirt that seemed to make his eyes glow. His hair was flung out around his face as usual, but it was still damp in places. H longed to sink his fingers into its softness. He looked so fine. "I was getting worried about you. But you showed up at just the right time. Everything's done."

"Great." Chandler walked into the kitchen with Henry right behind him. "Sure fixed some good stuff, H. But you didn't have to go to all this trouble."

"No trouble at all, Chan. We gotta eat real food every once in a while anyway."

Chandler smelled wonderful and Henry very reluctantly moved away and got two beers out.

"Wanna do anything after dinner?" He handed Chan, who was now sitting at the table, a beer. "Maybe a movie or a card game?"

"A movie I guess. I'm sure there's some bullshit we can watch." Chandler grinned.

"I got some kick-ass Bruce Lee." Henry offered and practiced a few moves against an imaginary opponent.

"Okay, fine." Chandler laughed at his friend's antics.

Henry smiled and sat down opposite of his partner. Perhaps this would work out after all.

As Chandler ate and watched his friend, guilt started to lessen his appetite. "Henry? About that stuff in the car earlier. I'm sorry."

Henry was surprised. "Don't worry, baby. I've just missed you is all."

Chandler looked down and when he looked back up he was smiling shyly. "Didn't realize I'd been away. Sorry, Henry."

"Stop apologizing, man. You're here now. That's all that matters."

Chandler smiled, somewhat sadly, and went back to his food. After dinner, they plopped down on the couch and prepared to watch the movie. They each had a beer and Henry got a small charge out of Chandler's touch as their sides pressed together in a relaxed manner. Henry hit play and Chandler leaned his head back.

"You ain't gonna go to sleep on me, are you?" Henry teased gently.

"Course not. I'm just getting comfortable."

The movie got into full swing and before he knew it, Henry was talking to the screen. "You goin' down, motherfucker! Ooo-ya! Bad Bruce done tore your ass up!" He aimed a few punches at the screen for emphasis. He was about to yell out again, when he felt something press against his shoulder. It turned out to be a little brown head. "Bout time, Chan." He whispered and followed the delicate eyelashes of Chandler's closed eyes down to his parted lips. "Got myself a little cherub. A sweet little blue-eyed cherub. He's been trying to watch over everyone but himself, but that's my job and I gotta start doin' better." His cherub slept on blissfully despite the noise from the tv. Henry cut the movie off and sat still in the silent darkness of the room enjoying the feel of Chandler sleeping against him. He loved Chan and he thought their relationship was going in the right direction. "Saw you fallin' asleep today. Just all tuckered out. I knew it even though you said you weren't." Chandler shifted against him, settling his head more comfortably on H's broad shoulder. Henry smiled as he watched Chan's lips curve up in a dreamy smile. "Wish you were in my arms though. Cute little bundle like you would be a perfect fit. But I guess I'll settle for this," he decided, and slowly slipped his arm out from between them. He placed Chandler's beer on the coffee table and slipped his arm around his friend, careful not to disturb him. He watched him some more and he could not resist stroking the soft brown hair behind an ear. You're gonna fall asleep too if you're not careful, his brain warned, but he went ahead and leaned his own head on top of Chandler's. Henry closed his eyes and fell asleep.

Henry's eyes shot open. Shit. What time was it? Without moving, he spied the clock. 1am. Good. He had only been asleep 30 minutes. Why did he wake up in the first place? Must be my neck. It's getting stiff. He lifted his head up and turned it from side to side slowly, testing for any soreness or cramps in his neck. No, that really wasn't it. Something was wrong though. Suddenly, it dawned on him that Chan was warmer than usual. "Don't be gettin' sick, baby." He murmured as he checked his temperature. It seemed he had a low-grade fever, but Henry refused to wake him up for that. It was better for him to sleep. "Off to bed with you, little cherub." Henry gathered his sleeping bundle up and carried him to bed. Chandler never moved, not even when Henry took his shoes off and draped the covers over him. Kissing him good night seemed like the right thing to do. "Sleep tight, baby." A feather-light kiss on soft parted lips followed his wish. Henry changed into his sweat pants and lay down beside him. "Wish I could watch you all night. But I guess I'd better go to sleep too."

***

"Henry? Hen..." The soft voice whined.

Henry had fallen into a deep sleep, but the voice of his baby angel lifted him out of it. Rubbing his tired eyes, he sat up and turned on the lamp. "What's wrong, Chan?" His partner was struggling slightly with the covers, making small, agitated noises.

Chandler's forehead was creased with worry and maybe even pain. Twisting in the sheets only made him more upset. "Henryyy... Where are you?"

"I'm right next to you, Chan. Hold on, I'm gonna find out what's wrong."

"Henry? Mmph... Hurry, Henry, ok?"

Frowning, he laid his hand gently on Chandler's forehead. "Damn." He cursed softly. His friend was burning up.

Chandler frowned and writhed uncomfortably. "Hen, I'm hot." He cried weakly and shifted towards the source of contact.

"I know, baby. S'okay, Chan. I'm right here."

His cheeks were flushed and the hollows around his eyes seemed too deep and dark. A few lines of sweat trickled down his face. H lifted the smaller man up slowly and held him to his chest.

"Aw, Henry, that's worse."

"Does your stomach hurt?"

"No. I don't know. It's so hot." He kicked at the covers, trying to get them off.

"Okay, Chan, I got them." Henry pulled the covers off. He felt his forehead again and winced. Chandler was way too hot. "Hold on, Chan, we're gonna do something to cool you off." As gently but as quickly as he could, he scooped Chandler up into his arms.

"Nooo..." Frightened by the change, he whimpered sadly and clung to his friend's neck. The sick man squirmed, rubbing his aching head against Henry's shoulder.

Henry hurried to the bathroom. "Sshh." He soothed, pressing his lips into his partner's rumpled hair. "It's okay, Chan. I'm gonna take care of you." With some difficulty, he eased himself and his cargo to the bathroom floor. Holding his ailing partner tightly to his chest with his right arm, McNeil turned the cold water on full blast with his left.

"Henry, what are you doing? Awwh..." He whimpered. "...Henry, why don't you turn on the air conditioning?"

Henry wrapped both his arms around his feverish friend. "It won't help, baby. You're hot cuz you're sick, but it'll be okay soon. Just hold on to me." He started to rock him back and forth and prayed for the tub to fill up quickly. Chandler was so hot and if his mind was not playing tricks on him, he could swear his friend was trembling too. But what scared Henry the most was the fact that Chandler did not seem to be totally aware of everything that was going on around him.

"H, please..." The hurt voice begged.

Henry rocked him a little faster. "I'm still here, Chan. I gotcha, okay? I gotcha and I'm not lettin' go."

After a few minutes the tub was half full and Henry gently raised his partner above the water and slowly lowered him into it. Chandler panicked.

"Nooo! Henry, nooo! Don't let go!"

Henry grunted as his sick friend started kicking and clung to him with a surprising amount of strength, trying desperately to avoid the frigid water.

"Ssshh. I still gotcha, Chan. It's okay. This is gonna make you better." Holding him tightly, he continued to sooth him and lowered him down.

"Please! Henry, nooo..." Chandler cried as he was submerged in icy cold water.

"S'okay. You're safe, Chan. It'll be over in a minute." Henry murmured against his forehead.

"Nooo... Take me out, take me out!" Chandler cried, struggling in Henry's grip.

"Sssshhh." Henry's heart ached as he watched Chandler's fevered eyes stare into his own sympathetic brown ones in pain and confusion. Shit, he hated this. I can't do this to him. I won't. In an instant, his frightened little cherub was lifted back out. They collapsed onto the floor together. Henry realized the total dreadful consequences of his actions as his partner whined sadly and clung to his neck so hard it felt like he was choking. Dammit. He really hated himself right now. He hugged his terrified little bundle and began his apology by caressing his wet hair. "Chan, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to freak you out. Chan? You're out of the water now. Chandler? I'm sorry I scared you. I was just tryin' to bring your fever down." Henry nuzzled his face into the side of Chan's own and sensed immediately that he was cooler. "Chan, Chan, you're okay now." He soothed, continuing to brush his hand tenderly through his hair.

Slowly, Chandler quieted and relaxed his grip enough to look at him. His mournful blue eyes stabbed Henry in the heart. "Henry? I wanna go back to bed." He whispered and wrapped his arms around his neck again.

"Okay, baby. I'm sorry. Whatever you want." Henry said softly and rocked him some to help him go back to sleep. Henry's concern grew, as his friend was still and sluggish, as he dried him off and helped him into some dry nightclothes. Chandler only moved his arms enough for them to be dried off and to have one of H's shirts put on. As soon as that was done, he clung to Henry's neck, making it almost impossible to get anything else done. This only served to make Henry's heart heavier. Scaring the one he loved was something he never wanted to do and he could not think of anything else, only to murmur how terribly sorry he was. He was both relieved and regretful when Chan fell asleep. Toting him back to bed, he checked his temperature one last time as he pulled the covers up around him. "I need a wet cloth." He went and got one and placed it on his forehead. Maybe this would help some. At least Chan might be a little more comfortable sleeping. His little cherub was exhausted and he looked even smaller now. Curled into a ball with his arms tucked up under his chin, there was a vulnerableness about him. He still seemed so scared. Henry sat down beside him and rumpled his soft locks. "It's my fault for not taking better care of you. If I had, you wouldn't be sick like this. I'm sorry, baby cherub. But I'm gonna make it up to you. I promise." Exhausted and too weary for anymore thinking, Henry put on some dry clothes and lay down next to his cherub, wrapping an arm around him, and fell asleep instantly.

***

Henry opened his eyes slowly. Chan. He immediately sat up and leaned over the body next to his. His partner was still warm, but not near as hot as last night. Henry got a fresh wet washcloth and wiped his face gently, dabbing lightly over the tightly closed eyes and the long lashes, wishing he could see his partner's beautiful though often sad eyes. His thoughts traveled back to some stores he had been in and Chan suddenly reminded him of one of those Precious Moments figures. "Lord knows you got eyes just like 'em. So beautiful and immense, but so heartbroken." Henry sighed and tucked the covers around the sleeping man a little snugger and went to take a shower.

He was cooking breakfast when his partner surprised him. A thump on the floor made him jump. "Chan! What are you doing up? I thought you'd still be asleep. Hold on, baby." He rushed over and pulled the struggling man up against him.

"Aw..." Disoriented from his fall and the abrupt upward motion, it was all he could do to hang onto Henry's shirttails. "Not so fast, man, I almost killed myself."

"You alright? Did you hurt yourself?" He tried to get a peak at his face, but his partner could not hold his head up.

"No. It just kinda jolted me out of my senses."

Instinctively, Henry's hand cupped his aching head making him sigh.

"Alright. Just hold still. You're still warm and I bet you're head's hurtin'."

"Yeah. You got anything?"

"Sure. Let's get you seated first." He guided his still groggy friend over to a chair.

Chandler almost whimpered when Henry let go of him. The chair and the table seemed very hard and uncomfortable; he wanted H back. Hell, he wanted Henry's bed back. There was some small comfort though because his partner's scent was still around him. Through his muddled thoughts, he sensed the soft sweats pooling at his feet and the t-shirt that hung loosely around his upper body. These are H's clothes. What happened to mine? It was all too fast. "What happened last night?" He mumbled, propping his face in his hands.

Henry set a glass of water and 2 capsules in front of him. "You were sick. Real bad." Leaving the rest of it out in case he upset his friend again.

"I was?" Chandler did not remember that at all. The only thing he could really remember was something warm and firm holding him. It had to have been Henry. He felt a surge of warmth at the thought.

"Yeah, you scared me, Chan."

Chandler giggled. Was that it? No wonder he felt like shit. At least he hadn't gotten drunk off his ass.

"What's so funny?"

Chandler sighed. "Nothing, H."

Henry was getting worried. Oh god, what if it's the fever? He set the food down on the table and felt his forehead.

"Hen, stop it." Chandler whined, trying to push his hand away. "I'm alright."

"Like hell! You're sick, Chan. Now, I think you should go back to bed after you eat."

Chandler's face screwed up in a cute little pout. With illness came irritation and somewhere inside him it was mounting. "Why are you always trying to boss me around?"

"I'm not. I'm just trying to take care of you."

Chandler rubbed his palms into his eyes in frustration. "Well, I can take care of myself!" He growled and jumped up to leave.

"Chan, wait!"

Chandler cried out as he tripped on his pants and landed on his knees and elbows hard. "Dammit." He whimpered and tried to get up before H got to him.

"Chandler! Damn. Stop, baby." He picked his stunned partner up and carried him to the couch. "Look's like I messed up again, little cherub. I'm sorry."

"What are you talking about?" Just laying in his arms was all he could do; the pain in his knees and elbows was the only thing he could really think about.

"I upset you and you got hurt. I'm sorry, Chan."

"Oh, it's alright, Henry. I just feel really bad right now."

"Still wanna go back to your room?"

"No."

Henry was relieved. Now he could still care for him. "I'll get something to put on those places where you fell." He shifted the smaller man onto the couch and headed for the bathroom. He returned with some lotion and applied it to his elbows first. "That feel better?"

"Yeah." Chandler watched him roll his sweat pants up to his knees and rub the lotion in gently with his fingers. His comforting touch warmed Chan's bare skin.

"Might have to get you some of your own pants, but you look baby cute in these."

"No, that's cool. I like them." Chan placed his hand on top of the one that was still on his knee. He smiled slightly when Henry looked at him with his own smile covering Chan's hand with his other and giving it a little squeeze.

"How bout those pills now?"

"Yeah, that'd be good."

After he took his medicine, Chandler decided he really wanted to go back to bed.

"You hungry? I cooked breakfast."

"No thanks, Henry. I don't really feel like eating. Will you help me back to bed?"

"Of course, baby." Henry pulled him up and guided him back to bed with an arm around his waist.

Having H tuck him in made him feel better. But he wished Henry were holding him now, despite the softness of the bed.

"Call me if you need anything, ok?"

"Ok."

"What's wrong, Chan? You look a little sad."

"Nothing, Henry. Thanks for seeing about me."

"No problem, partner."

"What are you gonna do?"

"Just a few odds and ends. I'll be here; don't you worry."

Reassured, Chandler closed his eyes and tried to fall asleep. Soon the heat and the dull ache faded into oblivion. Henry went back to the kitchen and finished his breakfast. But it was a lonely meal. He missed his friend. From the morning on into the afternoon, he cleaned quietly and checked on Chandler from time to time.

"Henry?"

McNeil dropped what he was doing and rushed to the bedroom doorway, which Chandler was leaning against. "What's the matter?"

"The pills musta worn off or something."

"You still feel warm. Maybe we'd better go to a doctor."

"No! I feel better. Really." But his dull eyes told a different story.

"Okay, baby cherub, no doctors. I'll just have to keep a close eye on you."

Chandler liked that idea.

Impulsively, Henry hugged his friend close. "You're gonna get better soon." Chandler looked up and Henry took a slow dive into a deep blue. "Real soon." Deeper and deeper until his lips wisped across his partner's own. "I promise." Whispering against them with butterfly motions so tender he almost stopped when a rush of air accompanied their parting. But he kept on and slowly their lips came together in sweet union. Oh so very slow and gentle was the man who held this fragile being, making love to him with a kiss. "Sweet heaven, baby cherub." He was in awe.

Small breaths and tears from heartrending blues were his only reply.

"I love you." A declaration finally spoken, in the same gentle whisper as before.

More tears fell from the crystal blues and he stopped their paths with kisses.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. Will you forgive me?"

"Yes, I love you too." Chandler kissed him back just as softly, releasing a few more tear drops that Henry absorbed with a gentle nuzzle.

The stillness settled over them. Chandler's fever was like a physical manifestation of the warmth between them. New lovers wrapped in each other's arms, one protecting and cherishing his treasure, the other basking and resting in love and safety.

"You alright? Gettin' tired, my little cherub?" He finally spoke.

"A little. Let's sit down."

They sat on the couch neither giving up his hold on the other.

"You've been so quiet these last few days. I was so worried about you. And every time I tried to talk about it you got upset. Was it because you were feeling bad?"

"It was the case and being tired and... and sad because I loved you and it seemed like it was never meant to be. But I know it is now." He kissed Henry, savoring the touch.

"That's my baby."

Chandler yawned and snuggled deeper into Henry's arms. "Think I'm falling asleep."

Henry heard the small smile in his voice. "That's okay. You need to."

"But I've been sleeping all day."

"Yeah, but baby angels need lots of sleep."

Chandler's muted laugh hummed like the rich tones of a wood flute. "I love you."

"Love you too. Glad we're together."

His blue eyes twinkled brilliantly for a moment and Henry wondered afterwards if there had been a reflection of the dazzling display in his own.

"Henry? Stay with me while I sleep."

"I'll be watching over you, Chan. I promise." He sat listening as his partner's breathing slowed then deepened and he remembered they were sitting on the couch with Chan in his lap no less. Not a comfortable position for him to sleep in. "Guess we shoulda gone back to the bedroom first. Aw well." He considered staying where he was, but his legs would get numb eventually. "Hold on, Chan, and we'll fly back to bed." With practiced ease, he carried his friend and placed him on the bed gently. He worried silently when he felt the heat coming from his partner as he curled around him. When you get sick, you get sick. I gotta give you some more medicine when you wake up. But I'm not leaving you.

McNeil did not relax his vigil. His partner's rumpled features excited him, but more over they summoned an intense feeling of protection within him. I don't know if you know that. But I couldn't stand the thought of anything happening to you.

The small body tensed. "Mm." It squirmed around to face him, pressing close.

"That's it. Whatever you need to rest." He soothed, stroking his back.

He settled down after that, for which McNeil was relieved.

***

"H?...uuhhh...Hen..."

The low moan woke him from his slumber. "Chan? Chan, what is it? Oh my... Damn. Not again, please not again." His friend was pouring sweat, boring into him urgently, his entire body trembling. "Where's the thermometer when you need it?" Henry berated himself. Chandler whimpered. "I'm here, Chan, I'm hurrying. I haven't left you. Just going to run get the thermometer." After disengaging himself gently, he ran to the bathroom and practically tore up the medicine cabinet looking for the thermometer. He rushed back and put the thermometer on his forehead waiting impatiently for the device to register. "I'm back, Chan. It's gonna be alright. I'm taking care of you." Chandler whined softly and it hurt his heart. "I know you're hurtin', baby. Just hold on. I'm gonna make the pain go away." The smaller man was trembling badly so he held his face, brushing the pads of his thumbs over his cheeks in an attempt to sooth away any discomfort he might feel when the thermometer was peeled off. It came off easily and when Henry read the thermometer his heart dropped. 105 degrees!?! "Oh my god." Terrified, he dashed into the bathroom and turned the cold water on hard. He ran back to the bed and hugged Chandler securely, trying to stop the trembling that was threatening to become convulsions. "I'm sorry, baby. Stay with me, Chan." He whispered. Chandler's breath was soft and fast and it scared Henry that he had stopped calling for him. The small body shook harder and this time Henry barely made it to the tub.

When his ill body felt the water, he cried out mournfully. "Nooo! Don't!" Frightened and agitated, he started to fight. "No, please! Henry, please stop!" His voice cracked like shattering glass.

It hurt Henry to hold him down even though it was the only way to save him. "Shh. I've got you."

"No! Please, stop! Stooop!"

"Chan-" He had never seen his eyes so huge and terrified as they were now.

"Nooo, nooo..." He sobbed as tears ran down his cheeks, mixing with the water. The cold water clutched him, trying to destroy his body by freezing him to death.

"I know, I know. I'm sorry, baby angel." Henry soothed as his friend kept fighting and sobbing.

The fever took a little longer to go down. Henry was afraid that Chandler would get hurt; he was trembling so hard. Please let this end, he prayed silently. He kept trying to comfort Chandler, but his soft sobs convinced Henry that he was failing. The small shaking figure finally gave up. The sad blue eyes shut tightly and he hugged himself, but did not try to move any more than that. Henry took him out, as soon as he made sure he was cool, and tucked him against his chest. "Chan," he whispered against his forehead, "I'm sorry, baby, so sorry." Chandler continued to sob quietly. "I know this scared you. I would've never put you through it, but I thought I was losing you. Your fever was way out of control. But you're safe now. I won't put you in there again. Please believe me. I love you, Chan." Chandler sobbed harder and clung desperately to him. Henry rocked him slowly, rubbing his arms and legs and belly. "Hush, ba-by, hush," he sang quietly, "hush, sweet ba-by." He pressed a gentle kiss to his forehead whenever a spasm or a little jerk upset his hurt friend.

"Mmmph...uu-uu..." Chandler cried softly and pushed his face into Henry's chest. His partner, his warmth, was all around him and he needed him badly. Needed him to take away the horrifying chill that had settled into his body. Please, Henry, don't go. Please. Suddenly, he felt himself being laid down. Chandler screamed and reached out furtively.

"Hey, it's alright." Henry soothed and held him close again. "I'm here for you, baby. I'm just gonna get something to dry you off with. Okay? I'll be back in a jiffy. Kay?"

Chandler nodded.

Henry was back soon and carefully eased Chandler's limbs out of his wet clothes. He took a large towel and wrapped him up in it, rubbing him dry as quickly as possible. He used the corners to dry his hair carefully. "You got such baby soft hair. One of my favorite things about you. The way it sits on your head like a little crown."

Chandler did not answer, but he tightened his grip when his hair was touched.

"Chan, please say something. You're scaring me. Please, baby."

Huge blue eyes looked up at him. "H, help me." He whispered.

"What can I do, baby angel? Anything you want."

"Stay with me, Hen. I'm scared." It was so soft and fearful and desperate.

Henry said nothing. Instead, he kissed him. And hugged him and caressed his hair in an attempt to show him that he was loved in every way. And when they went back to bed, their naked bodies twined and with his cherub still clinging to his neck, he continued as before. Soothing away his fear little by little with every touch, every caress. Chandler's mind emptied like sand slipping through an hourglass until there was only Henry's scent and his touch. Finally he was warm; finally he was safe.

"Love you, Chan." Henry murmured. He rocked his partner a long time, thinking about how much he loved him and how grateful he was that the All Mighty had sent him down to earth, rejoicing that Chan loved him, giving thanks for all the time they had already had together and for all the time they would have in the future.

Laying down only produced a small mutter of "love you" from his slumbering angel. "You're a sight to behold, Chan." He traced his thumb over the full lips, the long eyelashes, and the smooth skin of his face all of which he had lovingly kissed. He watched him for a few minutes more, then gathering him close, he settled for the night. It was good to finally feel Chandler full against him. Chandler's slightly fevered body snuggled close. He was reminded of their size difference whenever they were close, but he seemed to really notice it now: the small back, the narrow waist, the slim hips, the tiny legs, and the small bottom. He loved all of it and stroked the warm tender flesh in his arms. "Sweet dreams, baby angel." Finally they both slept peacefully.

***

It was late morning, but only a tiny amount of light came into the room. McNeil was awake, but he was not thinking about that. He was still enjoying the simple pleasure of waking up with his partner still snuggled close in his arms. Laying his cheek against his forehead to check his temperature, he was relieved to discover that his friend was better. He barely had a fever. Settling his head back on the pillow, Chandler's face came back into his vision and he once again enjoyed gazing at him as he slept. When he finally woke up, Henry smiled and his brown eyes gentled at the sight of Chan's blue eyes peaking open. "Morning, baby angel."

"Morning." Smiling lopsidedly, he leaned forward to kiss his partner.

"So sweet." Henry murmured after they kissed. "Feeling better?"

"Mmhm." Chandler snuggled his head under H's chin. "You're real cuddly, Henry." His voice sounded drowsy.

"So are you, baby angel." Henry began to hum soft and low.

"That's what you sang last night."

"Yeah." He finished the song and for a moment he thought Chan had gone back to sleep.

"Sing it again." He murmured happily.

"Sure." Henry's voice resonated in his chest as he sang the lullaby quietly, pleasing Chan again with its soothing melody.

The angel went back to sleep.

The End