Of Fevers and False Promises – Chapter One

I know that I already have another fanfic (that's arguably a little bit similar to this one) that's nowhere near finished on here, but I've been working on this one for quite a while now and for some reason I've gotten really excited about it recently and I've really wanted to upload it. I've gotten over 11,000 words written as I'm writing this, so I hope it's not a let-down!

This story was originally a pretty ordinary sick fic, but whilst writing it I decided that I wanted to explore Cal and Ethan's past a little more, and I'm afraid I do have some quite dark plans for this. At this point I'm only going to warn you about hints of abuse, but as the story goes on it may become more explicit. I will of course add addition warnings to chapters with that kind of content.

As always, I hope you enjoy reading. Reviews (and constructive criticism) are always welcome and often helpful, so I would appreciate if you left one as I am a little nervous about publishing this story! – Iris x

Cal is 18 and Ethan is 15.
(This age gap is a bit larger than it should be, as this story is set in January so Cal will soon turn 19 – I started writing this before their birthdays were revealed)

Cal watched as Ethan walked through the front door, looking uncharacteristically tired and subdued.

The older had been on a gap year for the past five months, only popping back home for the odd weekend in between the travelling. However, having not visited for a good two months, excluding the three days at Christmas, he'd decided to drop by for a while longer during a break in his schedule.

Ethan pushed the door closed, before rubbing his forehead a little and turning around, spotting Cal waving at him through the arch that led into the living room. His eyes widened, "Cal! What are you doing here?"

"Oh, nice to see you too!" replied the 18-year-old, placing his empty mug on the floor next to his feet.

"Sorry, it is. I just-" he paused, seemingly hesitating on whether to hug his older brother or not. Ethan ended up yawning into his sleeve, and busying his hands afterwards by straightening his backpack and rubbing his eyes, "...I wasn't expecting it, that's all."

"Yeh, I thought I'd drop by and surprise you two, as Dad is no doubt-"

"Caleb," Matilda warned.

"Okay," Ethan nodded faintly, playing with a loose thread on his school jumper. "M'gonna go upstairs. I have a bit of work to do but I'll come down to talk at dinner," he announced awkwardly, making what looked like a quick escape up the stairs.

Cal frowned. He knew Ethan was awkward, but he was usually pleased to see his brother. He'd never avoided hugging him, either. "What's up with him?" Cal questioned. "He's not been panicking a lot again, has he?"

"No, don't worry. That's settled down considerably now, like I told you," said Matilda.

"It's not Dad is it, what's he done?" Cal asked frantically, to which his mother quickly shook her head. "Work load, then?" he further inquired. "Actually, we're talking about Ethan; he's probably enjoying the work load." Cal sighed.

"Mmmm, I don't think he's very well." She replied.

"Based on what?" queried Cal.

"Well, he overslept this morning-"

"That's not like him," Cal interrupted.

"Precisely, I went up at 8 and he was still sleeping, and usually he leaves the house at quarter past to walk to school. I had to drive him in and he was still late. He looks exhausted, keeps rubbing his head and his cheeks are all flushed as well."

The 18-year-old nodded. "I'll give him a bit, then go and check on him before dinner," he decided.

Matilda hummed in agreement, "you won't get much out of him though, Cal. You know that. He won't say anything that might lead to him having to miss school tomorrow."

"Yeh, I know," he agreed. "So, as we're giving Mr Stubborn some time to do his 'homework', I think I'll tell you all about Australia."

"Nibbles?" Cal called, knocking softly on their bedroom door. It was near enough 6 O'clock now, and as Cal had finished telling his mother everything about his recent trip over another two cups of tea, she'd decided to get up and start on dinner and so here Cal was, checking on Ethan as previously decided. "Little brother… I'm coming in!" he announced, gripping the door handle as he did so.

It wasn't strange for Cal to have found Ethan in his bed when they were younger, and he didn't doubt that the younger sibling had crawled under his brother's covers at least a couple of times when Cal had left home. But what he wasn't expecting was to find him curled up in it now, at 15 years old, when there was every chance that Cal would find him. He even had 'Fluffy Bear' with him, – that was his own, Cal had lost his at the Zoo quite some time ago – curled under his chin, and he was fast asleep.

Cal's heart melted at the sight, but it didn't mask all the concern as to why his teenage brother was snuggled up asleep in his brother's bed.

The older sat himself on his bed next to where Ethan was lay. "Ethan…" he said softly, brushing stray pieces of hair off his forehead. He took this opportunity to check his little brother's temperature. Definitely feverish.

Ethan stirred, wrapping his arms tighter around his teddy as he moaned faintly.

"Dinner's going to be ready soon, Eth…" he murmured, stroking the younger's hair in hope the action might help wake him a little. Cal shook his head in concern; he was usually such a light sleeper.

Ethan simply rolled over so he was facing away from Cal. "Mmmm, no, Caleb. I'm tired, don't wanna play…" he slurred, clearly half-asleep.

Cal chuckled fondly. He'd had many conversations with Ethan in the night, only to realise he was practically asleep but was somehow still able to form a nearly coherent response. It must be something to do with the eyes in the back of his head.

He shook Ethan's shoulder rather roughly, and his eyes finally fluttered open, soon squinting at the bright light. "Sorry, Cal. I'll be down in a minute. I didn't mean to fall asleep," he said sheepishly, sitting up on the bed.

"You managed to take your glasses off. And get into my bed." Cal observed, tossing the black frames into his lap.

Ethan's gaze fell on his lap. Cal wasn't sure if this was out of embarrassment or because he was studying his glasses. "Oh, umm- yes, I did…"

"What's up with you, 'ey?" The older asked, slightly concerned. He rested a hand on Ethan's shoulder and pulled him in a bit closer.

"I'm fine, honestly," Ethan stated, looking up at Cal with sad, brown eyes that suggested otherwise.

"Sure?" he pushed.

"I'm sure." Ethan confirmed.

"Alright, where's my hug then, Nibbles?" Cal smiled.

Ethan didn't waste much time throwing his arms over Cal's shoulders. "I missed you."

"I missed you too."