Ione Gets Sick

Varrik knew something was off the second he crossed the threshold into The Daily Grind to Limon leaning on the counter from behind the register and looking unusually serious. Not only that but Damien and his bodyguards were at a closer table instead of their usual secluded table. Vadim seemed tense just from the unusual sight and Viscili raised an eyebrow at Limon only for her to simply request for their orders. No explaination. Not yet. Vadim swiped a sip from his flask as they all placed their orders and paid for them. When Limon noticed Varrik not so discreetly glancing into the back, she shook her head. *Ione is not here.*
Now that was even more unusual as Varrik had their schedule memorized and today was not scheduled day off.

When Limon had brought their orders over, it was with an quiet apology to Viscili regarding the quality and that she had learned from Ione how to brew but could never match their careful curated skillset. Viscili had replied with equally quiet "It'll do in pinch."

Varrik quickly understood why Damien had chosen to sit closest to front. His bodyguards were swiftly handling any troublemakers up front without any physical altercations. The cafe got busy shortly after so Varrik picked around his plate and munching away as Viscilli sipped at his coffee and Vadim muttered about change in routines under his breath. It was clear to both of them that Varrik was itching under his surface to figure out what exactly was going on.

They quickly figured out that Limon had asked Damien for his help handling the rowdiness by overhearing their conversation.

"I am still not pleased. You know I like my privacy."
"I am sorry, Damien but you know this is a rare circumstance..." Limon had sighed "And besides, your bodyguards do their job well."
"You owe me big time. Especially since this is so last minute!" Damien scowled and Limon nodded "Of course, I know and I do apologize for calling you at last minute. I always pay my debts and you know that."
"Good." Limon swiftly departed after dropping off drinks for the trio.

"Wonder why she needed to do that" Vadim wondered under his breath and Varrik shrugged "Must be serious."

It was not until the cafe had quietened down and Limon had slipped into kitchen did Varrik glance down to his drink now cold and groaned to himself about his distracted thoughts. Vadim and Varrik were started when a large plastic bag full of small soup containers were placed in front of the gluttony. Viscili raised an eyebrow at Limon.

"Ione's sick today. Got bad habit of skipping meals in this state. I'm probably going to get temporarily banned as they hate having company over but you ough to go and bring those." Limon stared down at Varrik and it clicked why things were so off. Must have been very last minute.
Wait.
Skipping meals?
Vadim and Varrik scowled at that thought and Viscili's eyebrows furrowed as Limon sighed softly.
"I know. Just go to them please. Take those soup containerss. I was going to bring them over after work but....It's better if it's now."
With a nod, Varrik got up and left with the bag.

When he arrived at their house and pulled out a key, the door was easily unlocked and he slipped inside. The kitchen was his first stop and he immediately noticed that it looked like it had not been touched all day. That was unlike their Snack. Frowning as he set the containers down and went searching.
Not in living room not dining room. Their personal crafts room was also untouched.

Bedroom? Probably. When Varrik cracked the door open, he frowned at how dark it was and how the hallway light spilled inside to shed light on the bed where Ione's messy hair was sprawled out over as they remained in curled up position. As he approached, it was easily evident to see that they were looking paler than usual and Ione cracked their eyes with a soft
"Limon? mmm You're early? Did I sleep the day away...?"
Varrik frowned at that as he laid a hand on their forehead. Oh they're burning up. When he pulled away to leave the room so he could get a damp towel soaking in cold water, Ione let out a soft whine. When the cold towel was placed on their forehead, they sighed softly as they cracked open their eyes again when Varrik sat on the bed next to them, hand gently rubbing their back over the blankets.

"....Oh...Varrik? Limon....told you?" Ione's voice sounded mixture of relief and displeasure. He had to crack a small smile at that as his hand slowly ran through their messy hair.

"You look like shit."
"Mmmm Happens every Matentines. I need to get my supressments adjusted as they always do this...." They sighed and Varrik frowned at that.
"Adjusted...?"
"Yeah....I need to find new doctor first. The ones I used have all refused..." Ione grumbled "Won't believe me about the side effects." Varrik mentally filed that for later.

"......How did you-"
"I own an landline. Got one in the hallway...Called Limon." Ione interrupted with an explanation. Varrik understood why Limon had given him that bag. They were lethargic and so quiet.

"You need to eat....."
"I know....Got that...spicy soup I like? The....One with...uh.....the.....ah shit I forgot..."
"I know that one" Varrik had to chuckle as Ione struggled to recall their favorite soup. He got up much to their protesting and left to grab the container.
Ione managed to get themselves seated up when Varrik returned with two soup containers and sat by them as they drank in silence.

"....I want a bath...Come with me?" Ione glanced to Varrik who raised an eyebrow as he set the empty containers aside before picking them up and carrying to the bathroom. Setting the sickly gluttony down on a small bench so he could start the warm water in bathtub along with Ione's favorite mixing ins; lavender oil and jasmine bubbles. He helped them undress and put them into the bath to rest as he settled down on the floor nearby.

Ione reached for Varrik as they reclined in the bath only to startle when they felt his lips brush across the knuckles.
".....I will stay as long as you need me." Ione had to smile at that as they rested. Varrik had to temporarily leave to refresh the bedding before returning to transfer Ione to the bedroom and helping them get dressed into new set of pajamas. As they dozed off; he went to do some domestic duties around the house. Viscili received a call and approved Varrik's requested time off to look after Ione.
"Just make sure I get my coffee when they return" he had grumbled.
Limon was updated with Ione's health and she thanked him for his help.

It took two more days before Ione recovered from their about with their health in disarray. The second day was horrid with the migraines. Damien was rather grateful to be relieved of his bodyguard duties and Limon pleased to return to her cafe. Viscili received a rather impressively large mug of coffee on the house for his patience.