Archive of Our Own ^beta

PuppyCat was nestled comfortably on Bee’s head, his tiny paws gripping her hair as she trotted down the street with boundless energy.

“Hup, hup, hup, hup!” she shouted, her arms swinging back and forth with full force. The news of Deckard's return had sent her into a frenzy. How could no one tell her? The nerve! 

As she arrived at the Wizard household, she continued to run in place, excitement bubbling over as she pounded on the door. With a loud crack, the wood broke under the force of her knocks, swinging open to reveal Merlin, who adjusted his glasses in surprise. 

“Bee? What’s up?” he asked. But Bee didn’t have time to chat. She grabbed him and set him aside. 

“No time!” she called out, slamming the door shut behind her. 

She sprinted past Cas, who was in the middle of sipping her energy drink. The sight of Bee caused her to spit it out in shock, a shower of droplets hitting the floor. 

Without hesitation, Bee kicked open Deckard's bedroom door, startling him awake. “DECKARD!” she screamed, her excitement spilling over. “You’re back!” 

She leapt towards him, momentarily dropping PuppyCat, who landed with a soft thump as Deckard sat up in bed. Bee wrapped her arms around his torso, squeezing him tightly. Deckard’s arms lifted in surprise, and he sniffed, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

“Bee? What are you doing here?” he questioned, but his voice sounded different. Nasally and gross.

“Seeing you! Nobody told me you came back,” Bee replied, pulling away slightly to look at him, her frown deepening as she took in his appearance.

“Because we knew you’d be all over him,” came a voice from behind her. Bee turned to see Cas standing in the doorway, arms crossed.

“And he’s sick,” she added.

Bee's enthusiasm faltered. “You’re… sick?” she asked, glancing back at Deckard with a mix of concern and confusion.

“Uh, yeah,” Deckard replied, his voice slightly nasally as he took a tissue and blew his nose, tossing it into the nearby trash can. “Have you ever been sick? Y’know, with your whole… thing?” he asked, regarding her with curiosity.

Bee’s frown deepened as she looked away, her hands drumming on the edge of his bed. “Bee?” Deckard called out, tilting his head slightly.

“I don’t get sick,” she finally admitted, looking up at him. “Well, uh, not anymore,” she amended, crossing her arms defensively.

Deckard's gaze softened, and he opened his mouth to say something, but his sister interrupted. 

“Hate to break this up, but Deckard needs to rest before he goes back to school. He needed to be quarantined,” Cas stated flatly.

“Oh,” Bee muttered, her heart sinking a little. “Are you… are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah! Yeah, I’m gonna be okay. I just need a lot of rest, that’s all,” Deckard smiled, trying to reassure her.

“But—” 

PuppyCat whacked her side with his small paws. 

“Can we go now?” he asked, looking up at her with those big, pleading eyes.

“Not now, PuppyCat,” she whispered, brushing him off gently. 

PuppyCat grumbled in response, then walked past Cas, heading towards the kitchen. 

“Let him rest, Bee,” Cas ordered, turning to chase after PuppyCat. “Hey! Stay away from my energy drinks!” she shouted, the door closing behind her with a thud.

Bee stared at the closed door for a moment, feeling her concern settle heavily in her chest. Turning back to Deckard, she asked, “Is there anything I can do to help?”

Deckard regarded her for a moment, a sigh escaping his lips. “Do you… really want to help?” 

“Yes! I want to help!” Bee exclaimed, nodding frantically. “What do you need me to do? Some ritual? Are we banishing your sickness to a distant land? Just tell me what I have to do and I’ll do it!” 

“We’re not doing any of that,” Deckard laughed. “It would be great if you… a-ah-Ah-ACHOO!” he sneezed into the crook of his elbow, quickly grabbing another tissue to wipe his nose. “It would be great if you could make me some soup or something,” he finished, looking hopeful.

“Soup? I can make soup!” Bee exclaimed, a small smile breaking through her earlier worries. “I-I’m on it!” she shouted, standing up and rushing out of the room. 

Ignoring Cas and PuppyCat, she climbed onto the counter, and opened the cupboard above her head. 

“Soup, soup, soup…” she muttered to herself, digging through the contents with fervor. 

The sound of metal clinking against metal echoed in the kitchen as she rummaged through various cans and jars, searching for just the right one before moving to the next cupboard when she didn’t find it.

Unbeknownst to her, Cas and PuppyCat had stopped their game of cat and mouse to turn and look at her. “What are you doing?” Cas demanded, raising an eyebrow as she crossed her arms.

“I’m, uhhh,” Bee mumbled, her head popping out from behind the cupboard door, “Soup! I’m looking for soup for Deckard!” she answered, turning her head to look down at Cas with a big grin.

Cas sighed and approached one of the cupboards, opening it and grabbing a can of chicken noodle soup. “Here,” she said, offering it to Bee.

Bee jumped off the cupboard and landed gracefully on the floor, taking the soup from Cas and inspecting it with enthusiasm. “Thanks, Cas!” she said, side-stepping as she made her way toward Deckard’s room.

“Where are you going?” Cas asked, grabbing Bee’s shoulder and spinning her around to face her.

“I’m going to give this to Deckard?” Bee replied, looking at the can like it held all the answers, “He wanted soup,” she added.

“That’s not—” Cas facepalmed, “You’re supposed to warm it up,” she explained, shaking her head.

“Oh,” Bee said, turning the can around and inspecting it.

“I’ll do it for you,” Cas sighed, her tone laced with resignation. “It’s not like I have anything else going on,” she said, reaching for the can.

“No,” Bee said, taking a step back and holding the can close to her chest. “Deckard wanted me to make it,” she insisted, her gaze narrowing in determination.

“You can help,” Cas offered, her voice softening a little.

“Okay!” Bee chirped. 

Cas grabbed a bowl while Bee grabbed a pot. PuppyCat, not wanting to be left out, hopped onto the counter, opening a drawer and taking out a knife. 

“Bow before your master!” he declared, pointing the knife at Cas with an exaggerated flourish.

“No. Bad PuppyCat,” Bee frowned, taking the knife from him and picking him up in one swift motion. 

“Unhand me!” he demanded, squirming slightly, but Bee set him down on the floor instead.

“Stay,” she ordered, pointing at the spot where he stood.

“I’m not a pet,” PuppyCat huffed, crossing his arms defiantly.

“Just stay!” Bee insisted, “I’m watching you,” she said, backing away to focus on the task at hand.

Bee placed the pot on the stove while Cas poured the soupy liquid inside, turning the heat up with a practiced ease. As the contents began to warm, Cas picked up a wooden spoon and started to stir, watching the steam rise with fascination.

“It won’t take long,” Cas said, glancing over at Bee’s eager expression as she stared at the heating pot. 

“Is this like… insta-healing?” Bee wondered, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“Uh, sure,” Cas replied, her lips curling up into an awkward smile as she glanced away.

“Cooool,” Bee muttered, lifting her hand to dip it into the pot, but before she could, Cas smacked it away.

“No! This is for Deckard, remember?” she frowned, her tone serious. “You’ll ruin the magic if you touch it,” 

“Oh! Oh no, I’m sorry,” Bee gasped, backing away slightly in alarm. 

“It’s fine. Just don’t touch it again,” Cas instructed.

“Got it!” Bee saluted, her tongue lolling out of her mouth in an exaggerated manner.

“Just… stand next to PuppyCat until I’m done,” Cas said, focusing her attention back on stirring the soup.

“Okay!” Bee said, her energy undeterred, “I’m heeelping!” she proclaimed as she wandered over to where she had left PuppyCat.

Scooping him into her arms, she sat down on the floor, cradling him close. “It’s just you and me, PuppyCat,” Bee whispered, her voice low and conspiratorial as she drummed her fingers gently on his head.

“Let me go!” PuppyCat protested, but he didn’t fight against her grip, his expression a mix of annoyance and reluctant acceptance.

Bee lowered her head to look at him, her brow furrowing. “Do you think Deckard will be okay?” she asked, her voice tinged with worry.

“He’s fine, you’re worried for no reason,” PuppyCat stated, as Bee’s arms wrapped around him. 

“Maybe,” Bee mumbled, but an uneasy feeling still gnawed at her. “But…” She frowned and rested her head on him as she looked up at Cas, who continued to stir the soup, waiting for it to bubble.

“But what?” PuppyCat asked, sensing her hesitation.

Bee watched as Cas turned off the stove and poured the soup into a bowl, a satisfying slosh filling the air. 

“Nevermind,” Bee said quickly, standing up with PuppyCat still in her arms. “It’s nothing,” she said as she walked up to Cas, who turned to her and handed her the bowl with a little metal spoon nestled inside.

“It may not be worth a Michelin star, but it’ll do just fine,” she said with a wry smile.

“Wow,” Bee said, smiling down at the steaming soup. “Thanks, Cas!” she exclaimed, jogging past her with PuppyCat in her other arm as she headed back to Deckard’s room, ready to deliver the soup and bring a little comfort to her sick friend.

Bee pushed the door to Deckard’s room open with an exuberant swing, waving the bowl of soup in the air like a trophy. 

“Deckard! Deckard, I brought you soup!” she exclaimed, her foot shutting the door behind her. PuppyCat slipped out of her grasp ans landed softly on the floor as she walked towards him, the bowl cradled in both hands.

“Oh, wow!” Deckard said, taking the bowl from her with a surprised chuckle. “It’s… not burnt,” he remarked, a hint of amusement in his voice.

“Mhm, mhm!” Bee swayed back and forth with glee. “Actually, uh, Cas helped me make it,” she admitted sheepishly, “But I helped!” she added quickly, sitting down on the edge of his bed.

Deckard picked up the spoon and took a sip of the soup. “You both did a great job!” he said, taking another taste. 

“I’m leaving,” PuppyCat announced dramatically, opening the door and shutting it behind him without a second thought.

“Are you feeling better?” Bee wondered, tilting her head slightly as she watched him.

“Yeah, I feel better already!” Deckard declared, a smile creeping onto his face.

“Then… it must’ve worked. Great!” Bee beamed.

“What must’ve worked?” Deckard questioned.

“The soup! Cas told me it works like a healing potion, so of course you’d feel better,” Bee explained, her voice full of conviction.

Deckard stared at her for a moment, then burst into laughter, the sound echoing warmly in the room. Bee’s excitement deflated almost immediately. Was he laughing at her? 

“Why are you laughing?” she frowned, her heart sinking.

“Sorry, sorry,” Deckard sniffed, trying to regain his composure. “It’s just… that’s not how that works,” he explained gently. “When people are sick, they drink warm and hot things because it can soothe sore throats, chest congestion, stomach aches, and… a-ah-Ah-ACHOO!” he sneezed into the crook of his elbow, grabbing another tissue to blow his nose as Bee took the soup from him.

“Oh,” She said softly, staring at the soup in her lap, her excitement waning.

“Did you not know that?”

Bee’s gaze lingered on the soup, watching as it shifted from the movement before settling into stillness. 

“…Bee?” Deckard called out.

“My dad never gave me soup when I was sick,” Bee whispered, her voice barely above a murmur. “And I haven’t been sick for a… very long time,” she admitted.

“What? That’s great!” Deckard countered, sounding genuinely surprised. “Being sick is awful! You’re lucky you don’t have to deal with it,” he argued, his tone earnest. “When you’re sick, you feel all weak and cold and you can’t do anything to stop it,” he muttered, his voice trailing off.

Bee’s fingers drummed on the side of the bowl, her mind racing as she absorbed his words. She lifted her head slightly, a sad smile appearing on her face. 

“I know,” she whispered.

Neither of them spoke for a long moment, and the only sound that filled the space was the rhythmic tapping of Bee’s fingers against the bowl. Deckard’s gaze drifted from her hands to her face, searching for something to say. 

“What was it like when you were sick?” he questioned gently, trying to shift the mood back to something lighter.

Instead, a frown formed on her face. “Bad,” she answered flatly, and they fell into silence once more.

Bee shifted uncomfortably, holding the soup bowl out to him. “I-It’s fine. It doesn’t matter,” she said, standing up. “PuppyCat and I should probably get going. I’ll be out of your hair in a second,” she added, already walking towards the door.

“Wait!” Deckard exclaimed, reaching out with one hand still holding the bowl. Bee turned around with a raised eyebrow.

“I, uhm,” Deckard cleared his throat, “I’m gonna be on the island for a while. Wanna, uh, hang out sometime?” he asked, his voice hopeful.

“Oh, uh, yeah sure!” Bee replied, her heart lifting at the invitation.

“And thanks,” Deckard added, looking away shyly, “For the soup, I mean,” he clarified, a slight blush creeping onto his cheeks.

Bee blinked in surprise. “You’re welcome,” she said, her lips lifting into a small smile. “I’ll… I’ll see you soon, Deckard,” she promised.

“Bye, Bee,” Deckard waved as she turned around and opened the door, leaving and shutting it silently behind her.

As she stepped into the hallway, she spotted Cas and PuppyCat fighting over energy drinks. “Give it!” Cas demanded, her voice exasperated.

“Noooo!” PuppyCat protested, pushing against her face to shield the can from her grasp.

“C’mon, PuppyCat,” Bee said, walking over and scooping the dog-cat up, “Let’s go home.” She took the can from PuppyCat’s hands and set it on the counter, ignoring his protests.

Cas glanced at the can before looking back at Bee, who was walking toward the front door. “You’re leaving?” she asked, her eyebrows knitting together in surprise.

“Yeah,” Bee nodded, “Deckard needs rest,” she elaborated.

“Oh,” Cas blinked, her expression softening. “That’s… very considerate of you,” she remarked.

“Yeah,” Bee nodded again. She turned to the door, ready to head out. “Bye, Cas,” she said, opening the door and stepping outside to see Merlin sitting on the porch.

“Hi, Merlin,” Bee waved before stepping past him. “Bye, Merlin,” she called as she walked away.

“Bye, Bee,” Merlin replied, standing up to go back inside.

“So?” PuppyCat asked, his tone curious.

“He’s gonna be okay,” Bee smiled, feeling a lightness in her heart.

They continued walking in silence for a moment before Bee spoke up again. “You hungry, PuppyCat? I’m in the mood for soup,” she suggested.

“Soooooup,” PuppyCat echoed as they continued to walk back home.