Taako was freaking out. No, he hadn't told anyone- and no, he wasn't planning on it. It was a few days before the trio had to go out to do some BOB management planet side (honestly, Madade Lucretia wouldn't tell thel all the details and Magnus was worried she would blast them with some magic if they didn't stop asking.)
They were packed, they had their nicest outfits ready to go, there was no reason to be worried. Except Angus was sick. He had the fantasy flu- and though Taako bought some fantasy Nyquil and Dayquil, the kid was still sick.
So, Taako was freaking out.
He was bustling around the kitchen, torn between not wanting to ever cook for someone again and wanting to ensure Angus got better.
His hair was pulled back into a messy bun- pieces frizzing and flying out. He was wearing makeup, but the sheen of sweat was visible to the naked eye.
So Magnus stepped forward. "Taako, you know that Carey and Killian and Johann can make some soup for Ango, right? You don't have to if you don't want to."
Taako let out a small huff through his nose, minimum sound, maximum attitude. His ears were pointing back, almost pressed flat against his head. "Who said I didn't want to? I'm fine kemosabe."
Magnus sighed, and Merle watched the two from his seat on a bar stool. "Taako, he's gonna be fine."
"Course he will be!" He turned and the two stared at each other for a moment, "Agnus' is a strong kid. Smart."
"Right..." Magnus watched Taako begin to twiddle with the edge of his apron strings, "Why not just...bring him some water? He's probably not super hungry- just some saltines and water would be good."
Taako nodded. "Right right. Saltines and water," Magnus turned to grab a glass from the top shelf, "The - "
"Driest and wettest sickness combo." Magnus finished with Taako, hardly recognizing he spoke with Taako as the two moved almost in sync to grab what they needed.
Taako paused, and Magnus didn't even notice. "How do you know that phrase?"
Merle scratched at his beard, "Yeah- sounds like some shit I said to my kids before."
Merle nodded, and Taako huffed. "And here I was thinking I came up with an original phrase when I was a kid- some shit that made me laugh."
Merle laughed. "Tough luck kid- you ain't that original."
Magnus twirled a bit around Taako, as the latter grabbed a amall plate to put the crackers on. Without question, Magnus grabbed an apple to go with the crackers. "To keep the doctors away."
Taako nodded, grabbing the cup and plate before leaving, heading to Angus' dorm from the Bureau Kitchen- the moom BK Merle dubbed it.
As the door shut Merle turned to Magnus. "How'd you know he was upset?"
"He seemed to be acting normal to me."
"His ears- they weren't normal. And he was more fidgety than normal. And he only acted like that when- " He trailed off, mind going fuzzy. When what?
"Huh? Oh- dunno. Guess it's my rustic hospitality."
The two continued bickering, conversation dropped and forgotten. Outside the door, however, the conversation was still in the front mind of one person.
He only acted like that when Lup died one of the years. Lucretia wanted to scream, He only acted like that when someone he loves was in trouble or hurt or gone. And you, Magnus, learned how to tell his signs and comfort him!
She covered her mouth as thoughts and memories played in her mind.
God, she asked herself again, teary eyes looking up, hand over her heart, what had she done to them?