The next morning, Kael returned to check on Theron. He found the gnome still sleeping, wrapped up in blankets like a burrito. The sight made Kael grin despite himself. Theron had been completely out of it the night before, and Kael was secretly relieved that he'd finally gotten the stubborn gnome to rest.
But Kael couldn't help but shake his head, muttering to himself, "One of these days, you're going to kill yourself with this work obsession." He pulled up a chair and watched the cute gnome, arms crossed. Theron was a well behaved sleeper, he rarely moved he just curled himself up like a cute little burrito muttering scientific jargon once in a while. Occasionally, Theron muttered things like "reverse the polarity" or "flux capacitor," making Kael stifle a laugh. He found this not just cute but funny and endearing.
A few hours later, Theron groggily woke up to the smell of breakfast. Blinking a few times, he looked around, disoriented, until his eyes locked on Kael standing in the doorway, holding a tray with pancakes and fruit.
"Seriously? Breakfast in bed ?" Theron groaned as he rubbed his eyes, still not fully awake.
Kael raised an eyebrow. "You're welcome. Get up. You've slept enough."
Theron yawned and reached for the tray, looking more like a disheveled kitten than a gnome genius. "Fine, but you're not getting a tip for this service."
"Why does it feel like I've been put through an entire week of workouts in one night?"
Kael laughed, walking over and setting the tray on the desk. "Maybe because you're too stubborn for your own good. Now, eat. I'm not letting you go back to your little projects until you're properly rested."
Theron rubbed his face, still processing the events of the night before. "You're unbelievable, you know that?"
"I know. But you're lucky I'm here to keep you from turning into a science experiment yourself," Kael said, teasing.
Theron sighed. "Alright, alright. I'm eating."
Kael sat across from him, still watching him with a hint of amusement. "You're lucky I'm your friend, or you'd be living off energy drinks and microwaved meals forever."
Theron snorted, poking at the pancakes. "I'd survive."
"Not if you keep this up."
Theron rolled his eyes. "Fine, fine. I'll be a little less... obsessive. Happy now?"
Kael leaned back in the chair, smirking. "I'll be happier when you start remembering that your brain's not the only thing that needs rest."
Theron sighed, finishing the last bite of his pancakes while Kael observed him like a hawk. Setting the plate aside, Theron crossed his arms and quirked an eyebrow. "Happy now, mother hen?"
Kael smirked, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. "Immensely. But don't think I'm letting you off the hook. You've got a long way to go before I stop babysitting you."
Theron groaned, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "I'm not a kid, Kael. I can handle myself."
Kael leaned back, folding his arms. "Oh, really? Last night says otherwise. Do you even remember the state you were in? You looked like you'd been wrestling a tornado, and you smelled worse."
Theron winced. "Okay, okay, point taken. I may have overdone it a little."
Kael gave him a deadpan look. "A little? Theron, you missed class, forgot to eat, and sleep. If I hadn't shown up, you'd still be hunched over that... whatever it was, slowly turning into a skeleton."
Theron tried to defend himself but found no good argument. "Fine," he muttered, slumping against the headboard. "Maybe I do need to manage my time better."
Kael chuckled, shaking his head. "That's the understatement of the year. But don't worry, that's why I'm here—to drag your sorry self back to reality when you get too caught up in your genius."
Theron shot him a mock glare. "You enjoy this way too much."
"Absolutely," Kael said with a grin. "Now, get dressed. We're going for a walk."
Theron stared at him, aghast. "A walk? Why? It's my free day!"
Kael cut him off with a sharp look. "Not negotiable. You need fresh air and sunlight before you turn into a basement goblin. So, move it."
Grumbling under his breath, Theron slid out of bed. As he stood next to Kael, the height difference was comical and the lycan took full advantage of it, ruffling the gnome's already chaotic hair.
"Stop that!" Theron swatted Kael's hand away, glaring up at him.
Kael just laughed. "Come on, shorty. Let's go before you find an excuse to bury yourself in wires again."
Theron huffed but followed Kael out the door. After walking for a while, they met up with their friends, Aelric, Bronn, and Lirien, in the academy courtyard. The group was gathered under a large oak tree, chatting and laughing. Aelric was mid-story about a prank he'd pulled in class, Bronn was trying (and failing) to look unimpressed, and Lirien was polishing her bow with a serene smile.
Theron slumped onto the grass beside Lirien, muttering, "Kael's decided to babysit me now."
Kael leaned against the tree with a smirk. "Someone has to keep you alive."
Aelric perked up. "Alive? What did he do this time?"
"Spent hours working on a project without food or sleep," Kael replied, crossing his arms.
Bronn raised an eyebrow. " That's impressive. Stupid, but impressive."
Lirien sighed, looking at Theron. "You need to take better care of yourself."
Theron waved them off. "I'm fine. I'm here, aren't I?"
Kael gave him a pointed look. "Barely. Considering the number of times I've given you a lecture about the importance of food and sleep."
"You know how many gnomes faint due to fatigue and starvation every week? How do you guys get so caught up with your work that you forget about your own wellbeing" Lirien asked still worried "I do not want to visit you at the school clinic again Theron"
Bronn shook his head. "Classic gnome behavior. Do you guys have a death wish, or something?"
Theron scowled. "It was one time."
Lirien arched a delicate eyebrow. "One time? I seem to recall you passing out in your workshop last semester."
Aelric grinned mischievously. "Oh, and don't forget when Kael found you. He was a mess."
Kael shot him a warning glare. "Don't you dare."
Aelric ignored him, grinning wider. "He cried! Full-on ugly crying with snot and everything."
"I did not cry!" Kael protested, lunging at Aelric.
The fairy zipped into the air, laughing. "Yes, you did! You were all like, 'Oh no, He is dying! He's dying! Shaking like a leaf, and saying it was all your fault for not protecting him well enough."
The group erupted into laughter as Kael chased Aelric around the tree.
They spent the rest of the day joking around, teasing Theron about his workaholic tendencies. Despite the ribbing, Theron enjoyed himself, even if Kael's watchful eye kept him from sneaking off to his lab.