Work Text:
Nick wasn’t sure if the world was spinning because of the anesthesia or because he was so out of it. Everything felt heavy—his eyelids, his arms, even the blanket that Chris had wrapped him in after they got home. His jaw was swollen, and the gauze in his mouth tasted awful, but he couldn’t bring himself to care too much. He let himself slump onto the couch, his head lolling to the side as Chris and Matt hovered nearby.
“alright, bud,” Matt said, crouching next to him with a glass of water in hand. “you need to take a sip. Small, okay? Just small.”
Nick blinked up at him, his eyes glazed but trusting, and opened his mouth slightly. Chris held his shoulder steady as Matt tipped the glass gently against his lips. Nick took a little sip, but immediately winced and groaned, the sound muffled by the gauze. “Too cold?” Chris asked, concern written all over his face. Nick nodded, looking up at him with the saddest puppy-dog eyes imaginable. “It...hurts,” he mumbled, his words slurred and barely coherent.
Chris leaned down, brushing a stray piece of hair off Nick’s forehead. “I know, bro. It sucks right now, but you’ll feel better soon. Just hang in there. "Nick let out a dramatic sigh, slumping further into the couch. “Feels like my face’s gonna fall off.” Matt chuckled softly, trying to keep the mood light. “Trust me, it’s not. Your face is staying right where it is, Nick. Promise.”
///
A little while later, Nick had dozed off on the couch, his mouth slightly open and his head resting on Chris’s shoulder. Matt came in from the kitchen, holding a bowl of mashed potatoes.
“U think he’s ready to try eating?” Matt whispered. Chris shrugged, glancing down at Nick, who was snoring softly. “He’s out cold. But if he doesn’t eat soon, he’s gonna wake up hangry. And nobody wants hangry nicolas.”
Matt set the bowl down on the coffee table and knelt beside the couch. “Hey, nick,” he said softly, nudging his brother’s arm. “Wake up for a sec. You need to eat something”
Nick groaned in protest, turning his face into Chris’s shoulder like a child avoiding school. Chris smirked, patting his back gently. “Come on, nick. Just a few bites, then you can sleep again.”
Nick blinked his eyes open, squinting at Matt. “Is it...spaghetti?” he slurred, his voice full of hope.
Matt laughed. “Not today, buddy. Just mashed potatoes. Super soft, no chewing. Perfect post-surgery food.”
Nick frowned, his lower lip jutting out in an exaggerated pout. “Not fair…” he mumbled, but he didn’t resist as Chris helped him sit up, propping him against the armrest with pillows.
Matt scooped up a small bite of mashed potatoes and held the spoon out. “Here, open up.”
Nick opened his mouth just enough for Matt to slip the spoon in. He winced a little as he swallowed but managed to get it down.
“See? Not so bad,” Matt said, grinning.
Nick grunted in response, already leaning his head back against the pillow. Chris shook his head fondly. “You’re such a baby,” he teased, though his tone was full of affection.
Nick opened one eye, glaring weakly at him. “You’d...be a baby too...if they took your teeth.”
Chris laughed, ruffling Nick’s hair. “Fair point.”
///
Later that evening, Nick was curled up on the couch, wrapped in a massive blanket that made him look like a burrito. Matt was sitting on the floor by his feet, scrolling through his phone, while Chris was in the kitchen making tea.
Nick tugged at the blanket, trying to free an arm. “Chris!” he called out, his voice still slurred but a bit stronger now.
“What?” Chris called back, his voice echoing slightly from the kitchen.
Nick paused, his brain clearly moving slower than usual. “...can I have ice cream?”
Matt snorted, looking up from his phone. “dude, no. You just had your wisdom teeth out. Ice cream’s gonna make your gums hurt.”
Nick groaned dramatically, flopping back against the couch. “This is the worst day ever,” he mumbled.
Chris walked in, holding a mug of tea. “Here, nick. Sip this. It’s warm, but not too hot. Should help a little.”
Nick eyed the mug suspiciously. “What’s in it?”
“Just tea,” Chris said, sitting beside him and offering the mug. “promise. No tricks.”
Nick took the mug with both hands, sipping carefully. He made a face but didn’t complain, taking another small sip before handing it back. “Okay...not bad,” he admitted begrudgingly.
Chris smirked, setting the mug down on the coffee table. “see? We’re not trying to torture you. Just trying to help.”
Nick looked between his brothers, his eyes softening. “you guys are too nice,” he said, his words slurring together but his gratitude clear.
Matt shrugged, smiling. “that’s what we’re here for, right? Gotta take care of you when u cant"
Nick let out a small, tired laugh. “I’d do it for you too...maybe…”
Chris rolled his eyes, pulling the blanket tighter around Nick. “alright, save the heartfelt speeches for when you’re not high on meds.”
///
By bedtime, Nick was settled in his room, tucked under layers of blankets with Matt and Chris sitting on either side of him.
“Do you need anything else before we crash?” Chris asked, fluffing Nick’s pillow. Nick shook his head slowly. “Nah...just...don’t leave yet,” he murmured, his eyes already half-closed.
Matt smiled, leaning back against the headboard. “We’re not going anywhere nick. Just sleep.”
“Goodnight, nick” Chris whispered, brushing a hand through Nick’s hair one last time before settling in for the night.