Qui-Gon and Firmus

Firmus' fever spiked. He was shivery and sweaty, in addition to the headache that was getting worse. Qui-Gon hated to see him like this. Now, he was pale and shaking and sweaty, cold and in pain. His head was pounding and he was scared. And he was alone in a glass tank. He was there, nearby, but he wasn't close enough. He hated this!

"Teru?" his voice was small and shaky as he squeaked out the Huttese term for father. "Are you still there?"

"Of course, baby. I'm right here."

"My head really hurts," he said.

"I know, Firmus," he murmured, longing to touch him, to cradle him in his arms and kiss his head and be there for him. "I'm sorry you're going through this. . ."

Suddenly, after about ten minutes of silence, a gasp from Firmus startled Qui-Gon.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

"My stomach hurts," he said. "Oh, Force, teru. . . ."

Qui-Gon felt so helpless. He was in immense pain, and all he could do was sit here and watch. He wanted-needed-to help him. Firmus was his son, his light, his best gift, his whole world. And he was suffering. And he was doing nothing. He whimpered in pain and the Jedi felt his heart break at the sound.

"Teru," he cried. Qui-Gon felt tears well in his eyes.

"I'm sorry, baby," he whispered. "I'm so sorry."

"Oh, Force, it hurts," Firmus whimpered.

Qui-Gon had had enough. He couldn't just sit here like this.

"Okay, that's it, I'm coming in," he announced.

"But you-I don't want you to get sick," Firmus objected, sounding panicky.

"No, I won't. I'm immune, remember?"

"Master Jinn, you could still get it if you have prolonged exposure," Carson reminded him, appearing out of nowhere.

(one of the only times Qui-Gon would get mad and show it ;) )

Qui-Gon rounded on her, grabbing the healer by the arm and leading her away. The only reason he walked away was so that he wouldn't hurt Firmus' head with his raised tone.

"Listen to me," Qui-Gon demanded. "I. Don't. Care. I don't care if I get infected again or not! That little boy and his mother are my whole universe, do you hear me? So you know what? He needs me and I cannot just sit here and watch him suffer anymore, I can't. Let me into that room, NOW." He bit out the last word.

The healer stared at the Jedi Master's face, set and fierce and intense. She decided not to argue.

"Okay," she agreed. They went back to the room, where Firmus was still lying in bed, small sounds of pain escaping his lips. Nurse Carson punched in the code.

Per the sign, Qui-Gon slipped off his outer robe and shoes before practically running to Firmus' side. He fell to his knees by the bed.

"Firmus," he whispered. "Firmus, it's Daddy. I'm right here."

"Daddy," Firmus whispered.

"Yeah, I'm here," Qui-Gon assured him. "Where does it hurt?"

"Everywhere," he gasped. "Everything hurts."

Qui-Gon felt like his heart was shattering into a million pieces. He gently climbed onto the mattress next to his son, leaning back against the slope of the hospital bed, gently easing himself under him. He carefully eased Firmus' little, shaking frame back against him.

"Daddy," he cried. "It hurts. Force, it hurts."

Qui-Gon brushed soft kisses to his head, entertwining his fingers with his son's. His other hand cradled his little head to him, running his fingers gently through his hair. "I know it does," Qui-Gon whispered. "Just...just squeeze my hand, okay? As hard as you need to. I'm right here."

Firmus bit back a cry of pain as another cramp attacked his muscles. He squeezed his father's hand hard, whimpering in pain. He felt Qui-Gon's other hand move through his hair, soothing and gentle and familiar. His lips skated over his temple.

"Force, Teru," he cried. "I...it hurts so much. Oh, Force, it hurts."

"I know," Qui-Gon replied. "Am I making it worse?" he asked. Firmus shook his head and instantly regretted having done so.
He must have cried out, because Qui-Gon lightly squeezed his hand, his other hand skating gently down his neck, coming to rest over his heart.

"No," he managed. "No. Please don't leave. Stay, daddy. Please?"

"Okay," the Jedi agreed. "I will. I'm here, alright? Not going anywhere, I promise."

"Daddy?" he said.

"What?"

"I'm scared." Those two little words broke Qui-Gon's heart. He sounded so small, so alone, so broken.

"I know you are. I'm scared, too. But you need to know that..." he paused, took a deep breath, and forced himself to continue, his fingers tracing light, invisible patterns on his son's little chest. "...that I love you more than anything, Firmus. Firmus Apollo Jinn, I love you so much. You're the best thing that has ever happened to me and your mother, and we're not giving up, okay?"

(Kaida would come in, not expecting to find Qui-Gon in there with him?)