spamalot } { of mucus fighting ninjas and chicken soup

[impetere]

Cora: [comes in the door, sees the huddle on the couch and frowns] Uh-oh.

Stiles: [coughs] Seems pre-k has a really bad cold going around.

Cora: Oh no. [she puts her bags down, before making her way closer] Can I get you guys anything?

Dina: Apple juice. [child cough and curling into Stiles as she rubs her eyes] My throat hurts.

Stiles: Two for apple juice.

Cora: Two apple juices, coming up. [and with that she'll head to the kitchen to get the two glasses, pouring them both some apple juice before coming back] Here you go.

Stiles: [goes to sit up, coughing into his arm. Dina looked up at Stiles and patted his hand]

Dina: I'm sorry I got you sick, Daddy.

Stiles: It's okay, baby. I don't think either of us could avoid it. [takes the glass and goes to sip it]

Dina: [takes hers] Don't get too close. You don't want to get sick too.

Cora: [shakes her head] Nope. I'm a werewolf. I can get as close as I want and not get sick.

Dina: I wanna be a werewolf. I don't like being sick.

Cora: It's about a lot more than that, sweetie. [and with that she'll sit down next to her and gives her something to snuggle into that isn't her dad] It's something you have to be a lot older for.

Dina: [she just whines and goes to curl into Cora, holding her juice close]

Stiles: [he's free, and he's going to stand up] I'll be right back. [and coughing as he walks he's going to head to the bathroom]

Cora: [lets him go and just curls up comfortably with her, brushing a kiss against the top of her head]

Dina: Daddy said I don't have to go back to school tomorrow.

Cora: That's a good idea. So you can get a lot of rest and get better.

Dina: But I don't wanna miss school. I like school. [and she's wiggling and rolling over onto her back]

Cora: I know, sweetie. But you don't want to get the other kids sick, do you?

Dina: The other kids got me sick.

Cora: [chuckles] So you think you should get back at them by getting them sicker?

Dina: Uh huh.

Cora: [she shakes her head] But going back could get you sicker too.

Stiles: [coming back, carrying a new box of tissues] Hence why you're staying home until you're over this.

Dina: [whimpers and curls up on Cora's lap, wiggling all the while] But we were going to make butterflies this week.

Cora: [wraps her arms around her snugly, keeping her close despite the wiggling] You can make butterflies here.

Stiles: I can e-mail your teacher for the instructions. [and he's coughing again, curling into his side of couch]

Cora: [she nods, watching him as she brushes her lips against the top of her head] And I can pick up the supplies on my way home from school, and you and your dad can make them together.

Dina: Can we Daddy?

Stiles: [nods] Yeah, as long as we don't sneeze all over them.

Cora: See? Problem solved.

Dina: We can make you one too, Cora.

Cora: I would love that.

Dina: Daddy, we have to 'member to make one for Cora too.

Stiles: I'll try and remember. [holds out the box of tissues to her] Wipe your nose, princess.

Dina: [takes a tissue and does so]

Cora: [brushes a hand over the top of her head] But for right now, how do you feel about a nap? Both of you.

Dina: [sniffles loudly] I'm not tiiiiired.

Stiles: Yes, you are. You were almost asleep when Cora got home.

Cora: [shifts a bit to scoop her up] C'mon, kiddo. I'll read you a story too.

Dina: I don't wanna sleep.... [but curling up in Cora's arms, arms around her neck]

Stiles: I'll wait here... [yay couch]

Cora: [and with that she'll take her upstairs, settling her into bed before going to the bookshelf] What do you want to read?

Dina: Ducklings.

Cora: Ducklings. [and she will retrieve the book in question before curling up on the bed with her to read the story]

Dina: [and the child is out in minutes because she so needed a nap]

Cora: [as soon as she's sure she's out for good she makes her way back downstairs to find Stiles]

Stiles: [and he is sprawled out on the couch, tissue box on his chest and just groaning] I hate my nose right now...

Cora: [sighs softly as she makes her way closer, before crouching down next to him and brushing a hand over the top of his head] I know.

Stiles: [he totally has a fever] You remember how much you hated being sick that time you were human?

Cora: [nods] Which is why we should get you into bed. You need your rest.

Stiles: I need to make dinner still...

Cora: [shakes her head] I got it. I'm gonna text Lydia and warn her that we're germ central so she might take Jordan and stay up at school anyway. [she pulls back to start and pull him up] C'mon. I can handle a little chicken soup.

Stiles: [whines as he stands up] I can do it..... [pathetic mess of a man child]

Cora: Do you want to do it?

Stiles: [looks at the kitchen, and then starts coughing, and then sighs] No...

Cora: [nods as she presses a kiss to the back of his neck] Then let me handle it. [and with that she is going to nudge him towards the stairs]

Stiles: [lets himself be herded to the stairs] Wake me up if you need anything.

Cora: I will. [and she will walk up with him and get him into bed, before changing her clothes and crawling in with him for a bit. He should get some snuggle time too]

Stiles: I feel gross.

Cora: [she curls around him a bit] I know. I think you have a fever.

Stiles: [groans] Just wonderful.

Cora: Just relax. I'll pick up some cold stuff tomorrow too, if you tell me what to get.

Stiles: New lungs, new nose...

Cora: I don't think they sell those, honey.

Stiles: Black market. Ask Melissa, she could probably find a good set.

Cora: I'll look into it. But if all else fails?

Stiles: Cybernetics.

Cora: I don't think we can afford those.

Stiles: Payment plan. [sniffles hard] Maybe sell Yoyo?

Cora: [laughs] How about we just stick with stuff like DayQuil?

Stiles: [groans] But I was liking this whole cybernetic idea.

Cora: That might take time. You need to feel better now.

Stiles: [whimpers and then sits up, coughing hard] Now would be good.

Cora: [she rubs his back gently as she sits up with him] Do you have anything here that'll help you now.

Stiles: I think I have some Coldeze in the bathroom.

Cora: [kisses his shoulder] I'll get it.

Stiles: Thank you. [groans and just flops back down on the bed]

Cora: [makes her way into the bathroom and finds the stuff in question before making her way back to him, handing him the box as she crawls back into bed]

Stiles: [and he's going to suck on one of the lozenges] If she's still sick in the morning, I'll see if Jason or Melissa can come over and see her. [which was really an "us"]

Cora: [nods] We're on the way to the hospital, I'm sure either of them could.

Stiles: I’ll call them later. [though knowing Melissa, she would come over immediately]

Cora: [nods again, before shifting to tug him closer and slide her arms around his shoulders] Later. After your nap.

Stiles: You're so lucky you don't have to worry... [cough] … about getting this. [snuggles into her] Though any snot you get on yourself is not my fault.

Cora: [smirks a bit, sliding her fingers through his hair] I think I can handle a little snot.

Stiles: Yeah, but it's a lot of snot. Like, [sniffles] like the Niagara Falls of snot.

Cora: [she laughs] I'll get a poncho.

Stiles: You, really, really love me. [kisses her shoulder]

Cora: I do. No matter how much snot you get on me.

Stiles: That's a challenge I'm not going to take.

Cora: I appreciate it.

Stiles: [and he coughs again, a few times, and mutters an Ow afterward]

Cora: [makes a sympathetic face as she rubs his back] Do you want me to make you some tea or something?

Stiles: Yeah, tea would be good.

Cora: [leans forward and brushes a kiss to his forehead] I'll go see what we have.

Stiles: Uh huh. [and he'll just roll into her side of the bed while she's gone and probably pass out]

Cora: [which is good, so she will just drink let him sleep, while calling Jason for the care and keeping of sick humans while she makes some chicken soup]

Jason: Well, describe the symptoms he's showing.

Cora: Cough, fever, congestion. Dina said her throat hurt.

Jason: Dina's up to date on her shots, right?

Cora: I think so? I'd have to ask Melissa.

Jason: Melissa probably made sure of it. Any discoloration of the skin? Itchiness?

Cora: No, not that I could see.

Jason: That's good. It's probably just the flu. Lots of rest, hot fluids, give them some aspirin to help with the fever. Warm baths with lots of steam to help with their lungs. I can stop by tomorrow and give them a once over.

Cora: That would be great. I'd ask Melissa but I'd worry that she'd never leave.

Jason: [chuckles] No, you're right. She'd hover over that little granddaughter like nothing else. Talia does it to the kids all the time.

Cora: I'm sure she does. I just want them to get rest.

Jason: Want to know what I do with the kids?

Cora: I will take any and all suggestions right now?

Jason: Chamomile tea with catnip.

Cora: Really?

Jason: Really. Sweeten it with a little bit of honey, and Dina will be out for the night.

Cora: Will that work even if she isn't sick?

Jason: Yeah, it's all natural. The herbs just help boost their own immunity.

Cora: I'll talk to Stiles about it. It's been rough getting her to sleep lately. Maybe that might help without resorting to more serious methods.

Jason: Yeah, the kids always seem to get into fussy sleep phases again at that age. But this is a good remedy that my family passed down and if it can knock the twins out, it will handle Dina just fine. Here, let me... there, you should have an e-mail.

Cora: Got it. We will give it a shot. Thank you.

Jason: And Stiles is pretty much a man child, so you may be able to pull it off on him too. [chuckles]

Cora: [she laughs] I have other methods for getting him to sleep.

Jason: You may want to avoid things that put too much stress on his lungs. [laughing]

Cora: [grins] Alright, I'll try something new. Just this once.

Jason: Also, just remember that while you can't get sick, you can carry the germs that they have back to your classroom. You will want to make sure to avoid them after you shower to when you leave, otherwise you will bring it to all your students, and with the life cycle, you could risk bringing it back home just as they are recovering.

Cora: Got it. I'll be careful.

Jason: I'll stop in on my way into work tomorrow. And if you don't have anything on hand, check with Fiona. She may have stuff for herself upstairs.

Cora: I will ask. Thank you, again.

Jason: No problem. And if you hear any rattling in their lungs, that's when you need to take them to the hospital, okay?

Cora: [nods] Rattling lungs, hospital. Will the tea help it not get there or should I get them something else. Stiles was very unhelpful when I asked what he wanted me to pick up for him.

Jason: Dina's young. Baby aspirin and the tea and lots of snuggles. Ice pops if her throat gets raw. Stiles - just Nyquil him and keep him passed out. I'll see what's going on in the morning.

Cora: Got it. I can do that.

Jason: I'll talk to you tomorrow then. Goodnight, Cora.

Cora: Night, Jason. Thanks again.

Jason: [and he hangs up, chuckling and going to go back to his family]

Stiles: [and he sounds like he's coughing up a lung]

Cora: [glances up before making him some more of the tea she has and taking it up to him] Hey. I brought you tea.

Stiles: [makes a tired, whimpering noise from the pile of human, blankets and pillows that he has made himself into]

Cora: [comes over and sits in the edge of the bed next to him] I talked to Jason. He's going to come by tomorrow and have a look at you and he recommends tea and NyQuil.

Stiles: I don't have any Nyquil.

Cora: I'll run out and get some.

Stiles: Oh kay. [he unearths from the blanket and he looks pale and sickly] I'm going to bathe Dina in sanitizers before and after school from the rest of her life.

Cora: [she laughs] He gave me some tips for her too. He also recommended this tea mix that might help her sleep, even when she's healthy.

Stiles: If it works, I will declare him a god among raccoon dogs.

Cora: [she laughs a bit] Chammomile and catnip. Apparently it works like a charm on the twins.

Stiles: Catnip. Like making cats high since forever catnip?

Cora: That's the one.

Stiles: I will believe it when I see it.

Cora: Well, I can pick some up tonight and we can try it.

Stiles: [nods] Okay. [goes to sip his tea, and then sighing in relief at the warmth] If you're going back out, I'll probably take a shower while Dina naps.

Cora: [nods] I'll try to be quick.

Stiles: And make sure Lydia and Parrish have masks if they come back in. If they need them. Do Banshees even get sick?

Cora: I texted them and Lydia is taking Jordan to stay at a hotel. I think they wanted a little alone time anyway.

Stiles: Good plan.

Cora: [rubs the back of his neck gently] I'll be right back, okay? [she leans forward and presses a kiss to his cheek] Make sure you get lots of steam in the shower, Jason said it would help you breathe.

Stiles: Lots of steam. Got it. Just come back quickly.

Cora: It'll be like I was never gone. [and with that she'll head out to the pharmacy]

Stiles: [and he will be naked in the shower, leaning against the wall away from the hot water and just breathing in the steam]

Cora: [makes her way in, giving him a small smile as she comes in] How're you feeling?

Stiles: Hot and wet. [he looks over at her, managing a small smirk] But Jason was right. Breathing is easier.

Cora: Good. [she reaches in the bag] I got NyQuil and more of those Coldeeze in case we run out.

Stiles: Good plan. I think I sucked on like, three while you were gone alone.

Cora: [nods a bit] I also picked up stuff for that tea, just so we can see how it works.

Stiles: Do you have a recipe or are we just going to play with it?

Cora: Jason sent me a recipe. I should be able to figure it out.

Stiles: Good. Not sure I'm the best judge. I'll probably turn my child into a cat if I try.

Cora: [she laughs] Lucky for me, my mom was a big tea drinker. I know how to do this.

Stiles: Good, because the only tea I drink comes in a premade bag. Or bottle.

Cora: Then consider me your personal tea expert.

Stiles: Wonderful. [coughs]

Cora: I'm going to go check on Dina. Are you going to be okay here?

Stiles: Yeah. I should probably get dressed and not look like a prune.

Cora: [she smiles a bit] Once I see how she's doing I'll make some soup. I'll leave the meds on the bed.

Stiles: I love you.

Cora: I love you too. Feel better.

Stiles: [nods and goes to turn off the water and get dressed]

Dina: [is in her room coloring on her bed, her breaking wet and sniffly]

Cora: [comes in with a smile] Hey, kiddo. How're you feeling?

Dina: I keep coughing up green stuff. It feels weird.

Cora: That sounds like mucus. It's gross. But it's green?

Dina: Uh huh. Look. [and yeah, she's holding up a hand that has mucus between her fingers because she had been playing with it. It's also over the book and half the crayons. Welcome to motherhood, Cora]

Cora: [makes a bit of a face before going for a tissue] Yep. That is very green. [she reaches for her hand to wipe it off and throw out the tissue] Are you hungry? I was going to make some chicken soup and some tea.

Dina: Can I have grilled cheese with my soup?

Cora: I think we can make that happen.

Dina: Can I help?

Cora: Think you can manage not to cough or sneeze in the soup?

Dina: I can try?

Cora: Good enough for me. Go wash your hands and I'll meet you downstairs.

Dina: [and with a grin, she will jump up and go to her bathroom to wash up, leaving her mess of wax and mucus behind]

Cora: [of course she does. They'll deal with that after they make dinner. She'll just head down to the kitchen and start pulling out ingredients]

Dina: [will get the step stool and goes to put it up at the sink since she usually gets vegetable washing duty]

Cora: [yep, Cora will slide those vegetables over to her as she starts to get the stock together]

Dina: [and hey, even as she coughs on the carrots, she's cleaning them so that mucus washes right off!]

Cora: [.... sigh.]

Dina: [but at least she's not coughing on the ones she's already cleaned. only the ones in the water]

Cora: [that's good at least. And Cora will sneak those over to her side of things]

Dina: [and once they are all clean and on the other side of the pot, Dina will inhale a lot of snot and then cough it out.] Ewwwww... [and she's washing her hands]

Cora: [laughs a bit] Better out than in.

Dina: [laughs] Shrek says that on the television.

Cora: Well, in some ways he's right.

Dina: But he was talking about FARTS.

Cora: [laughs] Yes, he was. That is true.

Stiles: [padding into the room, amused at the laughter] Did I miss a joke?

Dina: We're talking about FARTS daddy! [and she's laughing again]

Cora: [glances back at him over her shoulder] Actually, we were talking about mucus first.

Stiles: Two things I'm probably full of at the moment. Good times. [coughs and goes to sit at the table]

Cora: [and keeps working on the soup] How're you feeling?

Stiles: Cleaner.

Dina: I washed all the vege-tables for the soup

Cora: She was very helpful.

Dina: I was! Washed all the mucus off.

Stiles: That's good. Soup's supposed to be mucus free.

Cora: And hopefully it will help get rid of your mucus too.

Dina: Does it have magic in it?

Cora: Sort of.

Dina: Mucus fighting ninjas?

Cora: Yes.

Stiles: They’re just very tiny. Otherwise it would be hard to swallow them.

Dina: [hushed whisper] We get to eat ninjas? Ryan’s going to be so jealous.

Cora: Yep. But you better not tell him. That would be mean.

Dina: Can we save some Ninja soup for him too?

Cora: Sure.

Stiles: It'll let Uncle Scott know to make sure he saves it for when Ryan needs ninjas to attack his mucus.

Cora: See? We've got it covered.

Dina: You're the best mommy ever.

Cora: It's only because I have such a good helper.

Dina: [smiles and goes to lean into Stiles, biting her lower lip]

Cora: [puts the lid on the soup before glancing back with a smile] This needs to simmer for a bit. What shall we do while we wait?

Dina: [sniffs loudly] Movie!

Cora: Why don't you go pick one out and we'll meet you there.

Dina: [grins and goes off to the DVD rack to look at her shelf]

Stiles: [leaning back in his chair] You realize you're going to have to make that soup for every single cold for the rest of your life right.

Cora: [she laughs] I think I can manage that.

Stiles: I'm curious where you get your mini ninjas from.

Cora: I can't tell you. It's a family secret.

Stiles: But I'm your mate. I am family.

Cora: Not yet. You have to actually marry me, otherwise how will I know you're not just with me to steal my secrets?

Stiles: I already know you're biggest secret.

Cora: There are bigger secrets than my being a werewolf.

Stiles: Oh, that? Psh, half of beacon hills knows that.

Cora: Then what do you think my biggest secret is?

Stiles: That you're madly in love with me and have been since the day you met me.

Cora: I don't think that's as much of a secret as you think it is either.

Stiles: So what is your biggest secret?

Cora: [shakes her head] I told you. You have to marry me first.

Stiles: Well, I'd say Vegas but we know how that ends.

Cora: Guess you'll just have to wait.

Stiles: I don't like waiting. [coughs]

Cora: I know. But patience is usually rewarded.

Stiles: [whimpers] But I'm sick.

Cora: Are you saying that knowing my deepest secret will make you feel better?

Stiles: It may. It may just save my life from the evil mucus monsters.

Cora: We'll see how the soup goes first.

Stiles: Are you willing to risk my life to some ninjas?!

Cora: Do you not trust me?

Stiles: You know I do.

Cora: Then trust me that I'm not going to let the evil mucus monsters get you.

Stiles: But if the ninjas fail, you'll come in with the super secret, right?

Cora: Of course. I won't let anything happen to you.

Stiles: Good, because my lungs need your protection.

Cora: I'll protect them with my life.

Stiles: Good.

Dina: I HAVE A MOVIE. [runs in, then stops and coughs. She's holding Happy Feet]

Cora: [eyes go a bit wide] I love that movie.

Dina: I can dance the dance too. [goes to tap dance a bit]

Cora: That is awesome.

Dina: [goes to grab Cora's arms, pulling her towards the living room]

Cora: [follows easily, putting in the DVD and settling into the couch with her]

Stiles: [and he's going to stumble in with them, curling up on the other side of the couch, Dina in the middle]

Cora: [and about halfway through the movie she'll have to get up to check on the soup, and when she returns, there are two bowls in her hands for them] Dinnertime.

Dina: [looks up from where the NYquil has taken Stiles to slumber land] Daddy's sleeping.

Cora: [smiles a bit] Then I guess I'll just have to eat his soup.

Dina: But the ninjas won't... they won’t' be able to help him.

Cora: Don't worry, there's still some for him for when he wakes up.

Dina: Oh, okay. But if you have no mucus, what will the ninjas fight in you?

Cora: [she shrugs] Maybe they'll just protect me from getting mucus.

Dina: Even if your werewolf powers keep them from coming already?

Cora: Never hurts to have back up.

Dina: Daddy always says backups are good. Always have a backup every night.

Cora: [nods] Just in case.