It was difficult to keep the determined Forest from straining himself, Lex having to constantly ease him back into bed. He was only calmed once Lex had reassured him, yes, he'd make sure Mason and Wallis took care of all the chores and yes, he didn't have to worry. No one was upset. The young man finally dozed off after a series of comforting tones, but even that didn't last very long. Lex spent the time Forest was asleep wiping him down, changing out the damp cloths once they had become too warm. The model wasn't good for much, but he could at least play nurse while the stronger men were handling the farm. He found no shame in taking care of their host. Someone had to do it, lest the fever get out of control.<br/><br/>After a short break from tending to Forest, Lex returned to the farmer's bedroom just as the stars began to pop into the sky. He smiled, moving over to help the stubborn man into his chair. "Hey, hey, slow down, mate," Lex chided, not wanting Forest to overexert himself. "You've been wrestling with a fever all day, don't go wearing yourself out before you've even gotten started." He brushed his fingers against Forest's forehead, sighing. "You feel cooler," he whispered, relieved. "Seems like your fever broke." Forest waved him away, and Lex grinned bashfully. "All right, all right, Nanny Lex will take a breather," he laughed, sitting down on the bed.<br/><br/>"The boys have been at it all day," he explained. "We're all grateful for you taking us in and wanted to show it. I'm a bit useless when it comes to tools, understand, but I made sure to keep you cool and watered like a fretful little bud. Seems to have worked out in your favor." The discoloration on Forest's chest and throat crawled out from behind his open shirt, cursing Lex with a pang of sadness though he couldn't understand why. Mason and Wallis had the same deep bruising, though Wallis' was hidden beneath his extensive tattoos, and seeing the blotchy patches of deep purple on their bodies didn't seem to affect him with the same faint melancholy.<br/><br/>"I think you'll be proud of them when you're back at it. But don't get too excited," he added quickly, "I don't think you should be planning on getting up tomorrow morning and heading back to that grueling schedule you keep. Maybe a few chores here and there, depending on how you're feeling, but you should be resting. Those fevers can take hold and clutch at you much more fiercely if you're not taking care of yourself. And yes, darling, I know it's difficult to believe, but sometimes not doing anything<i>is</i>the best way to take care of yourself."<br/><br/>Lex leaned away from the edge of the bed, reaching over to affectionately rub his hand against Forest's arm. "You must be skeptical, I can feel in you, fester deep down in that flat stomach of yours. But trust me. My ancestors made it through the bubonic plague. I know what I'm talking about."