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“That does not look normal,” Dustin commented, peering at the large bump on Steve’s calf. “You sure that’s just a bug bite?”
The bump in question had started out the size of a bug bite, but had grown twice that overnight and turned a red-pink against Steve’s skin.
Steve rolled his eyes. “I’m probably just allergic to mosquitoes or something. I’ll be okay.”
“It says here that swelling isn’t a good sign,” Eddie added as he scrolled his phone. “Could possibly be an abscess. Robin’s grabbing a few things.”
“Might be time to stop browsing the web for answers, Dr. Munson,” Steve called back. “He’s been diagnosing me since we got back,” Steve explained, turning back to Dustin.
“Well, we should at least be measuring to track its size. Henderson is right, that’s not normal.”
“Eds,” Steve started, his patience dwindling. “We’re not measuring it.”
Steve was saved from any further explanation when Robin walked in, her hands full of bandages. “Okay, so I got gauze and also some gauze pads. You think that’ll help when we drain the abscess?”
Steve let out an exasperated breath. “Can everyone please stop freaking out? It’s just a bug bite from a hike.”
Robin looked at him innocently. “Okay, you say bug bite, but it could be a rabies reaction of some sort.”
Steve looked between the three of them. “I’m leaving this conversation.”
He headed into the living room to sit down. His heart thumped in his chest. He hadn’t remembered to apply bug spray before the hike and he should’ve.
The thought made him break out in sweat, but Steve wasn’t sure if that was from anxiety or a sudden, oncoming fever.
“Thought I’d come check on you,” Eddie smiled, but faltered when he caught Steve’s worried face. “Stevie, you okay?”
Steve reluctantly turned towards Eddie, pulling up his knees to his chest. From this angle, the bump on his leg looked more menacing than it had before. Steve poked it absently.
“What if it’s not a bug bite?” Steve asked carefully.
“Has it gotten worse?”
Steve shook his head. “No, I mean, what if it’s something you found online? Like rabies?”
Eddie paused. “It’s probably not rabies, but searching online helps me to have all the possible options,” he explained. “I just…it helps to know what to do if things get worse.”
“But things are already worse,” Steve grumbled. “You’re basically playing doctor with them and you know I hate doctors.”
“I’m sorry,” Eddie said softly. “I didn’t think about that.”
Steve was quiet for a moment. “Would you really help Robin drain it if it was an abscess? Cause that’s gross.” He pulled a face.
Eddie gently stroked Steve’s knee. “Course I would, Stevie. But I’d wear gloves, don’t worry. I don’t want to be that up close and personal with your pus."
Steve pulled a face. “Ew, don’t say pus.”
“Hey, you asked.” Eddie scooted closer. “But whatever happens, we’ll figure it out, okay?”
“Together?"
“Yeah, together.”