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Steve stepped into Eddie’s hospital room, finding familiarity at the steady beeping of Eddie’s heart monitor. The room smelled sharp with antiseptic and something sick, and Steve’s nose crinkled. Eddie was resting fitfully on his side and Steve approached quietly to not disturb him.
Eddie twitched and face creased as if he was in pain. His long hair was loose and knotted, and his bangs stuck to the sweat on his forehead. Eddie's skin was waxy under the fluorescent lights and the dark circles around his eyes matched the dark poison stained around his lips.
The small side table held a fresh emesis basin, napkins, and a cup of water with a straw, and Steve felt some comfort that the water seemed to have been sipped at.
Eddie groaned as he blinked awake, just as a cramp shuddered through him. “H-Harrington, y-you’re here.” His voice was hoarse and he coughed lightly.
“Said I’d come every day,” Steve replied.
Before Eddie could reply, he coughed harder and reached for the basin, but Steve got it first and held it under Eddie’s chin. Eddie choked up inky black liquid and spat it into the basin between hoarse coughs. He whimpered as his body cramped again, and instinctively reached for Steve’s hand. Steve held it tight as Eddie coughed and spat into the basin.
Steve had gotten used to Eddie’s hand in his and at times like this, knowing it brought Eddie comfort.
“You’re okay,” Steve soothed. He wished for another hand to push Eddie’s hair from his face.
Eddie fell back to his pillows panting with exertion, making the heart monitor beep erratically. Black liquid clung to Eddie’s lips and chin.
“Here,” Steve guided as he placed the bowl back on the table. He reached for napkins on the side table and sat on the edge of Eddie’s bed. “Do you mind if I…?” He held up the napkins.
Eddie gave Steve a slight nod, too tired to speak.
Carefully, Steve wiped his lips and chin. Eddie’s eyes followed him as Steve tossed away the napkins.
“Y-you don’t n-need,” Eddie started but broke off, suppressing a cough. He willed his voice to steady. “You don’t need to stay for this, Harrington.” He swallowed. “I-I’ll call the nurse. You can g-go.”
“I don’t mind. I want to be here,” Steve admitted.
“To watch me suffer?” Eddie deadpanned. He cleared his throat and grimaced.
“To make sure you’re okay,” Steve said. “You think you can try some water?”
Eddie nodded and let Steve guide the straw for him to take a few sips. Eddie’s voice was clearer when he spoke again.
“They say it could take weeks for it to clear, Harrington.” Eddie looked away dejectedly. “Could be a long time.”
Steve nodded. “I know.”
Eddie’s eyes snapped to Steve’s. “ Weeks , Steve.”
“I know,” Steve repeated, unbothered. “So you better get used to this.” He brushed a stray piece of hair out of Eddie’s face.
Eddie’s hand found Steve’s again. “I’ll do my best.”