Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Shaun couldn't deny that he wasn't feeling well. His head throbbed, and his limbs felt oddly heavy. The halls of St. Bonaventure felt different from the cool air conditioning; more of a humid, sticky feel . He honestly wanted nothing more than to go back home where Lea was. She would make him feel better. Then he could lay down and block the world out.

There were a couple hours until his next surgery, Shaun was pretty sure that there was some scut work or studying he could be doing, but he was too tired. He much preferred where he was; sitting
in a cushioned lobby chair, legs pulled up to his chest.

Dr. Melendez walked by, flipping through patient files. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of Shaun. He was scrunched up in a chair, pale and half awake. If he was being honest, he didn't really look well.

“Murphy,” Shaun didn't look up as Melendez knelt down next to him,”Are you okay?”

Shaun didn't respond , only moving his gaze in Melendez's general direction .

"You don't look too good,” turning to a nurse behind the desk. Melendez called out to her,"Hey, you! Do you have a thermometer back there?"

She nodded, digging through a draw before passing him the white device .

"Alright Shawn, just hold still a sec," Melendez murmured, hovering the thermometer above the resident’s forehead.

The device beeped, numbers flashing on the screen: 102. 9; so not well .

"That's a fever , Shaun. Why didn't you say anything?"

"My head hurts."

Dr. Melendez chuckled softly,"Yeah, I figure, How about you go lay down in Dr. Glassman's office? Come on, I’ll take you.”

+++++++

“Well , Shawn, I've contacted Lea and she's on her way now," Doctor Glassman sat next to Shaun, brushing his hair gently.

Shaun simply hummed, eyelids drooping. He was curled up in one of the desk chairs in Glassman's office. Dr. Melendez had gotten him a blanket, which Shaun had wrapped over
his shoulders .

"It smells like acetone and leaves,” Shaun mumbled, closing his eyes.

"Mmm Hmm," Glassman replied, passing Shaun a water bottle,"here, take a few sips."

Suddenly, the door burst open. Lea came through, concern written in her features; she rushed over to Shaun's side.

"Oh my gosh, Shaun, are you okay?"

"My head hurts; and I want to go home,'' came Shaun’s rhythmic voice.

Lea gave him a soft smile,”Sure thing, Shaunie. Do you have all your stuff?"

Shaun nodded, shrugging the blanket off. Dr. Glassman stopped him, placing the blanket back on his shoulders .

“Keep it, Shaun. We have plenty here. Besides, patients deserve the best care possible. And right now, you're a patient ."

Lea wrapped her arm around Shaun's shoulder.

"Let's get you home, Shaunie."

Chapter Text

“I need suction.”

Claire did as she was asked. They were in the middle of a surgery. A young boy had been sent in with stomach pains earlier in the morning. A quick scan showed a small mass in the lower abdomen. It was a fairly simple procedure with fairly low risk factors; nothing was expected to go wrong.

Claire couldn’t help glancing at Shaun. He seemed… off. She couldn’t see much of his face through his mask and goggles, but he looked a little strange. Normally, Shaun would jump to answer Melendez’s questions. But he had hardly said a word the entire operation. And when he did speak, it was hoarse and raspy.

“Murphy, hand me the scalpel,” Melendez held out his hand expectantly.

Shaun didn’t move; he simply stood as if he hadn’t heard him at all.

“Murphy?” Melendez slowly handed his tools to Claire, gazing at Shaun with concern.

All of a sudden, Shuan swayed, eyes fluttering shut as his knees buckled.

“Woah there,” Melendez exclaimed, managing to catch Shaun.

He carefully lowered the unconscious resident to the ground, bending over him. Claire watched worriedly as Dr. Melendez’s fingers moved to check Shaun’s pulse.

“Vitals seem okay,” He moved his head to Shaun’s chest,”And breathing is fine. Seems like exhaustion…”

He trailed off. Quickly removing his gloves, Melendez pressed his hand to Shaun’s forehead.

“Shit,” he murmured.

“What is it?” Claire asked anxiously.

“He’s got one hell of a fever,” Melendez turned to one of the nurses,”Page Dr. Lim to step in for me. Kalu, step in for Browne. Browne, you’ll help me with Murphy. Everyone else, continue with the surgery.”

Melendez heaved Shaun off of the floor before carrying him out of the room; Claire quickly followed after him.

++++++

Shuan fumbled with his seatbelt. Lea had showed up not long after Melendez had contacted her. Shuan didn’t fully comprehend what was happening, but the next thing he knew, he was climbing into the passenger side of Lea’s car.

“Don’t worry, Shaunie. I got it,” Lea murmured, fasting the buckle with a click.

“I don’t feel well,” Shaun mumbled, his eyelids fluttering.

“I know, Shuan. Rest for a while. We’ll be home soon.”

As the motor of the vehicle whirred to life, Shuan let his head fall against the glass. The last thing he felt before sleep claimed him was Lea’s hand on his leg as she mumbled soft reassurances.