Chapter Text
RESTITUTIO AD INTEGRUM
"Recover at its fullest”
The provost of Mensis was at his desk absorbed by a tome, fidgeting with his pen. He was studying a few bird cage diagrams, trying to emulate it on a paper he put aside. He mumbled to himself, fascinated by his small findings as he read. A silver tray sat to the side on his desk, ignored. It was a meal that had cooled down. As usual, Micolash got too invested in his work and tended to forget simple things such as drinking water, sleeping and having meals. Due to his involuntary negligence, his health had wilted time and time again, giving his peers many scares for his health. He has brushed it off countless times, he had better things to focus on rather than a common sickness.
His head felt numb but he just had to stay up just a little more. He swore to himself that it would be just one page more, he was so close-
The door creaked open. A figure emerged from the corridor and entered the room.
A faint scent of rosemary filled Micolash’ nostrils, soothing him a little. The sound of steps slowly approached his desk, a warm presence engulfed him. Micolash’s sight turned towards him: Long and curly red hair that gently rested on shoulders, pale skin, freckles, thick eyelashes, green eyes and small glasses. Doctor Eli Fauchard, his assistant. With a soft thud, a handbag was left on the desk. Micolash averted his gaze. The Doctor glanced at the untouched tray of food and clicked his tongue.
“Skipping meals again?” Eli asked, his tone had a hint of worry.
Micolash leaned back on his seat, finally taking his eyes fully off the book. Feeling a light flash of heat wash over his head, making him shift uncomfortably.
“I was saving it for later. Am I in trouble now, Doctor?” The Provost inquired, a slight grin forming in his face despite the lingering weakness he was now feeling.
Eli rolled his eyes and put the tray away on another table, right next to the terrarium where Micolash kept some specimens. He returned to the desk, opening his handbag.
“Quite, I’ve told you many times that having your meals is important, but it seems that my warnings are to no avail. I’m sure you weren’t saving it for later, you don’t like your soup cold, do you?”
Eli finally faced him, scrunching his nose upon seeing Micolash’ sorry state. Micolash shrugged.
“You never know,” He mumbled as Eli took out his equipment. He pointed at his bag with curiosity. “A checkup, I assume.” He added.
“Yes.” Eli quickly replied, noticing Micolash’ eyebags and frowning. His bedding seemed to be untouched, the rest of his whole room seemed untouched, actually. His desk was the only place that looked used.
“My...You better not be losing sleep again...I don't want to overdose you with sedatives. You need to have some actual rest.” Eli added, pulling out a stethoscope. Micolash adjusted his position on his chair, unbuttoning his shirt a little, Eli pressed the cool stethoscope against Micolash’s skin, making the latter lightly shiver.
“You’re quite overbearing, are you not?” Micolash joked.
Eli only replied with a hum, as he was focused on his task at hand. After a few seconds, he removed the stethoscope from Micolash’s chest and began buttoning his shirt back up.
“You're quite the fuss pot, you worry too much, like a mother, but I'll humor you.” Micolash laughed, taking a lax attitude towards his worrying health. He rubbed his temple with a grimace of pain.
Eli took out a thermometer, placing it on Micolash’ mouth.
“Be quiet for a bit…” He waited and took it out of Micolash’s mouth. Eli frowned upon seeing the temperature marked. “You’re running a fever. I think you should lay down.” Eli helped Micolash to stand up, to which Micolash complained a little, not wanting to be taken away from his work.
Once he was tucked in his bed, Micolash began feeling how his ailment finally took a toll on him. He sighed, looking at his caretaker with a hint of appreciation. Eli kept rummaging through his handbag and pulled out a bottle of sedatives, setting it on Micolash’s bedside table. He then opened it and handed it to Micolash to take.
Once he had gulped it down, Eli retrieved it and put it back inside his bag.
“I'm impressed by how much you seem to care about my wellbeing.” Micolash mumbled feverishly as he stirred in his sheets, giving Eli a tired glance from the pillow.
“No one would. Not even yourself.” Eli replied, his tone slightly cold as he closed his medicine bag with a soft click.
Micolash closed his eyes tiredly, listening to Eli’s movements attentively. He heard the rattling of utensils on the tray. Eli had picked it up.
“Goodnight, Micolash.” The Doctor said as he made his way to blow off the lamp on Micolash’s desk, giving a quick peek at his notes before doing so.
Micolash’s eyes opened a little, taking in Eli’s gentle movements across the room. He wondered what went on inside his head, probably brushing him off as frail and feeling satisfaction in being able to nurse him back to health like he’s a poor animal.
His eyes grew heavy and slowly drifted to sleep once Eli left the room for the night, finally able to put his mind at rest.