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Alexander could easily tell that the effects of his Mucosolvan syrup were starting to fade because his headache came back at him in full swing. He curled himself up nose-deep into his comforter, trying his hardest to find warmth despite the sweat running down his forehead. The deep ache in his bones kept him wide awake. The boy knew it was now time for another dose of medicine but dreaded getting up into the cold atmosphere. Curse his father for keeping the thermostat so low. As he turned towards his clock, the time read 2:30 AM.
Fuck.
Feeling himself get worse and worse, Alexander lay there, contemplating whether or not he should wake up the sleeping boy next to him. Although he was practically dying, Alexander never uttered a word or made a move to stir Elias. Just as he felt his eyelids droop, his body became scorching hot. It felt as if he was doused in oil and lit on fire.
Alexander practically ripped the comforter off of his body, sighing in relief at the cold air that hit his body. But it still wasn’t enough. Alexander needed water. The thought of how high his fever was crossed his mind and how he should probably ask for help, but he hated the idea of having to wake up Elias, who seemed so peaceful, and looked so comfortable snuggling up to Alexander’s blanket. Water. He just needed a small cup of water from the fridge; that was— much to his dismay— downstairs.
The journey felt as if it took eons. His mouth was dry, and beads of sweat were trickling down his back. Goosebumps still trailed up and down his body despite the warmth that coated it.
By the time Alexander reached the kitchen, he could barely stand. With wobbly knees, he sat himself onto a dining chair, heaving. His head planted onto the cold table that did wonders for the heat in his cheeks. He felt as if he could stay there for a lifetime, that was until the ceramic table heated up underneath him, not lasting longer than a minute. The boy thought for sure that he would melt right then and there, he wished that he was back in his bed with his boyfriend right by his side. God, now he misses Elias, and he’s tired, and—
—————
The second time Alexander woke up he was blinded by the bright light of the sun that illuminated the room. He was back in his bed. How? He has no idea but was eternally grateful for whoever got him up here. With heavy limbs, the teen sat himself up, groaning in the process. Turning his head, Alexander realized that Elias was no longer in the bed with him. Undeterred by his fatigue, he got himself up and off the bed, hobbling around it.
“Elias?” Alexander’s voice sounded raspy, strained even. He cleared his throat, but it did very little to help with the dryness that clung to it. As he glanced out into the hallway, his eyes caught sight of Elias stepping out of the bathroom, the door creaking slightly as it swung closed behind him.
Elias stepped forward, his brows furrowed with concern as he saw Alexander. His voice came out soft but urgent, tinged with growing worry. “Why are you out of bed?” Elias asked as he gently cupped Alexander’s burning face. Alexander’s face felt the coldness radiating from his fingers, and he leaned into the touch. Elias’ frown deepened. “You’re still burning up real bad.”
Alexander’s eyes fluttered open, glazed with fever. He blinked slowly, his head spinning. “I just came to find you,” he murmured, his voice weak and worn. “Woke up ‘nd you weren’t there..”
Elias sighed, his thumb brushing over Alexander’s temple as he studied him closely.“You’re not supposed to be up.” His hand moved back down to Alexander’s cheek, pressing lightly as if trying to ground him. “You need rest. You need to stay in bed.” Elias stated, bringing his hand down to grip Alexander’s own hand. He guided Alexander back to his room, gently closing the door behind them. With a soft, reassuring hand on his shoulder, Elias led him to the bed, encouraging him to sit down and settle in.
“I’m going to go see if you have any more medicine downstairs,” Elias let Alexander settle down into the bed before letting go of him. “Don’t move.” The shorter boy turned and walked towards the door, his steps quiet as he made his way out.
Alexander let out a heavy sigh, his chest rising and falling with the effort. He turned onto his stomach, feeling the weight of his body dragging him down. With a groan, he buried his face into the cool, soft pillow, his forehead pressing against it as if seeking relief. His arms curled beneath the pillow, trying to find a position that didn't make his head feel worse, but the relentless throb in his temples seemed to intensify with every movement.
Waiting for Elias to return felt like an eternity. Every minute stretched on endlessly as the fevered warmth in Alexander’s body made the room spin slightly. He closed his eyes for a moment, wishing the dizziness would pass. Just when he thought he might drift off into an uncomfortable doze, he heard the soft sound of footsteps, light but deliberate. Elias then came into the room, holding the Mucosolvan and a glass of water.
"Here," he said, his voice low and gentle as he stepped closer. "I brought you some water as well." Elias carefully set the glass of water on the nightstand, the soft clink of it against the wood breaking the stillness of the room. He moved to the bed, sitting down beside Alexander whose eyes were heavy with exhaustion.
Elias handed the liquid medicine to Alexander, his presence a quiet comfort in the bright light of the bedroom. Alexander brought a trembling hand to his mouth. He swallowed with some difficulty, his throat tight and raw. Elias immediately handed him the water, guiding the glass to his lips as Alexander took a small sip, grateful for the small relief it gave him.
After Elias carefully set the glass of water back onto the nightstand, his fingers grazing the cool surface, Alexander leaned in slightly, his gaze soft but intense. With a slow, deliberate motion, he reached out and gently guided Elias’ hand toward his own head. His fingers brushed the back of Elias' hand.
"I love you," Alexander murmured softly, his voice barely a whisper as his eyes fluttered shut. He shifted, planting his head onto Elias' lap, seeking comfort from his boyfriend. His fingers brushed against Elias' side before slipping his arm around his waist, pulling him closer as he let out a content sigh. The world outside seemed to fade away, leaving only the quiet, steady beat of their hearts in the stillness of the moment.
“I love you too, Alex.” Elias said, his voice soft yet steady, carrying a warmth that seemed to wrap around Alexander like a gentle embrace. Although Alexander couldn’t see it, he heard the smile in Elias’ tone—faint but unmistakable. Alexander wanted to be closer to him.
His voice was soft, almost coaxing, as Alexander turned to Elias. “Lay down with me,” he said, his tone carrying a warmth that he could tell made Elias feel at ease.
Elias hesitated for a moment, his gaze meeting Alexander's, unsure, but the invitation was clear, and something in Alexander’s presence made it impossible to resist. Without a word, Elias slid down beside him. The space between them closed, and now they were side by side, the soft rustling of the sheets the only sound in the room.
Alexander nestled himself beneath Elias' chin, burying his face in the curve of his neck, his arm wrapping securely around Elias’ waist as if to anchor him there. He felt Elias let out a soft laugh, the sound warm against his skin. "You're really clingy today," Elias teased, though his arms tightened just as much around Alexander’s shoulders, holding him close.
Alexander huffed softly, a small smile tugging at his lips. His fingers grazed the fabric of Elias' shirt, slowly slipping beneath it to make contact with his cold skin. "I’m practically dying. I just want to be close to you," he murmured, voice low.
"Hm. I don’t mind."
Alexander smiled into the soft skin of Elias’ neck, his breath warm against him. "Good," he whispered, content with the moment.
Alexander shifted slightly, running his hands up and down his boyfriend’s back, pulling him just a little closer. The steady rhythm of their breathing filled the silence, a quiet comfort between them. He let out a soft hum, feeling Elias' cold fingers brush against the fine hairs at the nape of his neck.
Alexander knew he could live the rest of his life like this.