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Alhaitham woke up feeling worse, his body aching all over as he tried to get up from the bed. His feet carried him to the kitchen, where the sound of cooking and the warm aroma of food filled the air.
As he stepped inside, he saw Kaveh, his lover, standing in front of the stove. The sight made Alhaitham smile despite how heavy his body felt. He walked closer and wrapped his arms around Kaveh’s slender waist, causing the latter to jump in surprise.
“Good morning,” Alhaitham whispered, his face resting against Kaveh’s neck.
“Morning...” Kaveh replied, turning off the stove before facing him. He raised a hand to Alhaitham’s forehead, his brows knitting in concern.
“Alhaitham.”
“Hm?”
“Are you sick?” he asked.
“No?”
“What do you mean, ‘no’? You are sick, I can tell,” Kaveh said worriedly. Alhaitham sighed, realizing there was no point in hiding it.
“Don’t worry about it. It’ll go away soon,” he said, trying to reassure him. He took Kaveh’s hand from his forehead and kissed it softly.
“What do you mean? Your body’s burning up, of course I’m going to worry! Now go back to the room while I get your medicine ready,” Kaveh scolded, nudging him back toward the bedroom.
Alhaitham lay down, pulling the comforter over himself. The rain outside made the breeze from the window feel even colder, and he could tell his fever had gotten worse since earlier that morning.
A soft sound from the door made him turn his head, revealing Kaveh carrying a tray of food. He set it on the side table, picking up a bowl of soup and bringing a spoonful toward Alhaitham.
“Kav, I don’t like soup,” Alhaitham grumbled, earning a sharp glare from Kaveh.
“Stop being so picky and sit up first,” Kaveh demanded, holding the spoon in front of his lips.
“Is it still hot?” Alhaitham asked after wincing at the heat. Kaveh nodded, then blew on it gently before offering it again. Alhaitham’s lips curled into a small pout.
A while later, he managed to eat half the bowl, though he clearly wasn’t enjoying it.
“Take your medicine while I get the washcloth,” Kaveh said, taking the bowl with him as he headed back to the kitchen. After swallowing the medicine, Alhaitham lay back down, feeling the weight in his body pull him toward sleep.
Kaveh soon returned with a basin in hand, setting it on a chair beside the bed before sitting on the edge of the mattress.
“Are you crying?” Alhaitham asked, tilting his head to get a better look at Kaveh’s face.
“Stop crying. It’s just a fever, I’ll be fine,” he added, attempting to comfort him.
“I know that. And I’m crying because I’m mad,” Kaveh muttered, placing the cool cloth on Alhaitham’s forehead.
“Why?”
“Because you’re dumb.”
“Mean,” Alhaitham pouted, which made Kaveh chuckle.
“I’m sick, and you’re still like this. Other couples would be all soft and caring by now,” Alhaitham teased, turning his head to hide the smirk forming on his lips.
“W-what? Where did you even hear that?” Kaveh stammered.
“Doesn’t matter. You should be comforting me instead of scolding me,” Alhaitham muttered, grinning wider.
“Since when did you start listening to others, hmm?” Kaveh narrowed his eyes, leaning closer to see his lover’s face.
“Look at me, Alhaitham.”
“Alhaitham.”
“Haitham.”
“Hayi,” Kaveh called softly, finally getting the other to turn his head. “So?”
“Fine. I just read it in a book.”
Kaveh laughed, gently cupping his cheeks. “You’re adorable when you’re sick,” he teased, giving each cheek a light pinch before leaning in to kiss both of them.
“I guess getting sick isn’t so bad,” Alhaitham smirked.
“Shut up. You’re still the same annoying Haitham even when you’re sick. I thought you’d be different.”
“And you’re mean for someone whose lover’s sick,” Alhaitham pouted, clearly sulking.
“Excuse me? I am caring! You’re just stubborn, that’s why I have to act this way,” Kaveh huffed, adjusting the damp cloth on his forehead.
“Alright, alright,” Alhaitham sighed in mock defeat, rolling his eyes.
“Did you just… roll your eyes at me?”
“I… didn’t.”
“Yes, you did.”
“No… I’m not…”
His eyelids felt heavy, and he reached out to take Kaveh’s hand, intertwining their fingers.
“Don’t go,” Alhaitham mumbled, his voice thick with sleepiness.
“I’m not. I’ll just head to the kitchen for a moment, then I’ll be right back to join you, okay? Don’t worry.”
He hummed quietly but refused to let go of Kaveh’s hand.
“I’ll be very quick, promise. I’m not leaving you.”
“Hmm…”
Kaveh sighed, a fond smile curling on his lips as he carefully tucked Alhaitham in, watching his eyes slowly close. He leaned down and kissed his forehead softly.
“Get well soon, my love.”